Foliar cadmium uptake, transfer, and redistribution in Chili: A comparison of foliar and root uptake, metabolomic, and contribution

Atmospheric deposition is an essential cadmium (Cd) pollution source in agricultural ecosystems, entering crops via roots and leaves. In this study, atmospherically deposited Cd was simulated using cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CdS_N), and chili (Capsicum frutescens L.) was used to conduct a comparative foliar and root experiment. Root and foliar uptake significantly increased the Cd content of chili tissues as well as the subcellular Cd content. Scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry showed that Cd that entered the leaves via stomata was fixed in leaf cells, and the rest was mainly through phloem transport to the other organs. In leaf, stem, and root cell walls, Cd signal intensities were 47.4%, 72.2%, and 90.0%, respectively. Foliar Cd uptake significantly downregulated purine metabolism in leaves, whereas root Cd uptake inhibited stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid, and gingerol biosynthesis in roots. Root uptake contributed 90.4% Cd in fruits under simultaneous root and foliar uptake conditions attributed to xylem and phloem involvement in Cd translocation. Moreover, root uptake had a more significant effect on fruit metabolic pathways than foliar uptake. These findings are critical for choosing pollution control technologies and ensuring food security.

[Reverse partial pulmonary resection: a new surgical approach for pediatric pulmonary cysts]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of reverse partial lung resection for treatment of pediatric pulmonary cysts combined with lung abscesses or thoracic abscess.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of children undergoing reverse partial lung resection for complex pulmonary cysts in our hospital between June, 2020 and June, 2021.During the surgery, the patients lay in a lateral position, and a 3-5 cm intercostal incision was made at the center of the lesion, through which the pleura was incised and the fluid or necrotic tissues were removed.The anesthesiologist was instructed to aspirate the sputum in the trachea to prevent entry of the necrotic tissues in the trachea.The cystic lung tissue was separated till reaching normal lung tissue on the hilar side.The proximal end of the striated tissue in the lesion was first double ligated with No.4 silk thread, the distal end was disconnected, and the proximal end was reinforced with continuous sutures with 4-0 Prolene thread.The compromised lung tissues were separated, and the thoracic cavity was thoroughly flushed followed by pulmonary inflation, air leakage management and incision suture.

RESULTS

Sixteen children aged from 3 day to 2 years underwent the surgery, including 3 with simple pulmonary cysts, 11 with pulmonary cysts combined with pulmonary or thoracic abscess, 1 with pulmonary cysts combined with tension pneumothorax and left upper lung bronchial defect, and 1 with pulmonary herpes combined with brain tissue heterotaxy.All the operations were completed smoothly, with a mean operation time of 129 min, an mean hospital stay of 11 days, and a mean drainage removal time of 7 days.All the children recovered well after the operation, and 11 of them had mild air leakage.None of the children had serious complications or residual lesions or experienced recurrence of infection after the operation.

CONCLUSION

Reverse partial lung resection is safe and less invasive for treatment of complex pediatric pulmonary cysts complicated by infections.

Enhanced cadmium removal by biochar and iron oxides composite: Material interactions and pore structure

The combination of biochar (BC) and iron minerals improves their pollutant adsorption capacity. However, little is known about the reactivity of BC-iron mineral composites regarding their interaction and change in the pore structure. In this study, the mechanism of cadmium (Cd) adsorption by BC-iron oxide composites, such as BC combined with ferrihydrite (FH) or goethite (GT), was explored. The synergistic effect of the BC-FH composite significantly improved its Cd adsorption capacity. The adsorption efficiencies of BC-FH and BC-GT increased by 15.0% and 10.8%, respectively, compared with that of uncombined BC, FH, and GT. The strong Cd adsorption by BC-FH was attributed to stable interactions and stereoscopic pore filling between BC and FH. The scanning electron microscopy results showed that FH particles entered the BC pores, whereas GT particles were loaded onto the BC surface. FTIR spectroscopy showed that GT covered a larger area of the BC surface than FH. After loading FH and GT, BC porosities decreased by 9.3% and 4.1%, respectively. Quantum chemical calculations and independent gradient mode analysis showed that van der Waals interactions, H-bonds, and covalent-like interactions maintained stability between iron minerals and BC. Additionally, humic acid increased the agglomeration of iron oxides and formed larger particles, causing additional aggregates to load onto the BC surface instead of entering the BC pores. Our results provide theoretical support to reveal the interfacial behavior of BC-iron mineral composites in soil and provide a reference for field applications of these materials for pollution control and environmental remediation.

