Fate of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in wastewater treatment sludge during storage and thermophilic anaerobic digestion

Since the COVID-19 outbreak has started in late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has been widely detected in human stools and in urban wastewater. No infectious SARS-CoV-2 particles have been detected in raw wastewater until now, but it has been reported occasionally in human stools. This has raised questions on the fate of SARS-CoV-2 during wastewater treatment and notably in its end-product, wastewater treatment sludge, which is classically valorized by land spreading for agricultural amendment. In the present work, we focused on SARS-CoV-2 stability in wastewater treatment sludge, either during storage (4 °C, room temperature) or thermophilic anaerobic digestion (50 °C). Anaerobic digestion is one of the possible processes for sludge valorization. Experiments were conducted in laboratory pilots; SARS-CoV-2 detection was based on RT-quantitative PCR or RT-digital droplet PCR. In addition to SARS-CoV-2, Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) particles were used as surrogate virus. The RNA from SARS-CoV-2 particles, inactivated or not, was close to the detection limit but stable in wastewater treatment sludge, over the whole duration of the assays at 4 °C (55 days) and at ambient temperature (∼20 °C, 25 days). By contrast, the RNA levels of BCoV and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 particles decreased rapidly during the thermophilic anaerobic digestion of wastewater treatment sludge lasting for 5 days, with final levels that were close to the detection limit. Although the particles' infectivity was not assessed, these results suggest that thermophilic anaerobic digestion is a suitable process for sludge sanitation, consistent with previous knowledge on other coronaviruses.

NF90 interacts with components of RISC and modulates association of Ago2 with mRNA

Background

Nuclear factor 90 (NF90) is a double-stranded RNA-binding protein involved in a multitude of different cellular mechanisms such as transcription, translation, viral infection, and mRNA stability. Recent data suggest that NF90 might influence the abundance of target mRNAs in the cytoplasm through miRNA- and Argonaute 2 (Ago2)-dependent activity.

Results

Here, we identified the interactome of NF90 in the cytoplasm, which revealed several components of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and associated factors. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed the interaction of NF90 with the RISC-associated RNA helicase, Moloney leukemia virus 10 (MOV10), and other proteins involved in RISC-mediated silencing, including Ago2. Furthermore, NF90 association with MOV10 and Ago2 was found to be RNA-dependent. Glycerol gradient sedimentation of NF90 immune complexes indicates that these proteins occur in the same protein complex. At target RNAs predicted to bind both NF90 and MOV10 in their 3′ UTRs, NF90 association was increased upon loss of MOV10 and vice versa. Interestingly, loss of NF90 led to an increase in association of Ago2 as well as a decrease in the abundance of the target mRNA. Similarly, during hypoxia, the binding of Ago2 to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA increased after loss of NF90, while the level of VEGF mRNA decreased.

Conclusions

These findings reveal that, in the cytoplasm, NF90 can associate with components of RISC such as Ago2 and MOV10. In addition, the data indicate that NF90 and MOV10 may compete for the binding of common target mRNAs, suggesting a role for NF90 in the regulation of RISC-mediated silencing by stabilizing target mRNAs, such as VEGF, during cancer-induced hypoxia.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01384-2.

Toll-like receptor 5 knock-out mice exhibit a specific low level of anxiety

While toll-like receptors (TLRs), which mediate innate immunity, are known to play an important role in host defense, recent work suggest their involvement in some integrated behaviors, including anxiety, depressive and cognitive functions. Here, we investigated the potential involvement of the flagellin receptor, TLR5, in anxiety, depression and cognitive behaviors using male TLR5 knock-out (KO) mice. We aobserved a specific low level of basal anxiety in TLR5 KO mice with an alteration of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis (HPA) response to acute restraint stress, illustrated by a decrease of both plasma corticosterone level and c-fos expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus where TLR5 was expressed, compared to WT littermates. However, depression and cognitive-related behaviors were not different between TLR5 KO and WT mice. Nor there were significant changes in the expression of some cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) and other TLRs (TLR2, TLR3 and TLR4) in the prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hippocampus of TLR5 KO mice compared to WT mice. Moreover, mRNA expression of BDNF and glucocorticoid receptors in the hippocampus and amygdala, respectively, was not different. Finally, acute intracerebroventricular administration of flagellin, a specific TLR5 agonist, or chronic neomycin treatment did not exhibit a significant main effect, only a significant main effect of genotype was observed between TLR5 KO and WT mice. Together, those findings suggest a previously undescribed and specific role of TLR5 in anxiety and open original prospects in our understanding of the brain-gut axis function.

