Enhancing energy and nitrogen removal efficiency through automatic split injection and innovative aeration device: A study of low C/N ratio environments.

A new aeration device based on Bernoulli's principle, Jetventrumixer (JVM), was introduced into an aeration tank in denitrification process, which involved an automatic split injection system (ASIS) into two denitrification tanks every 10 minutes. Real-time monitoring of influent water allowed the calculation of the C/N ratio, enhancing the utilization efficiency of internal carbon sources while reducing the need for external carbon. The comparison of the JVM with the conventional air diffuser for 100 days operation showed that the removal efficiency for NH-N in both systems was approximately 98 %, but the nitrification efficiencies were 84 % and 80 %, respectively.

Fully closed conformation of penicillin-binding protein revealed by structure of PBP2 from Acinetobacter baumannii.

Penicillin-binding protein 2 (PBP2), a vital protein involved in bacterial cell-wall synthesis, serves a target for β-lactam antibiotics. Acinetobacter baumannii is a pathogen notorious for multidrug resistance; therefore, exploration of PBPs is pivotal in the development of new antimicrobial strategies. In this study, the tertiary structure of PBP2 from A.

Interdomain flexibility and putative active site was revealed by crystal structure of MltG from Acinetobacter baumannii.

MltG, positioned within the inner membrane of bacteria, functions as a lytic transglycosylase (LT) essential for integrating into the cell wall by cleaving the newly synthesized glycan strand, emphasizing its critical involvement in bacterial cell wall biosynthesis and remodeling. Current study reported the first structure of MltG family of LT. We have elucidated the structure of MltG from Acinetobacter baumannii (abMltG), a formidable superbug renowned for its remarkable antibiotic resistance.

hsa-miR-CHA2, a novel microRNA, exhibits anticancer effects by suppressing cyclin E1 in human non-small cell lung cancer cells.

Despite considerable therapeutic advancements, the global survival rate for lung cancer patients remains poor, posing challenges in developing an effective treatment strategy. In many cases, microRNAs (miRNAs) exhibit abnormal expression levels in cancers, including lung cancer. Dysregulated miRNAs often play a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer.

NiAlFe LTH /MoS p-n junction heterostructure composite as an effective visible-light-driven photocatalyst for enhanced degradation of organic dye under high alkaline conditions.

Designing of an effectual heterostructure photocatalyst for catalytic organic pollutant exclusion has been the subject of rigorous research intended to resolve the related environmental aggravation. Fabricating p-n junctions is an effective strategy to promote electron-hole separation of semiconductor photocatalysts as well as enhance the organic toxin degradation performance. In this study, a series of n-type NiAlFe-layered triple hydroxide (LTH) loaded with various ratios of p-type MoS was synthesized for forming a heterostructure LTH/MoS (LMs) by an in situ hydrothermal strategy.

Non-destructive monitoring and prediction of fouling by organic matters and residual anionic coagulant during membrane process.

Physical fouling characteristics on silicon carbide (SiC) membranes induced by various organic matter compounds vary depending on the presence of calcium ions (Ca). Both destructive techniques (morphological surface analysis) and non-destructive techniques (fouling properties monitoring) were used to determine the fouling mechanisms and behavior during the membrane filtration systems. Destructive analysis and a modified Hermia model were employed to assess the fouling mechanisms.

Effect of Topical Programmed Death-Ligand1 on Corneal Epithelium in Dry Eye Mouse.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a growing health concern that impacts millions of individuals every year, and is associated with corneal injury, excessive oxidative stress and inflammation. Current therapeutic strategies, including artificial tears and anti-inflammatory agents, are unable to achieve a permanent clinical cure due to their temporary nature or adverse side effects. Therefore, here, we investigated the effectiveness of the topical administration of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in the mouse model of DED.

Current Advances in Regenerative Strategies for Dry Eye Diseases: A Comprehensive Review.

