Regulation of dipeptidyl peptidase 8 and 9 expression in activated lymphocytes and injured liver

AIM:To investigate the expression of dipeptidyl peptidase(DPP) 8 and DPP9 in lymphocytes and various models of liver fibrosis.METHODS:DPP8 and DPP9 expression were measured in mouse splenic CD4 + T-cells,CD8 + T-cells and B-cells(B220 +),human lymphoma cell lines and mouse splenocytes stimulated with pokeweed mitogen(PWM) or lipopolysaccharide(LPS),and in dithiothreitol(DTT) and mitomycin-C treated Raji cells.DPP8 and DPP9 expression were measured in epidermal growth factor(EGF) treated Huh7 hepatoma cells,in fibrotic liver samples from mice treated with carbon tetrachloride(CCl 4) and from multidrug resistance gene 2(Mdr2 /Abcb4) gene knockout(gko) mice with biliary fibrosis,and in human end stage primary biliary cirrhosis(PBC).RESULTS:All three lymphocyte subsets expressed DPP8 and DPP9 mRNA.DPP8 and DPP9 expression were upregulated in both PWM and LPS stimulated mouse splenocytes and in both Jurkat T-and Raji B-cell lines.DPP8 and DPP9 were downregulated in DTT treated and upregulated in mitomycin-C treated Raji cells.DPP9transfected Raji cells exhibited more annexin V + cells and associated apoptosis.DPP8 and DPP9 mRNA were upregulated in CCl 4 induced fibrotic livers but not in the lymphocytes isolated from such livers,while DPP9 was upregulated in EGF stimulated Huh7 cells.In contrast,intrahepatic DPP8 and DPP9 mRNA expression levels were low in the Mdr2 gko mouse and in human PBC compared to non-diseased livers.CONCLUSION:These expression patterns point to biological roles for DPP8 and DPP9 in lymphocyte activation and apoptosis and in hepatocytes during liver disease pathogenesis.

T lymphocyte proportion in Alzheimer’s disease prognosis

Bai et al investigate the predictive value of T lymphocyte proportion in Alzheimer's disease(AD)prognosis.Through a retrospective study involving 62 AD patients,they found that a decrease in T lymphocyte proportion correlated with a poorer prognosis,as indicated by higher modified Rankin scale scores.While the study highlights the potential of T lymphocyte proportion as a prognostic marker,it suggests the need for larger,multicenter studies to enhance generalizability and validity.Additionally,future research could use cognitive exams when evaluating prognosis and delve into immune mechanisms underlying AD progression.Despite limitations inherent in retrospective designs,Bai et al's work contributes to understanding the immune system's role in AD prognosis,paving the way for further exploration in this under-researched area.

Suppressive effects of antigens on the activity of specific activated lymphocytes : A test to define the specificity of activated lymphocytes

Objective:With the regular mixed lymphocytes culture (MLC) to detect the allograft rejection, the reactivity of the activated lymphocytes (primed lymphocytes) of a recipient shows sometimes increase and sometimes decrease against the antigens from the donor, which is inconsistent with the clinical results. In order to establish a convenient method for testing the specificity of the activated lymphocytes in vitro, so as to know the rejection occurred or not by testing the existence of the specific activated lymphocytes against donor's HLA antigens in the recipient's peripheral blood. Methods: Anti-IL-2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody (anti-IL-2 N-mAb) and immunosuppressors were introduced in this test system in the presence of specific stimulators and activated lymphocytes. Results: When the activated lymphocytes were chosen from the one-way MLC 4 d to undergo re-stimulation by specific stimulators, the activity of activated lymphocytes in the treatment group was suppressed significantly compared with that in the control group. The result of this test method is consistent with the biopsy in the clinical diagnosis of rejection. Conclusion:It suggests that the activated lymphocytes can be inactivated by specific antigens in certain conditions. This can be a useful tool to define the specificity of the activated lymphocytes.

