Search

Objectives This study aimed to explore the potential of halloysite and magnetite powders to enhance anaerobic digestion efficiency and to compare their effects. Methods Anaerobic digestion experiments were conducted in a total of four consecutive batch processes using reactors with halloysite and magnetite powders added at concentrations of 1 g/L, 10 g/L, and 50 g/L, as well as a control reactor without any powder addition. Cumulative methane production was measured in each batch, and the Gompertz model was applied to calculate kinetic parameters, which were then compared with the control. Additionally, microbial community analysis was performed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and correlations between the powder concentrations, Gompertz kinetic parameters, and microbial groups were evaluated. Results and Discussion Both powders demonstrated an effect on improving methane production rates. When halloysite was added at a concentration of 50 g/L, an increase in methane production rate was observed in all batches. Compared to the control, the lag phase (λ) was reduced by up to 31.4%, and the maximum methane production rate (Rm) increased by 17.6%. While the effects of halloysite at concentrations of 1 g/L and 10 g/L were less significant compared to 50 g/L, trends of reduced lag phase and increased Rm were noted in at least two batches. For magnetite powder, the most effective concentration in the first and second batches was 1 g/L, but in the third and fourth batches, lag phase (λ) was reduced by up to 39.3%, and the maximum methane production rate (Rm) increased by 13.2% at concentrations of 10 g/L and 50 g/L. Microbial community analysis revealed an increased dominance of Geobacter and Methanosarcina associated with the DIET mechanism as the amount of magnetite increased. Conclusion This study confirms the potential of halloysite and magnetite powders to enhance methane production rates in anaerobic digestion processes. These findings suggest the feasibility of using powdered additives to improve the efficiency of anaerobic digestion, providing foundational data for future related research.

Abstract Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne illness with a notable morality risk that is becoming increasingly prevalent in East Asia (14–36%). Increasing evidence indicates a more direct role of the SFTS virus in renal impairment. However, few studies have explored the risk factors for and clinical outcomes of AKI in patients with SFTS. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate risk factors and outcomes associated with AKI in patients with SFTS. In this retrospective cohort study, we included the data of 53 patients who were diagnosed with SFTS virus infection at Kangwon National University Hospital between 2016 and 2020. We incorporated laboratory data and medical information including comorbidities, complications, and mortality. Baseline characteristics, clinical features, laboratory parameters, and mortality rates of the non-AKI and AKI groups were compared. Patient survival of non-AKI and AKI groups were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method. To identify the population with poor prognosis, Cox regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with SFTS. Of the 53 individuals, 29 (54.7%) were male, with an average age of 66.5 years. Nine patients (15.1%) died of SFTS. Twenty-seven (50.9%) patients exhibited AKI; the average time interval from fever onset to AKI occurrence was 3.6 days. Notably, 24 (88.9%) patients developed AKI within the first week of fever onset. Patients in the AKI group exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes and were older than those in the non-AKI group. The mortality rate was notably higher (29.6%) in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group (3.8%). Within the AKI cohort, advanced stages (stages 2 and 3) showed a 50% mortality rate, which was significantly higher than the 17.6% mortality rate in patients with stage 1 AKI. Additionally, Kaplan–Meier curves revealed lower survival rates among patients with AKI than among those without AKI (P = 0.017). Cox regression analysis identified leukopenia and elevated serum creatinine levels as significant risk factors for mortality. AKI is a common complication associated with SFTS. Moreover, the mortality rate was significantly higher in the patients who developed AKI than in those who did not. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of AKI as a prognostic marker of disease severity in patients with SFTS.

Abstract The integrated stress response (ISR) enables cells to cope with a variety of insults, but its specific contribution to downstream cellular outputs remains unclear. Using a synthetic tool, we selectively activate the ISR without co-activation of parallel pathways and define the resulting cellular state with multi-omics profiling. We identify time- and dose-dependent gene expression modules, with ATF4 driving only a small but sensitive subgroup that includes amino acid metabolic enzymes. This ATF4 response affects cellular bioenergetics, rerouting carbon utilization towards amino acid production and away from the tricarboxylic acid cycle and fatty acid synthesis. We also find an ATF4-independent reorganization of the lipidome that promotes DGAT-dependent triglyceride synthesis and accumulation of lipid droplets. While DGAT1 is the main driver of lipid droplet biogenesis, DGAT2 plays an essential role in buffering stress and maintaining cell survival. Together, we demonstrate the sufficiency of the ISR in promoting a previously unappreciated metabolic state.

