A review of solid wastes-based stabilizers for remediating heavy metals co-contaminated soil: Applications and challenges

The remediation of heavy metals/metalloids (HMs) co-contaminated soil by solid wastes-based stabilizers (SWBS) has received major concern recently. Based on the literature reported in the latest years (2010-2023), this review systematically summarizes the different types of solid wastes (e.g., steel slag, coal fly ash, red mud, and sewage sludge, etc.) employed to stabilize HMs contaminated soil, and presents results from laboratory and field experiments. Firstly, the suitable solid wastes for soil remediation are reviewed, and the pros and cons are presented. Thereafter, the technical feasibility and economic benefit are evaluated for field application. Moreover, evaluation methods for remediation of different types of HMs-contaminated soil and the effects of SWBS on soil properties are summarized. Finally, due to the large specific surface, porous structure, and high reactivity, the SWBS can effectively stabilize HMs via adsorption, complexation, co/precipitation, ion exchange, electrostatic interaction, redox, and hydration process. Importantly, the environmental implications and long-term effectiveness associated with the utilization of solid wastes are highlighted, which are challenges for practical implementation of soil stabilization using SWBS, because the aging of soil/solid wastes has not been thoroughly investigated. Future attention should focus on modifying the SWBS and establishing an integrated long-term stability evaluation method.

The leaching behavior of hazardous element under different leaching procedure utilizing slag-fly ash-based agent: Chromium, antimony, and lead

Low-carbon cementitious materials based on blast furnace slag (BFS) and municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash play a pivotal role in the construction industry by substituting cement clinker. This innovation significantly reduces CO2 emissions and enables the extensive utilization of both industrial solid waste and hazardous urban waste on a large scale. However, the application of MSWI fly ash as a precursor for alkali-activated cementitious materials presents a significant leaching risk of heavy metal during the extended reaction process, posing a critical barrier to the efficient and widespread utilization of these solid waste. Three static leaching methods [horizontal vibration (HV), sulphuric acid & nitric acid (SN), and acetic acid buffer solution (AAB)], along with acid neutralization capacity (ANC) leaching tests, were applied in BFS-fly ash-based cementitious materials (BFCM) to assess the leaching behavior of high-risk elements-Cr, Sb, and Pb-within MSWI fly ash. The A4 matrix (BFS: MSWI fly ash:FGDG = 70:20:10) exhibits a compressive strength of 72.51 MPa at 180 day, with the leaching concentrations of target elements remaining below the standard limit under chemical attack (H+ and OH-). The critical pH determined is 9.2 from the ANC leaching test results. Visual MINTEQ simulation illustrates the occurrence states of Cr, Sb, and Pb as (CrO4)2-, [Sb(OH)6]-, and Pb(OH)3- within the BFCM system, respectively. The "double salt effect", intended to enhance the dissociation degree of BFS, acts as the driving force behind the long-term hydration reaction. It also serves as an assurance in controlling the long-term leaching risk of object elements. The dissociation degree of BFS within A4 matrix increased by 38.71 %, with the relative content of the typical low-solubility double salt "Ettringite" reaching 29 % at 180 d. This study provides novel theoretical and data-driven evidence to investigate the leaching behavior associated with MSWI fly ash and the accomplishment of replacing cement clinker with low-carbon BFCM.

Prognostic factors and evaluation methods of acute kidney injury among sepsis patients with pulmonary infection

OBJECTIVE

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is difficult to detect in the early stages, yet is commonly associated with sepsis and infectious shock, with pulmonary infection being the most frequent culprit. This study aimed to estimate risk factors and their effects on 28-day survival among sepsis patients with pulmonary infection complicated by AKI and assessed the prognostic values of some detection indicators.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From February 2019 to July 2021, the data of 151 patients admitted to the emergency intensive care unit (EICU) of Nanjing First Hospital with pulmonary infection complicated with sepsis were collected in this retrospective study. The patients were categorized into two groups (survivors and non-survivors) depending on the 28-day survival, compared their clinical characteristics, and analyzed the predictors of survival.

RESULTS

Cox regression analysis revealed that serum cystatin-C level, serum lactate level, and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scoring system were independent risk factors for 28-day survival. In predicting 28-day survival, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for serum Cystatin-C level, serum lactate level, APACHE II score, and the three combinations was 0.74, 0.67, 0.71, and 0.86, respectively. Accordingly, the sensitivity and specificity of the three indicators of 28-day survival were 87.50% and 66.67%, respectively, which were superior to individual indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

Sepsis patients with pulmonary infection have a high risk of AKI, and multiple risk factors contribute to this risk. AKI patients may also be adversely affected by a variety of factors, including APACHE II scores, serum Cystatin-C levels, and serum lactate levels, all of which are commonly used to assess the outcomes.

Treatment Outcomes of Concurrent Nimotuzumab with Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy in Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Unfit for Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy: A Single Institute Experience

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To assess the safety and efficacy of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) combined with nimotuzumab for patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC) medically unfit to receive concomitant chemotherapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

From 2016.6 to 2020.9, 34 newly diagnosed patients with local-regional advanced NPC medically unfit for concurrent chemoradiation had undergone definitive radiotherapy and were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were treated with IMRT combined treatment modality of nimotuzumab with or without cisplatin-based induction chemotherapy. Nimotuzumab was administered concurrently with IMRT at a weekly dose of 200 mg. Acute and late radiation-related toxicities were evaluated based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) Version 5.0 during and after IMRT. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate prognostic analyses were performed by using the Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time for the entire group was 15 months (range 5 to 55 months). At the time of this analysis, a total of 2 cases developed loco-regional recurrence. In addition, 4 patients developed distant metastasis. There was a total of 5 deaths: 3 patients died from distant metastasis, 1 patient died from the progression of loco-regional disease after recurrence, and the causes of death for the additional 1 case was a nasopharyngeal ulcer and deadly bleeding. The 1-year OS rate of the whole cohort was 87.9%, and the 1-year LFFR, DFFR, and PFS rates were 100%, 91.0%, and 91.0%, respectively. During the period of concurrent nimotuzumab and IMRT, no grade 3-4 hematologic toxicities and dermatitis were observed. Grade 3-4 radiotherapy-related oral mucositis was reported in 7 patients (20.6%). No infusion reaction was observed. No acneiform eruptions were found among these patients. The most commonly observed late complication was xerostomia. The degree of dry mouth in most patients was mild-to-moderate at the time of the last follow-up. Finally, 7 patients developed either unilateral or bilateral hearing impairment. One female patient experienced a nasopharyngeal ulcer and deadly bleeding after 5 months of completion of radiotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent nimotuzumab with IMRT for the treatment of LA-NPC was well tolerated, with encouraging survival data, and it could be an effective treatment alternative for patients with LA-NPC medically unfit for concomitant chemotherapy. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Prognostic Significance of the Novel Nutrition-Inflammation Marker of Lymphocyte-C-Reactive Protein Ratio in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Receiving Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Recent studies indicate that the novel lymphocyte-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR) is strongly associated with the survival of various tumors, but its prognostic value in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is understudied. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the LCR and overall survival (OS) in NPC and to develop a predictive model.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 841 NPC patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) were retrospectively enrolled and randomly divided into training cohort (n = 589) and validation cohort (n = 252). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify variables associated with OS and construct a predictive nomogram. The predictive accuracy of the nomogram was evaluated and independently validated.