Dry eye disease (DED) is an emerging health issue affecting millions of individuals annually. Ocular surface disorders, such as DED, are characterized by inflammation triggered by various factors. This condition can lead to tear deficiencies, resulting in the desiccation of the ocular surface, corneal ulceration/perforation, increased susceptibility to infections, and a higher risk of severe visual impairment and blindness.

Machine learning analysis to interpret the effect of the photocatalytic reaction rate constant (k) of semiconductor-based photocatalysts on dye removal.

Photocatalytic reactions with semiconductor-based photocatalysts have been investigated extensively for application to wastewater treatment, especially dye degradation, yet the interactions between different process parameters have rarely been reported due to their complicated reaction mechanisms. Hence, this study aims to discern the impact of each factor, and each interaction between multiple factors on reaction rate constant (k) using a decision tree model. The dyes selected as target pollutants were indigo and malachite green, and 5 different semiconductor-based photocatalysts with 17 different compositions were tested, which generated 34 input features and 1527 data points.

Assessing the Seafood Trade Diversion Arising from Economic Sanctions: Evidence from Russia and Western Countries.

Since 2014, economic sanctions between Russia and Western nations have significantly altered the global seafood trade. The consequent decline in bilateral trade also had spillover effects on the rest of the world (ROW). According to earlier studies, economic sanctions appear to negatively impact bilateral trade and income.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Exosomes: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Corneal Diseases.

The cornea, with its delicate structure, is vulnerable to damage from physical, chemical, and genetic factors. Corneal transplantation, including penetrating and lamellar keratoplasties, can restore the functions of the cornea in cases of severe damage. However, the process of corneal transplantation presents considerable obstacles, including a shortage of available donors, the risk of severe graft rejection, and potentially life-threatening complications.

Near-surface termination of upward-propagating strike-slip ruptures on the Yangsan Fault, Korea.

We present a new example of the termination of strike-slip paleoearthquake ruptures in near-surface regions on the Yangsan Fault, Korea, based on multi-scale structural observations. Paleoearthquake ruptures occur mostly along the boundary between the inherited fault core and damage zone (N10-20°E/> 75°SE). The ruptures propagated upward to the shallow subsurface along a < 3-cm-wide specific slip zone with dextral-slip sense, along which the deformation mechanism is characterized mainly by granular flow in near-surface region.

High-efficient and rapid removal of anionic and cationic dyes using a facile synthesized sole adsorbent NiAlFe-layered triple hydroxide (LTH).

It would be extremely momentous to familiarize a low-cost sole adsorbent NiAlFe-layered triple hydroxides (LTHs) having a strong sorption affinity towards both anionic and cationic dyes. Using the urea hydrolysis hydrothermal method LTHs were fabricated and by altering the ratio of participant metal cations the adsorbent was optimized. BET analysis revealed that the optimized LTHs possess an elevated surface area (160.

Structure of fish TRAF4 and its implication in TRAF4-mediated immune cell and platelet signaling.

Due to an increasing interest in immunity and signal transduction in teleost fish, important key signaling molecules associated with the immune response, including TRAF molecules, have been recently cloned and characterized. To better understand the role of TRAF4 in fish immune signaling and compare it with the human system, our study cloned the TRAF4 gene from the Antarctic yellowbelly rockcod Notothenia coriiceps (ncTRAF4) and purified the protein. Here, we report the first crystal structure of teleost fish TRAF4.

Multiplexed Digital Spatial Protein Profiling Reveals Distinct Phenotypes of Mononuclear Phagocytes in Livers with Advanced Fibrosis.

Intrahepatic mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) are critical for the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. In this study, using multiplexed digital spatial protein profiling, we aimed to derive a unique protein signature predicting advanced liver fibrosis. Snap-frozen liver tissues from various chronic liver diseases were subjected to spatially defined protein-based multiplexed profiling (Nanostring GeoMX).

Obesity and periodontitis: A systematic review and updated meta-analysis.