Objectives This study evaluates the potential for resource recovery through anaerobic digestion of organic waste generated in a poultry slaughterhouse, specifically focusing on poultry slaughterhouse wastewater and sludge cake obtained from in-house wastewater treatment. Methods Basic characteristics (total solids, alkalinity, etc.), total nitrogen/ammonia nitrogen, and elemental analysis (macro and trace elements) were performed to determine the properties of the samples and calculate theoretical methane potential. Experimental methane potential was determined through BMP tests, with parameters such as lag period (λ) and maximum methane production rate (CH4 mL/g VS/d) obtained using the modified Gompertz equation. Results and Discussion The wastewater exhibited low organic matter concentration (1.79 g VS/kg; 3.74 g COD/L), while the sludge cake showed high total solids content (TS 170.8 g/kg) and organic matter concentration (131.5 g VS/kg; 220 g COD/L). Elemental analysis revealed that the C/N ratio was 9.17 for the sludge cake and 8.24 for the wastewater, indicating high nitrogen content. Methane production modeling using the modified Gompertz equation revealed a lag period of 7.5 days and T80 (time to produce 80% of total methane) of 21 days for wastewater, and a lag period of 2.4 days and T80 of 14 days for sludge cake. Conclusion Wastewater and sludge cake from poultry slaughterhouses show significant potential as substrates for anaerobic digestion. However, the wastewater has low organic matter content, and the sludge cake, while high in organic matter, has low moisture and high ammonia levels. Therefore, it may be appropriate to co-digest these two substrates, or to co-digest the sludge cake with other substrates that have low nitrogen content and high water content. These findings provide fundamental data for the anaerobic digestion of slaughterhouse waste and highlight the need for further research on co-digestion and continuous processes.

The purpose of this study is to effectively support the operation of biogas plants that utilize anaerobic digestion of pig manure. An analysis was conducted on the characteristics of manure collected from 17 pig farms. Following this, the methane potential of the manure was evaluated, and a comparison of microbial communities was made at the end of the biochemical methane potential test. Based on these analyses, methane production during anaerobic digestion was modeled under various scenarios, allowing for the calculation of expected electricity generation and carbon dioxide reduction. The experimental results were categorized according to manure management type and the types of pigs raised. In this study, at a temperature of 37 °C and a hydraulic retention time of 30 days, the scraper method demonstrated the highest methane production rates, achieving 0.85 and 1.03 m3/m3/day for both mono-anaerobic digestion of manure and co-digestion with food wastewater. However, establishing definitive characteristics of manure management types requires the collection of more comprehensive data from a broader range of farms, which will be critical for conducting further in-depth research.

Abstract Hyposalivation is a common complaint among the elderly, but no established treatment prevents age-induced hyposalivation. Platelet derivatives such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and plasma rich in growth factor (PRGF), are used widely in different areas of regenerative medicine to enhance the wound healing processes. This study examined whether the local injection of the supernatant of activated PRP (saPRP) into the salivary gland (SG) could help prevent aging-induced SG dysfunction and explored the mechanisms responsible for the protective effects on the SG hypofunction. The platelets were separated from the blood of male SD rats (220 ± 20 g). saPRP was manufactured by removing the fibrin clot after activating platelet with calcium ionophore 10 μM (A23187). The total protein and TGF-β1 levels were significantly higher in saPRP than in PRP. Human salivary gland epithelial cell(hSGEC) was treated with saPRP or PRP after senescence through irradiation. The significant proliferation of hSGEC was observed in saPRP treated group compared to irradiation only group and irradiation + PRP group. Cellular senescence, apoptosis, and inflammation significantly reduced in saPRP group. The SG function and structural tissue remodeling by the saPRP were investigated with naturally aged mice. The mice were divided into three groups: 3 months old (3 M), 22 months old (22 M), and 22 months old treated with saPRP (22 M + saPRP). Salivary flow rate and lag time were significantly improved in 22 M + saPRP group compared to 22 M group. The histologic examinations showed the significant proliferation of acinar cell in 22 M + saPRP group. The decrease of senescence, apoptosis, and inflammation observed by western blot in 22 M + saPRP group. The saPRP induced the proliferation of hSGECs, leading to a significant decrease in cellular senescence via decrease inflammation and apoptosis, in vitro. Moreover, the acini cells of the salivary gland were regenerated, and the salivary function increased in aged mice. These results showed that saPRP could be a treatment agent against aging-induced SG dysfunction.

