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Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, mainly characterized by perifibrocartilage osteitis of the sacroiliac joints and spinal enthesitis. To date, the exact pathogenesis of AS remains elusive. It is generally believed that AS is a multifactorial disease involving genetics, infection, environment, and immunity. Among them, genetic factors are the primary determinants of disease risk and severity. In recent years, epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation have been extensively surveyed with respect to the pathogenesis of AS. This review summarizes the latest research progress of methylation in AS, from whole-genome sequencing to individual differentially methylated gene. And finally, the role of methylase in AS inflammation, autophagy, and osteogenic differentiation was explored. In summary, the results of this review attempt to explain the role of methylation in the occurrence and development of AS and point out the shortcomings of current methylation research, providing directions for subsequent methylation research in AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are generated in a cell endogenously which have a nucleotide length of 18 to 26 and are also known as short non-protein coding RNAs. The majority of them are evolutionarily conserved in nature, suggesting a logical foundation for the anticipation of new miRNAs in association with their clusters in numerous plants. Considering this study, physical, bioinformatics and efficient methods are integrated to predict the fresh miRNA clusters along with their targets in sugar cane. In sugar cane, there were a total of 21 new miRNA clusters identified, which were linked to 15 miRNA families. These families are as 165a, 166b, 528a, 827, 2118, 2120b, 5168, 5564c, 5565g, 5568c, 6220, 6225, 6226, 6232a and 7540a. Multiple characteristics of such miRNA clusters, including web logo, phylogenetic tree and secondary structures have been developed. The minimal free energy (MFE) of the secondary structures has been attained and reported as well. In addition, mature miRNAs have been sought in stem section of the structure. Consequently, 115 miRNA targets were also found. These targets include substantial GO term which have important targets in the reproduction, DNA packaging, multicellular organismal process, gene expression, translation, transcription factors, protein binding, transporter activity, secretion, cell division, binding, growth & development and aging. Hence, the achieved results of novel sugar cane miRNA clusters target several types of significant genes which help in managing the environment for sugar cane for better crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leather-making process necessitates large amounts of water and consequently generates tons of liquid waste as leather tannery wastewater (TWW) is disposed of directly in the open environment. Open disposal of untreated TWW into the natural environment causes an accumulation of various polluting compounds, including heavy metals, dyes, suspended solids inorganic matter, biocides, oils, tannins, and other toxic chemicals. It thus poses potential hazards to the environment and human health. This study primarily focuses on providing in-depth insight into the characteristics, treatment strategies, and regulatory frameworks for managing TWW in leather processing industries. Different technologies of conventional physico-chemical (equalization, coagulation, and adsorption), advanced approaches (Fenton oxidation, ozonation, cavitation), thermo-catalytic and biological treatments available to treat TWW, and their integrative approaches were also highlighted. This review also sheds light on the most frequently applied technologies to reduce contaminant load from TWW though there are several limitations associated with it such as being ineffective for large quantities of TWW, waste generation during treatment, and high operational and maintenance (O&M) costs. It is concluded that the sustainable alternatives applied in the current TWW technologies can minimize O&M costs and recirculate the treated water in the environment. The exhaustive observations and recommendations presented in this article are helpful in the industry to manage TWW and recirculate the water in a sustainable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single-stage anaerobic fluidized membrane bioreactor (AnFMBR) was applied to investigate the effects of temperature changes on membrane fouling while treating real municipal wastewater. The AnFMBR was operated at four temperature phases: 25 °C for 42 days, 20 °C for 20 days, 15 °C for 15 days, and at 10 °C for 15 days. The systems achieved a total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) removal efficiency of above 90% at all phases. As temperature decreased, accumulation of solids and possible incomplete hydrolysis led to an increase in TCOD and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in the reactor. However, as temperature reduced to 10 °C, VFAs in the reactor reduced probably an indication of reactors adaptation. Total membrane filtration resistance gradually increased to 1.1 × 1011 m−1 from 2.1 × 1009 m−1 with a temperature decrease from 25 °C to 10 °C. This corresponded to a significant decrease in membrane permeability from 1.68 to 0.05 LMH/kpa. The protein fraction of the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) was dominant in all phases, which was ascribed for significant membrane fouling causing permeability deterioration. Microbial