Mini critical review: Membrane fouling control in membrane bioreactors by microalgae.

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) hold significant promise for wastewater treatment, yet the persistent challenge of membrane fouling impedes their practical application. One promising solution lies in the synergy between microalgae and bacteria, offering efficient nutrient removal, reduced energy consumption, and potential mitigation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) concentrations. Inoculating microalgae presents a promising avenue to address membrane fouling in MBRs. This review marks the first exploration of utilizing microalgae for membrane fouling control in MBR systems. The review begins with a comprehensive overview of the evolution and distinctive traits of microalgae-MBRs. It goes further insight into the performance and underlying mechanisms facilitating the reduction of membrane fouling through microalgae intervention. Moreover, the review not only identifies the challenges inherent in employing microalgae for membrane fouling control in MBRs but also illuminates prospective pathways for future advancement in this burgeoning field.

Noncoding RNA-associated competing endogenous RNA networks in trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity.

Trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity (TIC) is a common and serious disease with abnormal cardiac function. Accumulating evidence has indicated certain non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), functioning as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), impacting the progression of cardiovascular diseases. Nonetheless, the specific involvement of ncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory mechanisms in TIC remains elusive. The present research aims to comprehensively investigate changes in the expressions of all ncRNA using whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing. The sequencing analysis unveiled significant dysregulation, identifying a total of 43 circular RNAs (circRNAs), 270 long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), 12 microRNAs (miRNAs), and 4131 mRNAs in trastuzumab-treated mouse hearts. Subsequently, circRNA-based ceRNA networks consisting of 82 nodes and 91 edges, as well as lncRNA-based ceRNA networks comprising 111 nodes and 112 edges, were constructed. Using the CytoNCA plugin, pivotal genes-miR-31-5p and miR-644-5p-were identified within these networks, exhibiting potential relevance in TIC treatment. Additionally, KEGG and GO analyses were conducted to explore the functional pathways associated with the genes within the ceRNA networks. The outcomes of the predicted ceRNAs and bioinformatics analyses elucidated the plausible involvement of ncRNAs in TIC pathogenesis. This insight contributes to a better understanding of underlying mechanisms and aids in identifying promising targets for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Phloretin alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through regulating Hif3a transcription via targeting transcription factor Fos.

BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin (Dox), a chemotherapeutic agent known for its efficacy, has been associated with the development of severe cardiotoxicity, commonly referred to as doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC). The role and mechanism of action of phloretin (Phl) in cardiovascular diseases are well-established; however, its specific function and underlying mechanism in the context of DIC have yet to be fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to uncover the protective effect of Phl against DIC in vivo and in vitro, while also providing a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved. METHODS: DIC cell and murine models were established. The action targets and mechanism of Phl against DIC were comprehensively examined by systematic network pharmacology, molecular docking, transcriptomics technologies, transcription factor (TF) prediction, and experimental validation. RESULTS: Phl relieved Dox-induced cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Through network pharmacology analysis, a total of 554 co-targeted genes of Phl and Dox were identified. Enrichment analysis revealed several key pathways including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Apoptosis, and the IL-17 signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis identified 24 core co-targeted genes, such as Fos, Jun, Hif1a, which were predicted to bind well to Phl based on molecular docking. Transcriptomics analysis was performed to identify the top 20 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and 202 transcription factors (TFs) were predicted for these DEGs. Among these TFs, 10 TFs (Fos, Jun, Hif1a, etc.) are also the co-targeted genes, and 3 TFs (Fos, Jun, Hif1a) are also the core co-targeted genes. Further experiments validated the finding that Phl reduced the elevated levels of Hif3a (one of the top 20 DEGs) and Fos (one of Hif3a's predicted TFs) induced by Dox. Moreover, the interaction between Fos protein and the Hif3a promoter was confirmed through luciferase reporter assays. CONCLUSION: Phl actively targeted and down-regulated the Fos protein to inhibit its binding to the promoter region of Hif3a, thereby providing protection against DIC.