RESULTS

The LCR score differentiated NPC patients into two groups with distinct prognoses (HR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.32-0.89, P = 0.014). Multivariate analysis showed that age, T stage, N stage, EBV-DNA status, and LCR score were independently associated with OS and a predictive nomogram was developed. The nomogram had a good performance for the prediction of OS [C-index = 0.770 (95% CI: 0.675-0.864)] and outperformed the traditional staging system [C-index = 0.589 (95% CI: 0.385-0.792)]. The results were internally validated using an independent cohort.

CONCLUSION

The novel nutrition-inflammation marker of LCR could serve as a simplified, affordable, easy-to-obtain, non-invasive, and readily promotive prognostic marker for NPC patients received CCRT, and the LCR-based prognostic nomogram outperformed the conventional staging system in terms of predictive power.

[Incidence and risk factors of congenital ventricular septal defect in Qingdao]

Objective: To analyze the incidence and risk factors of ventricular septal defect (VSD) in Qingdao. Methods: A prospective cohort study design was used to include pregnant women who underwent prenatal screening in Qingdao between August 2018 and June 2020 (the whole population coverage). VSD was diagnosed according to the pulse oxygen saturation and heart auscultation, and the final diagnosis was made according to the echocardiography of VSD positive newborns within postnatal day 7. Results: The study included 115 238 live births, among which 388 were diagnosed as VSD, with an incidence of 3.37‰. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that mother with postgraduate level (OR=1.61, 95%CI: 1.00-2.58, P=0.049) (compared with junior high school and below), preterm birth history (OR=2.90, 95%CI: 1.47-5.70, P=0.002), and pregnancy history of congenital heart disease (OR=5.98, 95%CI: 2.63-14.73, P<0.001) were risk factors for VSD. Compared with female infants, the overall risk of VSD in male infants was relatively low (OR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.60-0.91, P=0.005). Conclusions: The incidence of VSD in Qingdao is 3.37‰. The risk factors of VSD include higher maternal education level, pregnancy history of congenital heart disease and preterm birth history. Moreover, the overall risk of VSD in male infants is low.

Association of residential greenness with the risk of metabolic syndrome in Chinese older adults: a longitudinal cohort study

AIMS

We aimed to investigate the association between residential greenness and MetS in older Chinese adults.

METHODS

Longitudinal data on sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle were collected from the Shenzhen Healthy Ageing Research (SHARE) cohort. Greenness exposure was assessed through satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values in the 250-m, 500-m, and 1250-m radius around the residential address for each participant. MetS was defined by standard guidelines for the Chinese population.

RESULTS

A total of 49,893 older Chinese adults with a mean age of 70.96 (SD = 5.26) years were included in the study. In the fully adjusted models, participants who lived in the highest quartile of NDVI_250-m, NDVI_500-m, and NDVI_1250-m had a 15% (odds ratio, OR = 0.85, 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.80-0.90), 12% (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83-0.93), and 11% (OR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85-0.95) lower incidence of MetS, respectively, than those living in the lowest quartile (all p-_trend < 0.01). Interactions and subgroup analyses showed that age, sex, smoking status, and drinking status were significant effect modifiers (p-_interaction for all NDVI < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Residential greenness is associated with a lower risk of MetS in Chinese older adults, especially for young older adults, females, non-smokers, and non-drinkers.

The Preparation Process and Hydration Mechanism of Steel Slag-Based Ultra-Fine Tailing Cementitious Filler

Steel slag, desulphurised ash, desulphurised gypsum and ultra-fine iron tailing sand are common industrial solid wastes with low utilisation rates. Herein, industrial solid wastes (steel slag, desulphurised gypsum and desulphurised ash) were used as the main raw materials to prepare a gelling material and ultra-fine tailing was used as an aggregate to prepare a new type of cementing filler for mine filling. The optimal composition of the cementing filler was 75% steel slag, 16.5% desulphurised gypsum, 8.75% desulphurised ash, 1:4 binders and tailing mass ration and 70% concentration. The compressive strength of the 28-day sample reached 1.24 MPa, meeting the mine-filling requirements, while that of the 90-day sample was 3.16 MPa. The microscopic analysis results showed that a small amount of C₃A reacted with the sulphate in the desulphurised gypsum to form ettringite at the early stage of hydration after the steel slag was activated by the desulphurisation by-products. In addition, C₂S produced hydrated calcium silicate gel in an alkaline environment. As hydration proceeded, the sulphite in the desulphurised ash was converted to provide sulphate for the later sustained reaction. Under the long-term joint action of alkali and sulphate, the reactive silica-oxygen tetrahedra and alumina-oxygen tetrahedra depolymerised and then polymerised, further promoting the hydration reaction to generate hydrated calcium silicate gel and ettringite. The low-carbon and low-cost filler studied in this paper represents a new methodology for the synergistic utilisation of multiple forms of solid waste.

A functional loop between YTH domain family protein YTHDF3 mediated m6A modification and phosphofructokinase PFKL in glycolysis of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIMS

N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification plays a critical role in progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of cancer including HCC. However, the role of YTHDF3, one member of the core readers of the m⁶A pathway, in aerobic glycolysis and progression of HCC is still unclear.

METHODS

Expression levels of YTHDF3 in carcinoma and surrounding tissues of HCC patients were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Loss and gain-of-function experiments in vitro and in vivo were used to assess the effects of YTHDF3 on HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The role of YTHDF3 in hepatocarcinogenesis was observed in a chemically induced HCC model with Ythdf3^-/- mice. Untargeted metabolomics and glucose metabolism phenotype assays were performed to evaluate relationship between YTHDF3 and glucose metabolism. The effect of YTHDF3 on PFKL was assessed by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation assays (MeRIP). Co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays were performed to investigate the connection between YTHDF3 and PFKL.

RESULTS

We found YTHDF3 expression was greatly upregulated in carcinoma tissues and it was correlated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays demonstrated YTHDF3 promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells in vitro, and YTHDF3 knockdown inhibited xenograft tumor growth and lung metastasis of HCC cells in vivo. YTHDF3 knockout significantly suppressed hepatocarcinogenesis in chemically induced mice model. Mechanistically, YTHDF3 promoted aerobic glycolysis by promoting phosphofructokinase PFKL expression at both mRNA and protein levels. MeRIP assays showed YTHDF3 suppressed PFKL mRNA degradation via m⁶A modification. Surprisingly, PFKL positively regulated YTHDF3 protein expression, not as a glycolysis rate-limited enzyme, and PFKL knockdown effectively rescued the effects of YTHDF3 overexpression on proliferation, migration and invasion ability of Sk-Hep-1 and HepG2 cells. Notably, co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated PFKL interacted with YTHDF3 via EFTUD2, a core subunit of spliceosome involved in pre-mRNA splicing process, and ubiquitination assays showed PFKL could positively regulate YTHDF3 protein expression via inhibiting ubiquitination of YTHDF3 protein by EFTUD2.

CONCLUSIONS

our study uncovers the key role of YTHDF3 in HCC, characterizes a positive functional loop between YTHDF3 and phosphofructokinase PFKL in glucose metabolism of HCC, and suggests the connection between pre-mRNA splicing process and m⁶A modification.

