Comprehensive kinetic modeling and product distribution for pyrolysis of pulp and paper mill sludge

Pyrolysis holds immense potential for clean treatment of pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS), enabling efficient energy and chemical recovery. However, current understanding of PPMS pyrolysis kinetics and product characteristics remains incomplete. This study conducted detailed modeling of pyrolysis kinetics for two typical PPMSs from a wastepaper pulp and paper mill, namely, deinking sludge (PPMS-DS) and sewage sludge (PPMS-SS), and analyzed comprehensively pyrolysis products. The results show that apparent activation energy of PPMS-DS (169.25-226.82 kJ/mol) and PPMS-SS (189.29-411.21 kJ/mol) pyrolysis undergoes significant change, with numerous parallel reactions present. A distributed activation energy model with dual logistic distributions proves to be suitable for modeling thermal decomposition kinetics of both PPMS-DS and PPMS-SS, with coefficient of determination >0.999 and relative root mean square error <1.99 %. High temperature promotes decomposition of solid organic materials in PPMS, and maximum tar yield for both PPMS-DS (53.90 wt%, daf) and PPMS-SS (56.48 wt%, daf) is achieved at around 500 °C. Higher levels of styrene (24.45 % for PPMS-DS and 14.71 % for PPMS-SS) and ethylbenzene (8.61 % for PPMS-DS and 8.33 % for PPMS-SS) are detected in tar and could be used as chemicals. This work shows great potential to propel development of PPMS pyrolysis technology, enabling green and sustainable production in pulp and paper industry.

Seismic magnitude clustering is prevalent in field and laboratory catalogs

Clustering of earthquake magnitudes is still actively debated, compared to well-established spatial and temporal clustering. Magnitude clustering is not currently implemented in earthquake forecasting but would be important if larger magnitude events are more likely to be followed by similar sized events. Here we show statistically significant magnitude clustering present in many different field and laboratory catalogs at a wide range of spatial scales (mm to 1000 km). It is universal in field catalogs across fault types and tectonic/induced settings, while laboratory results are unaffected by loading protocol or rock types and show temporal stability. The absence of clustering can be imposed by a global tensile stress, although clustering still occurs when isolating to triggered event pairs or spatial patches where shear stress dominates. Magnitude clustering is most prominent at short time and distance scales and modeling indicates >20% repeating magnitudes in some cases, implying it can help to narrow physical mechanisms for seismogenesis.

Dataset for Fracture and Impact Toughness of High-Entropy Alloys

Fracture dictates the service limits of metallic structures. Damage tolerance of materials may be characterized by fracture toughness rigorously developed from fracture mechanics, or less rigorous yet more easily obtained impact toughness (or impact energy as a variant). Given the promise of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) in structural and damage-tolerance applications, we compiled a dataset of fracture toughness and impact toughness/energy from the literature till the end of the 2022 calendar year. The dataset is subdivided into three categories, i.e., fracture toughness, impact toughness, and impact energy, which contain 153, 14, and 78 distinct data records, respectively. On top of the alloy chemistry and measured fracture quantities, each data record also documents the factors influential to fracture. Examples are material-processing history, phase structures, grain sizes, uniaxial tensile properties, such as yield strength and elongation, and testing conditions. Data records with comparable conditions are graphically visualized by plots. The dataset is hosted in Materials Cloud, an open data repository.

Synthesis of a robust, water-stable, and biodegradable pulp foam by poly-lactic acid coating towards a zero-plastic earth

Biodegradable cellulosic pulp foams with robustness and water resistance are urgently needed in nowadays to replace petroleum-based plastic foams for environmental sustainability. In this work, a facile protocol to fabricate robust poly-lactic acid (PLA) coated cellulose foams (PCCF) was developed through a combined water-based foaming and PLA melt-coating process using pulp as the raw material. In the synthesis, the so-called PLA coating was realized through melting PLA powders dispersed between fibers by an in-situ heating and post cooling process. Performance tests revealed that the incorporation of PLA coating significantly enhances mechanical strength, water stability, and biodegradability of the synthesized PCCF samples compared with conventional cellulosic foams. Specifically, the low-density PCCF were observed with mechanical strength up to 81.24 kPa, high water stability, and more than 95% degradation in 56 days. As the fabrication process is simple and pulp is highly cost competitive, our proposed synthesis strategy makes the PCCF a promising substitute for petroleum-based plastic foams at large-scale production.