Trastuzumab potentiates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity via activating the NLRP3 inflammasome in vivo and in vitro.

Trastuzumab (Tra), the first humanized monoclonal antibody that targets human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), is commonly used alongside doxorubicin (Dox) as a combination therapy in HER2-positive breast cancer. Unfortunately, this leads to a more severe cardiotoxicity than Dox alone. NLRP3 inflammasome is known to be involved in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity and multiple cardiovascular diseases. However, whether the NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to the synergistic cardiotoxicity of Tra has not been elucidated. In this study, primary neonatal rat cardiomyocyte (PNRC), H9c2 cells and mice were treated with Dox (15 mg/kg in mice or 1 µM in cardiomyocyte) or Tra (15.75 mg/kg in mice or 1 µM in cardiomyocyte), or Dox combined Tra as cardiotoxicity models to investigate this question. Our results demonstrated that Tra significantly potentiated Dox-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction. These were accompanied by the increased expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3, ASC and cleaved caspase-1), the secretion of IL-ß and the pronounced production of ROS. Inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by NLRP3 silencing significantly reduced cell apoptosis and ROS production in Dox combined Tra-treated PNRC. Compared with the wild type mice, the systolic dysfunction, myocardial hypertrophy, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by Dox combined Tra were alleviated in NLRP3 gene knockout mice. Our data revealed that the co-activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by Tra promoted the inflammation, oxidative stress and cardiomyocytes apoptosis in Dox combined Tra-induced cardiotoxicity model both in vivo and in vitro. Our results suggest that NLRP3 inhibition is a promising cardioprotective strategy in Dox/Tra combination therapy.

Bioequivalence and Pharmacokinetic Profiles of 2 Trimetazidine Modified-release Tablets Under Fasting and Fed Conditions in Chinese Healthy Subjects.

This study aims to assess the bioequivalence of test and reference formulations of trimetazidine dihydrochloride in healthy Chinese volunteers under fasting and fed conditions, and to determine the effect of food on the pharmacokinetic profiles of both formulations. A randomized, open-label, crossover, four-period study with a 7-day washout period was conducted in 24 healthy Chinese subjects. The subjects fasted for at least 10 hours before being given a single 35-mg dose of the test and reference tablets. Venous blood samples were taken from predose at 0 hours to postdose at 36 hours at scheduled time points. The main pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with a noncompartmental model. The nonparametric test of Tmax under both conditions showed no significant difference between the two formulations (P > .05). The 90% confidence intervals of geometric mean ratio of lnCmax and lnAUC0→∞ (the logarithmic values of area under the plasma concentration-time curve [AUC] and mean maximum plasma concentration [Cmax ]) all fell within 80%-125%. Cmax in the fed state was slightly higher than that in the fasting state (P < .05), while other pharmacokinetic parameters were comparable. No severe adverse events occurred. The test and reference formulations were bioequivalent under both fasting and fed conditions. Food did not affect the pharmacokinetic profiles of trimetazidine in Chinese healthy volunteers, therefore trimetazidine is suitable for administration under fasting or fed conditions.

Role of non-cardiomyocytes in anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicity: A systematic review.

Cardiotoxicity induced by anticancer drugs interferes with the continuation of optimal treatment, inducing life-threatening risks or leading to long-term morbidity. The heart is a complex pluricellular organ comprised of cardiomyocytes and non-cardiomyocytes. Although the study of these cell populations has been often focusing on cardiomyocytes, the contributions of non-cardiomyocytes to development and disease are increasingly being appreciated as both dynamic and essential. This review summarized the role of non-cardiomyocytes in anticancer drug-induced cardiotoxicity, including the mechanism of direct damage to resident non-cardiomyocytes, cardiomyocytes injury caused by paracrine modality, myocardial inflammation induced by transient cell populations and the protective agents that focused on non-cardiomyocytes.

Enhancement of urea removal from reclaimed water using thermally modified spent coffee ground biochar activated by adding peroxymonosulfate for ultrapure water production.