Associations between residential greenness and blood lipids in Chinese elderly population

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies on residential green space were inconsistent with blood lipid levels and hyperlipidemia. Thus, our study aims to explore the relationship between urban residential greenness and the blood lipid level and hyperlipidemia of the Chinese elderly population.

METHODS

A total of 59,865 older adults were collected from the Shenzhen healthy aging Research (SHARE). Blood lipid levels [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)] were measured. Participants' exposure to residential greenness was measured by the satellite-based normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and logistic regression were performed to assess the associations of residential greenness with lipid levels and dyslipidemia (high TG, high TC, low HDL-C, and high LDL-C).

RESULTS

Each per 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in NDVI_250-m was associated with a higher HDL-C level (β = 0.003, 95% (confidence interval, CI):0.001-0.005) and lower TG level (β = - 0.005, 95% CI - 0.141-0.121), after fully adjusting for covariates. Each increment in per interquartile range (IQR)-unit increase in NDVI_250-m was associated with lower odds of high TG (odds ratio, OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97) and low HDL-C (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99). The NDVI_250-m has the highest protective effect on the incidence of high TG and low HDL-C, followed by NDVI_500-m and NDVI_1250-m. Stratified analyses showed that association between residential greenness and hyperlipidemia was modified by sex, age, BMI, household registration, and physical activity.

CONCLUSION

Higher greenness exposure was beneficially associated with lipid levels and dyslipidemia among Chinese city-dwelling older adults.

Study on Effects of Refining Slag on Properties and Hydration of Cemented Solid Waste-Based Backfill

This study used refining slag (RS), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), steel slag (SS), and desulfurized gypsum (DG) to prepare a mine-filling cementitious material. The developed cementitious material and tailings sand were mixed to prepare a novel mine backfill material with better performance and a lower cost. The macroscopic properties and hydration mechanism of the cemented solid waste-based backfill were investigated when RS content was 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30% and 40%. The results showed that introducing RS could reduce the bleeding rate and shorten the setting time of backfill slurry while significantly enhancing the 3-day compressive strength of backfill. Compared to JL-0, the bleeding rate decreased by 50.3% as the RS content was raised to 15%, while the setting time was shortened by 36.5%, and the 3-day compressive strength increased by 4.3 times. As the RS content did not exceed 20%, the 28-day compressive strength of the backfill was not lower than that of the cement backfill (4.3 MPa). The results of microanalysis (including XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TG-DSC, and heat of hydration) revealed that the hydration products of the RS-GGBS-SS-DG quaternary material are primarily C-(A)-S-H gels and AFt. The main effect of RS is to improve the content of aluminates, accelerating and increasing the production of AFt, thus leading to faster overall hydration. This research can provide data support for the application of RS in the mine-filling field. Applying quaternary solid waste-based cementitious materials in the mine-filling field has good economic benefits.

Preparation and Basic Properties of Praseodymium-Neodymium-Chromium Containing Imitation Gemstone Glass

Imitation gemstone glass has numerous characteristics, including low cost, rich colour, stable colouring, and the formation of colour-changing effects that can meet the jewellery market demand for beautiful gemstones of middle and low grades. In this study, four types of gem-imitating glass were prepared by the elemental substitution of praseodymium, neodymium and chromium elements based on rare earth glass and examined by combining refractive index, density, spectral characteristics and colour parameters. Sample 1 contained only Pr₆O₁₁ and showed a golden-yellow colour like chrysoberyl. Sample 2 contained only Nd₂O₃ and showed a blue-purple colour like amethyst. Sample 3 contained Pr₆O₁₁ and Nd₂O₃ and appeared green under D65 light source and red under A light source, with a colour-change effect like alexandrite. Sample 4 contained Pr₆O₁₁, Nd₂O₃ and Cr₂O₃ and showed a highly saturated green colour like emerald because of the strong colouring effect of Cr³⁺ in the glass. The findings revealed that all four samples are transparent, with a refractive index greater than 1.5 and a density higher than 2.6 g/cm³. The comprehensive performance of the four imitation gemstone glasses can be found in the corresponding natural gemstones, which has a certain practical value.

Advances in the use of recycled non-ferrous slag as a resource for non-ferrous metal mine site remediation

The growing global demand for non-ferrous metals has led to serious environmental issues involving uncovered mine site slag dumps that threaten the surrounding soils, surface waters, groundwater, and the atmosphere. Remediation of these slags using substitute cement materials for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and precursors for alkali-activated materials (AAMs) can convert hazardous solid wastes into valuable construction materials, as well as to attain the desired solidification and stabilization (S/S) of heavy metal(loid)s (HM). This review discusses the current research on the effect of non-ferrous slags on the reaction mechanisms of the OPC and AAM. The S/S of HM from the non-ferrous slags in AAM and OPC is also reviewed. HM can be stabilized in these materials based on the complex salt effect and isomorphic effects. The major challenges faced in AAMs and OPC for HM stabilization include the long-term durability of the matrix (e.g., sulfate attack, stability of volume). The existing knowledge gaps and future trends for the sustainable application of non-ferrous slags are also discussed.

Study on the Hydration Reaction of Typical Clay Minerals under Alkali and Sulfate Compound Activation

Sand, stone, tailings and other aggregates often contain a small amount of clay mineral and their hydration activity is low, thereby lowering concrete performance indexes while negatively affecting their resource utilisation. In this study, clay minerals, calcium hydroxide and desulfurised gypsum were used to prepare cementitious materials to examine kaolinite, montmorillonite, illite and chlorite clay mineral contents under compound activation. The effects of curing temperature and water reducer on clay samples were analysed. The results showed that the compressive strength of kaolinite samples cured at 25 °C and 55 °C reached 1.09 and 4.93 MPa in 28 days and increased by 43% and 12%, respectively, after adding a 0.3% water reducer. Montmorillonite was activated and its compressive strength reached 5.33 MPa after curing at 55 °C in 28 days. Illite exhibited some activity and its compressive strength reached 1.43 MPa after curing at 55 °C in 28 days and the strength increased slightly after adding a water reducer. The chlorite sample had no strength after activation under the same conditions. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive spectroscopy microstructure analyses showed that after alkali and sulfate activation, the hydration products of activated clay minerals mainly included ettringite, hydrated calcium aluminate and hydrated calcium silicate. The increase in curing temperature accelerated the reaction speed and improved the early strength. However, the effect on chlorite minerals was not obvious.

Experimental Study and Mechanism Analysis of Preparation of α-Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate from FGD Gypsum with Dynamic Method

Flue-gas desulphurization (FGD) gypsum is a highly prevalent industrial by-product worldwide, which can be an excellent alternative to natural gypsum due to its high content of CaSO₄·2H₂O. The preparation of α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate is a high-value pathway for the efficient use of FGD gypsum. Here, a dynamic method, or an improved autoclaved process, was used to produce α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate from FGD gypsum. In this process, the attachment water of the mixture of FGD gypsum and crystal modifiers was approximately 18%, and the pH value was approximately 6.0. The mixture did not need to be pressed into bricks or made into slurry, and it was directly sent into the autoclave reactor for reaction. It was successfully applied to the practical production and application of FGD gypsum, citric acid gypsum and phosphogypsum. In this work, the compositions and morphology of the product at different stages of the reaction were examined and compared. In particular, single-crystal diffraction was used to produce the crystal structure of CaSO₄·0.5H₂O, and the results were as follows: a = 13.550(3); b = 13.855(3); c = 12.658(3); β = 117.79(3)°; space group C2. The preferential growth along the c-axis and the interaction mechanism between the carboxylate groups and the crystal were discussed throughout the analysis of the crystal structure.