Fatigue dataset of high-entropy alloys

Fatigue failure of metallic structures is of great concern to industrial applications. A material will not be practically useful if it is prone to fatigue failures. To take the advantage of lately emerged high-entropy alloys (HEAs) for designing novel fatigue-resistant alloys, we compiled a fatigue database of HEAs from the literature reported until the beginning of 2022. The database is subdivided into three categories, i.e., low-cycle fatigue (LCF), high-cycle fatigue (HCF), and fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR), which contain 15, 23, and 28 distinct data records, respectively. Each data record in any of three categories is characteristic of a summary, which is comprised of alloy compositions, key fatigue properties, and additional information influential to, or interrelated with, fatigue (e.g., material processing history, phase constitution, grain size, uniaxial tensile properties, and fatigue testing conditions), and an individual dataset, which makes up the original fatigue testing curve. Some representative individual datasets in each category are graphically visualized. The dataset is hosted in an open data repository, Materials Cloud.

Measurement(s)	Low cycle fatigue • High cycle fatigue • Fatigue crack growth rate
Technology Type(s)	mechanical testing system
Factor Type(s)	Alloy system • Temperature • Processing condition • Phases • Grain size • Stress ratio • Frequency

Single-Cell Transcriptomic Atlas of Gingival Mucosa in Type 2 Diabetes

The oral gingival barrier is a constantly stimulated and dynamic environment where homeostasis is often disrupted, resulting in inflammatory periodontal diseases. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been reported to be associated with gingival barrier dysfunction, but the effect and underlying mechanism are inconclusive. Herein, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of gingiva from leptin receptor-deficient mice (db/db) to examine the gingival heterogeneity in the context of T2D. Periodontal health of control mice is characterized by populations of Krt14⁺-expressing epithelial cells and Col1a1⁺-fibroblasts mediating immune homeostasis primarily through the enrichment of innate lymphoid cells. The db/db gingiva exhibited decreased epithelial/stromal ratio and dysfunctional barrier. We further observed stromal, particularly fibroblast immune hyperresponsiveness, linked to the recruitment of myeloid-derived cells at the db/db gingiva. Both scRNA-seq and histological analysis suggested the inflammatory signaling between fibroblasts and neutrophils as a potential driver of diabetes-induced periodontal damage. Notably, the "immune-like" stromal cells were wired toward the induction of gingival γδ T hyperresponsiveness in db/db mice. Our work reveals that the "immune-like" fibroblasts with transcriptional diversity are involved in the innate immune homeostasis at the diabetic gingiva. It highlights a potentially significant role of these cell types in its pathogenesis.

[Analysis of gene variation and clinical characteristics of Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome]

Objective: To summarize and analyze the clinical characteristics and gene mutations of 6 patients with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome (WDSTS). Methods: To review and analyze the clinical data, including general conditions, clinical manifestations, growth hormone, cranial or pituitary gland magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),gene results and other data, 6 cases with WDSTS admitted to the Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism of Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital and the Department of Child Care of Pingxiang Maternity and Child Care from April 2017 to February 2021 were recruited. Results: Of the 6 patients, 2 were male and 4 were female. The age of the first visit ranged from 1.0 to 11.2 years. All the 6 children presented with growth retardation and mental retardation and they all had typical facial dysmorphism and hypertrichosis (mainly on the back and limbs). Among them, case 5 had a growth hormone deficiency, and case 2 and 4 had abnormalities revealed by cranial MRI. Variations in KMT2A gene were identified in these 6 patients: c.10900+2T>C,c.10837C>T(p.Gln3613*), c.4332G>A(p.E1444E), c.2508dupC(p.W838Lfs*9), c.11695_11696delinsT(p.T3899Sfs*73), c.9915dupA (p.P3306Tfs*22).Among these variations, c.4332G>A, c.11695_11696delinsT and c.9915dupA were novel mutations. Therefore, the final diagnosis of these patients was WDSTS. Conclusions: Patients presented with short stature and mental retardation, typical facial dysmorphism and hypertrichosis should be considered WDSTS. Whole-exome sequencing plays an important role in disease diagnosis and genetic counseling.