NF90 modulates processing of a subset of human pri-miRNAs

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are predicted to regulate the expression of >60% of mammalian genes and play fundamental roles in most biological processes. Deregulation of miRNA expression is a hallmark of most cancers and further investigation of mechanisms controlling miRNA biogenesis is needed. The double stranded RNA-binding protein, NF90 has been shown to act as a competitor of Microprocessor for a limited number of primary miRNAs (pri-miRNAs). Here, we show that NF90 has a more widespread effect on pri-miRNA biogenesis than previously thought. Genome-wide approaches revealed that NF90 is associated with the stem region of 38 pri-miRNAs, in a manner that is largely exclusive of Microprocessor. Following loss of NF90, 22 NF90-bound pri-miRNAs showed increased abundance of mature miRNA products. NF90-targeted pri-miRNAs are highly stable, having a lower free energy and fewer mismatches compared to all pri-miRNAs. Mutations leading to less stable structures reduced NF90 binding while increasing pri-miRNA stability led to acquisition of NF90 association, as determined by RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). NF90-bound and downregulated pri-miRNAs are embedded in introns of host genes and expression of several host genes is concomitantly reduced. These data suggest that NF90 controls the processing of a subset of highly stable, intronic miRNAs.

An NF90/NF110-mediated feedback amplification loop regulates dicer expression and controls ovarian carcinoma progression

Reduced expression of DICER, a key enzyme in the miRNA pathway, is frequently associated with aggressive, invasive disease, and poor survival in various malignancies. Regulation of DICER expression is, however, poorly understood. Here, we show that NF90/NF110 facilitates DICER expression by controlling the processing of a miRNA, miR-3173, which is embedded in DICER pre-mRNA. As miR-3173 in turn targets NF90, a feedback amplification loop controlling DICER expression is established. In a nude mouse model, NF90 overexpression reduced proliferation of ovarian cancer cells and significantly reduced tumor size and metastasis, whereas overexpression of miR-3173 dramatically increased metastasis in an NF90- and DICER-dependent manner. Clinically, low NF90 expression and high miR-3173-3p expression were found to be independent prognostic markers of poor survival in a cohort of ovarian carcinoma patients. These findings suggest that, by facilitating DICER expression, NF90 can act as a suppressor of ovarian carcinoma.

Studies on H2S Adsorption and Carbon Deposition over Mo-Ni/Al2O3 Catalysts

The influence of molybdenum on the CO2 reforming of methane, simultaneous sulphur poisoning and carbon formation over alumina-supported Ni catalysts was studied. A series of Ni/Al2O3 catalysts modified by Mo was prepared to enable the effect of molybdenum content on H2S adsorption and the catalytic properties of the solids to be studied. The atomic Mo/Ni ratio in such catalysts varied in the range 0.01–1.00 while the Ni content was maintained constant at 3.3%. The catalysts were characterized by TPR, hydrogen adsorption and TEM methods. The H2S adsorption capacities of the catalysts were determined at 923 K employing a mixture consisting of 50 ppm H2S in a hydrogen stream. The results obtained indicate that the Mo promoter had a very favourable influence on the sulphur resistance of the Ni-based catalyst and led to a reduction in the rate of carbon deposition and the formation of graphitic species over the same.