Trends in opioid use following balloon kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures

This retrospective analysis of insurance claims evaluated real-world trends in prescription fills among patients treated with balloon kyphoplasty (N = 6,656) or vertebroplasty (N = 2,189) following diagnosis of vertebral compression fracture. Among those with evidence of opioid use, nearly half of patients discontinued or reduced prescription fills relative to pre-operative levels.

INTRODUCTION

Vertebral compression fractures (VCF) are associated with debilitating pain, spinal misalignment, increased mortality, and increased healthcare-resource utilization in elderly patients. This study evaluated the effect of balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) or vertebroplasty (VP) on post-procedure opioid prescription fills and payer costs in patients with VCF.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of a large, nationally representative insurance-claims database. Clinical characteristics, opioid prescription patterns, and payer costs for subjects who underwent either BKP or VP to treat VCF were evaluated beginning 6 months prior to surgery through 7-month follow-up that included a 30-day, postoperative medication washout. Patient demographics, changes in opioid utilization, and payer costs were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 8,845 patients met eligibility criteria (75.3% BKP and 24.7% VP) with a mean of age 77 and 74% female. Among the 75% of patients who used opioids, 48.7% of patients discontinued opioid medication and 8.4% reduced prescription fills versus preoperative baseline. Patients who reduced or discontinued prescriptions exhibited a decrease in all-cause payer costs relative to pre-intervention levels, which was a significantly greater change relative to patients with no change, increase, or new start of opioids.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventional treatment for VCF was associated with decreased or discontinued opioid prescription fills and reduced payer costs in follow-up in a significant proportion of the study population. Reduction of opioid-based harms may represent a previously unrecognized benefit of vertebral augmentation for VCF, especially in this elderly and medically fragile population.

Study on Solidification and Stabilization of Antimony-Containing Tailings with Metallurgical Slag-Based Binders

Blast furnace slag (BFS), steel slag (SS), and flue gas desulfurized gypsum (FGDG) were used to prepare metallurgical slag-based binder (MSB), which was afterwards mixed with high-antimony-containing mine tailings to form green mining fill samples (MBTs) for Sb solidification/stabilization (S/S). Results showed that all MBT samples met the requirement for mining backfills. In particular, the unconfined compressive strength of MBTs increased with the curing time, exceeding that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Moreover, MBTs exhibited the better antimony solidifying properties, and their immobilization efficiency could reach 99%, as compared to that of OPC. KSb(OH)₆ was used to prepare pure MSB paste for solidifying mechanism analysis. Characteristics of metallurgical slag-based binder (MSB) solidified/stabilized antimony (Sb) were investigated via X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). According to the results, the main hydration products of MSB were C-S-H gel and ettringite. Among them, C-S-H gel had an obvious adsorption and physical sealing effect on Sb, and the incorporation of Sb would reduce the degree of C-S-H gel polymerization. Besides, ettringite was found to exert little impact on the solidification and stabilization of Sb. However, due to the complex composition of MSB, it was hard to conclude whether Sb entered the ettringite lattice.

IL-6 coaxes cellular dedifferentiation as a pro-regenerative intermediate that contributes to pericardial ADSC-induced cardiac repair

Background

Cellular dedifferentiation is a regenerative prerequisite that warrants cell cycle reentry and appropriate mitotic division during de novo formation of cardiomyocytes. In the light of our previous finding that expression of injury-responsive element, Wilms Tumor factor 1 (WT1), in pericardial adipose stromal cells (ADSC) conferred a compelling reparative activity with concomitant IL-6 upregulation, we then aim to unravel the mechanistic network that governs the process of regenerative dedifferentiation after ADSC-based therapy.

Methods and results

WT1-expressing ADSC (eGFP:WT1) were irreversibly labeled in transgenic mice (WT1-iCre/Gt(ROSA)26Sor-eGFP) primed with myocardial infarction. EGFP:WT1 cells were enzymatically isolated from the pericardial adipose tissue and cytometrically purified (ADSC^gfp+). Bulk RNA-seq revealed upregulation of cardiac-related genes and trophic factors in ADSC^gfp+ subset, of which IL-6 was most abundant as compared to non-WT1 ADSC (ADSC^gfp−). Injection of ADSC^gfp+ subset into the infarcted hearts yielded striking structural repair and functional improvement in comparison to ADSC^gfp− subset. Notably, ADSC^gfp+ injection triggered significant quantity of dedifferentiated cardiomyocytes recognized as round-sharp, marginalization of sarcomeric proteins, expression of molecular signature of non-myogenic genes (Vimentin, RunX1), and proliferative markers (Ki-67, Aurora B and pH3). In the cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes, spontaneous dedifferentiation was accelerated by adding tissue extracts from the ADSC-treated hearts, which was neutralized by IL-6 antibody. Genetical lack of IL-6 in ADSC dampened cardiac dedifferentiation and reparative activity.

Conclusions

Taken collectively, our results revealed a previous unappreciated effect of IL-6 on cardiac dedifferentiation and regeneration. The finding, therefore, fulfills the promise of stem cell therapy and may represent an innovative strategy in the treatment of ischemic heart disease.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02675-1.

Body Mass Index and Mortality in Chinese Older Adults -New Evidence from a Large Prospective Cohort in China

OBJECTIVES

To comprehensively evaluate the association between BMI and death risk in people aged 65 years and over in Shenzhen, China, and suggest the optimal range of body mass index (BMI) for the older adults.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study.

SETTING

A population-based study of elderly adults in Shenzhen, China.

PARTICIPANTS

359044 Shenzhen Healthy Ageing Research participants aged 65 and over with 4682 deaths during a mean of 1.5 years of follow-up were included in this analysis.

MEASURES

Hazard ratio of all-cause and cause specific mortality risks associated with BMI categories. The association between BMI and all-cause and cause specific mortality were independently estimated by Cox regression model.

RESULTS

Regardless of gender, BMI of 24 -29.9 kg/m2 was a protective factor for death in all ages, while BMI above 30 kg/m2 was still a protective factor for older adults under 70 years old. Regardless of age, BMI at 24-25.9 kg/m2 was associated with lower mortality in men, while BMI at 26-27.9 kg/m2 was associated with lower mortality in women. For the older adults without chronic diseases, BMI at 24-25.9 kg/m2 was also significantly associated with lower mortality. In the analysis of BMI and cause of death, we also found that BMI of 24-25.9 kg/m2 was significantly associated with the lower mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and digestive system disease in China.

CONCLUSION

BMI in the range of 24-25.9 kg/m2 may be protective for mortality in Chinese older adults. Additional more large-scale, multicenter and long-term follow-up studies are needed to confirm these findings in different populations.