Objectives The primary goals of this research were to assess the viability and practicality of small-scale village facilities as well as central commercial biogas plants. Additionally, the study aimed to create predictive models by exploring various codigestion scenarios. Methods The study conducted a comprehensive analysis of available biomass and its maximum energy potential through anaerobic digestion in every city, county, and village within South Gyeongsang province. Five distinct codigestion scenarios were explored, encompassing assessments of processing capacity, energy production potential, and the necessary digester capacity for anaerobic digestion. At the village level, the scenarios comprised: C1, which involved sole digestion of manure; C2, codigestion of manure and food waste in a 7:3 ratio; C3, codigestion of pig slurry and slaughterhouse waste in a 9:1 ratio; C4, multiple codigestion with PS:FW:SW=6.5:2.8:0.8; and finally, C5, involving the addition of sewage and sewage sludge to the codigestion process of C4's biomass. Results and Discussion The biomass generated in South Gyeongsang province was 9430 tons/day, with a methane production potential of 167 million cubic meters/year. This biomass had an energy production potential of 156,000 TOE/year and a potential electricity generation of 732.7 GW/year, based on the annual petroleum conversion ton. Codigestion (C5) enabled up to 720% more electricity generation compared to sole digestion of manure (C1). Mixing pig slurry and food waste in a 7:3 ratio resulted in approximately 18% more electricity production compared to the case where manure was mixed with slaughterhouse by-products in a 9:1 ratio. Conclusion Biomass imbalance was significant in most regions, particularly due to high variations in food waste generation between regions. Obtaining alternative resources and integrating various biomass for anaerobic digestion, especially in rural areas, is crucial for achieving stable anaerobic digestion and high methane production. Regions with high biomass density are predicted to support large-scale biogas facilities following European standards, while 25 villages showed the potential for small-scale biogas facilities.

Objectives This study aims to establish efficient strategies for data-driven operational management by examining the variations in machine learning modeling outcomes and data characteristics based on data acquisition intervals and methods. Methods The BSM1 was used to simulate wastewater treatment facilities and to generate influent and effluent water quality data at 15-minute intervals. The generated data was processed by volume reduction through down sampling and data characteristic observation via resampling techniques, including up sampling through interpolation. Subsequently, the study involved a comparative analysis of the performance of 30 machine learning models built with the down sampled data. Results and Discussion As data acquisition interval increased (i.e., down sampling progressed), R2 decreased and RMSE increased. When using the mean value as a representation, data accuracy was high, and error loss was minimal. Utilizing the maximum value as a representation helped maintain data characteristics and reduce information loss. Simple interpolation methods did not yield improved data accuracy. Furthermore, with wider data acquisition intervals, the practical predictive performance of machine learning models decreased, and the models experienced a sharp decline in performance when data became insufficient. Conclusion For models requiring the ability to detect changes rather than accuracy, utilizing the maximum value over a specific period proves to be effective. The measurement interval of data emerges as a significant factor affecting the performance of machine learning models, with models developed under different measurement intervals often failing to demonstrate the expected performance. In this study, we have implemented all stages of data preprocessing, classification, training, and validation using LabVIEW, confirming the potential for integrating data analysis processes into LabVIEW, a widely used platform in the fields of control and measurement.

