No abstract

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is implicated in rheumatoid arthritis with effects of promoting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-17 (IL-17) productions, which have been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, changes of IL-33 levels and its effects in AS have not been investigated. Eighty-nine and 178 healthy controls were included in the current study. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum levels of C-reactive protein, IL-17, and IL-33 were determined. Effects of IL-33 on TNF-α and IL-6 productions were investigated. Effects of IL-33 on neutrophil migration were also evaluated. Serum levels of IL-33 were elevated in AS patients. Moreover, IL-33 was significantly higher in active AS patients according to Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index. IL-33 concentrations in serum were positively correlated with TNF-α and IL-17 levels (IL-33 and TNF-α, r = 0.54, P < 0.01; IL-33 and IL-17, r = 0.47, P < 0.01). IL-33 dose-dependently enhanced TNF-α and IL-6 productions by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) responding to lipopolysaccharide. IL-33 induced neutrophil migration only in higher doses (≥10 ng/ml). Serum levels of IL-33 were elevated in AS patients. IL-33 may play a role in AS development via enhancing TNF-α production by PBMCs and inducing neutrophil migration.

This work identifies the cyanobacterial and algal extracellular products (ECPs) and their derived byproducts during preozonation. Laboratory experiments were performed on two cyanobacterial species (Oscillatoria tenuisa and Microcystis aeruginosa) and one algal species (Chlorella sp.) dominating eutrophic reservoirs. Gas chromatography, coupled with high-resolution electron-impact mass spectrometry (GC/EI-MS), and high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) was adopted. Over 20 compounds were detected in the mass spectra analyses of the cyanobacterial and algal extracts (including cells and filtrates). The main identified ECPs were classified as monosaccharides, fatty acids, hydrocarbons, and aldehydes. Odor-causing substances were also present in the cyanobacteria, such as trans-1,10-dimethyl-trans-9-decalol (geosmin) and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB). The results from ozonated cyanobacteria and algae indicated that the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content of culture suspensions increased during ozonation. Most of the additional DOC is produced by the increased liberation of ECPs to the bulk phase. Several byproducts were present in the ozonated cyanobacterial and algal cultures: a total of 22 different organic compounds were detected-mostly aldehydes and phthalates.

Consumers generally concern taste and odor in drinking water. In the Southern Taiwan, more than 5,000,000 people are suffered from earth/musty odor in drinking water, especially in the summer. Thus, ozonation of geosmin (GSM), 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), and 2-furfural (2-FF) in eutrophic surface waters has been studied in the present work. Experimentally, it was found that the water contained high dissolved organic carbon (DOC), humic substances, and specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA) resulting the highly ozone (O3) demand. The natural organic matters (NOM) in the waters had a significant effect on the ozonation of GSM, 2-MIB and 2-FF. Their destruction rates were increased with high contents of aromatics, phenolics, and SUVAs. In addition, during ozonation of raw waters, O3 and OH. played an important role in destruction of algae cells and caused excretion of extracellular organic matter (EOM) to the bulk phase.