Solidification/Stabilization of Arsenic-Containing Tailings by Steel Slag-Based Binders with High Efficiency and Low Carbon Footprint

The disposal of nonferrous metal tailings poses a global economic and environmental problem. After employing a clinker-free steel slag-based binder (SSB) for the solidification/stabilization (S/S) of arsenic-containing tailings (AT), the effectiveness, leaching risk, and leaching mechanism of the SSB S/S treated AT (SST) were investigated via the Chinese leaching tests HJ/T299-2007 and HJ557-2010 and the leaching tests series of the multi-process Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF). The test results were compared with those of ordinary Portland cement S/S treated AT (PST) and showed that the arsenic (As) curing rates for SST and PST samples were in the range of 96.80–98.89% and 99.52–99.2%, respectively, whereby the leached-As concentration was strongly dependent on the pH of the leachate. The LEAF test results showed that the liquid–solid partitioning limit of As leaching from AT, SST, and PST was controlled by solubility, and the highest concentrations of leached As were 7.56, 0.34, and 0.33 mg/L, respectively. The As leaching mechanism of monolithic SST was controlled by diffusion, and the mean observed diffusion coefficient of 9.35 × 10⁻¹⁵ cm²/s was higher than that of PST (1.55 × 10⁻¹⁶ cm²/s). The findings of this study could facilitate the utilization of SSB in S/S processes, replacing cement to reduce CO₂ emissions.

A single-cell atlas of liver metastases of colorectal cancer reveals reprogramming of the tumor microenvironment in response to preoperative chemotherapy

Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer-related mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. How to improve therapeutic options for patients with metastatic CRC is the core question for CRC treatment. However, the complexity and diversity of stromal context of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in liver metastases of CRC have not been fully understood, and the influence of stromal cells on response to chemotherapy is unclear. Here we performed an in-depth analysis of the transcriptional landscape of primary CRC, matched liver metastases and blood at single-cell resolution, and a systematic examination of transcriptional changes and phenotypic alterations of the TME in response to preoperative chemotherapy (PC). Based on 111,292 single-cell transcriptomes, our study reveals that TME of treatment-naïve tumors is characterized by the higher abundance of less-activated B cells and higher heterogeneity of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). By contrast, in tumors treated with PC, we found activation of B cells, lower diversity of TAMs with immature and less activated phenotype, lower abundance of both dysfunctional T cells and ECM-remodeling cancer-associated fibroblasts, and an accumulation of myofibroblasts. Our study provides a foundation for future investigation of the cellular mechanisms underlying liver metastasis of CRC and its response to PC, and opens up new possibilities for the development of therapeutic strategies for CRC.

Characterization and Hydration Mechanism of Ammonia Soda Residue and Portland Cement Composite Cementitious Material

The use of ammonia soda residue (ASR) to prepare building materials is an effective way to dispose of ASR on a large scale, but this process suffers from a lack of data and theoretical basis. In this paper, a composite cementitious material was prepared using ASR and cement, and the hydration mechanism of cementitious materials with 5%, 10%, and 20% ASR was studied. The XRD and SEM results showed that the main hydration products of ASR-cement composite cementitious materials were an amorphous C-S-H gel, hexagonal plate-like Ca(OH)₂ (CH), and regular hexagonal plate-like Friedel’s salt (FS). The addition of ASR increased the heat of hydration of the cementitious material, which increased upon increasing the ASR content. The addition of ASR also reduced the cumulative pore volume of the hardened paste, which displayed the optimal pore structure when the ASR content was 5%. In addition, ASR shortened the setting time compared with the cement group, and the final setting times of the pastes with 5%, 10%, and 20% ASR were 30 min, 45 min, and 70 min shorter, respectively. When the ASR content did not exceed 10%, the 3-day compressive strength of the mortar was significantly improved, but the 28-day compressive strength was worse. Finally, the hydration mechanism and potential applications of the cementitious material are discussed. The results of this paper promote the use of ASR in building materials to reduce CO₂ emissions in the cement industry.

The mechanism of hydrating and solidifying green mine fill materials using circulating fluidized bed fly ash-slag-based agent

This study focused on classifying and disposing Circulating fluidized bed (CFB) fly ashes from the level of its origin, and proposed an optimal formulation system for clinker-free cemented backfill materials. CFB fly ash-blast furnace slag (BFS)-based cemented backfill materials with unequal strength grades are used in different locations of the goaf that require more than 1 Mpa and 4 Mpa, respectively, and the leaching levels of all toxic components are lower than the underground III water quality standard limit when the additional amount of CFB fly ash does not exceed 60 wt.%. The stable S/S of Cl^- is due to the combined effect of chemical fixation of HCC and physical adsorption of the C-S-H/C-A-S-H phase. B2(20 wt.% CFB fly ash) exhibits more functional hydration products and higher degree of polymerization with the hydration age extension. Ettringite is the major effective product of CFB fly ash-BFS-based cemented system due to low level of chlorine environment and HCC transformation. CFB fly ash with appropriate active Al₂O₃ can dissolve and promote [AlO₄]^5- to substitute [SiO₄]^4- to form the C-A-S-H phase with longer chains and higher degree of polymerization with increase in Al/Si ratio of C-A-S-H/C-S-H phase.

Treatment of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash: State-of-the-art technologies and future perspectives

Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash is considered as a hazardous waste that requires specific treatment before disposal. The principal treatments encompass thermal treatment, stabilization/solidification, and resource recovery. To maximize environmental, social, and economic benefits, the development of low-carbon and sustainable treatment technologies for MSWI fly ash has attracted extensive interests in recent years. This paper critically reviewed the state-of-the-art treatment technologies and novel resource utilization approaches for the MSWI fly ash. Innovative technologies and future perspectives of MSWI fly ash management were highlighted. Moreover, the latest understanding of immobilization mechanisms and the use of advanced characterization technologies were elaborated to foster future design of treatment technologies and the actualization of sustainable management for MSWI fly ash.

Targeting cholesterol biosynthesis promotes anti-tumor immunity by inhibiting long noncoding RNA SNHG29-mediated YAP activation

Anti-tumor immunity through checkpoint inhibitors, specifically anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) interaction, is a promising approach for cancer therapy. However, as early clinical trials indicate that colorectal cancers (CRCs) do not respond well to immune-checkpoint therapies, new effective immunotherapy approaches to CRC warrant further study. Simvastatin is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (CoA) reductase (HMGCR), the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate (MVA) pathway for the cholesterol biosynthesis. However, little is known about the functions of simvastatin in the regulation of immune checkpoints or long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-mediated immunoregulation in cancer. Here, we found that simvastatin inhibited PD-L1 expression and promoted anti-tumor immunity via suppressing the expression of lncRNA SNHG29. Interestingly, SNHG29 interacted with YAP and inhibited phosphorylation and ubiquitination-mediated protein degradation of YAP, thereby facilitating downregulation of PD-L1 transcriptionally. Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) models and the clinicopathological analysis in samples from CRC patients further supported the role of the lncRNA SNHG29-mediated PD-L1 signaling axis in tumor microenvironment reprogramming. Collectively, our study uncovers simvastatin as a potential therapeutic drug for immunotherapy in CRC, which suppresses lncRNA SNHG29-mediated YAP activation and promotes anti-tumor immunity by inhibiting PD-L1 expression.

