Abstract  Pasture-based livestock agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) nitrous oxide (N2O ). Although a body of research is available on the effect of urine patch N or fertiliser N on N2O emissions, limited data is available on the effect of fertiliser N applied to patches of urinary N, which can cover up to a fifth of the yearly grazed area. This study investigated whether the sum of N2O emissions from urine and a range of N fertilisers, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) or urea +/- urease inhibitor +/- nitrification inhibitor, applied alone (disaggregated and re-aggregated) approximated the N2O emission of urine and fertiliser N applied together (aggregated). Application of fertiliser to urine patches did not significantly increase either the cumulative yearly N2O emissions or the N2O emission factor in comparison to urine and fertiliser applied separately with the emissions re-aggregated. However, there was a consistent trend for approximately 20% underestimation of N2O loss generated from fertiliser and urine applied separately when compared to figures generated when urine and fertiliser were applied together. N2O emission factors from fertilisers were 0.02%, 0.06%, 0.17% and 0.25% from urea +/- dicyandiamide (DCD), urea + N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) + DCD, urea + NBPT and urea, respectively, while the emission factor for urine alone was 0.33%. Calcium ammonium nitrate and urea did not interact differently with urine even when the urea included DCD. N2O losses could be reduced by switching from CAN to urea-based fertilisers.

Abstract  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the combined septic tank and constructed wetland systems as series when they are easily operated in a small community such as training camp. Using the septic tank for sanitary wastewater treatment in a small community can be an effective preliminary process. The nitrate and phosphate concentrations could be effectively decreased in the effluent by using the constructed wetland. By using the series treatment process, the removal efficiencies of ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and phosphate were reported to be 40.11%, 37.91%, 19.49%, and 39%, respectively. Also, the removal efficiencies of total coliform and fecal coliform were found 5 log and 4 log units, respectively. Using disinfection unit will be necessary before discharging of the total and fecal coliforms in the effluent to the environment. In this study, the quality of the treated wastewater was found to be according to the acceptable Iranian effluent standards for wastewater reuse in irrigation.

Abstract  Supercapacitor is a new-type energy storage device with the promising application prospect, and its development mainly relies on the development of electrode materials. In this work, a series of nickel-cobalt (Ni-Co) layered double hydroxides is synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method by using nickel and cobalt salts with four different anions (including sulfate, chlorate, acetate and nitrate) serving as nickel and cobalt sources. According to the types of salts, the obtained samples are named Ni-Co(SO4), Ni-Co(Cl), Ni-Co(Ac) and Ni-Co(NO3), respectively. The morphology and structure of Ni-Co layered double hydroxide are characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively, and the electrochemical properties of the sample are investigated by CHI660D electrochemical workstation in 2 M KOH aqueous solution. The results demonstrate that the types of nickel and cobalt salts not only affect the morphology and structure of Ni-Co layered double hydroxide, but also significantly influence the electrochemical properties of the sample. The SEM images show that the Ni-Co layered double hydroxide synthesized with nickel sulfate and cobalt sulfate (Ni-Co(SO4)) possesses loose layer structure, which can provide abundant active sites and benefit the diffusion of electrolyte. The electrochemical test results show that the specific capacitances of Ni-Co(SO4), Ni-Co(Cl), Ni-Co(Ac) and Ni-Co(NO3) under a current density of 1 A/g at a potential window of 0.45 V, are 1551.1 F/g, 440.7 F/g, 337.8 F/g and 141.6 F/g respectively. As the current density increases from 1 A/g to 7 A/g, the capacitive retention rates of Ni-Co(SO4), Ni-Co(Cl), Ni-Co(Ac) and Ni-Co(NO3) are kept at 60.1%, 21.7%, 4.6% and 6.0%, respectively. The results of alternating current (AC) impedance test display that the electron transfer resistance follows an increasing trend: R [Ni-Co(SO4)] < R [Ni-Co(Cl)] < R [Ni-Co(Ac)] < R [Ni-Co(NO3)]. The small electron transfer resistance is conducive to excellent capacitance at the high current density. Therefore, the excellent capacitive performance of the sample Ni-Co(SO4) is ascribed to the loose layer structure and low electron transfer resistance. In addition, the cycling stabilities of the samples are investigated by constant current charge-discharge test. The capacitive value of the sample Ni-Co(SO4) declines by 16% for 1000 cycles at a current density of 7 A/g. The capacitance decrease can be ascribed to the damage to the layered structure and the increase of the electron transfer resistance in the multiple constant current charge-discharge processes as shown in the results of SEM and AC impedance before and after cycle. This study provides a foundation for exploiting and utilizing high-performance nickel-cobalt layered double hydroxides as electrode material of supercapacitor.