To enhance the degradation of urea in reclaimed water for producing ultrapure water (UPW), thermally modified biochar (TBC) was prepared by secondary pyrolysis using spent coffee biochar with the function as an activator of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Results showed that 94.4% of urea can be degraded effectively by the TBC-PMS system at the dosage of 0.4 g/L TBC and 2 g/L PMS under neutral and weak acid conditions. Moreover, urea removal mainly depended on the free radical pathway (SO4• - and OH•), especially OH•. The inorganic anions of TBC increased via secondary pyrolysis, especially carbonate and phosphate, resulting in higher electrical conductance (EC) value than the original biochar. It was conducive to activating PMS. As well, C-O, -OH worked as an active site in the TBC-PMS system, providing electrons and activating PMS. This work provides a novel strategy for UPW production using TBC-PMS system.

A new spent coffee grounds based biochar - Persulfate catalytic system for enhancement of urea removal in reclaimed water for ultrapure water production.

The demand for ultrapure water (UPW) in the semiconductor industry has increased in recent years, while the idea to use reclaimed water instead of tap water for UPW production has also attracted more attention. However, since urea concentration in reclaimed water is higher than that in tap water, UPW production has not been efficient. To resolve this problem, this study aims to develop a new spent coffee grounds based biochar (SCG-BC)/persulfate catalytic system as a pretreatment unit. The objective is to enhance urea removal from reclaimed water so that UPW production is more effective. In this study, the biochar used was prepared from spent coffee grounds with detailed characterization. Results strongly suggested that the urea removed by SCG-BC/persulfate catalytic system was very encouraging (up to 73%). The best possible dosages for SCG-BC and persulfate for urea removal were 0.2 and 2.0 g L-1, respectively. Furthermore, this system could remove urea effectively in a wide range of pH (3-10). Moreover, the characterizations of SCG-BC (graphite C, defective edges and functional groups, i.e. -OH, CO, carboxyl C-O) helped to activate persulfate in the catalytic process. OH• and SO4• - were all involved in this process, while the SO4• - was the main radical for urea degradation.

Urea removal in reclaimed water used for ultrapure water production by spent coffee biochar/granular activated carbon activating peroxymonosulfate and peroxydisulfate.

This study evaluated the performance of spent coffee biochar (SCBC)/granular activated carbon (GAC) activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and peroxydisulfate (PDS) for urea degradation in reclaimed water used for ultrapure water production. Results showed that catalyst and oxidant wielded a great influence on urea removal. Of them, the GAC-PMS system could completely remove urea at the least oxidant (1 g/L) and catalyst dosage (0.2 g/L). GAC activating PMS mainly depended on graphite C structure and minor oxygen functional groups. However, the amounts of urea removed by 600BC-PMS and 900BC-PMS were 57% and 70%, respectively. In the PDS system, the urea removal through GAC-PDS could reach 90%, which mainly depends on the graphite C structure of GAC. Using the same conditions, the urea removal of 900BC-PDS was similar to GAC-PDS, so it has some potential as an alternative to commercial GAC.

Disulfiram attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury by suppressing oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mice.

OBJECTIVES: Disulfiram (DSF), an old drug for treating chronic alcohol addiction, has been reported to exhibit widely pharmacological actions. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of DSF on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were treated with 15 mg/kg LPS (i.p.) with or without DSF pre-treatment (i.p.). The histopathological analysis was conducted by H&E staining and TUNEL kit assay. An automatic biochemical analyser was used to determine the serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Expressions of 8-OHdG, NLRP3 and IL-1ß in the kidney tissues were observed by IHC staining. The protein expressions of ß-actin, Bax, Bcl-2, NLRP3, caspase-1 (p20), pro-IL-1ß and IL-1ß were analysed by western blot. KEY FINDINGS: DSF attenuated the histopathologic deterioration of the kidney and inhibited the elevation of creatinine and BUN levels in mice. DSF inhibited LPS-induced cell apoptosis. Moreover, DSF treatment reversed the LPS-induced excessive oxidative stress. The NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by the LPS, as indicated by up-regulation of NLRP3 expression, cleaved caspase-1 (p20) and IL-1ß, was also suppressed by DSF. CONCLUSIONS: The study here shows that DSF protects against the AKI induced by LPS at least partially via inhibiting oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Recent Progress in Environmental Toxins-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Protective Potential of Natural Products.