The Immunological Studies on Proliferative Intraocular Disorders: Investigation of Activated Lymphocytes, Macrophages and HLA-DR

Purpose: To investigate whether activated B lymphocytes ( CD23 ) , activated T lymphocytes (CD25) ,macrophages(CD68) and human leucocyte antigen class II antigen (HLA- DR) were existed in epiretinal membranes (ERMs) and subretinal membranes (SRMs) of prolif-erative intraocular disorders (PID).Methods : Twenty specimens of ERMs from rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with prolifera-tive vitreoretinopathy( PVR), traumatic PVR and secondary traction retinal detachment, and two specimens of SRMs from rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with PVR and traumatic PRV were studied using immunohistochemical staining.Results: CD68 and HLA - DR were found in all specimens, CD23 and CD25 in 4 cases of ERMs and in 1 case of SRMs, respectively.Conclusions : 1. The ERMs and SRMs of different etiology shared a common basis of inflammation and immunopathology. 2. There would be secondary cellular and humoral immunity in the ERMs and the SRMs of PID. Eye Science 1998; 14:35 - 40.

Mesenteric adipose tissue B lymphocytes promote intestinal injury in severe acute pancreatitis by mediating enteric pyroptosis

Background:Visceral adipose tissue(VAT)has been linked to the severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)prognosis,although the underlying mechanism remains unclear.It has been reported that pyroptosis worsens SAP.The present study aimed to verify whether mesenteric adipose tissue(MAT,a component of VAT)can cause secondary intestinal injury through the pyroptotic pathway.Methods:Thirty-six male Sprague Dawley(SD)rats were divided into six different groups.Twelve rats were randomly divided into the SAP and control groups.We monitored the changes of MAT and B lymphocytes infiltration in MAT of SAP rats.Twelve SAP rats were injected with MAT B lymphocytes or phosphate buffer solution(PBS).The remaining twelve SAP rats were first injected with MAT B lymphocytes,and then with MCC950(NLRP3 inhibitor)or PBS.We collected blood and tissue samples from pancreas,gut and MAT for analysis.Results:Compared to the control rats,the SAP group showed inflammation in MAT,including higher expression of tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)and interleukin-6(IL-6),lower expression of IL-10,and histological changes.Flow cytometry analysis revealed B lymphocytes infiltration in MAT but not T lymphocytes and macrophages.The SAP rats also exhibited intestinal injury,characterized by lower expression of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and occludin,higher levels of lipopolysaccharide and diamine oxidase,and pathological changes.The expression of NLRP3 and n-GSDMD,which are responsible for pyroptosis,was increased in the intestine of SAP rats.The injection of MAT B lymphocytes into SAP rats exacerbated the inflammation in MAT.The upregulation of pyroptosis reduced tight junction in the intestine,which contributed to the SAP progression,including higher inflammatory indicators and worse histological changes.The administration of MCC950 to SAP+MAT B rats downregulated pyroptosis,which subsequently improved the intestinal barrier and ameliorated inflammatory response of SAP.Conclusions:In SAP,MAT B lymphocytes aggravated local inflammation,and promoted the injury to the intestine through the enteric pyroptotic pathway.

Study of the reaction mechanism for preparing powdered activated coke with SO_(2)adsorption capability via one-step rapid activation method under flue gas atmosphere

In this study,the impact of different reaction times on the preparation of powdered activated carbon(PAC)using a one-step rapid activation method under flue gas atmosphere is investigated,and the underlying reaction mechanism is summarized.Results indicate that the reaction process of this method can be divided into three stages:stage I is the rapid release of volatiles and the rapid consumption of O_(2),primarily occurring within a reaction time range of 0-0.5 s;stage II is mainly the continuous release and diffusion of volatiles,which is the carbonization and activation coupling reaction stage,and the carbonization process is the main in this stage.This stage mainly occurs at the reaction time range of 0.5 -2.0 s when SL-coal is used as material,and that is 0.5-3.0 s when JJ-coal is used as material;stage III is mainly the activation stage,during which activated components diffuse to both the surface and interior of particles.This stage mainly involves the reaction stage of CO_(2)and H2O(g)activation,and it mainly occurs at the reaction time range of 2.0-4.0 s when SL-coal is used as material,and that is 3.0-4.0 s when JJ-coal is used as material.Besides,the main function of the first two stages is to provide more diffusion channels and contact surfaces/activation sites for the diffusion and activation of the activated components in the third stage.Mastering the reaction mechanism would serve as a crucial reference and foundation for designing the structure,size of the reactor,and optimal positioning of the activator nozzle in PAC preparation.