Abstract  This study investigated the effects of varying calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)(2)) supply on seed germination, seedling growth, and antioxidant responses during cucumber seed germination. Five and 20 mM Ca(NO3)(2) stimulated seed germination, while 10 and 40 mM Ca(NO3)(2) inhibited it. Germinating seed weight was clearly promoted by 5 mM Ca(NO3)(2), but decreased under 40 mM Ca(NO3)(2). Ten or 20 mM Ca(NO3)(2) caused no marked change. Addition of 10 or 40 mM Ca(NO3)(2) increased the activity of many enzymes in germinating seeds, such as superoxide dismutases (SOD), peroxidases (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR). On the other hand, 5 and 20 mM Ca(NO3)(2) markedly decreased CAT activity. Among all the treatments, only 10 mM Ca(NO3)(2) increased malondialdehyde content. Similarly, the production rate of O-2 (.-) was only higher in 20 mM Ca(NO3)(2). Compared with the control (0 mM Ca(NO3)(2)), protein content significantly increased in all treatments except for 20 mM Ca(NO3)(2). Calcium nitrate strongly inhibited the growth of seedlings, and damaged leaf and root microstructure. The inhibition and damage were more severe as the Ca(NO3)(2) concentration increased. Calcium nitrate promoted the accumulation of photosynthetic pigment, but led to a decrease in chlorophyll a/b. These results suggest that the effect of different Ca(NO3)(2) levels on seed germination was variable, while the inhibition effect on seedling growth enhanced with increase of Ca(NO3)(2) concentration. This effect is closely associated with Ca (2+) and NO3 (-) concentration, antioxidant enzyme activity, and the different growth and development stages of cucumber.

Abstract  CLC type anion transport proteins are homo-dimeric or hetero-dimeric with an integrated transport function in each subunit. We have identified and partially characterized three members of this family named TbVCL1, TbVCL2 and TbVCL3 in Trypanosoma brucei. Among the human CLC family members, the T. brucei proteins display highest similarity to CLC-6 and CLC-7. TbVCL1, but not TbVCL2 and TbVCL3 is able to complement growth of a CLC-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutant. All TbVCL-HA fusion proteins localize intracellulary in procyclic form trypanosomes. TbVCL1 localizes close to the Golgi apparatus and TbVCL2 and TbVCL3 to the endoplasmic reticulum. Upon expression in Xenopus oocytes, all three proteins induce similar outward rectifying chloride ion currents. Currents are sensitive to low concentrations of DIDS, insensitive to the pH in the range 5.4 to 8.4 and larger in nitrate than in chloride medium.