[Cosmetic eyelid surgery]

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is becoming increasingly popular. It can rejuvenate the patient's appearance with relatively minor side effects. Its risk/benefit ratio is one of the best in facial cosmetic surgery. However, the patient does not always accurately assess the aesthetic appearance of his or her eyelids. This underscores the importance of clinical examination in order to determine the patient's wishes, and then make an accurate diagnosis and potential surgical plan. We currently oppose, in general, surgical techniques involving tissue removal (skin-muscle and/or fat) in favor of those involving tissue repositioning and grafting (autologous fat pearl transposition, obtained by liposuction, and lipostructure). Furthermore, the place of adjuvant therapies to blepharoplasty is steadily increasing. They mainly include surface treatments (peels and lasers), dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle botulinum toxin injections. They are also increasingly used in isolation in novel ways. In all cases, a perfect knowledge of anatomy and relevant skills and experience remain necessary.

The emerging role of pre-messenger RNA splicing in stress responses: sending alternative messages and silent messengers

Alternative splicing (AS) of pre-messenger RNAs is a major process contributing to both transcriptome and proteome diversity in various physiological and pathological situations. There is also accumulating evidence that various stresses impact on AS. In particular, recent analyses of the transcriptome reveal large numbers of AS events that are regulated by genotoxic stress inducers like radiations and chemotherapeutic agents. Many AS events have the potential to affect the relative production of protein isoforms with different activities, as shown in the case of several genes involved in apoptosis. There is also increasing evidence that stresses induce "non-productive" splice variants, leading to a decrease in gene expression levels or preventing increases in protein levels despite transcriptional stimulation. This is typically achieved by the production of splice variants that are subject to nonsense-mediated decay. In addition, recent studies suggest that pre-mRNA splicing efficiency or fidelity may be altered by stresses. For example, various genotoxic agents induce multiple exon skipping in MDM2 transcripts, thereby preventing the production of the main p53-ubiquitin ligase and favoring p53 activity in response to genotoxic agents. In terms of mechanisms, stresses can impact on pre-mRNA splicing by inducing post-translational modifications and subcellular redistribution of splicing factors, or by targeting the communication between the splicing and transcription machineries. Altogether, these data suggest that splicing regulatory networks play a key role in the cellular responses triggered by stresses.

Hydroliquefaction of green wastes to produce fuels

The direct liquefaction of a biomass composed of a mixture of wastes (straw, wood and grass) was studied using Nickel Raney as catalyst and tetralin as a solvent. Tetralin allows to solubilize green waste from 330°C at relatively low hydrogen pressure, and avoids the recondensation of the intermediate products. The green waste deoxygenation results mainly from a decarboxylation reaction. The addition of Raney Ni in the feed, increases the gas yield due to methane formation, without diminishing the yield in solvolysis oil. The catalyst hydrogenolyses the small molecules present in the light fraction. Moreover, it improves the quality of the oil by increasing the hydrogen transfer between the solvent and the solvolysis oil. As a consequence, the oxygen content decreases and the yield of oil soluble in hexane strongly increases. The catalyst allows to obtain straight long chain alkanes (C(13)-C(26)), which result from the hydrogenation of the extractives compounds of the green waste.

Ruthenium versus platinum on cerium materials in wet air oxidation of acetic acid

This study was a comparison between Ru-catalysts and similar, previously investigated, Pt-catalysts. In this paper, ruthenium catalysts for catalytic wet air oxidation are prepared, characterized and tested. Both catalysts were supported on commercial CeO2 as well as mixed oxide Zr(0.1)(Ce(0.75)Pr(0.25))(0.9)O2. The catalysts were characterized by measuring the oxygen storage capacities (OSC), BET, XRD, FTIR and chemisorption of hydrogen. In addition, the effect of sintering (treatments under H2) was compared with both of the catalysts. The comparison of the results showed that initial intrinsic activity of ruthenium is not significantly influenced by the type of the support, which is contrast to platinum. Furthermore, the particle size of Ru had an important effect on CWAO activity: the higher the particle size, the better the activity. This was different with Pt-catalysts, where the optimal particle size was smaller, having about 15% of metal dispersion.

