Serum levels of IL-33 is increased in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is implicated in rheumatoid arthritis with effects of promoting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) productions, which have been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, changes of IL-33 levels and its effects in AS have not been investigated. Eighty-nine and 178 healthy controls were included in the current study. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum levels of C-reactive protein, IL-17, and IL-33 were determined. Effects of IL-33 on TNF-α and IL-6 productions were investigated. Effects of IL-33 on neutrophil migration were also evaluated. Serum levels of IL-33 were elevated in AS patients. Moreover, IL-33 was significantly higher in active AS patients according to Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index. IL-33 concentrations in serum were positively correlated with TNF-α and IL-17 levels (IL-33 and TNF-α, r = 0.54, P < 0.01; IL-33 and IL-17, r = 0.47, P < 0.01). IL-33 dose-dependently enhanced TNF-α and IL-6 productions by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) responding to lipopolysaccharide. IL-33 induced neutrophil migration only in higher doses (≥10 ng/ml). Serum levels of IL-33 were elevated in AS patients. IL-33 may play a role in AS development via enhancing TNF-α production by PBMCs and inducing neutrophil migration.

Adsorption of microcystin-LR by three types of activated carbon.

The effect of carbon properties and water characteristics on the adsorption of m-LR by activated carbon was evaluated using kinetic and isotherm tests. The results showed that both physical and chemical effects simultaneously affect the adsorption process. The activated carbon with a high ratio of mesopore and macropore volume showed an increased m-LR adsorption capacity. The micropores in carbon offer only a nominal internal surface for adsorption. The adsorption capabilities of different activated carbon generally followed their pH(zpc) values. Activated carbons with higher pH(zpc) values exhibit a neutral or positive charge under typical pH conditions, promoting m-LR adsorption on the carbon surface. The competitive effects of natural organic matter (NOM) on activated carbon were evaluated and showed that caused a reduction in the capacity of carbon for m-LR. Furthermore, when pre-chlorination was preceded by adsorption, then the residual chlorine would react with activated carbon caused a decrease in sorption capacity of m-LR, while that chlorine at normal treatment plant dosages is not effective for degrading m-LR.

Ozonation of algae and odor causing substances in eutrophic waters.

Consumers generally concern taste and odor in drinking water. In the Southern Taiwan, more than 5,000,000 people are suffered from earth/musty odor in drinking water, especially in the summer. Thus, ozonation of geosmin (GSM), 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), and 2-furfural (2-FF) in eutrophic surface waters has been studied in the present work. Experimentally, it was found that the water contained high dissolved organic carbon (DOC), humic substances, and specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) resulting the highly ozone (O3) demand. The natural organic matters (NOM) in the waters had a significant effect on the ozonation of GSM, 2-MIB and 2-FF. Their destruction rates were increased with high contents of aromatics, phenolics, and SUVAs. In addition, during ozonation of raw waters, O3 and OH. played an important role in destruction of algae cells and caused excretion of extracellular organic matter (EOM) to the bulk phase.