Feasibility of using fly ash-slag-based binder for mine backfilling and its associated leaching risks

As a binder to completely replace Portland cement for mine backfilling, the use of clinker-free cementitious materials combined with municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash is proposed to achieve the targets of low-cost green backfilling, safe disposal and resource utilisation of bulk urban hazardous waste and metallurgical solid waste. This study balances the positive and negative effects of adding MSWI fly ash to the backfill by controlling its quantity in the binders, thus establishing an optimal concentration of 49 wt.% steel slag (SS), 21 wt.% blast furnace slag (BFS), 10 wt.% MSWI fly ash and 20 wt.% flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) gypsum. It is also reported that the filling performance of slurry (A2) satisfied strength requirements and is very suitable for long-distance transportation according to filling parameters. The leaching levels of the target elements (Cr, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, Pb, Hg and dioxins) for A2 matrix are lower than the required maximum concentration limits for the underground class Ⅲ water standard. Furthermore, the risk of leaching harmful constituents is mainly controlled by the pH of the environmental and the excellent buffering capacity of the matrix can reduce the potential leaching risk. The encapsulation, precipitation and adsorption of low-solubility double salts, such as hydrate calcium chloroaluminate (HCC) and ettringite, are the solidification/stabilisation (S/S) mechanism of series A on harmful substances. In addition, the high degree of polymerization(Ca/Si = 1.18 < 1.2, at 90d), the formation of long-chain C-S-H gels in binder A2-2, the dense pore structure lead to very stable growth in strength and control of leaching risks in subsequent periods.

Spastic paraplegia as the only symptom in two adult-onset patients carrying a novel pathogenic variant in PYCR2

A novel pathogenic PYCR2 variant and corresponding brain images in two patients characterized by spastic paraplegia.

Influence of calcium hydroxide addition on arsenic leaching and solidification/stabilisation behaviour of metallurgical-slag-based green mining fill

In this study, metallurgical-slag-based binder (MSB) with different dosages of calcium hydroxide (CH) was mixed with high-arsenic-containing mine tailings (HAMT) to form green mining fill samples (GMFs) for As solidification/stabilisation (S/S). The As leaching characteristics of the GMFs were evaluated using pH-dependent leaching tests, semi-dynamic leaching tests and toxicity leaching tests. The effective diffusion coefficient (D_e) decreased from 6.98 × 10^-14 to 5.90 × 10^-15 cm²/s and the leachability index (LI) increased from 13.53 to 14.73 after 3 wt.% CH was added to the GMFs. The GMFs containing 0 wt.% CH (GMF-0C) and those containing 3 wt.% CH (GMF-3C) reached pH = 2 with acid addition amounts of 9.0 meq/g-dry and 9.3 meq/g-dry at 90 d curing time, and the maximum As leaching concentrations of GMF-0C and GMF-3C reached 10.47 mg/L and 7.47 mg/L, respectively, indicating that GMF-3C exhibited better acid neutralisation and As retention capacities than GMF-0C. Further, a Tescan Integrated Mineral Analyser (TIMA) was used to analyse the dominant hydration products of GMF-3C, which revealed that calcium silicate hydrate, CASH, ettringite and zeolite phases represented approximately 22.5 wt.% of the products. These results provide an understanding regarding the safe large-scale utilisation of GMFs.

Investigation into the semi-dynamic leaching characteristics of arsenic and antimony from solidified/stabilized tailings using metallurgical slag-based binders

The leaching characteristics of metallurgical slag-based binders (MSB) solidified/stabilized tailings containing arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb), were investigated via a series of semi-dynamic leaching tests using three kinds of leachant, for the simulation of actual leaching conditions. The effectiveness of solidification/stabilization (S/S) treatment was evaluated by measuring the observed diffusion coefficients (D_obs). It was found that MSB efficiently prevented As and Sb leaching, providing D_obs values in the range of 10^-15 to 10^-13 cm²/s and 10^-11 to 10^-9 cm²/s, respectively, with the exception that the leaching mechanism of As was dissolution rather than diffusion under acetic acid leaching conditions. Physical encapsulation was found to be the dominant mechanism for Sb immobilization, while the dominant mechanism of As immobilization was precipitation in the monolithic MSB S/S treated tailings (MST). Results showed that the concentrations of leached As, Sb, Ca and Si, were affected by leachant pH and total acidity as well as the MSB constituent ratio. The effect of these parameters may be attributed to the stability of hydration products and their influence on the buffering capacity and structure of matrices, and the leachant pH and total acidity having the greatest influence on leaching characteristics.

Increased HSPG2 expression independently predicts poor survival in patients with oligoastrocytoma and oligodendroglioma

OBJECTIVE

Perlecan, which is also called heparan sulfate proteoglycan 2 (HSPG2), is a protein encoded by the HSPG2 gene that maps to 1p36.12 in the human genome. In this study, we assessed the independent prognostic value of HSPG2 in terms of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with LGG.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted by using data in the Cancer Genome Atlas-Low Grade Glioma (TCGA-LGG).

RESULTS

Increased HSPG2 expression was an independent prognostic indicator of poor OS in oligoastrocytoma (HR: 1.644, 95% CI: 1.116-2.423, p = 0.012) and in oligodendroglioma (HR: 1.459, 95% CI: 1.138-1.871, p = 0.003). In addition, increased HSPG2 expression independently predicted poor RFS in oligodendroglioma (HR: 1.402, 95% CI: 1.110-1.770, p = 0.005). Furthermore, we observed that high HSPG2 expression was associated with significantly shorter OS and RFS in oligodendroglioma, no matter the patients received radiotherapy or not. Using copy number alterations (CNAs) and DNA methylation data in TCGA-LGG, we found that DNA copy deletion was generally associated with decreased HSPG2 expression. Regression analysis suggested a weak negative correlation between HSPG2 expression and HSPG2 DNA methylation (Pearson's r = -0.388).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased HSPG2 expression could independently predict poor OS in oligoastrocytoma and oligodendroglioma and also independently predicted poor RFS in oligodendroglioma. Its expression is modulated by both DNA copy number and DNA methylation in oligodendroglioma.

Tim4 regulates NALP3 inflammasome expression and activity during monocyte/macrophage dysfunction in septic shock patients

Sepsis is the leading cause of death in burn patients. Monocytes/macrophages rapidly exhibit impaired production of proinflammatory cytokines and an elevated generation of anti-inflammatory cytokines in septic patients with immunosuppression. However, the expression patterns of Tim4 and Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NALP3) inflammasome and their roles during immunosuppression in septic shock patients are not well understood. Tim4 and NALP3 inflammasome expression in monocytes were downregulated in immunosuppressive patients with sepsis compared with healthy volunteers. Meanwhile, NALP3 inflammasome expression was upregulated by Tim4 overexpression in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and J774A.1 macrophages. Tim4 overexpression improved the ability of BMDMs and J774A.1 macrophages to produce proinflammatory cytokines and increased the expression of cleaved-caspase-1 (p10) after LPS/ATP stimulation. In addition, overexpression of Tim4 enhanced phagocytosis of apoptotic polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) by BMDMs and J774A.1 macrophages, while depletion of NALP3 in Tim4 overexpressing BMDMs and J774A.1 macrophages decreased phagocytosis of apoptotic PMNs. In summary, the expression of Tim4 and NALP3 inflammasome in monocytes/macrophages was downregulated in septic shock patients, and diminished expression of Tim4 and NALP3 inflammasome in monocytes/macrophages might play a critical role in sepsis-elicited immunosuppression.