Regulation of H-ras splice variant expression by cross talk between the p53 and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathways

When cells are exposed to a genotoxic stress, a DNA surveillance pathway that involves p53 is activated, allowing DNA repair. Eukaryotic cells have also evolved a mechanism called mRNA surveillance that controls the quality of mRNAs. Indeed, mutant mRNAs carrying premature translation termination codons (PTCs) are selectively degraded by the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway. However, in the case of particular genes, such as proto-oncogenes, mutations that do not create PTCs and therefore that do not induce mRNA degradation, can be harmful to cells. In this study, we showed that the H-ras gene in the absence of mutations produces an NMD-target splice variant that is degraded in the cytosol. We observed that a treatment with the genotoxic stress inducer camptothecin for 6 h favored the production of the H-ras NMD-target transcript degraded in the cytosol by the NMD process. Our data indicated that the NMD process allowed the elimination of transcripts produced in response to a short-term treatment with camptothecin from the major proto-oncogene H-ras, independently of PTCs induced by mutations. The camptothecin effects on H-ras gene expression were p53 dependent and involved in part modulation of the SC35 splicing factor. Interestingly, a long-term treatment with camptothecin as well as p53 overexpression for 24 h resulted in the accumulation of the H-ras NMD target in the cytosol, although the NMD process was not completely inhibited as other NMD targets are not stabilized. Finally, Upf1, a major NMD effector, was necessary for optimal p53 activation by camptothecin, which is consistent with recent data showing that NMD effectors are required for genome stability. In conclusion, we identified cross talk between the p53 and NMD pathways that regulates the expression levels of H-ras splice variants.

Existence of beta(3)-adrenoceptors in rat heart: functional implications

1. beta(3)-Adrenoceptors (AR) have been reported to be present in numerous species, where they mediate multiple responses. 2. The aim of the present study was to determine whether beta(3)-AR are present in intact rat heart and the functional implications of beta(3)-AR stimulation. The response to the cardiac beta(3)-AR-selective agonist BRL37344 was expressed as the percentage of values measured at baseline. 3. BRL37344 induced dose-dependent negative inotropic effects at concentrations ranging from 10(-11) to 10(-7) mol/L. BRL37344 (10(-8) mol/L) induced a decrease of left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) from 127 +/- 5 to 89 +/- 16 mmHg (69 +/- 15%; P < 0.01) and +dP/dt from 2594 +/- 59 to 1885 +/- 50 mmHg/s (72 +/- 8%; P < 0.01). Moreover, a significant reduction of -dP/dt from 2176 +/- 42 to 1458 +/- 43 mmHg/s (67 +/- 8%; P < 0.01) was observed. The BRL37344 dose-response curves were not altered by nadolol (10(-5) mol/L), a potent beta(1)- and beta(2)-AR antagonist, but were completely suppressed by the addition of SR59230A (10(-5) mol/L), a potent beta(3)-AR antagonist. 4. The present study provides functional evidence for the presence of beta(3)-AR in rat hearts and shows, for the first time, that a highly specific beta(3)-AR antagonist can block the attenuation of LVDP caused by the specific beta(3)-AR agonist BRL37344 in rat beating hearts.

Aortic vasoconstriction related to smooth muscle cells ET-A and ET-B receptors is not involved in hypoxia-induced sustained systemic arterial hypertension in rats

OBJECTIVES

We report in the present study the role of endothelin (ET-1) and ET-1 receptors in the sustained hypoxia-induced systemic hypertension.

METHODS

Wistar rats were randomly assigned to live continuously in hypobaric hypoxia (CH rats) or normoxia (N rats). At the end of hypoxic stress exposure (5 weeks at 450 mm Hg), measurements of mean systemic arterial pressure were done. The effects of ET-1 in the presence or not of the endothelium and/or of specific ET-A inhibitors (BQ-123) or ET-B inhibitors (BQ-788), have been investigated in an isolated model of rat thoracic aorta. Finally, plasmatic ET-1 concentrations have been determined by assay procedure.