Humans are unconsciously exposed to environmental toxins including heavy metals as well as various pesticides, which have deleterious effects on human health. Accumulating studies pointed out that exposure to environmental toxins was associated with various cardiopathologic effects. This review summarizes the main mechanisms of cardiotoxicity induced by environmental toxins (cadmium, arsenic and pesticides) and discusses the potential preventive effects of natural products. These findings will provide a theoretical basis and novel agents for the prevention and treatment of environmental toxins-induced cardiotoxicity. Furthermore, the limitations of current studies, future needs and priorities are discussed.

A critical review on challenges and trend of ultrapure water production process.

The recent and vigorous developments in semiconductor technology strictly request better quality and large quantity of ultrapure water (UPW) for their production. It is crucial to secure a large amount of raw water for the future development of UPW production. Using reclaimed water as alternative raw water source to produce UPW is therefore considered the feasible trend and solution for sustainable use of water resources towards a common future practice in UPW production. The challenge of using reclaimed water is due to its higher content of organic pollutants, especially small molecule organic pollutants such as urea, which are difficult to remove through traditional UPW production process. Consequently, improving the existing UPW production process to meet the water standard desired in the semiconductor industry is essential. This paper reviewed the current traditional processes for removing organic matters in UPW production, including ion-exchange (IX) adsorption, granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption, reverse osmosis (RO) and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The potential problems in the actual UPW production process were identified when using reclaimed water as raw water source. A new strategy of applying the advanced oxidation process (AOPs) to UPW production as a supplementary unit to guarantee UPW quality was proposed. Its feasibility and research focus were then analyzed and discussed in obtaining a new solution for a future development of the UPW production process.

A new class of electrolytes based on magnesium bis(diisopropyl)amide for magnesium-sulfur batteries.

We present a new class of electrolytes, which has relatively high anodic stability on stainless steel (2.65 V, vs. Mg RE), low over-potential for Mg plating/stripping and close to 100% coulombic efficiency, for Mg-S batteries prepared by a facile in situ reaction of commercial magnesium bis(diisopropyl)amide (MBA) with AlCl3, The resulting Mg-S battery shows a highly stable discharge capacity of approximately 540 mA h g-1 for 30 cycles and one well-defined voltage plateau of about 1.1 V vs. Mg.

High Active Magnesium Trifluoromethanesulfonate-Based Electrolytes for Magnesium-Sulfur Batteries.

The shortage of high-performance and easily prepared electrolyte has hindered the progress of rechargeable magnesium-sulfur (Mg-S) batteries. In this paper, we develop a new electrolyte based on Mg(CF3SO3)2-AlCl3 dissolved in tetrahydrofuran and tetraglyme mixed solvents. Mg(SO3CF3)2 as an Mg2+ source is nonnucleophilic, easy to handle, and much cheaper than Mg(TFSI)2 (TFSI = bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide). After modification with anthracene (π stabilizing agent) as a coordinating ligand to stabilize the Mg2+ ions and MgCl2 to improve the interface properties by accelerating the reaction of Mg(CF3SO3)2 with AlCl3, the electrolyte exhibits a low overpotential for overall Mg deposition and dissolution, moderate anodic stability (3.25 V on Pt, 2.5 V on SS, 2.0 V on Cu, and 1.85 V on Al, respectively), and a suitable ionic conductivity (1.88 mS cm-1). More importantly, this electrolyte modulated by Li-salt additives exhibits good compatibility with S cathode and can be applicable for Mg-S batteries. The rational formulation of the new electrolyte could provide a new avenue for simply prepared Mg electrolytes of Mg-S and rechargeable magnesium batteries.