richness and diversity analysis using next generation Ion torrent sequencing methods revealed that Proteobacteria phylum was most dominant at 25 °C, whereas Bacteroidetes, which are responsible for releasing proteinaceous EPS, were most dominant at low temperatures (15 °C and 10 °C), contributing to severe fouling. In conclusion, decrease in temperature did not affect the treatment efficiency but resulted in gradual increase in membrane fouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, thermophilic membrane biological reactors (TMBRs) are used to treat industrial wastewaters and biological sewage sludge with the aim of nutrients recovery. The performance of the biological process is strongly influenced by rheological behaviour of the thermophilic biological sludge (TBS) inside the reactor. Considering the high concentration of heavy metals in matrices fed to the reactors, this work aims to evaluate the influence of heavy metal types and concentration on rheological properties of TBS. Sludge has been extracted from a full-scale TMBR and conditioned with Fe3+, Cu2+, and Al3+. Rheological measures have been conducted and constants k and n of Herschel–Bulkley model were used to define the rheological properties of TBS. Rheological properties of high consistency TBS (0.06 ≤ k0 < 0.2 and 0.6 ≤ n0 < 0.8) were not significantly affected by the conditioning with Fe3+, Cu2+, and Al3+. In case of TBS with initial low consistency (0.02 ≤ k0 < 0.06) and behaviour more similar to Newtonian fluids (0.8 ≤ n0 < 1), Fe3+ and Al3+ determined a significant increase in consistency. On the contrary, the addition of Cu2+ reduced k of conditioned TBS with a lower impact on the distance for Newtonian behaviour (n). This work demonstrates the strong influence of Fe3+, Cu2+, and Al3+ on the rheological properties of TBS depending on the initial consistency of the sludge, and the types and dosage of heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs) can now be detected not only in clinical institutions but also in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), extending the range of emergence to residential areas. In this study, we investigated the change of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) and other coliforms in each treatment process at WWTPs. Throughout the treatment process, the numbers of E. coli and other coliforms were significantly reduced to less than 5.7 ± 0.5 CFU/100 ml and 2.4 ± 0.0×102 CFU/100 ml, respectively. However, ESBL-producing E. coli and other coliforms were detected in each treatment process (even after chlorination) at 5.6% and 4.8%, compared to the total E. coli and other coliforms counts. Then, ESBL-producing-related genes were identified via PCR analyses, and the most predominant gene was CTX-M-9 in both E. coli (47.2%) and other coliforms (47.3%). Although actual WWTPs greatly reduced the number of bacteria, the relative prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria was increased, suggesting that ESBL-producing bacteria remain in the effluent at minimal concentrations and could be diffusing to water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the major crops worldwide and a primary source of calories for human food. Biotic stresses such as fungi, bacteria, and diseases limit wheat production. Although plant breeding and genetic engineering for biotic stress resistance have been suggested as promising solutions to handle losses caused by biotic stress factors, a comprehensive understanding of molecular mechanisms and identifying key genes is a critical step to obtaining success. Here, a network-based meta-analysis approach based on two main statistical methods was used to identify key genes and molecular mechanisms of the wheat response to biotic stress. A total of 163 samples (21,792 genes) from 10 datasets were analyzed. Fisher Z test based on the p-value and REM method based on effect size resulted in 533 differentially expressed genes (p < 0.001 and FDR < 0.001). WGCNA analysis using a dynamic tree-cutting algorithm was used to construct a co-expression network and three significant modules were detected. The modules were significantly enriched by 16 BP terms and 4 KEGG pathways (Benjamini–Hochberg FDR < 0.001). A total of nine hub genes (a top 1.5% of genes with the highest degree) were identified from the constructed network. The identification of DE genes, gene–gene co-expressing network, and hub genes may contribute to uncovering the molecular mechanisms of the wheat response to biotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation therapy is a commonly used tool in cancer management due to its ability to destroy malignant tumors. Mechanically, the efficacy of radiotherapy mainly depends on the inherent radiosensitivity of cancer cells and surrounding normal tissues, which mostly accounts for molecular dynamics associated with radiation-induced DNA damage. However, the relationship between radiosensitivity and DNA damage mechanism deserves to be further probed. As the well-established RNA regulators or effectors, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) dominate vital roles in modulating ionizing radiation response by targeting crucial molecular pathways, including DNA damage repair. Recently, emerging evidence has constantly confirmed that overexpression or inhibition of lncRNAs can greatly influence the sensitivity of radiotherapy for many kinds of cancers, by driving a diverse array of DNA damage-associated signaling cascades. In conclusion, this review critically summarizes the recent progress in the molecular mechanism of IR-responsive lncRNAs in the context of radiation-induced DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of microalgae has been considered for enhancing effluent wastewater quality. However, it can cause environmental issues due to the release of extracellular and algal organic matter in the biological process. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of dissolved effluent as algae- and bacteria-derived organic matter during the oxidation ditch process. Furthermore, experiments were conducted under three combinations filled by Spirulina platensis, Chlorella vulgaris, and without microalgae. The results showed that dissolved effluent organic matter was more aromatic and hydrophobic than before treatment. Fluorescence spectroscopy identified two components—aromatic protein–like and soluble microbial product–like components—at excitation/emission of 230/345 nm and 320/345 nm after treatment, instead of fulvic acid–like at 230/420 nm and humic acid–like at 320/420 nm in raw wastewater. These components were fractionated based on the average of molecular weight cut-offs (MWCOs), and high (MWCOs > 50,000 Da), medium (MWCOs 50,000–1650 Da), and low molecular weights (MWCOs < 1650 Da) were reported. Biological oxidation ditch under symbiosis algal bacteria generated humic and fulvic acid with a higher MWCOs than the process without algal. The quality and quantity of dissolved effluent organic matter in an oxidation ditch reactor were significantly affected by algal-bacteria symbiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SO2 and NOx emission into the environment will harm the environment and health. In recent years, the research of biological processes for purifying SO2 and NOx is very popular, because biological process was considered to be the most economical and green treatment method at present. In this review, five representative biological processes for purifying SO2 and NOx and the metabolic pathways of SO2 and NOx in microorganisms were summarized. Besides, the research progress of biological processes and their respective kinetic models of five biological processes for purifying SO2 and NOx were compared and analyzed, and the process characteristics, operation mechanism, advantages and disadvantages of each process were pointed out. Biotrickling filter and rotating drum biofilter have an excellent application prospect, and membrane bioreactor also has a certain potentiality. In addition, the future research trend and development trend of biological processes for purifying SO2 and NOx were put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main thesis developed in this article is that the key feature of biological life is the a biological process can control and regulate other processes, and it maintains that ability over time. This control can happen hierarchically and/or reciprocally, and it takes place in three-dimensional space. This implies that the information that a biological process has to utilize is only about the control, but not about the content of those processes. Those other processes can be vastly more complex that the controlling process itself, and in fact necessarily so. In particular, each biological process draws upon the complexity of its environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to issues, such as the depletion of petroleum resources and price instability, the development of biorefinery related technologies that produce fuels, electric power, chemical substances, among others, from renewable resources is being actively promoted. 2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BDO) is a key compound that can be used to produce various chemical substances. In recent years, 2,3-BDO production using biological processes has attracted extensive attention for achieving a sustainable society through the production of useful compounds from renewable resources. With the development of genetic engineering, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, and other research field, studies on 2,3-BDO production by the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is safe and can be fabricated using an established industrial-scale cultivation technology, have been actively conducted. In this review, we sought to describe 2,3-BDO and its derivatives; discuss 2,3-BDO production by microorganisms, in particular S. cerevisiae, whose research and development has made remarkable progress; describe a method for separating and recovering 2,3-BDO from a microbial culture medium; and propose future prospects for the industrial production of 2,3-BDO by microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial body of research is focused to improve the understanding of the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes. Genotype–phenotype studies have shown promise in improving disease diagnosis in humans and identification of specific clinical phenotypes may be helpful in developing more effective therapeutic and diagnostic strategies. To expand on the existing paradigm of evaluating genotypes and phenotypes, we present an investigation of the correlation between biological processes as represented by genomic information and phenotypes in human disease. We focus on monogenic diseases and link biological process and phenotype utilizing information from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, the Gene Ontology, and the Human Phenotype Ontology comprehensive genomic, phenotypic, and disease information resources. Our study uncovers 4661 statistically significant associations and identifies novel