Predictive Value of the Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) to Predict the Development of Preeclampsia and Pregnancy Induced Hypertension at 1st Trimester

Introduction: Hypertensive disorder in pregnancy affects 4 to 6 percent of all pregnancies and carries risks for the both baby and the mother. Only a few groups of women who are at high-risk pregnancies are received prophylaxis Aspirin, more than 15 percent of women develop pre-eclampsia with a single minor risk factor. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the 1st trimester NLR value of normotensive, pregnancy induced hypertensive and pre-eclamptic pregnant women. The study was conducted with a sample of 416, antenatal patients who were admitted to ward 25, at Colombo North Teaching Hospital Ragama. Data was collected as separated three groups. NLR value was calculated separately and ANOVA test was used to analyze the 3 categorical data. Post HOC test was done to assess the multiple comparison. Results: The prevalence rates of pregnancy induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia among the pregnant women were 8.6% and 5.7%. The mean NLR values of normotensive group was 2.708, pregnancy induced hypertensive group was 2.650 and pre eclamptic group was 3.789. There was a significant difference in NLR value between pre eclamptic group and other two groups with P value of Conclusion: The 1st trimester NLR value of pre eclamptic patients significantly increased compared to normotensive women.

Prognostic value of circulating tumor cells combined with neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Circulating tumor cell(CTC)count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)are both closely associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).AIM To investigate the prognostic value of combining these two indicators in HCC.METHODS Clinical data were collected from patients with advanced HCC who received im-mune therapy combined with targeted therapy at the Department of Oncology,the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University,Sichuan,China,from 2021 to 2023.The optimal cutoff values for CTC programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)(+)>1 or CTC PD-L1(+)≤1 and NLR>3.89 or NLR≤3.89 were evaluated using X-Tile software.Patients were categorized into three groups based on CTC PD-L1(+)counts and NLR:CTC-NLR(0),CTC-NLR(1),and CTC-NLR(2).The relationship between CTC-NLR and clinical variables as well as survival rates was assessed.RESULTS Patients with high CTC PD-L1(+)expression or NLR at baseline had shorter median progression-free survival(m-PFS)and median overall survival(mOS)than those with low levels of CTC PD-L1(+)or NLR(P<0.001).Mean-while,patients in the CTC-NLR(2)group showed a significant decrease in mPFS and mOS.Cox regression analysis revealed that alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),CTC PD-L1(+),and CTC-NLR were independent predictors of OS.The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the area under the curve of CTC-NLR at 12 months(0.821)and 18 months(0.821)was superior to that of AFP and CTC PD-L1(+).CONCLUSION HCC patients with high CTC PD-L1(+)or NLR expression tend to exhibit poor prognosis,and a high baseline CTC-NLR score may indicate low survival.CTC-NLR may serve as an effective prognostic indicator for patients with advanced HCC receiving immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy.