Background: DNA methylation forms 5-methylcytosine and its regulation in the hippocampus is critical for learning and memory. Indeed, dysregulation of DNA methylation is associated with neurological diseases. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the predominant of dementia and a neurodegenerative disorder. Methods: We examined the learning and memory function in 3- and 9-month-old wild-type and 5xfamiliar Alzheimer’s disease (5xFAD) transgenic mice by performing the object recognition memory and Y-maze tests, and identified the hippocampal amyloid beta burden. To investigate the epigenetically regulated genes involved in the development or neuropathology of AD, we performed genome-wide DNA methylation sequencing and RNA sequencing analyses in the hippocampus of 9-month-old wild-type and 5xFAD tg mice. To validate the genes inversely regulated by epigenetics, we confirmed their methylation status and mRNA levels. Results: At 9 months of age, 5xFAD tg mice showed significant cognitive impairment and amyloid-beta plaques in the hippocampus. DNA methylation sequencing identified a total of 13,777 differentially methylated regions, including 4484 of hyper- and 9293 of hypomethylated regions, that are associated with several gene ontology (GO) terms including ‘nervous system development’ and ‘axon guidance’. In RNA sequencing analysis, we confirmed a total of 101 differentially expressed genes, including 52 up- and 49 downregulated genes, associated with GO functions such as ‘positive regulation of synaptic transmission, glutamatergic’ and ‘actin filament organization’. Through further integrated analysis of DNA methylation and RNA sequencing, three epigenetically regulated genes were selected: thymus cell antigen 1, theta (Thy1), myosin VI (Myo6), and filamin A-interacting protein 1-like (Filip1l). The methylation level of Thy1 decreased and its mRNA levels increased, whereas that of Myo6 and Filip1l increased and their mRNA levels decreased. The common functions of these three genes may be associated with the neural cytoskeleton and synaptic plasticity. Conclusions: We suggest that the candidate genes epigenetically play a role in AD-associated neuropathology (i.e., amyloid-beta plaques) and memory deficit by influencing neural structure and synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, counteracting dysregulated epigenetic changes may delay or ameliorate AD onset or symptoms.

ABSTRACTAsthma is a disease-related allergic response characterized by the accumulation of inflammatory cells in airway tissue. Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae are known for their nutritional value and have been used in food; however, it is unknown whether they exert protective effects in a murine ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic model. We investigated the protective effects of an aqueous extract of P. brevitarsis seulensis larvae (PBE) against OVA-induced asthma by performing histopathological analysis and measuring inflammatory mediators in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry. Asthmatic symptoms were attenuated by PBE, as indicated by decreased inflammation in lung tissue and decreased levels of inflammatory cells, inflammatory cytokines, and Th2 cell activation. Additionally, four out of six major metabolites isolated from P. brevitarsis seulensis attenuated Th2 cell activation, indicating that PBE attenuates asthmatic inflammation by regulating Th2 cell activation. Therefore, our findings support PBE as a pharmacological candidate for asthma treatment.

Hyperproduction of immune cell-derived inflammatory molecules and recruitment of immune cells promote the development of allergic asthma (AA). Aromadendrin (ARO) has various biological properties including anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we evaluated the ameliorative effects of ARO on the development of AA in vitro and in vivo. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 100 nM) was used to induce inflammation in A549 airway epithelial cells. The cohesion of A549 and eosinophil EOL-1 cells was studied. Ovalbumin (30 or 60 μg)/Alum (3 mg) mixture was adapted for AA induction in mice. ARO (5 or 10 mg/kg, p. o.) was administered to mice to investigate its ameliorative effect on AA development. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, and hematoxylin and eosin/periodic acid Schiff staining were performed to study the ameliorative effect of ARO on bronchial inflammation. In PMA-stimulated A549 cells, the upregulation of cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β/IL-6/tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]/monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1]) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation was effectively reduced by ARO pretreatment. ARO suppressed the adhesion of A549 cells and eosinophils. In ovalbumin-induced AA mice, the levels of cells, such as eosinophils, Th2 cytokines, MCP-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, IgE in serum, and inducible nitric oxide synthase/cyclooxygenase-2 expression in the lung tissue were upregulated, which were all suppressed by ARO. In addition, the increase in cell inflow and mucus formation in the lungs of AA mice was reversed by ARO as per histological analysis. ARO also modulated NF-κB activation in the lungs of AA mice. Overall, the anti-inflammatory properties of ARO in vitro/in vivo studies of AA were notable. Thus, ARO has a modulatory effect on bronchial inflammation and may be a potential adjuvant for AA treatment.