Abstract  Oligotrophic coastal zones are disappearing from increased nutrient loading. The quantity of nutrients reaching the coast is determined not only by their original source (e.g. fertilizers used in agriculture, waste water discharges) and the land use, but also by the pathways through which nutrients are cycled from the source to the river mouth. In particular, lakes sequester nutrients and, hence, reduce downstream transfer of nutrients to coastal environments. Here, we quantify the impact of Aquitaine great lakes on the fluxes of dissolved macro nutrients (N, P, Si) to the Bay of Biscay. For that, we have measured nutrient concentrations and fluxes in 2014 upstream and downstream lakes of Lacanau and Carcans-Hourtin, which belongs to the catchment of the Arcachon Bay, which is the largest coastal lagoon of the Bay of Biscay French coast. Data were compared to values obtained from the Leyre river, the main freshwater and nutrient source for the lagoon. Results show that processes in lakes greatly limit nutrient flux to the lagoon compared to fluxes from Leyre river, although the watershed is similar in terms of land cover. In lakes, phosphorus and silicon are trapped for long term in the sediment, silicon as amorphous biogenic silica and phosphorus as organic P and P associated with Fe-oxides. Nitrogen that enters lakes mostly as nitrate is used for primary production. N is mineralized in the sediment; a fraction diffuses as ammonium. N-2 production through benthic denitrification extracts only 10% of dissolved inorganic nitrogen from the aquatic system. The main part is sequestered in organic-rich sediment that accumulates below 5 m depth in both lakes.

Abstract  The present study demonstrates utilization of secondary agricultural wastes for xylitol production. The highest xylan-to-xylose (70%) conversion was achieved using dilute nitric acid as catalyst followed by resin treatment. Results show that resin treatment efficiently removed nitrate salt (70%), phenolic content and 5-HMF (70%). Highest xylitol yield (85%) was achieved during fermentation using Candida tropicalis MTCC 6192 from the neutralized hemicellulosic hydrolysate medium. Good recovery (>15%) was achieved from corncob with 85% xylose to xylitol conversion during fermentation. This two-step process for transformation of agri-waste to xylitol is much simpler and it could possibly be considered for up scaling after process optimization parameters.

Abstract  A binary mixture of a-aminophosphonic acid extractant 2-ethylhexyl-3-(2-ethylhexylamino)pentan-3-yl-phosphonic acid (HEHAPP, H2A2) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA, H2B2) in n-heptane was employed for the extraction and separation of rare earths (REs) from chloride medium. A remarkable synergistic effect was observed in the Lu(lll) extraction by the mixture. The extracted species of Lu(Ill) was determined as LuH(4)Cl(2)A(3)B(2). The separation factors of adjacent heavy REs, i.e. SFEr/Ho., SFTm/Er, SFYb/Tm and SFLu/Yb, were of 1.45, 2.58, 2.77 and 1.77, which were much higher than those for other reported synergistic systems, suggesting that the mixture of HEHAPP and D2EHPA is a potential synergistic extraction system for the separation of heavy REs.

Abstract  Catalytic behavior of Co-based/zeolites catalysts was investigated in NO x reduction by CH4. Optimization of promoter and support was investigated by catalytic tests, and the relationship between catalytic activity and catalyst structure was illustrated by catalyst characterization. Co-Fe/SAPO-34 exhibited the highest activity among various Co-base/zeolites catalysts. The maximum conversion of NO x with 52.7% was obtained on Co-Fe/SAPO-34 at 450℃. The inhibition of activity of Fe/zeolites became severe in the presence of SO2, CO2, and H2O. CO2 exerted virtually no effect on the SCR activity of Co-Fe/zeolites. The inhibition of NO x conversion by H2O was reversible for Co-Fe/zeolites catalysts. Cobalt species were mainly present in CoO and Co(OH)2 states in Co-Fe/SAPO-34. Co3O4and Co(OH)2 were the main cobalt species of Co-Fe/ZSM-5, while CoO, CoAl2O4 and Co3O4 might be present in Co-Fe/Beta. The ratio of Fe2+/Fe3+ in the surface layer of Co-Fe/zeolites decreased in the order of Co-Fe/ZSM-5(3.98) > Co-Fe/SAPO-34(0.52) > Co-Fe/Beta(0.43). The active states of cobalt species and suitable ratio of Fe2+/Fe3+ were important for the activity of Co-Fe/zeolites in CH4-SCR. CH4-SCR over Co-Fe/zeolite catalysts started with the adsorption of NO and CH4 on Brønsted acid sites of the zeolite to produce NO+and carbon-containing species(-C=O and -COO) in the presence of oxygen, respectively. Subsequently, the important intermediates of nitrate species were generated from NO+ at the active sites. Finally, nitrate species reacted with carbon-containing species to form N2 and CO2.