RESULTS

Following five weeks of chronic hypoxic stress, CH rats presented a significant increase of mean systemic arterial pressure (N: 129.1+/-6.8 mm Hg vs CH: 152.5+/-3.4 mm Hg; P<0.05). Despite of this hypoxia-induced hypertension, ET-1 plasmatic concentration was not different between N and CH rats. Finally, CH rats presented a reduce response to ET-1 when compared to N rats. This phenomenon seems to be associated to the ET-A vascular smooth muscle cell receptors, since difference between N and CH rats was still present in endothelium denuded aortic rings in the presence or not of the specific ET-B inhibitors (BQ-788). In addition, in the presence of the specific ET-A inhibitor (BQ-123) response to ET-1 was abolished in N and CH rats to the same extent (N:-98%; CH:-99%).

CONCLUSION

This work clearly suggests that, following long term exposure to hypoxia, ET-1 and ET-1 receptors are not involved in the persistence of systemic hypertension in a rat model, and that chronic exposure to severe hypoxic stress was associated with a downregulation of the ET-A receptors response to ET-1.

Alterations of beta3-adrenoceptors expression and their myocardial functional effects in physiological model of chronic exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy

Physical training induces cardiovascular autonomic nervous system regulation adaptations, which could result from beta adrenergic receptor (AR) modifications. Among them, beta(3 )AR alterations have been recently reported but their functional effect remained to discuss. To explain the beta(3) AR gene expression in relation to function, we simultaneously studied the left ventricle (LV) beta(3) AR mRNA and protein levels and the myocardial functional effects of a beta(3) AR agonist following physical training. Forty rats were assigned to either a control (C; N = 20) or a trained (T; N = 20) group. The treadmill running protocol was performed for 8 weeks. Histological measurements on LV slices were quantified. The beta(3) AR mRNA abundance was studied with RT-PCR and beta(3) AR protein density with Western-Blot analysis. Myocardial functional effects of a beta(3) AR agonist, BRL37344 (10(-8) M), were studied in Langendorff-perfused hearts. Histological data confirmed the adapted patterns of the physiological cardiac hypertrophy observed in T (P < 0.01), with a significant increase in arteries density (P < 0.01) and an unchanged collagen concentration. The beta(3) AR protein density was increased in T (154 +/- 38% in T vs. 100 +/- 24% in C; P < 0.05), but no change was noted concerning the beta(3) AR mRNA level. After BRL37344 perfusion LVDP, +dP/dT and -dP/dT, in C (P < 0.01), and only +dP/dT in T (P < 0.05) were decreased. Moreover, all LV hemodynamic parameters were more altered after BRL37344 in C than in T (P < 0.01).Thus, in this physiological model of cardiac hypertrophy, an increase of beta(3) AR density without beta(3) AR mRNA alteration was observed. Classical negative myocardial lusitropic and inotropic effects induced by a specific agonist of beta(3) AR were diminished in trained rats.

Allongement et correction d’une déformation angulaire sévère de l’humérus par fixateur externe mono-latéral

We report the case of a 10-year-old child who presented a severely deformed upper limb due to post-traumatic partial proximal epiphysiodesis of the humerus. The goal of treatment was to correct the severe angular deformity, prevent recurrence, and lengthen the humerus 6 cm. We used the De Bastiani callotasis method with osteotomy of the humeral shaft and unilateral external fixation (Orthofix LRS). The bony deformations were corrected progressively. Angular correction induced a geometric lengthening sufficient to match the length of the healthy limb. Lengthening index was 22.7 days/cm. The functional and esthetic results were remarkable. Complementary epiphysiodesis of the proximal physis successfully prevented recurrent deformation.