Manganese promoted wheat straw decomposition by regulating microbial communities and enzyme activities

AIMS

This study investigated the dose-effect of manganese (Mn) addition on wheat straw (WS) decomposition, and explored the potential mechanisms of Mn involved in the acceleration of WS decomposition in regards to the soil microbial communities and enzyme activities.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A 180-day incubation experiment was performed to examine the decomposition of WS under four Mn levels, that is, 0, 0.25, 1 and 2 mg g^-1 . The effects of microbial communities and enzyme activities were evaluated using control (0 mg g^-1 ) and Mn (0.25 mg g^-1 ) treatments. Our results revealed that Mn (0.25 mg g^-1 ) addition significantly increased WS decomposition, and enhanced the release of carbon and nitrogen. Optimal Mn addition (0.25 mg g^-1 ) also caused significant increases in the activity of neutral xylanase (NEX), laccase (Lac), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and lignin peroxidase (LiP) within the incubation period. Mn (0.25 mg g^-1 ) addition also enriched some operational taxonomic units (OTUs) that, in turn, had the potential ability to decompose crop straw, such as secreting lignocellulolytic enzymes.

CONCLUSIONS

Mn (0.25 mg g^-1 ) could promote WS decomposition through enrichment of the microbial species involved in biomass decomposition, which enhanced the lignocellulose-degrading enzyme activity.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This study provides evidence for Mn to promote WS biodegradation after Mn application, opening new windows to improve the utilization efficiency of crop residues.

The relationship between endoplasmic reticulum stress and liver function, insulin resistance and vascular endothelial function in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between ER stress and liver function, insulin resistance and vascular endothelial function in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 95 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were selected. They were admitted to our hospital from November 2016 to January 2019. A total of 90 cases of obese patients without fatty liver were selected as control group during the same period. The levels of ER stress marker protein were compared between the two groups, and the relationship between ER stress and liver function, insulin resistance, and vascular endothelial function was analyzed.

RESULTS

The protein level of ER stress markers in the test group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p<0.05). The liver function index and insulin resistance level were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). The level of vascular endothelial function was significantly lower than that of the control group (p<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that ER stress marker protein was positively correlated with liver function and insulin resistance (p<0.05), while ER marker protein was negatively correlated with vascular endothelial function (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Liver function and insulin resistance are closely related to ER stress in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Insulin resistance is one of the factors inducing and aggravating endothelial dysfunction.

POS0136 ROLES OF AUTOPHAGY IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF PRIMARY GOUTY ARTHRITIS

Background:

Gout is a chronic autoinflammatory disease caused by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition [1].Acute gout is characterized by an acute inflammatory reaction that resolves spontaneously within a few days[2], which is one of the distinguishing features of gout compared to other arthropathies or self-inflammatory diseases. Autophagy is a lysosomal degradation pathway that is essential for cellular growth, survival, differentiation, development and homeostasis [3]. Studies have demonstrated that autophagy might play a key role in the pathogenesis of primary gouty arthritis (GA) [4-7]. However, the roles of autophagy in the development of gout have not yet been elucidated.

Objectives:

The aim of our study was to investigate the changes in autophagy-related gene (ATG) mRNA and protein in patients and the clinical importance of these genes in primary gouty arthritis (GA) and to explore the roles of autophagy in the pathogenesis of GA.

Methods:

The mRNA and protein expression levels of ATGs (ATG3, ATG7, ATG10, ATG5, ATG12, ATG16L1, ATG4B and LC3-2) were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 196 subjects, including 57 acute gout patients (AG group), 57 intercritical gout patients (IG group) and 82 healthy control subjects (HC group). The relationship between ATG expression levels and laboratory features was analyzed in GA patients.