correlations between biological processes and phenotypes. We find new relationships between unique phenotype–genotype pairs related to cardiovascular diseases and hypertelorism, which suggests that differences between certain phenotype–genotype association may be the key to the divergence of corresponding phenotypes. Although the application of correlating genotype, phenotype, and biological processes may help to guide diagnosis and treatment of diseases, further investigation and more specific gene ontology descriptions are still required to elucidate mechanisms of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wastewater generated from fish processing industry contains a credible level of biodegradable proteins and low biodegradable fats, oils, and grease (FOG). The conventional biological treatment of fish processing wastewater (FPWW) containing high concentration of FOG faces the challenges of clogging, hindrance to sedimentation due to the formation of hydrophobic sludge along with lipids, flocculation of sludge with poor activity, dewatering of sludge due to the presence of lipids, and formation of aminated offensive odors. The present investigation employed baffled moving bed biofilm reactor (BMBBR), up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, fluidized immobilized cell carbon oxidation (FICCO) reactor, and chemoautotrophic activated carbon oxidation (CAACO) reactors in series to treat FPWW. Five treatment options were evaluated to elevate the correct option for the treatment of FPWW. The treatment option V had established the removal efficiency of COD, 99 ± 0.1%; protein, 99 ± 0.2%; lipids, 100%; and oil and grease, 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental assessment of the actual reactor hydrodynamic behavior is aimed at detecting possible deviations from the design configuration, as well as suggesting corrective/improving modifications, efficacy of which can be also assessed in the aftermath. The hydrodynamic scheme can be defined by means of tracer tests (stimulus–response method) used for detecting the residence time distribution curve. This study shows the results of three hydrodynamic tests performed on a wastewater treatment plant half-line, in which a biological process (denitrification and oxidation–nitrification) is carried out. Hydrodynamic faults (in terms of dead space and/or flow bypass) were identified, and consequent actions suggested (i.e., change in submerged mixers orientation in the reactors; sinking of the final section of the sludge recirculation pipe below the free surface to avoid foaming phenomena; introduction of new mixed liquor recirculation lines). These actions, together with a careful selection of wastes to be treated, led to an improvement of the overall process performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Phenols are chemical compounds which are included in the high priority of pollutants by environmental protection agency (USEPA). The presence of high concentrations of phenols in wastewaters like oil refineries, petrochemical plants, olive oil, pesticide production and oil field operations contain high soluble solids (TDS) and in an olive oil plant, wastewater is acidic, high salty and phenol concentrations are in the range of 0.1-1%. Methods: Kinetic parameters were calculated according to Monod, Modified Stover- Kincannon, Hamoda and Haldane models. The influence of different initial phenol concentrations on the biodegradation rate was performed. The concentrations of phenol varied from 0 to 500 mg/l. Results: The value of Ki in saline phenolic wastewater in attached growth systems was higher than suspended growth systems that represented a higher phenol inhibition in suspended growth systems. It was obvious that the best model fitting the obtained data are Hamoda model and the Modified Stover-Kincannon model, having highest R² values of 0.991 and 1, respectively. The value of Ki in saline phenolic wastewater in attached growth system was higher than suspended growth systems which represented a higher phenol inhibition in suspended growth systems. Conclusions: Hamoda model and the Modified Stover-Kincannon model having highest R2 value of 0.991 and 1, respectively, and also predicting reasonable kinetic coefficient values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the carbon source of biological nutrient removal, can be produced by waste activated sludge (WAS) anaerobic fermentation. To get more SCFAs from sludge, most studies in literature focused on the mechanical process control or the structure of microbial community; little attention has been paid to the key microorganisms and their function related to SCFA generation. In this study, a different sludge pretreated method, i.e., pretreating sludge by proteinase K for 2 days followed by pretreating at pH 10 for 4 days, is reported, by which the proportion of Clostridiales was increased and SCFA generation was enhanced. First, the effects of different proteinase K concentrations and initial pH on sludge hydrolysis and SCFA generation were investigated. The optimal conditions showed the highest SCFA generation (352.91 mg COD per gram of volatile suspended solids), which was 2.89-fold of the blank (un-pretreated). Further, the new biological pretreatment process led to the conversion of other SCFAs to acetic acid. Acetic acid accounted for 60.8 % of total SCFAs with the new biological pretreatment process compared with 44.9 % in the blank test. Then, the investigation on the key microorganisms related to SCFA production with 16S rRNA gene clone library