[Fracture-dislocation of the second carpometacarpal joint. Case report and review of the literature]

A 26-year-old man was involved in a car crash then he presented an isolated trauma of the hand. We found out a dorsal dislocation of the second carpometacarpal joint with trapezoid fracture and a Rolando fracture. In emergency, closed reduction with percutaneous wires to stabilize, was performed. In the same time, the Rolando fracture was treated by internal fixation (plate). In a second time, after computerized tomography of the carpus, the trapezoid was reduced through a dorsal incision and held with two Kirschner-wires. At last follow-up one year after injury, the result was good. All movements of the wrist and fingers were full and pain free. Thumb index pinch and grasp were approximately 80% those of the uninjured hand. The mechanisms of injury, anatomic factors and management of seventy-one cases of similar trauma (included at least a dislocation of the second carpometacarpal joint) were reviewed in the literature.

Multicentre study of thyroid nodules in patients with Graves' disease

BACKGROUND

The association of Graves' disease with thyroid nodules and thyroid carcinoma is rarely reported. The incidence seems to be increasing according to recent literature. The aim of this multicentre study was to review patients who had surgery for Graves' disease associated with thyroid nodules, and to evaluate the risk of thyroid carcinoma.

METHODS

A retrospective study was made of 557 consecutive patients who underwent operation for Graves' disease between 1991 and 1997 in five endocrine surgery departments. Each patient underwent clinical, biochemical, ultrasonographic and scintigraphic evaluation. None of the patients had had previous radioactive iodine therapy or external irradiation. Surgery consisted of either a subtotal or total thyroidectomy.

RESULTS

Nodules were observed before operation in 140 patients (25.1 per cent). Thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed in 21 patients (15.0 per cent), always inside a nodule. The incidence of thyroid carcinoma associated with Graves' disease was 3.8 per cent (21 of 557 patients): 20 papillary and one follicular carcinoma. The carcinoma was multifocal in two patients. Tumour diameter ranged from 2 to 25 mm. A nodule was palpable in four patients.

CONCLUSION

This multicentre study of patients having thyroidectomy for Graves' disease showed that 3.8 per cent had a carcinoma; the rate of carcinoma in cold nodules was 15.0 per cent. Surgery should be advised in any patient with Graves' disease and a thyroid nodule; the operation should be total thyroidectomy.

Mapping of a gene predisposing to familial thyroid tumors with cell oxyphilia to chromosome 19 and exclusion of JUN B as a candidate gene

BACKGROUND

Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma (FNMTC) is a clinical entity characterized by a more aggressive phenotype than the sporadic counterpart. The transmission of susceptibility of FNMTC is compatible with autosomal dominant inheritance. We report the identification of a new entity of FNMTC and the mapping of the responsible gene named TCO (for thyroid tumor with cell oxyphilia).

METHODS

In one family, multinodular goiters were diagnosed in six individuals and papillary thyroid carcinoma was diagnosed in three. Eight patients were operated on. Blood samples were collected from the nine affected patients and from eight unaffected relatives. The gene was mapped by linkage analysis with a whole-genome panel of microsatellite markers.

RESULTS

The neoplastic cells from all lesions showed characteristic faint to marked cytoplasmic oxyphilia. We found a logarithm of odd ratio (LOD) score of 2.41 at theta = 0 for marker D19S586. Additional markers were typed in the region and were found to be in linkage, with LOD scores peaking at markers D19S916 (Zmax = 3.01 at theta = 0) and D19S413 (Zmax = 2.95 at theta = 0). All these markers have been physically mapped to 19p13.2.

CONCLUSIONS

TCO was mapped to chromosome 19p13.2. Interestingly, both the benign and malignant thyroid tumors in this family exhibit some degree of oxyphilia, which has not been described until now in the familial forms of NMTC.

[Human "pancreatic" bladder. Two case reports]

The aim of this study is to report two similar cases with an "accessory biliary duct" confluent to the main pancreatic duct. There was pancreatic juice inside the "gallbladder". There was no connection between "accessory biliary duct" and intra or extrahepatic biliary ducts. This anomalous junction of the "cystic duct" and the main pancreatic duct may be explained by embryology. These two cases could be the first human "pancreatic" bladders reported.