Abstract  Nutrients from depth have been hypothesized as a primary source of new nutrients that sustain new productivity in oligotrophic oceans; however, the flux is challenging to quantify. Here we show for a first time in the oligotrophic South China Sea an extremely low diapycnal dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) flux as 1.8 x 10(-4) mmol m(-2) d(-1) in the nutrient-depleted layer (NDL) above the nutricline, where other nutrient supplies sustain the new production. Here higher phosphate and silicate fluxes relative to DIN than Redfield stoichiometry further indicate N-limited biological productivity and additional removal of DIN by diatoms. Below the NDL across the nutricline to the base of euphotic zone, termed as nutrient replete layer, the DIN flux is three orders of magnitude larger and sufficient in supporting the export production therein. Here higher DIC flux relative to DIN than Redfield stoichiometry further infers DIC excess in the upper ocean.

Abstract  2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a common component of many explosives. The overproduction and extensive usage of TNT significantly contaminates the environment. TNT accumulates in soils and aquatic ecosystems and can primarily be destroyed by microorganisms. Current work is devoted to investigation ofYarrowia lipolyticaproteins responsible for TNT transformation through the pathway leading to protonated Meisenheimer complexes and nitrite release. Here, we identified a unique set of upregulated membrane and cytosolic proteins ofY. lipolytica, which biosynthesis increased during TNT transformation through TNT-monohydride-Meisenheimer complexes in the first step of TNT degradation, through TNT-dihydride-Meisenheimer complexes in the second step, and the aromatic ring denitration and degradation in the last step. We established that the production of oxidoreductases, namely, NADH flavin oxidoreductases and NAD(P)+-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenases, as well as transferases was enhanced at all stages of the TNT transformation byY. lipolytica. The up-regulation of several stress response proteins (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathioneS-transferase) was also detected. The involvement of intracellular nitric oxide dioxygenase in NO formation during nitrite oxidation was shown. Our results present at the first time the full proteome analysis ofY. lipolyticayeast, destructor of TNT.

Abstract  Recently, problem of wastewater of Sulaimani City emerged which is discharged directly to Tanjero River. Samples were taken from nine outlets of sewer systems for analysis. Results showed the range of temperatures 27-12 degrees C and pH 8.36-6.77, while electrical conductivity is 1689720 mu S/cm, total dissolved solid 1124-480 mg/l, turbidity 240-15 NTU, total hardness 413.1-129.9 mg/l, calcium 144-39.6 mg/l, magnesium 43.2-6.4 mg/l, alkalinity 570224.2 mg/l, nitrate 51.2-8.7 mg/l, chemical oxygen demand 116-65 mg/l, biochemical oxygen demand 79.5-66.75 mg/l, chloride 253.1-36.8 mg/l, sulfate 141.5-35.9 mg/l, Zn 0.0754-0.0053 mg/l, Cd 0.022-0.0001 mg/l, Cr 0.04210.0043 mg/l, Cu 0.0707-0.0014 mg/l, Pb 0.21-0.0064 mg/l, and Fe 0.2421-0.0135 mg/l, and found that the concentrations of most parameters are high at S8, which is an industrial area. For studying the environmental effects of Tanjero River on the inhabitant surrounding, questionnaire was distributed over 31 areas and shows that the regions suffering from health and environmental problems represented about 48% of the areas have chronic diseases, 10% have diarrhea, 10% have typhoid, 10% have skin diseases, 6% have cancer, and others have more than one disease. And most of chronic diseases are diabetes and hypertension. Livestock watering affected on poultry and sheep more than cow and goat as well as extinction of fisheries in the river. Cultivation of vegetables in the areas dropped considerably due to water pollution and fade rice cultivation in the areas. Therefore, building of two wastewater treatment plants with constructing CSO structure with retention basin for stormwater coming from the mountains should be adopted, in addition to pretreatment procedure for industrial wastewater and proper on-site sanitation treatment for those that are not connected to the sewer system.