and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) indicated that there were much greater active Clostridiales when SCFAs were generated with the proteinase K and pH 10 pretreated sludge. Further, the mechanisms for the optimal conditions significantly enhancing SCFA generation were investigated. It was found that pretreating sludge by proteinase K and pH 10 caused the greatest key enzyme activities, organic consumption, and inhibition of methane generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In his famous essentialist account of identity, Kripke holds that it is necessary to the identity of individual people that they have the parents they do in fact have. Some have disputed this requirement, treating it either as a reason to reject essentialism or as something that should be eliminated in order to make essentialism stronger. I examine the reasoning behind some of these claims and argue that it fails to acknowledge the complex and multi-faceted importance of biological process in determining identity and distinguishing significant differences between biological and non-biological cases. In fact, this failure derives from an inherent tendency to treat the biological case in just the same way as the non-biological case at least at one important point in its history-the point of formation. This analysis offers a way of salvaging Kripke's original claims. I focus in particular on the views of Graeme Forbes and Teresa Robertson, but also discuss the views of Nathan Salmon, M. S. Price and E. J. Lowe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneity is the major obstacle to breast cancer target therapy. Classification of breast cancer with significant biological process may reduce the influence of heterogeneity of intrinsic tumor. We used survival analysis to filter 95 gene sets and classify 638 breast cancer samples into two subtypes based on those gene sets associated with prognosis. Clinical outcome of two subtypes were evaluated with disease-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival levels in three databases and ER+, PR+ HER2+, and TNBC groups. We established a novel classification with 95 prognostic gene sets. In the training and validation cohorts, the subtype 1 was characterized by significant gene sets associated with regulation of metabolic process and enzyme activity and predicted obviously improved clinical outcome than subtype 2, which was enriched by tumor cell division, mitosis, and cell cycle-related gene sets ( P < 0.05). When evaluated prognostic impact of subtypes in ER+, PR+ HER2+, and TNBC groups, we found that patients in subtype 1 showed better prognosis in ER+ and PR+ groups ( P < 0.05) but had no difference from prognosis of subtype 2 in HER2+ and TNBC groups. These findings may have implications in understanding of breast cancer and filtering effective therapeutic strategies for targeted therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand and help settle the controversy around the living time of Pinnatiramosus qianensis Geng, a paleo-weathering profile situated in the town of Yongle near the city of Zunyi, north Guizhou Province, China, was analyzed. The profile formed during a break in sedimentation between the Early Silurian and the Early Permian. Paleosol developed with a depth of several meters. The fossil plant P. qianensis Geng is present, but only in the lower portions (Layer 2) of the paleosol. Another plant with an irregularly branching system is found in Layers 2 and 3. The distinct geochemical characteristics of the lower and upper portions of the Gaojiayan paleosol indicate a compound genesis. Its lower portions (Layers 1 and 2) resulted from in situ weathering of silty mudstone of the lower Silurian Hanjiadian Formation. The upper portions (Layer 3) are allochthonous. Transgression brought substantial concentrations K and Na, and led to K- and Na-enrichment in the profile. Pumping of vascular plants and downward leaching enhanced the K enrichment in the middle portions. A superior preservation of P. qianensis Geng was observed in an exposure of Layer 2. Mass balance calculation indicates a great K enrichment related to bioaccumulation in the top of Layer 2 and a K loss in Layer 3. Fossil plants (e.g., P. qianensis Geng) preserved in the paleosol are Permian rooting systems growing down into the lower Silurian rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) alter the normal endocrine system of wildlife and humans. Among pesticides, a large number of chemicals have been identified as endocrine disruptors. Pesticides are designed to be toxic to pests and vectors of disease; however, human beings can easily be exposed to these chemicals because they are present in the environment at very low levels. In the present study, we examined the adverse effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals by screening transcripts and microRNAs. microRNAs are known as regulators of many protein coding genes. Therefore, the microRNAs regulating mRNAs were analyzed, including functional analysis. In addition, we tried to compare two types of chemicals, endocrine disruptor pesticides and EDCs. Endocrine disruptor pesticides were found to affect the reproductive or development systems by altering the Wnt signaling pathway, similar to EDCs. On the other hand, the genes involved in axon guidance and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis were differentially regulated by treatment with endocrine disruptor pesticides compared with EDCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the industrial age, people