Results:

The expression levels of ATG4B, ATG5, ATG12, ATG16L1, ATG10 and LC3-2 mRNA were much lower in the AG group than in the IG and HC groups (p<0.05), while the ATG7 mRNA level was much higher in the AG group than in the IG and HC groups (p<0.05). The protein expression levels of LC3-2, ATG3, ATG7 and ATG10 were much higher in the AG group than in the other groups, while those of ATG5, ATG12, ATG16L1 and ATG4B were far lower in the AG group than in the other groups (p<0.05). In GA patients, the levels of ATG mRNA and protein correlated with laboratory inflammatory and metabolic indexes.

Conclusion:

Altered ATG expression suggests that autophagy is involved in the pathogenesis of GA and participates in regulating inflammation and metabolism.

References:

[1]Dalbeth N, Choi HK, Joosten LAB, Khanna PP, Matsuo H, Perez-Ruiz F, et al. Gout. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2019;5: 69.doi:10.1038/s41572-019-0115-y.

[2]Schauer C, Janko C, Munoz LE, Zhao Y, Kienhöfer D, Frey B, et al. Aggregated neutrophil extracellular traps limit inflammation by degrading cytokines and chemokines. Nat Med. 2014;20: 511-517.doi:10.1038/nm.3547.

[3]Han Y, Zhang L, Xing Y, Zhang L, Chen X, Tang P, et al. Autophagy relieves the function inhibition and apoptosis-promoting effects on osteoblast induced by glucocorticoid. Int J Mol Med. 2018;41: 800-808. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2017.3270.

[4]Yang QB, He YL, Zhong XW, Xie WG, Zhou JG. Resveratrol ameliorates gouty inflammation via upregulation of sirtuin 1 to promote autophagy in gout patients. Inflammopharmacology. 2019;27: 47-56.doi:10.1007/s10787-018-00555-4.

[5]Mitroulis I, Kambas K, Chrysanthopoulou A, Skendros P, Apostolidou E, Kourtzelis I, et al. Neutrophil extracellular trap formation is associated with IL-1β and autophagy-related signaling in gout. PLoS One. 2011;6: e29318.doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029318.

[6]Crişan TO, Cleophas MCP, Novakovic B, Erler K, van de Veerdonk FL, Stunnenberg HG, et al. Uric acid priming in human monocytes is driven by the AKT-PRAS40 autophagy pathway. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2017;114: 5485-5490.doi:10.1073/pnas.1620910114.

[7]Lee SS, Lee SW, Oh DH, Kim HS, Chae SC, Kim SK. Genetic analysis for rs2241880(T > C) in ATG16L1 polymorphism for the susceptibility of Gout. J Clin Rheumatol. 2019;25: e113-e115.doi:10.1097/rhu.0000000000000685.

Disclosure of Interests:

Yu-Qin Huang: None declared, Quan-Bo Zhang Grant/research support from: National Natural Science Foundation of China(General Program) (no.81974250) and Science and Technology Plan Project of Sichuan Province (no.2018JY0257), Jian-Xiong Zheng: None declared, gui-lin jian: None declared, tao-hong liu: None declared, Xin He: None declared, fan-ni xiao: None declared, qin xiong: None declared, Yu-Feng Qing Grant/research support from: Science and Technology Project of Nanchong City (no.18SXHZ0522)

LepR-Expressing Stem Cells Are Essential for Alveolar Bone Regeneration

Stem cells play a critical role in bone regeneration. Multiple populations of skeletal stem cells have been identified in long bone, while their identity and functions in alveolar bone remain unclear. Here, we identified a quiescent leptin receptor–expressing (LepR+) cell population that contributed to intramembranous bone formation. Interestingly, these LepR+ cells became activated in response to tooth extraction and generated the majority of the newly formed bone in extraction sockets. In addition, genetic ablation of LepR+ cells attenuated extraction socket healing. The parabiosis experiments revealed that the LepR+ cells in the healing sockets were derived from resident tissue rather than peripheral blood circulation. Further studies on the mechanism suggested that these LepR+ cells were responsive to parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH/PTH1R) signaling. Collectively, we demonstrate that LepR+ cells, a postnatal skeletal stem cell population, are essential for alveolar bone regeneration of extraction sockets.