Abstract  The in situ evaluation of the genotoxic impact of the Karaj River was performed using the comet and micronucleus (MN) assays in erythrocytes, liver, gill and kidney of indigenous brown trout, Salmo trutta fario from three different stations, including Varangerud, Asara and Purkan. The results showed that DNA damage significantly increased in sampled fish erythrocytes, liver and gill from low levels in the upstream river (Varangerud) via intermediate levels in downstream (Purkan) to high levels in the middle of the river (Asara), correlating with the river increasing pollution gradient. Gill was the most sensitive tissue followed by blood and liver. Kidney did not respond to the genotoxic gradient of the river. MN test (as a complementary assay) of liver cells of fish was a sensitive biomarker of genotoxic exposure. MN test in blood, gill and kidney did not reflect the genotoxic condition of the river.

Abstract  Two experiments evaluated the effect of calcium ammonium nitrate decahydrate (calcium nitrate [NIT]) and monensin sodium (MON) on in vitro fermentation parameters of 2 contrasting diets (100:0 and 10:90 forage-to-concentrate ratios). Diet addition of NIT (0, 1.25, and 2.5 g/100 g DM) and MON (0, 3, and 6 mg/L) were tested alone and combined (9 treatments total; 5 bottles per treatment). Mixed ruminal microorganisms were incubated in anaerobic media containing 0.5 g of substrate diet, 1 of 9 treatments, and 40 mL buffer solution. Incubations were performed in batch cultures for 48 h at 39°C. Headspace gas volume was measured and sampled at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h, and the VFA profile was assessed at the end of the experiment. Total gas production was reduced by NIT (87.9 vs. 94.6 mL; < 0.01) and MON (78.6 vs. 94.6 mL; < 0.01) and, in Exp. 2, further reduced by NIT+MON when the additives were combined (161.1 vs. 196.9 mL; < 0.01). Methane production from control in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2 averaged 9.1 and 15.3 mL, respectively, and was decreased by NIT (3.4 and 8.3 mL in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively; P < 0.01), MON (4.1 and 7.7 mL; in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively; < 0.01) and NIT+MON (1.1 and 1.5 mL; in Exp. 1 and Exp. 2, respectively; < 0.01). Both experiments demonstrated a significant increase in nitrous oxide (NO; < 0.01) when NIT was added. Compared to the control treatment, IVDMD was reduced when NIT+MON was added at the higher doses in EXP1 (31.7 vs. 37.4%; < 0.01) and EXP2 (76.6 vs. 79.9 %; < 0.01). Net VFA production was not affected by treatments ( > 0.10), but molar proportions of acetate and butyrate were reduced by MON ( < 0.01). Propionate molar proportion was increased in both experiments by MON ( < 0.01) and further increased in Exp. 2 when the additives were combined at lower doses ( < 0.01). Compared to the control treatment, the acetate:propionate (A:P) ratio was reduced by MON in Exp. 1(1.2 vs. 2.8; < 0.01) and Exp. 2 (1.0 vs. 2.3; < 0.01). Fermentation efficiency (%) was increased by MON (81.7 vs. 73.7%; < 0.01) and further increased in Exp. 2 when the additives were combined at lower doses (87.2 vs. 76.6%; < 0.01). The combination of NIT and MON in 2 contrasting diets proved beneficial by altering fermentation products toward lower CH and more propionate; however, the addition of NIT consistently increased NO production. Negative effects of the additives on IVDMD were found only when the additives were combined at higher doses.