Synergetic Bioproduction of Short-Chain Fatty Acids from Waste Activated Sludge Intensified by the Combined Use of Potassium Ferrate and Biosurfactants

The synergetic effect and underlying mechanism of potassium ferrate(PF)with tea saponin(TS,a biosurfactant)in producing short chain fatty acids(SCFAs)from anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge(WAS)were explored in this work.Experimental results showed that 0.2 g PF(g TSS)^(-1)(total suspended solid)combined with 0.02 g TS(g TSS)^(-1) could further improve SCFAs’production,and the maximum SCFAs content reached 2008.7 mg COD L^(-1),which is 1.2 and 4.5 times higher than those with PF and TS individually added,respectively,and 5.3 times higher than that of blank WAS on Day 12.In the model substrates experiments,the degradation rates of bovine serum albumin and dextran with combination of PF and TS were 41.3%±0.1% and 48.5%±0.06%,respectively,on Day 3,which are lower than those in blank WAS(with degradation rates of 72.3%±0.5%and 90.3%±0.3%).It was revealed that the oxidative effect of PF and the solubilization of TS caused more organic matters to be dissolved out from WAS,providing a large number of biodegradable substances for subsequent SCFAs production.While WAS pretreated with the combination of PF and TS,the relative abundances of Firmicutes increased from 6.4%(blank)to 38.6%,and that of Proteobacteria decreased from 41.8%(blank)to 21.8%.The combination of PF and TS promoted the hydrolysis process of WAS by enriching Firmicutes,and then increased acetic acid production by inhibiting Proteobacteria that consumed SCFAs.Meanwhile,at the genus level,acidogenesis bacteria(e.g.,Proteiniclasticum and Petrimonas)were enriched whereas SCFAs consuming bacteria(e.g.,Dokdonella)were inhibited.

Predictive value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for neoadjuvant therapy response in triple-negative breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The association between tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte(TIL)levels and the res-ponse to neoadjuvant therapy(NAT)in patients with triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)remains unclear.AIM To investigate the predictive potential of TIL levels for the response to NAT in TNBC patients.METHODS A systematic search of the National Center for Biotechnology Information PubMed database was performed to collect relevant published literature prior to August 31,2023.The correlation between TIL levels and the NAT pathologic com-plete response(pCR)in TNBC patients was assessed using a systematic review and meta-analysis.Subgroup analysis,sensitivity analysis,and publication bias analysis were also conducted.RESULTS A total of 32 studies were included in this meta-analysis.The overall meta-ana-lysis results indicated that the pCR rate after NAT treatment in TNBC patients in the high TIL subgroup was significantly greater than that in patients in the low TIL subgroup(48.0%vs 27.7%)(risk ratio 2.01;95%confidence interval 1.77-2.29;P<0.001,I2=56%).Subgroup analysis revealed that the between-study hetero-geneity originated from differences in study design,TIL level cutoffs,and study populations.Publication bias could have existed in the included studies.The meta-analysis based on different NAT protocols revealed that all TNBC patients with high levels of TILs had a greater rate of pCR after NAT treatment in all protocols(all P≤0.01),and there was no significant between-protocol difference in the statistics among the different NAT protocols(P=0.29).Additionally,sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the overall results of the meta-analysis remained consistent when the included studies were individually excluded.CONCLUSION TILs can serve as a predictor of the response to NAT treatment in TNBC patients.TNBC patients with high levels of TILs exhibit a greater NAT pCR rate than those with low levels of TILs,and this predictive capability is con-sistent across different NAT regimens.

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in gastric cancer:Unraveling complex interactions for precision medicine

This editorial will focus on tumor immunity and the factors that alter the tumor immune micro-environment.The role of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes(TILs)will also be discussed in detail,including the types,mechanism of action,and role.Gastric cancer(GC)often presents in the advanced stage and has various factors predicting the outcomes.The interplay of these factors and their correlation with the TILs is discussed.A literature review revealed high intratumoral TILs associated with higher grade,HER2-,and Helicobacter pylori negativity.Moreover,stromal(ST)TILs correlated with lower grade and lesser recurrence risk in GC.High TILs in ST and invasive border also correlated with mismatch repair deficiency status.Further characterization of the CD3+,CD8+,and other cells is also warranted.In the future,this complex correlation of cancer cells with the immune system can be explored for therapeutic avenues.