Introduction: Salivary gland (SG) damage is commonly caused by aging, irradiation, and some medications, and currently, no damage modifying agent is available. However, cell therapy based on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been proposed as a therapeutic modality for irradiated SGs. Therefore, we administered cell-derived vesicles (CDVs) of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) to irradiated SG cells to investigate their radioprotective effects in vitro. Methods: The artificial CDVs were obtained from ADMSC by tangential flow filtration (TFF) purification and ultracentrifugation. Cultured human SG epithelial cells were exposed to 2, 5 or 15 Gy of 4 MV X-rays produced by a linear accelerator. The effects of ADMSC-CDVs on SG epithelial cells damaged by irradiation were tested by proliferation activity, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and amylase activity. Results: Exposure to penetrating radiation inhibited the proliferation of SG epithelial cells, but the radiation intensity required to reduce the proliferation of human submandibular gland epithelial cells (hSMGECs) was greater than required for other SG cells. ADMSC-CDVs restored the proliferative ability of SG epithelial cells reduced by irradiation, and the proliferation capacities of irradiated human parotid gland epithelial cells (hPGECs) and human sublingual gland epithelial cells (hSLGECs) were increased by administering ADMSC-CDVs to non-irradiated SG epithelial cells. Furthermore, amylase activity in irradiated hPGECs, hSMGECs, and hSLGECs was lower than in non-irradiated controls. However, amylase ability was restored in all by ADMSC-CDV treatment. Also, TEER was diminished by irradiation in hPGECs, hSMGECs, and hSLGECs and restored by ADMSC-CDV administration. Conclusion: Overall, our findings demonstrate that ADMSC-CDVs have potent radioprotective effects on irradiated SG cells.

Abstract Vocal cord paralysis caused by recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury during thyroidectomy results in hoarseness, aspiration, and dyspnea. We evaluated the usefulness of nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) constructed from an asymmetric polycaprolactone (PCL)/Pluronic F127 porous membrane and filled with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for functional RLN regeneration. We evaluated the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells (SCs) after PRP treatment in vitro. For the in vivo study, rabbits were divided into a non-loaded NGC group and a PRP-loaded NGC group. The left RLNs were resected and interposed with the NGCs. Functional and histological examinations of the vocal cords were performed. SC proliferation and migration increased in a PRP dose-dependent manner, with the PRP increasing the levels of neurotrophic factors, myelin-associated glycoprotein, and ERK. In vivo, the PRP group showed significantly better vocal cord mobility and less vocalis muscle atrophy than the non-loaded NGC group. Histologically, the ingrowth of nerve endings occurred more rapidly in the PRP group, and acetylcholinesterase, neurofilament, and S-100 expression in neural endings were significantly higher in the PRP group. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy showed that myelinated axons were more tightly packed in the PRP group. This study shows that PRP-loaded NGCs provide a favorable environment for neural regeneration and suggests that this technique has therapeutic potential for promoting RLN recovery.

AimTo determine the Bruch's membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) tipping point where corresponding visual field (VF) damages become detectable.MethodsA total of 85 normal subjects and 83 glaucoma patients (one eye per participant) were recruited for the study. All of the patients had VF examinations and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography to measure the BMO-MRW. Total deviation values for 52 VF points were allocated to the corresponding sector according to the Garway-Heath distribution map. To evaluate the relationship between VF loss and BMO-MRW measurements, a "broken-stick" statistical model was used. The tipping point where the VF values started to sharply decrease as a function of BMO-MRW measurements was estimated and the slopes above and below this tipping point were compared.ResultsA 25.9% global BMO-MRW loss from normative value was required for the VF loss to be detectable. Sectorally, substantial BMO-MRW thinning in inferotemporal sector (33.1%) and relatively less BMO-MRW thinning in the superotemporal sector (8.9%) were necessary for the detection of the VF loss. Beyond the tipping point, the slopes were close to zero throughout all of the sectors and the VF loss was unrelated to the BMO-MRW loss. The VF loss was related to the BMO-MRW loss below the tipping point. The difference between the two slopes was statistically significant (P≤0.002).ConclusionSubstantial BMO-MRW loss appears to be necessary for VF loss to be detectable in patients with open angle glaucoma with standard achromatic perimetry.