Abstract  Various products are observed in biological oxidation and reduction of molecules containing elements of variable valence. The variability is caused by the diversity of microorganisms and their metabolic enzymes, which may develop into novel processes in wastewater treatment. The study aimed to develop a novel denitrification process forming nitrite and ammonium in wastewaters containing thiocyanate. High-efficiency nitrite and ammonium production was observed due to autotrophic partial denitrification and ammonification as a result of nitrate and thiocyanate removal. Nitrite, ammonium and sulfate were observed as the ultimate products. The increased NO3--N/SCN--N ratio in the treated wastewater resulted in the decreased removal efficiency of nitrate, and the increased nitrate-to-nitrite transformation ratio and the ratio of NO2--N to NH4+-N. Thiocyanate sulfur was oxidized to sulfate via intermediate elementary sulfur providing electron to nitrate or nitrite. The Thiobacillus genus dominated in the sludge providing ammonium and nitrite as substrate for the potentially anammox process.

Abstract  This study was conducted to explore nitrogen transformation and associated microbial characteristics in a tidal flow constructed wetland (TFCW) with the complete autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process under influent COD/TN (C/N) constraints. The influent C/N increased from 0.0 to 10.0 via the addition of glucose in the influent as a source of organics. The results showed that influent C/N significantly affected nitrogen transformation rates in the TFCW throughout the experiment. As the influent C/N increased from 0.0 to 6.0, the absolute abundance of functional genes involved in denitrification could be enriched as a consequence of the addition of organics in influent, and then the simultaneous nitrification, anammox, and denitrification (SNAD) processes occurred in the TFCW, resulting in the enhancement of nitrogen removal in the system. However, as the influent C/N was more than 6.0, the activity of aerobic ammonia-oxidizing bacteria was inhibited and its quantity reduced, leading to the deterioration in nitrogen removal of the system. When the influent C/N was 6.0, the SNAD process was enhanced most effectively in the system owing to the development of multiple and complete nitrogen removal pathways in the TFCW. The TFCW respectively had the best TN removal efficiency and removal loading rate [(93.3±2.3)% and (149.30±8.00) mg·L-1·d-1], indicating that the results had been than the maximal TN removal efficiency in a CANON process under ideal conditions.

Abstract  In this paper, a significantly photoinduced synergy between ammonium nitrate and sodium sulfite via dye decolorization was first found. This study mainly aims to explore the influences of several fundamental aspects on the photoinduced synergy as well as discuss the detailed mechanisms. The dye removal efficiencies of methyl orange and methylene blue of the synergistic system are much higher than that of a single one, and they reach 96.4% and 90.7% when the illumination is 6 and 14 min, respectively. The optimum mass ratio of sodium sulfite and ammonium nitrate in the reaction system is 1:1. The reaction process of photoinduced synergy follows the first-order reaction equation. Effects of different structures of dyes, amount of sodium sulfite and initial dye concentration on the synergistic effect were investigated. The changes of UV-vis spectra in the course of photoinduced synergy were also examined. The excellent synergistic effect can owe to the simultaneous photoreduction and photooxidation reaction with respect to photoinduced hydrated electrons (eaq-) and SO4•- active species, respectively. This work may provide some insight into detoxifying water contaminants in practical applications as well as developing other novel photoinduced synergistic systems with high performance.

Abstract  A convergent strategy was developed for the first-time synthesis of biotin-labeled GPI core glycans. These GPI conjugates are useful for various biological studies showcased by their application in the scrutiny of pore-forming bacterial toxin-GPI interaction, revealing that the phosphate group at the GPI inositol 1-O-position had a significant impact on GPI-toxin binding.