Long noncoding RNA GAS5 inhibits progression of colorectal cancer by interacting with and triggering YAP phosphorylation and degradation and is negatively regulated by the m6A reader YTHDF3

Background

YAP activation is crucial for cancer development including colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether N6-Methyladenosine (m⁶A) modified transcripts of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate YAP activation in cancer progression. We investigated the functional link between lncRNAs and the m⁶A modification in YAP signaling and CRC progression.

Methods

YAP interacting lncRNAs were screened by RIP-sequencing, RNA FISH and immunofluorescence co-staining assays. Interaction between YAP and lncRNA GAS5 was studied by biochemical methods. MeRIP-sequencing combined with lncRNA-sequencing were used to identify the m⁶A modified targets of YTHDF3 in CRC. Gain-of-function and Loss-of-function analysis were performed to measure the function of GAS5-YAP-YTHDF3 axis in CRC progression in vitro and in vivo.

Results

GAS5 directly interacts with WW domain of YAP to facilitate translocation of endogenous YAP from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and promotes phosphorylation and subsequently ubiquitin-mediated degradation of YAP to inhibit CRC progression in vitro and in vivo. Notably, we demonstrate the m⁶A reader YTHDF3 not only a novel target of YAP but also a key player in YAP signaling by facilitating m⁶A-modified lncRNA GAS5 degradation, which profile a new insight into CRC progression. Clinically, lncRNA GAS5 expressions is negatively correlated with YAP and YTHDF3 protein levels in tumors from CRC patients.

Conclusions

Our study uncovers a negative functional loop of lncRNA GAS5-YAP-YTHDF3 axis, and identifies a new mechanism for m⁶A-induced decay of GAS5 on YAP signaling in progression of CRC which may offer a promising approach for CRC treatment.

[The hybridization and integration in the treatment of cerebral vascular diseases]

Multi-modalities integration is important in improving the outcome of patients with neurovascular diseases.Based on hybrid operation, this mode also integrates modern intraoperative image and monitoring techniques such as neuronavigation and intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring, providing safe, effective and cost-efficient therapies to certain diseases with the cooperation of neurosurgery and neurology department, which has been becoming the direction of modern individualized precise neurosurgery development.

Binding properties of two ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes [Ru(bpy)2(dppz-Br)]2+ and [Ru(dmb)2(dppz-Br)]2+ with the RNA poly(U)•poly(A)*poly(U) triplex

Two ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes containing different ancillary ligands, [Ru(bpy)₂(dppz-Br)]²⁺ (Ru1; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine dppz-Br = 7-Br-dipyrido[3,2-a,2',3'-c]-phenazine) and [Ru(dmb)₂(dppz-Br)]²⁺ (Ru2; dmb = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized. Binding properties of Ru1 and Ru2 with the RNA poly(U)•poly(A)*poly(U) triplex have been investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity measurements as well as circular dichroism and thermal denaturation. Spectrophotometric studies together with viscosity measurements suggest that both Ru1 and Ru2 bind with the triplex by intercalation mode, and the melting experiments demonstrate that the two complexes can effectively enhance the triplex stabilization. However, results indicate that Ru1 stabilizes the third-strand and Watson-Crick base-paired duplex of the triplex without obvious selectivity. In contrast, Ru2 prefers to bind with the third strand rather than the Watson-Crick base-paired duplex of the triplex to a some extent under the same conditions used in this study, thereby significantly stabilizing the third strand. The obtained results of this study suggest that slight differences in the ancillary ligands bpy and dmb should be the main factor affecting the binding interactions of the two complexes with the triplex.

Immobilisation of high-arsenic-containing tailings by using metallurgical slag-cementing materials

The mixture of finely ground blast furnace slag (BFS), basic oxygen furnace (BOF) steel slag (SS), and flue gas desulfurisation (FGD) gypsum could be used as cement to solidify heavy metals. In this study, these cementitious materials were combined with high-arsenic-containing tailings to form cemented backfill material (CBM). The results indicated that the optimal design of CBM was that of specimen CBM2 which showed good early strength (10.09 MPa) at a curing age of 3 days containing 60% BF slag, 30% SS, and 10% gypsum. And the arsenic leaching concentration of CBM2 at a curing age of 7 days and 28 days were both less than the limits specified in standards for drinking water quality (Chinese Standard GB 5749-2006). The predominant hydration products of CBM2 contained rod-like ettringite and amorphous C-S-H gel both of which promote arsenic solidification.

[Monitoring by high-sensitivity HBV DNA assay during treatment in chronic hepatitis B e antigen negative patients]

Objective: To explore the efficacy of tenofovir disoproxil and adefovir dipivoxil treatment in patients with hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg) negative was analyzed through the comparison of highly sensitive HBV viral load monitoring with HBV genotyping and drug resistance mutations. Methods: The clinical data of newly diagnosed chronic hepatitis B patients from January 2015 to June 2017 in outpatients and inpatients were randomly divided into tenofovir and adefovir group. Quantitative detection of HBV DNA levels before therapy and at 12, 24, 48, 96, and 120 weeks after therapy were determined for HBV genotypes and drug-resistant mutations in HBeAg-negative patients. Student's t-test was used to compare the measurement data between groups. The data of comparison between groups were tested by χ (2). Results: A total of 106 cases of HBeAg-negative patients were collected. Tenofovir disoproxil had a higher rate of HBV DNA suppression (54%) than adefovir dipivoxil treatment (42%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.19). After 120 weeks of treatment, a total of 46 patients (93.9%) were enrolled in the tenofovir disoproxil group with HBV DNA quantitation < 2 000 IU / ml. Adefovir dipivoxil group of patients with HBV DNA < 2 000 IU / ml a total of 40 cases, accounting for 75.5%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). For 49 cases of HBeAg-negative patients, HBV B, C, B and C were mixed before tenofovir dipivoxil treatment, and C1653T, A1762T and G1764A mutation sites were detected in patients with D genotype. Patients C, B, C, B, and C were examined for C1673T, G1896, G1858, G1899A. After treatment, the detection rate of the above mutation sites decreased, but C1653T, C1673T and G1899A were not detected. New mutation sites such as G1915A / C, L180M, M204V, V207I / L, T184A and V173L were detected, Low resistance rate (25%). Conclusion: Tenofovir disoproxil can be recommended as a treatment for HBeAg-negative patients. For HBeAg-negative patients, the choice of high-sensitivity detection of HBV DNA levels, better monitoring of anti-HBV efficacy.

Use of Ladle Furnace Slag and Other Industrial By-Products to Encapsulate Chloride in Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash

Municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) is a hazardous by-product of waste incineration. The objective of this research is to encapsulate the chloride in MSWIFA and to develop a utilizable construction material using MSWIFA, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), ladle furnace slag (LFS), and gypsum. A secondary objective of the work is to explain the hydration and encapsulation mechanisms in this material system using isothermal calorimetry (IC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ion chromatography (IC). The predominant hydration products are ettringite, Friedel's salt, and C-S-H gel, with Friedel's salt and C-S-H dominating in systems high in LFS and ettringite and C-S-H gel dominating in systems low in LFS. The chloride encapsulation showed a strong correlation with the Friedel's salt amount; however, some encapsulation was also likely due to physical binding in the C-S-H gel. In a system with 30% MSWIFA (by mass), the optimal amount of LFS for strength and chloride encapsulation is 20%⁻40% (by mass).