Role of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio as a predictive marker for diabetic coronary artery disease: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND The lymphocyte to monocyte ratio(LMR)is considered a marker of systemic inflammation in cardiovascular disease and acts as predictor of mortality in coronary artery disease.AIM To investigate the predictive role of LMR in diabetic coronary artery disease patients.METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at tertiary care super-specialty hospital at New Delhi,India.A total of 200 angiography-proven coronary artery disease(CAD)patients were enrolled and grouped into two categories:Group I[CAD patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels≥6.5%],and Group II(CAD patients without T2DM and HbA1c levels<6.5%).Serum lipoproteins,HbA1c,and complete blood count of enrolled patients were analyzed using fully automatic analyzers.RESULTS The logistic regression analysis showed an odds ratio of 1.48(95%CI:1.28-1.72,P<0.05)for diabetic coronary artery disease patients(Group I)in unadjusted model.After adjusting for age,gender,diet,smoking,and hypertension history,the odds ratio increased to 1.49(95%CI:1.29-1.74,P<0.01)in close association with LMR.Further adjustment for high cholesterol and triglycerides yielded the same odds ratio of 1.49(95%CI:1.27-1.75,P<0.01).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed 74%sensitivity,64%specificity,and 0.74 area under the curve(95%CI:0.67-0.80,P<0.001),suggesting moderate predictive accuracy for diabetic CAD patients.CONCLUSION LMR showed positive association with diabetic coronary artery disease,with moderate predictive accuracy.These findings have implications for improving CAD management in diabetics,necessitating further research and targeted interventions.

Correlation of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio to severity of coronary artery disease and in-hospital clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A prospective observational study

Objective:To explore correlation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)to severity of coronary artery disease(CAD)and in-hospital clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS).Methods:In this prospective and observational study,we recruited 500 patients with ACS.For all the eligible patients,demographic details were collected,and laboratory parameters were evaluated.The CAD severity was evaluated in terms of the number of involved vessels.The NLR was calculated based on neutrophils and lymphocytes and the correlation of various risk factors and severity and outcome of CAD was performed.Results:77.2%of Patients was male,and 52%of the patients aged between 55-70 years.Based on the type of ACS,396 out of 500 patients had ST-elevation myocardial infarction.An ascending trend in the white blood cell levels and NLR value was noted as the severity of the ACS increased and the highest white blood cell levels and NLR was noted among classⅣpatients.The mean NLR value among the non-survivors were higher compared to the survivors(9.52±5.72 vs.4.76±2.36;P<0.01).Receiver operating curve showed that the cut-off NLR value was 5.76 with a sensitivity of 75.0%and a specificity of 77.3%.Conclusions:The NLR can be used as an independent prognostic marker in ACS.An elevated NLR value serves as a reliable predictor for short-term complications,notably in-hospital mortality.

Diabetes and high-glucose could upregulate the expression of receptor for activated C kinase 1 in retina

BACKGROUND Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is a major ocular complication of diabetes mellitus,leading to visual impairment.Retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)injury is a key component of the outer blood retinal barrier,and its damage is an important indicator of DR.Receptor for activated C kinase 1(RACK1)activates protein kinase C-ε(PKC-ε)to promote the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)in RPE cells,leading to apoptosis.Therefore,we hypothesize that the activation of RACK1 under hypoxic/high-glucose conditions may promote RPE cell apoptosis by modulating PKC-ε/ROS,thereby disrupting the barrier effect of the outer blood retinal barrier and contributing to the progression of DR.AIM To investigate the role and associated underlying mechanisms of RACK1 in the development of early DR.METHODS In this study,Sprague-Dawley rats and adult RPE cell line-19(ARPE-19)cells were used as in vivo and in vitro models,respectively,to explore the role of RACK1 in mediating PKC-εin early DR.Furthermore,the impact of RACK1 on apoptosis and barrier function of RPE cells was also investigated in the former model.RESULTS Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed increased apoptosis and upregulated expression of RACK1 and PKC-εproteins in RPE cells following a prolonged modeling.Similarly,ARPE-19 cells exposed to high glucose and hypoxia displayed elevated mRNA and protein levels of RACK1 and PKC-ε,accompanied by an increases in ROS production,apoptosis rate,and monolayer permeability.However,silencing RACK1 significantly downregulated the expression of PKC-εand ROS,reduced cell apoptosis and permeability,and protected barrier function.CONCLUSION RACK1 plays a significant role in the development of early DR and might serve as a potential therapeutic target for DR by regulating RPE apoptosis and barrier function.