are exposed to many hazardous substances in many ways. Generally, exposure is of low doses, but chronic symptoms are associated with many industrial pollutants, and therefore, early prediction of exposure is important. In this study, we intended to determine the reliability of the predictive modeling and biomarkers of a previous study, and to determine the related pathway of that biomarkers. We analyzed the key pathways and biological processes associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from previous data - VOCs biomarker CRCT1, RUNX3, PCDH11X and PCSK6. In the analysis, inflammation and neoplasm were remarkably frequently occurring disease within the VOCs exposed body, and especially, exposure to toluene, presents a great likelihood of nerve disease or nervous system disease. Those diseases were related with the several biological processes, they are cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammatory response, and nervous system development. This study shows probability that application of decision supporting systems, moreover it is helpful to decide whether VOCs exposure has occurred or not, and to predict negative effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A basin-wide ocean general circulation model (OGCM) of the Pacific Ocean is employed to estimate the uptake and storage of anthropogenic CO using two different simulation approaches. The simulation (named BIO) makes use of a carbon model with biological processes and full thermodynamic equations to calculate surface water partial pressure of CO, whereas the other simulation (named PTB) makes use of a perturbation approach to calculate surface water partial pressure of anthropogenic CO. The results from the two simulations agree well with the estimates based on observation data in most important aspects of the vertical distribution as well as the total inventory of anthropogenic carbon. The storage of anthropogenic carbon from BIO is closer to the observation-based estimate than that from PTB. The Revelle factor in 1994 obtained in BIO is generally larger than that obtained in PTB in the whole Pacific, except for the subtropical South Pacific. This, to large extent, leads to the difference in the surface anthropogenic CO concentration between the two runs. The relative difference in the annual uptake between the two runs is almost constant during the integration processes after 1850. This is probably not caused by dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), but rather by a factor independent of time. In both runs, the rate of change in anthropogenic CO fluxes with time is consistent with the rate of change in the growth rate of atmospheric partial pressure of CO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are high preclinical attrition rates in current drug discovery. The efficient assessment approach in the high throughout candidate drugs screening still needs great improvement. We propose two hypotheses. First, both drug action process and biological process can be converted to a common space of gene or gene product profiling. Second, the strength of drug action on biological process can be realized in the context of biological network. Based on the above hypotheses, we establish an algorithm termed Network-based Assessment for Drug Action (NADA) to assess the action strength of candidate drugs on certain biological processes. Then NADA is used to prioritize the effects of six compounds from traditional Chinese medicine on endothelial cell migration, a simple process defined by Gene Ontology, in the biological network specific for a given pathological process, angiogenesis. The computational results are subsequently tested by the experiment on the migration of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells in vitro. The experimental ranks for six compounds generally agree with the predicted output of NADA. NADA also outperforms the DAVID and meet/min methods in terms of the experimental orders, suggesting that the network topological features may have a key role in catching the mechanistic relationship between drug action and biological process. Hopefully, the progress of network biology approaches for deciphering complex diseases will further expedite the preclinical screening and accelerate the development of treatment modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfilling of municipal waste is still a major issue of the waste management system in Europe. The generated leachate must be appropriately treated before being discharged into the environment. Technologies meant for leachate treatment can be classified as follows (i) biological methods, (ii) chemical and physical methods. Here we review briefly the main processes currently used for the landfill leachates treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jinman vein copper deposit in western Yunnan occurs in a salt-bearing red clastic rock formation composed of sandstone, siltstone and shale. Wood texture is considerably developed in the ores. The metallic minerals making up the wood textures mainly include pyrite, chalcopyrite and bornite. Studies on the samples and examination of their micrographs and electron micrographs have confirmed that they belong to xenoxylon, reflecting that the ore-hosting rock series is the product of sedimentation in the terrestrial environment. Organic geochemistry and sulfur and carbon isotopic composition data indicate that the formation of the deposit is substantially related with underground hot brines and biological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]