Treatment Strategy for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysm in Elderly Patients: Coiling, Clipping, or Conservative?

An increasing number of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) has been discovered in elderly patients in recent years, but the optimal treatment strategy for these patients remains controversial. We report our six-year experience treating UIAs in elderly patients (≥ 70 years old). A retrospective review was conducted of elderly patients who harbored UIAs treated by conservative observation, microsurgical clipping, or endovascular coiling between January 2009 and December 2014. The patients’ clinical and imaging information was recorded. Treating methods, procedure-related complications, imaging results, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. A total of 141 consecutive elderly patients with 166 UIAs were enrolled in our study. In all, 64 patients with 79 aneurysms were treated with coiling, and 14 patients with 14 aneurysms were treated with clipping. The remaining 63 patients with 73 aneurysms were placed under conservative observation. The average modified Rankin scale was 0.99 (range 0–6) in the full cohort after a mean follow-up of 50.4 months (range 0–70 months). There was no significant difference of modified Rankin scale in patients with UIAs treated by different methods. Multivariate analysis showed that age (p=0.030) and aneurysm size (p=0.011) were independent risk factors for unfavorable outcome of UIAs in the elderly. Patient age (p=0.010) and aneurysm size (p=0.020) were also significantly associated with unfavorable outcome of UIAs managed with observation initially. Our results indicated that endovascular coil embolization and clipping were both safe and effective treatment methods for UIAs in the elderly. Aggressive treatment for UIAs in elderly patients with risk factors of aneurysm rupture should be considered positively.

Structural decomposition analysis of embodied carbon in trade in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River

The middle reaches of the Yangtze River are the first demonstration zone for low-carbon urbanization in the midwest regions of China, and the division of carbon emission reduction responsibility is an important aspect of construction of ecological civilization. In this paper, the embodied carbon emissions in trade are estimated by using an input-output model in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and then a structural decomposition analysis (SDA) model is further applied to conduct decomposition analysis on factors of embodied carbon changes. Our primary findings show the following: (1) Production-based CO₂ emissions from Hubei and Hunan are higher than consumption-based CO₂ emissions. There are situations in Jiangxi and Anhui where production-based CO₂ emissions are both higher and lower than consumption-based CO₂ emissions. However, inter-regional trade implied carbon is dominated by net inflows. Moreover, the inter-regional embodied carbon emissions in trade mainly flow out to relatively developed regions, such as Jiangsu and Shanghai. The inflow of embodied carbon in trade comes mainly from relatively backward economic development areas, such as Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia. (2) From the perspective of industry, industries in Jiangxi and Anhui are dominated by net inflow, whereas industries in Hunan and Hubei are dominated by net outflow. Meanwhile, industry in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River displays a high carbon-locked phenomenon. Specifically, the high carbon-locked outflow industries are mainly concentrated in the transportation and warehousing industry, agriculture, and the chemical industry, and the outflow provinces flow out mainly to Jiangsu, Guangdong, and other economically developed regions; high carbon-locked inflows are concentrated in metal smelting and rolling processing, food manufacturing and tobacco processing, and construction, and the provinces are mainly Hebei, Henan, and Inner Mongolia, where economic development is lacking. (3) Furthermore, the results of SDA decomposition indicate that scale effect is generally the most important factor leading to embodied carbon outflow. Meanwhile, the energy carbon emission effect, the energy intensity effect, and the structural effect are important factors-the inter-industry association effect mainly promotes the embodied carbon outflow. Consequently, based on the distinction between production and consumer responsibility, and from the perspective of scale effect and structural effect, the related policy suggests that consumers should be held responsible.

[Specific changes of intestinal microflora in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease]

Objective: To analyze the composition and richness of intestinal microflora in children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the role of which in pathogenesis of NAFLD. Methods: This was a prospective case-control study. From November 2015 to June 2017, 19 children diagnosed with NAFLD according to the 2010 edition of diagnostic criteria were enrolled voluntarily in the Second and First Affiliated Hospitals of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University. Twenty-two healthy children were enrolled in the control group. Among the patients, 10 were males and 9 were females, at the mean age of (11.0±1.0) years; 10 males and 12 females in the control group, at the mean age of (9.0±1.2) years. The body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were recorded, and the fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein were detected. Feces were collected and the fecal microorganisms were extracted with magnetic beads methods; the composition and the richness of intestinal microflora in the two groups were detected with 16S rDNA high throughput sequencing technology. The KO differential gene expression and KEGG signal pathway enrichment were analyzed with PICRUST software. The intestinal flora characteristics between the two groups were compared with t test or Mann-Whitney U test and Willcoxon W test. Results: The BMI, waist circumference and triglyceride were higher in NAFLD group than those in the control group (BMI (25.1±2.7) vs. (18.2±1.5)kg/m(2), t=9.912, P=0.000; waist circumference (88.6±6.6) vs. (71.5±6.3) cm, t=8.520, P=0.000; triglyceride (0.9±0.4) vs.(0.7±0.3)mmol/L, t=2.060, P=0.046). The abundance and diversity index of intestinal microflora were lower in the NAFLD group (Shannon index 3.99 (3.13, 4.54) vs. 4.63 (4.21, 4.81), Z=-2.065, P=0.039; Simpson index 0.85 (0.70, 0.89) vs. 0.90 (0.88, 0.93), Z=-2.431, P=0.015; ACE index 235.76 (205.26, 361.94) vs. 326.96 (275.34, 368.65), Z=-2.092, P=0.036). At the level of phylum, the proportion of Actinomycetes was lower and the proportion of Thermus was higher in NAFLD group (Actinobacteri 29.807 (14.723, 62.080) ×10(-3) vs. 63.212 (46.133, 172.071) ×10(-3), Z=-2.667, P=0.008; Thermus 0.033 (0.000, 0.226) ×10(-3) vs. 0.000 (0.000, 0.031) ×10(-3), Z=-2.729, P=0.006) . At the level of genus, the proportion of Bacteroides and Bifidobacterium in the NAFLD group were significantly lower (Bacteroides 78.757 (11.430, 151.621) ×10(-3) vs. 356.821 (161.049, 403.037) ×10(-3), Z=-2.771, P=0.006; Bifidobacterium 19.680 (6.181, 53.944) ×10(-3) vs. 54.721 (31.911, 146.410) ×10(-3), Z=-2.458, P=0.014); the proportion of Prevotella in NAFLD group was significantly higher (3.089 (0.165, 63.502) ×10(-3) vs. 0.432 (0.029, 2.257) ×10(-3), Z=-2.112, P=0.035). Based on the KEGG database, 78 differentially expressed genes and 26 differential metabolic pathways were found, among which the function genes of K01470, K01961 and K07258 were concentrated in the pathways of arginine and proline metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, and polysaccharides biosynthesis and metabolism. Besides, these three function genes were related to Bacteroides, Prevotella, Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus. Conclusion: NAFLD children have intestinal flora disturbances in both diversity and abundance, which may alter lipid metabolic pathways through differential gene expressions, contributing to the pathogenesis of NAFLD.