Analysis of the Peripheral Blood Helper T-Cell 17- Cell Level and Monocyte/Lymphocyte Ratio for Colorectal Cancer Prognosis Prediction

Objective: To investigate the value of peripheral blood helper T cell 17 cell level and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio to predict the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients. Methods: 74 colorectal cancer patients who attended Hospital 960 from January 2021 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical data of the patients were collected, including gender, age, and histologic type. Immunohistochemical indexes such as Th17 cell level and monocyte/ lymphocyte ratio in the peripheral blood of patients were also collected. The prognosis of patients after treatment, as well as peripheral blood Th17 and MLR levels, were observed and analyzed. Results: After follow-up after treatment, in the final 74 patients, the prognosis was good in 32 patients, accounting for 43.24%, and the prognosis was bad in 42 patients, accounting for 56.76%. There were no significant differences between the average age and tumor diameters of the good prognosis and poor prognosis groups (P > 0.05). However, the TNM staging, intervention taken, differentiation degree, presence of distant metastasis, presence of lymph node metastasis, Th17 level, and MLR level are significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Peripheral blood Th17 and MLR have predictive value for the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients, and high levels of peripheral blood Th17 and MLR imply poor prognosis. The detection of peripheral blood Th17 and MLR levels is simple and convenient and can be used as indicators to provide a reference for the prognostic assessment of colorectal cancer patients.

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) as Systemic Inflammatory Predictors in the Diagnosis of Bullous Pemphigoid and Pemphigus Vulgaris

Introduction: Autoimmune blistering skin disorders such as Bullous Pemphigoid and Pemphigus Vulgaris present diagnostic challenges. The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), are inflammatory markers used to assess the body’s immune-inflammatory response. Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the significance of hematologic markers, specifically the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), as diagnostic predictors of bullous pemphigoid (BP) and pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Methods: A retrospective study of 64 patients (36 with BP and 28 with PV). Patient clinical data: age, gender, complete blood count, autoimmune antibody levels (Dsg1, 3 and BP180, 230), IgE and C-reactive protein, and history of hypertension, diabetes, brain infarction, and coronary heart disease. The data was analyzed using SPSS. Results: The study involved 36 (56.3%) diagnosed with bullous pemphigoid (BP) and 28 (43.75%) with pemphigus vulgaris (PV). The average age in BP was 71 ± 8 and 52 ± 13 in PV. Laboratory findings showed high levels of Dsg1, Dsg3, neutrophil count, and lymphocyte count in PV, while high levels of eosinophils with a significant increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) in BP. Blood biomarkers, including NLR, PLR, SII, MPV, CRP, and IgE, proved an overall of 84.4% in disease prediction. Dsg1, Dsg3, BP180, and BP230 showed an overall of 88.1%. No significant relationship was noted between NLR, SII, and patients with comorbidities. Conclusion: The study highlights the diagnostic potential of SII and NLR in addition to hematologic markers in BP and PV, emphasizing their role in early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions, requiring further validation in larger patient cohorts.