Abstract  BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEIsoacteoside (is a phenylethanoid isolated from Monochasma savatieri Franch. ex Maxim., which is an anti-inflammatory herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the exact mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of isoacteoside is not completely understood. In this study, its anti-inflammatory mechanism was elucidated in mouse macrophages.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHThe expression of the NF-kappa B pathway, MAPK pathway, iNOS, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta was evaluated using Western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR or ELISA. TLR4 dimerization was determined by transfecting HEK293T cells with TLR4 plasmids. The in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of isoacteoside was determined using mouse models of xylene-induced ear oedema, LPS-induced endotoxic shock and LPS-induced endotoxaemia-associated acute kidney injury (AKI).KEY RESULTSIsoacteoside suppressed COX-2, iNOS, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta expression. Furthermore, isoacteoside attenuated the LPS-induced transcriptional activity of NF-kappa B by decreasing the levels of phosphorylated I kappa B-alpha and IKK and NF-kappa B/p65 nuclear translocation. In addition, isoacteoside inhibited LPS-induced transcriptional activity of AP-1 by reducing the levels of phosphorylated JNK1/2 and p38MAPK. Isoacteoside blocked LPS-induced TLR4 dimerization, resulting in a reduction in the recruitment of MyD88 and TIRdomain- containing adapter-inducing interferon-beta (TRIF) and the phosphorylation of TGF-beta-activated kinase-1 (TAK1). Pretreatment of mice with isoacteoside effectively inhibited xylene-induced ear oedema and LPS-induced endotoxic death and protected against LPS-induced AKI.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSIsoacteoside blocked TLR4 dimerization, which activates the MyD88-TAK1-NF-kappa B/MAPK signalling cascades and TRIF pathway. Our data indicate that isoacteoside is a potential lead compound for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Abstract  Nitrate concentration in most aquifers in arid and semi-arid areas has increased in the past several decades as a result of human activities. Under the predominantly oxic conditions of these aquifers, denitrification is inhibited, allowing nitrate, a soluble and stable form of nitrogen (N), to accumulate. Because of its close association with municipal and agricultural wastes, nitrate is commonly used as an indicator of anthropogenic contamination. Aquifers affected by agricultural waste may contain salts from irrigation returns and herbicides in addition to nitrates. Preventing leakage from soil to deeper parts of the aquifer is thus a priority in the sustainable management of aquifers in arid and semiarid areas. Studies report a wide range of nitrate concentrations distributed non-uniformly within the aquifer, with roughly 40% and 20% of sampled wells exceeding 50mg/L nitrate in shallow and deep parts of the aquifer respectively. In aquifers at risk of becoming contaminated, nitrate isotopes (δ15N, δ18O, Δ17O) can be used to identify the source of nitrogen as mineral or organic fertilizer, sewage, or atmospheric deposition. A variety of mathematical models (crop, hydrological, geochemical, or a combination of them) have been successful in identifying best practices that minimize N leakage without negatively affecting crop yield. In addition, field research in crop management, e.g., conservation agriculture, has yielded promising results in determining the adequate dosage and time of application of fertilizers to reduce N losses. Examples of key dryland aquifers impacted by nitrate are discussed, and some of the most pressing challenges to achieve sustainability are presented.

Abstract  Differing from municipal wastewater, rural wastewater in salinization areas is characterized with arbitrary discharge and high concentration of salt, COD, nitrogen and phosphorus, which would cause severe deterioration of rivers and lakes. To overcome the limits of traditional biological processes, a spiral fiber based salinity-persistent Sequencing Biofilm Batch Reactor (SBBR) was developed and investigated with synthetic rural wastewater (COD = 500 mg/L, NH4+-N = 50 mg/L, TP = 6 mg/L) under different salinity (0.0-10.0 g/L of NaCl). Results indicated that a quick start-up could be achieved in 15 days, along with sufficient biomass up to 7275 mg/L. During operating period, the removal of COD, NH4+-N, TN was almost not disturbed by salt varying from 0.0 to 10.0 g/L with stable efficiency reaching 92%, 82% and 80%, respectively. Although TP could be removed at high efficiency of 90% in low salinity conditions (from 0.0 to 5.0 g/L of NaCl), it was seriously inhibited due to nitrite accumulation and reduction of Phosphorus Accumulating Organisms (PAOs) after addition of 10.0 g/L of salt. The behavior proposed in this study will provide theoretical foundation and guidance for application of SBBR in saline rural wastewater treatment.