[Rapeutic effect analysis of the auricle appliance on 2-6 months old infants with congenital auricle deformity]

Objective: To study the effect of amazing ear correction system on 2-6 months old infants with congenital ear deformity. Method: Thirty infants (37 ears) with congenital auricular deformities were enrolled in the study. Deformities included constriction, cryptopia, helicalrim, prominent, conchal strut, and Stahl deformities and microtia. The patients were divided into 2 groups. Infants elder than 2 months were 20 cases(26 auricular malformed ears). And infants under 2 months old were 10 cases(11 auricular malformed ears). All the patients underwent ear molding using the amazing ears correction system. The patients of each group were followed-up for at least 3 months. Result: The results were divided into three levels(excellent, good, and poor) according to the correction of auricular shape. In Group elder than 2 months, 13 ears were excellent and the average treatment time was 46.85 days，5 ears were good, the average treatment time was 43.40 days and 8 ears were poor, the average treatment time was 13.13 days. In Group under 2 months old, 5 ears were excellent and the average treatment time was 28.80 days，6 ears were good and the average treatment time was 18.66 days. The patients of each group were followed-up for at least 3 months and no rebound occurred. Conclusion:Ear correction system has a significant effect on those more than 2 months and less than 6 months with congenital auricular deformity. The children who were more than 2 months old need to wear the auricle appliance over 6 weeks to achieve a satisfactory effect.

High-level expression and characterization of a new κ-carrageenase from marine bacterium Pedobacter hainanensis NJ-02

A novel κ-carrageenase gene (CgkB) has been cloned from Pedobacter hainanensis NJ-02 and expressed heterologously in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). It consisted of 1935 bp and encoded 644 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 71·61 kDa. The recombinant enzyme showed maximal activity of 2458 U mg^-1 at 40°C and pH 8·0. Additionally, it could retain more than 70% of its maximal activity after being incubated at pH of 5·5-10·0 below 40°C. K⁺ and a broad range of NaCl can activate the enzyme. The K_m and V_max of CgkB was 2·4 mg ml^-1 and 126 mmol mg^-1  min^-1 . The ESI-MS analysis of hydrolysates indicated that the enzyme can endolytically depolymerize the carrageenan into tetrasaccharides and hexasaccharides. The results indicated that the enzyme with high activity could be a valuable enzyme tool to produce carrageenan oligosaccharides with various activities.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Enzymatic preparation of carrageenan oligosaccharides has drawn increased attention due to their various physiological activities. It is urgent to explore enzyme tools with higher activity and better stability. In this work, a novel κ-carrageenase was identified and characterized from marine bacterium Pedobacter hainanensis NJ-02. The enzyme with high activity could be a valuable tool to produce carrageenan oligosaccharides with various activities.

Association of serum fibroblast growth factor 19 levels with visceral fat accumulation is independent of glucose tolerance status

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent studies suggested that circulating fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 19 levels might be associated with the fat content and distribution, and varied with different glucose tolerance status. This study aimed to investigate the association of serum FGF19 levels with obesity and visceral fat accumulation in a Chinese population with differing glucose tolerance status.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The 2383 participants were divided into subgroups of glucose tolerance status: normal glucose tolerance (NGT, n = 1754), impaired glucose regulation (IGR, n = 499), and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM, n = 130). They were further stratified into quartiles of serum FGF19 levels (Q1-Q4). Visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. FGF19 were detected via quantitative sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum FGF19 levels showed a downtrend across the NGT, IGR, and DM groups (P for trend = 0.016). VFA was an independent and negative factor of serum FGF19 levels (standardized β = -0.108, P = 0.001). After adjustment for glucose tolerance status, VFA differed significantly among FGF19 quartiles (P < 0.001), showing a downtrend from Q1-Q4. The associations of serum FGF19 levels and glucose tolerance status with VFA were independent of each other. After adjustment for insulin resistance and secretory function separately, VFA still decreased significantly from Q1-Q4 (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Serum FGF19 levels were related to visceral fat accumulation. Independent of glucose tolerance status, serum FGF19 levels were inversely associated with VFA.

Harm and Benefits of Salvage Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Updated Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to compare salvage liver transplantation (SLT) and primary liver transplantation (PLT) in terms of the harm and benefits.