Thermal pretreatment of willow branches impacts yield and pore development of activated carbon in subsequent activation with ZnCl_(2) via modifying cellulose structure

Development of pore structures of activated carbon(AC)from activation of biomass with ZnCl_(2) relies on content and structure of cellulose/hemicellulose in the feedstock.Thermal pretreatment of biomass could induce dehydration and/or aromatization to change the structure of cellulose/hemicellulose.This might interfere with evolution of structures of AC,which was investigated herein via thermal pretreatment of willow branch(WB)from 200 to 360℃and the subsequent activation with ZnCl_(2) at 550℃.The results showed that thermal pretreatment at 360℃(WB-360)could lead to substantial pyrolysis to form biochar,with a yield of 31.9%,accompanying with nearly complete destruction of cellulose crystals and remarkably enhanced aromatic degree.However,cellulose residual in WB-360 could still be activated to form AC-360 with specific surface area of 1837.9 m~2·g^(-1),which was lower than that in AC from activation of untreated WB(AC-blank,2077.8 m~2·g^(-1)).Nonetheless,the AC-200 from activation of WB-200 had more developed pores(2113.9 m~2·g^(-1))and superior capability for adsorption of phenol,due to increased permeability of ZnCl_(2) to the largely intact cellulose structure in WB-200.The thermal pretreatment did increase diameters of micropores of AC but reduced the overall yield of AC(26.8%for AC-blank versus 18.0%for AC-360),resulting from accelerated cracking but reduced intensity of condensation.In-situ infrared characterization of the activation showed that ZnCl_(2) mainly catalyzed dehydration,dehydrogenation,condensation,and aromatization but not cracking,suppressing the formation of derivatives of cellulose and lignin in bio-oil.The thermal pretreatment formed phenolic-OH and C=O with higher chemical innerness,which changed the reaction network in activation,shifting morphology of fibrous structures in AC-blank to“melting surface”in AC-200 or AC-280.

Fate and Behavior of Tetracycline Resistance Genes in Activated Carbon Adsorption

The accessibility of tetracycline resistance gene (tetG) into the pores of activated carbon (AC), as well as the impact of the pore size distribution (PSD) of AC on the uptake capacity of tetG, were investigated using eight types of AC (four coal-based and four wood-based). AC showed the capability to admit tetG and the average reduction of tetG for coal-based and wood-based ACs at the AC dose of 1 g·L-1 was 3.12 log and 3.65 log, respectively. The uptake kinetic analysis showed that the uptake of the gene followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics reaction, and the uptake rate constant for the coal-based and wood-based ACs was in the range of 5.97 × 10-12 - 4.64 × 10-9 and 7.02 × 10-11 - 1.59 × 10-8 copies·mg-1·min-1, respectively. The uptake capacity analysis by fitting the obtained experiment data with the Freundlich isotherm model indicated that the uptake constant (KF) values were 1.71 × 103 - 8.00 × 109 (copies·g-1)1-1/n for coal-based ACs and 7.00 × 108 - 3.00 × 1010 (copies·g-1)1-1/n for wood-based ones. In addition, the correlation analysis between KF values and pore volume as well as pore surface at different pore size regions of ACs showed that relatively higher positive correlation was found for pores of 50 - 100 Å, suggesting ACs with more pores in this size region can uptake more tetG. The findings of this study are valuable as reference for optimizing the adsorption process regarding antibiotic resistance-related concerns in drinking water treatment.

Ultra-high specific surface area activated carbon from Taihu cyanobacteria via KOH activation for enhanced methylene blue adsorption

Cyanobacteria-based activated carbon(CBAC)was successfully prepared by pyrolysis-activation of Taihu cyanobacteria.When the impregnation ratio and activated temperature were 2 and 800-C,respectively,the optimal CBACs possessed an ultra-high specific surface(2178.90 m^(2)·g^(-1))and plenty of micro-and meso-pores,as well as a high pore volume(1.01 cm^(3)·g^(-1)).Ascribed to ultra-high surface area,π-π interaction,electrostatic interaction,as well as hydrogen-bonding interactions,the CBACs displayed huge superiority in efficient dye removal.The saturated methylene blue adsorption capacity by CBACs could be as high as 1143.4 mg·g^(-1),superior to that of other reported biomass-activated carbons.The adsorption was endothermic and modeled well by the pseudo-second-order kinetic,intra-particle diffusion,and Langmuir models.This work presented the effectiveness of Taihu cyanobacteria adsorbent ascribed to its super large specific surface area and high adsorption ability.