Abstract  This study aims to investigate the effects of the organic loading rate (OLR) and the aeration rate on denitrifying phosphate removal (DPR) from slaughterhouse wastewater treated at a temperature of 11 degrees C. Three laboratory-scale intermittently aerated sequencing batch reactors (IASBRs) were set up and three OLRs and five aeration rates were employed in the study. The results indicated that efficient removals of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from DPR were achieved. Furthermore, the intermittent aeration pattern benefitted both the phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAOs) and the denitrifying phosphorus-accumulating organisms (DPAOs) that accumulated at 11 degrees C. The ratio of P uptake in the aeration periods/P release in the non-aeration periods was in the range of 0.94-1.10 in the three stages. The relationship between the specific poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) degradation rate (z), the specific P removal rate (x), and the specific total oxidized nitrogen(TON) reduction rate (y) can be fitted approximately as a plane (z = 1.3626x + 0.2882y - 0.6722, R-2 = 0.83).

Abstract  Changes in atmospheric temperature and lowering in water-table (WT) are expected to affect peatland nutrient dynamics. To understand the response of peatland nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) dynamics to warming and drainage in a continental wooded-bog of hummock-hollow microtopography, we compared three sites: (a) control, (b) recently drained (2-3years; experimental), and (c) older drained (12-13years; drained), during 2013. The WT was lowered at experimental and drained sites to 74 and 120cm, respectively, whereas a warming of similar to 1 degrees C was created at one half of the microforms using open-top chambers. Responses of peat total inorganic nitrogen (TIN=nitrate nitrogen [NO3--N]+ammonium nitrogen [NH4+-N]) and phosphate-P (PO43--P) pools and vegetation C:N ratio, C-13 and N-15 to the experimental treatments were investigated across sites/microforms and over time. Peat TIN available and extractable pools increased with deepening of WT and over time and were greater at hummocks relative to hollows. In contrast, the PO4 pools increased with short-term drainage but reverted to very close to their original (control) nutrient values in the longer term. The WT and warming driven change in the peat TIN pool was strongly reflected in the vascular vegetation C:N ratio and shrub C-13 and N-15, whereas moss nutrient dynamics did not vary between sites. Therefore, we suggest that atmospheric warming combined with WT deepening can increase availability of mineral N and P, which then can be reflected in vascular vegetation and hence modify the productivity and ecosystem functioning of the northern midlatitude continental wooded bogs in the long term.

Abstract  Hydrosedimentological conditions of floodplain rivers can affect nutrient delivery processes. This study evaluated the effects of sedimentological and hydrological regimes on nitrogen (N) speciation and transport in the floodplain-river system of the Middle Parana. Relations of sedimentological and hydrological regimes, assessed through turbidity and hydrometric level, with N speciation and concentration were analyzed. Simple linear regressions were performed to assess whether N load changed within the main channel in response to hydrological and sedimentological regimes. From the main channel to the floodplain, dissolved inorganic N decreased; however, the most isolated lake had the highest N concentration, almost totally in organic form. Turbidity was negatively associated with concentrations of nitrate-N (NO3-N), nitrite-N (NO2-N), and dissolved organic N (DON), and relative contributions of these N forms to total N (TN) but was positively correlated to particulate N (PN) and ammonium-N (NH4-N). The hydrometric level was positively associated with DON concentration and its relative contribution at the main channel but negatively associated with DON, PN, and TN concentrations in the most isolated lake. Simple linear regressions showed that the sedimentological regime significantly explained all N forms but not TN load. Flooding increased TN and mainly DON load. The results show that the hydrosedimentological regime largely affects N transport and speciation. The sediment peak incorporates PN to the system and affects dissolved N speciation, probably through effects of suspended particles on redox reactions. The increase of N inputs to the fluvial system during the flood could be caused by DON exportation from the floodplain.