METHODS

The authors searched Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from their dates of establishment to December 2015. Based on selection and exclusion criteria, 2 researchers screened the literature independently. The meta-analysis was performed with the use of the Review Manager software. Meta-analysis of the pooled standard mean difference (SMD) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated based on either a fixed-effects or a random-effects model. In addition, risk of bias was assessed with the use of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were selected, involving almost 8,707 patients. According to the pooled estimates, compared with PLT, SLT was associated with a longer operative time (SMD, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.11-0.46;), higher intraoperative blood loss (SMD, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.08-0.75;), more postoperative bleeding (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.10-3.45), an increased risk of recurrence (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.24-3.50), and poorer 3-year (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.98) and 5-year (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.76-0.98) overall survival rates. However, no difference was detected between case and control groups in either rates of postoperative complications or such aspects as perioperative mortality, length of intensive care unit stay, length of hospital stay, and 1-year overall survival rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were inferior in SLT, which shows that PLT is a better treatment strategy for transplantable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, considering the severe organ limitation and the feasibility and safety of SLT, it provides a better option for patients with HCC recurrence after curative resection.

Laboratory assessment of anti-thrombotic therapy in heart failure, atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease: insights using thrombelastography and a micro-titre plate assay of thrombogenesis and fibrinolysis

As heart failure, coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation all bring a risk of thrombosis, anti-thrombotic therapy is recommended. Despite such treatment, major cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke still occur, implying inadequate suppression of thrombus formation. Accordingly, identification of patients whose haemostasis remains unimpaired by treatment is valuable. We compared indices for assessing thrombogenesis and fibrinolysis by two different techniques in patients on different anti-thrombotic agents, i.e. aspirin or warfarin. We determined fibrin clot formation and fibrinolysis by a microplate assay and thromboelastography, and platelet marker soluble P selectin in 181 patients with acute or chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease who were taking either aspirin or warfarin. Five thromboelastograph indices and four microplate assay indices were different on aspirin versus warfarin (p < 0.05). In multivariate regression analysis, only microplate assay indices rate of clot formation and rate of clot dissolution were independently related to aspirin or warfarin use (p ≤ 0.001). Five microplate assay indices, but no thrombelastograph index, were different (p < 0.001) in aspirin users. Three microplate assay indices were different (p ≤ 0.002) in warfarin users. The microplate assay indices of lag time and rate of clot formation were abnormal in chronic heart failure patients on aspirin, suggesting increased risk of thrombosis despite anti-platelet use. Soluble P selectin was lower in patients on aspirin (p = 0.0175) but failed to correlate with any other index of haemostasis. The microplate assay shows promise as a tool for dissecting thrombogenesis and fibrinolysis in cardiovascular disease, and the impact of antithrombotic therapy. Prospective studies are required to determine a role in predicting thrombotic risk.

Contribution of fibroblast growth factor 23 to Framingham risk score for identifying subclinical atherosclerosis in Chinese men

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) was demonstrated to be involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The goal of the present study was to investigate the relationship between serum FGF23 levels and carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT) in men with a low-to-moderate CVD risk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Subjects with normal kidney function were selected from the Shanghai Obesity Study. Serum FGF23 levels were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. C-IMT was measured by ultrasonography. The Framingham risk score (FRS) was used to assess CVD risk. A total of 392 men with low CVD risk and 372 men with moderate CVD risk were enrolled. The recognition rate of an elevated C-IMT was 85.66% with the combination of a moderate CVD risk and high serum FGF23 levels, which was greater than that with either parameter alone (65.44% and 61.03%, respectively). Subjects with high serum FGF23 levels, and either low or moderate CVD risk, were more likely to have elevated C-IMT than those with low serum FGF23 levels and low CVD risk (P = 0.014 and 0.001, respectively). The serum FGF23 levels were independently and positively associated with C-IMT in subjects with low or moderate CVD risk (both P = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

In men with low-to-moderate CVD risk, serum FGF23 levels were associated independently and positively with C-IMT. As a complementary index, serum FGF23 levels strengthen the capacity of the FRS to identify subclinical atherosclerosis.