Background: A previous 2014 meta-analysis reported a positive association between obesity and periodontitis. It was considered necessary to update the recently published papers and to analyse subgroups on important clinical variables that could affect the association between obesity and periodontitis. Therefore, we updated the latest studies and attempted to derive more refined results.

Combined treatment with medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is effective on long-term follow-up.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of combined medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The authors hypothesized that the combined procedure leads to good long-term outcome in patients with isolated medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency.

Methods: Twenty-three patients with ACL deficiency and concomitant medial knee OA were treated from 2008 to 2016 with a combined UKA (Oxford Partial Knee) and ACLR using a hamstring tendon autograft.

Economic benefits of preventing bird collisions in South Korea: findings from a choice experiment survey.

Bird deaths due to collisions with artificial structures, such as glass windows of buildings and transparent noise barriers, are continuing to occur in South Korea. The government is trying to prevent bird collisions by increasing the attachment of specially designed tapes to help birds avoid windows. This article estimates the economic benefits arising from the prevention of collisions by applying a choice experiment (CE).

Studies on Preformulation and Formulation of JIN-001 Liquisolid Tablet with Enhanced Solubility.

This study aimed to develop a heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitor liquisolid tablet with improved solubility to overcome low bioavailability issues. As an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), JIN-001, a novel Hsp90 inhibitor, was reported to have substantial in vitro antiproliferative and in vivo antitumor activity; however, JIN-001 was a crystalline solid with very low solubility in an aqueous solution, and therefore, Capryol 90, which has excellent solubilization ability, was selected as an optimal liquid vehicle based on solubility studies. JIN-001 liquisolid (JLS) powder was successfully prepared by dissolving JIN-001 in Capryol 90 and mixing colloidal silicon dioxide (CSD) used as an oil adsorption agent.

Better survival of patients with hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma in South Korea: Changes in 16-years cohorts.

Aims: The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have decreased over time in South Korea, where hepatitis B virus (HBV) in endemic. This study investigated the changes in the characteristics and clinical outcomes of HCC patients in Korea.

Methods: Patients initially diagnosed with HCC and treated at the National Cancer Center, Korea between 2000 and 2015 (n = 4,291) were followed up until February 2017.

A Unique Immune-Related Gene Signature Represents Advanced Liver Fibrosis and Reveals Potential Therapeutic Targets.

Innate and adaptive immune responses are critically associated with the progression of fibrosis in chronic liver diseases. In this study, we aim to identify a unique immune-related gene signature representing advanced liver fibrosis and to reveal potential therapeutic targets. Seventy-seven snap-frozen liver tissues with various chronic liver diseases at different fibrosis stages (1: = 12, 2: = 12, 3: = 25, 4: = 28) were subjected to expression analyses.

Molecular basis of dimerization of lytic transglycosylase revealed by the crystal structure of MltA from .

Peptidoglycan digestion by murein-degrading enzymes is a critical process in bacterial cell growth and/or cell division. The membrane-bound lytic murein transglycosylase A (MltA) is a murein-degrading enzyme; it catalyzes the cleavage of the β-1,4-glycosidic linkage between -acetylmuramic acid and -acetylglucosamine in peptidoglycans. Although substrate recognition and cleavage by MltA have been examined by previous structural and mutagenesis studies, the overall mechanism of MltA in conjunction with other functionally related molecules on the outer membrane of bacterial cells for peptidoglycan degradation has remained elusive.

Putative hexameric glycosyltransferase functional unit revealed by the crystal structure of MurG.

Lipid II, the main component of the bacterial cell wall, is synthesized by the addition of UDP--acetylglucosamine to the UDP--acetylmuramic acid pentapeptide catalyzed by the glycosyltransferase MurG. Owing to its critical role in cell-wall biosynthesis, MurG is considered to be an attractive target for antibacterial agents. Although the Mur family ligases have been extensively studied, the molecular mechanism of the oligomeric scaffolding assembly of MurG remains unclear.