Understanding thermal transport in asymmetric layer hexagonal boron nitride heterostructure

In this work, thermal transport at the junction of an asymmetric layer hexagonal boron-nitride (h-BN) heterostructure is explored using a non-equilibrium molecular dynamics method. A thermal contact resistance of 3.6 × 10^-11 K · m² W^-1 is characterized at a temperature of 300 K with heat flux from the trilayer to monolayer regions. The mismatch in the flexural phonon modes revealed by power spectra analysis provides the driving force for the calculated thermal resistance. A high thermal rectification efficiency of 360% is calculated at the layer junction surpassing that of graphene. Several modulators, i.e. the system temperature, contact pressure and lateral dimensions, are applied to manipulate the thermal conductance and rectification across the interfaces. The predicted thermal rectification sustains positive correlations with temperature and phonon propagation lengths with little change to the coupling strength.

A comprehensive review on the molecular dynamics simulation of the novel thermal properties of graphene

This review summarizes state-of-the-art progress in the molecular dynamics simulation of the novel thermal properties of graphene.

Efficacy of early postoperative enteral nutrition in supporting patients after esophagectomy

AIM

This study aims to investigate and evaluate the efficacy and safety of early enteral nutrition (EN) in maintaining and improving the postoperative nutritional status in patients undergoing esophagectomy.

METHODS

A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted in 120 adult patients with esophageal cancer and undergoing esophagectomy. Patients were randomly divided into two groups receiving either EN (N.=64) or parenteral nutrition (PN) (N.=56) postoperatively. The nutritional intake was isonitrogenic and isocalorie for both groups. Nutritional status was evaluated preoperatively as well as on postoperative day I and day 8. Daily nitrogen balance was measured and 7-day cumulative nitrogen balance was calculated. The levels of serum markers including d-lactate, diamine oxidase (DAO), and endotoxin were determined on 1st, 4th and 8th postoperative day for analyzing intestinal barrier function. Postoperative infection rate and the incidence of nutrition support-related complications were examined.

RESULTS

The concentrations of serum albumin and prealbumin in patients of EN group were significantly higher than those in PN group and the concentrations of blood glucose, γ-GT, AKP, TB, and DB were significantly lower compared to those in the PN group (P<0.05). Both daily nitrogen balance and cumulative nitrogen balance of EN group were better than those of PN group since postoperative day III. The serum levels of d-lactate, DAO, and endotoxin of EN group were significantly lower than those of PN group on postoperative day VIII (P<0.01). The incidence of postoperative infections in blood, lung, and intestinal tract in EN group was lower compared to PN group (P<0.05). No severe complications associated with nutritional support occurred in EN group. The time to flatus passage in EN group was significantly shorter, and the cost of nutritional support was significantly less compared to PN group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative early enteral nutrition was safe and feasible for patients undergoing esophagectomy. Compared to PN, EN more efficiently ameliorated postoperational nutritional status of the patients undergoing esophagectomy, played an important role in restoring intestinal barrier function postoperatively, reduced the incidence of postoperative infection, and decreased the cost of hospital stay.

A rare loss-of-function SCN5A variant is associated with lidocaine-induced ventricular fibrillation

The human genome contains over 4 million variant sites, as compared to the reference genome, including rare sequence variants, which have the potential to exert large phenotypic effects, such as susceptibility to drug toxicity. We report identification and functional characterization of a rare non-synonymous (p.A1427S) variant in the SCN5A gene that was associated with incessant and lethal ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation after administration of lidocaine to a patient with acute myocardial infarction. The variant, located in a highly conserved domain distinct from the predicted lidocaine binding site, decreased peak current density of the sodium channel. With the increasing availability of the whole exome and whole genome sequencing data, it would be possible to identify and characterize rare variants in SCN5A that might predispose to lethal ventricular arrhythmias.

NOD1 expression elicited by iE-DAP in first trimester human trophoblast cells and its potential role in infection-associated inflammation

OBJECTIVES

The underlying mechanisms of protective immunity of placental trophoblast cells against bacterial infection remain largely unknown. NOD1 are intracellular pattern recognition receptors that are activated by bacterial peptides and mediate innate immunity. This study aimed to investigate the expression and function of NOD1 in first trimester trophoblast cells, and evaluate the potential role of trophoblast cells in infection-associated inflammation.

STUDY DESIGN

Human extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR8 cells were stimulated with various concentrations of iE-DAP for various periods of time. NOD1 expression was detected by immunofluorescence, and the changes in NOD1 and RICK mRNA and protein in H8 cells were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The concentrations of interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6 secreted by H8 cells were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NF-κB transcription activity and P65 expression were detected by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

H8 cells expressed NOD1, and the effects of iE-DAP on NOD1 were dose- and time-dependent. The concentration of IL-8 increased gradually with increasing concentration of iE-DAP, and the levels of IL-8 and IL-6 were associated with the duration of exposure to iE-DAP. The dose of iE-DAP was significantly associated with expression of RICK and P65, and stimulation of H8 cells by iE-DAP altered NF-κB transcription activity.

CONCLUSIONS

NOD1 may have a role in mediating infection-associated inflammation. Once iE-DAP is recognized by NOD1, the inflammatory response may be induced via NOD1-RICK-NF-κB-mediated pathways.

MyoD control of SKIP expression during pig skeletal muscle development

Skeletal muscle and kidney enriched inositol phosphatase (SKIP) was identified as a 5'-inositol phosphatase that hydrolyzes PI(3,4,5)P3 to PI(3,4)P2 that negatively regulates insulin-induced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling in skeletal muscle. In this study, we obtained a 1575-bp mRNA sequence of porcine SKIP that included the full coding region encoding a protein of 450 amino acids. With the use of comparative mapping, we mapped this gene to SSC12 q1.3, where many QTLs affect Backfat thickness at 10th rib, carcass yield, the number of muscle fibers, and ham weight traits. As a candidate gene for growth and carcass traits, a novel single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 12 (G>A) was detected by PCR-RFLP. The results showed that the GG genotype had higher skin percentage (SP), carcass length to first spondyle (CL1), carcass length to first rib (CL2), but lower intramuscular fat (IMF) as compared with genotype AG (P<0.05), and allele G seemed to be associated with an increase in the growth trait. Porcine SKIP was expressed abundantly in skeletal muscle tissue and was transcriptionally upregulated during skeletal muscle differentiation. Analysis of the porcine SKIP promoter sequence demonstrated that MyoD was involved in regulating SKIP mRNA expression in myotubes, partly via the cis-acting elements in SKIP promoter. In summary, we suggested that SKIP might play a role in the regulation of skeletal muscle development in pigs.

Evidence for a new allele at the SERCA1 locus affecting pork meat quality in part through the imbalance of Ca2+ homeostasis

Sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 1 (SERCA1) as a Ca2+ release channel plays a key role in the relaxation of skeletal muscle through pumping cytosolic Ca2+ into the SR (sarcoplasmic reticulum). In this study, a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 8 (C > T) was detected by tetra-primer ARMS-PCR and the tissue expression pattern of SERCA1 was analyzed in eleven tissues. A model of primary skeletal muscle cells in vitro exposed to dexamethasone (DEX, a synthetic corticosteroid) was also employed to determine whether stress hormones cause an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration that is associated with alteration in SERCA1 and in turn subsequently affect meat quality. The results showed that the CC genotype has lower content intramuscular fat and higher water than pig carrying the genotype CT and CC. In addition, the additive effects were both significantly (P < 0.05) and allele T seemed to be associate with increase in intramuscular fat, while decrease in water content. Accompanied with previous studies, the high abundance of porcine SERCA1 was found in skeletal muscle tissue. DEX markedly down-regulated the expression of SERCA1, leading to Ca2+ overload. Furthermore, the imbalance of Ca2+ homeostasis up-regulated the transcription level of Calpain1. Taken together, we demonstrated a novel mechanism that the changes in expression of SERCA1 potential disturb the normal Ca2+ channel as well as the balance of Ca2+ homeostasis and which in turn finally activated Ca2+-dependent proteases such as Calpain1 which could affect meat quality.