Phosphorus-Enhanced and Calcium-Retarded Transport of Ferrihydrite Colloid: Mechanism of Electrostatic Potential Changes Regulated via Adsorption Speciation

The transport of ferrihydrite colloid (FHC) through porous media is influenced by anions (e.g., PO₄^3-) and cations (e.g., Ca²⁺) in the aqueous environment. This study investigated the cotransport of FHC with P and P/Ca in saturated sand columns. The results showed that P adsorption enhanced FHC transport, whereas Ca loaded onto P-FHC retarded FHC transport. Phosphate adsorption provided a negative potential on the FHC, while Ca added to P-FHC led to electrostatic screening, compression of the electric double layer, and formation of Ca₅(PO₄)₃OH followed by heteroaggregation at pH ≥ 6.0. The monodentate and bidentate P surface complexes coexisted, and Ca mainly formed a ternary complex with bidentate P (≡(FeO)₂PO₂Ca). The unprotonation bidentate P at the Stern 1-plane had a considerable negative potential at the Van der Waals molecular surface. Extending the potential effect to the outer layer of FHC, the potential at the Stern 2-plane and zeta potential exhibited a corresponding change, resulting in a change in FHC mobility, which was validated by comparison of experimental results, DFT calculations, and CD-MUSIC models. Our results highlighted the influence of P and Ca on FHC transport and elucidated their interaction mechanisms based on quantum chemistry and colloidal chemical interface reactions.

Association between Intrinsic Capacity and Sarcopenia in Hospitalized Older Patients

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to clarify the association between intrinsic capacity (IC) and sarcopenia in hospitalized older patients.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Hospital-based.

PARTICIPANTS

This study included 381 inpatients aged ≥ 60 years (225 men and 156 women).

MEASUREMENTS

IC was evaluated in five domains defined by the World Health Organization: cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination), locomotion (Short Physical Performance Battery test), vitality (Short-Form Mini Nutritional Assessment), sensory (self-reported hearing and vision) and psychological (5-item Geriatric Depression Scale) capacities. IC composite score (0-5) was calculated based on five domains, with lower scores representing greater IC. Sarcopenia was defined in accordance with the criteria recommended by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019. Multiple linear and logistic regressions were performed to explore the associations between IC composite score and IC domains with sarcopenia and its defining components.

RESULTS

The mean age of 381 patients included was 81.95±8.42 years. Of them, 128 (33.6%) patients had sarcopenia. The median IC composite score was 1 (1, 2). Cognition, locomotion, vitality, sensory and psychological capacities were impaired in 22.6%, 63.5%, 18.9%, 27.3% and 11.3% of patients. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that favorable IC domain scores in cognition, locomotion and vitality were associated with a stronger handgrip strength. A higher vitality score was associated with a greater appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), and a higher locomotion score was associated with a greater gait speed. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only vitality impairment was associated with sarcopenia. A higher IC composite score was associated with higher risks of sarcopenia, as well as low ASMI, handgrip strength and gait speed.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that a more serious impairment of IC was associated with a greater risk of sarcopenia. Vitality was the domain most strongly associated with sarcopenia. IC may be employed to detect and manage sarcopenia.

Uptake of atmospherically deposited cadmium by leaves of vegetables: Subcellular localization by NanoSIMS and potential risks

Atmospherically deposited cadmium (Cd) may accumulate in plants through foliar uptake; however, the foliar uptake, accumulation, and distribution processes of Cd are still under discussion. Atmospherically deposited Cd was simulated using cadmium sulfide (CdS) with various particle sizes and solubility. Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk, WS) and pak choi (Brassica chinensis L., PC) leaves were treated with suspensions of CdS nanoparticles (CdS_N), which entered the leaves via the stomata. Cd concentrations of WS and PC leaves treated with 125 mg L^-1 CdS_N reached up to 39.8 and 11.0 mg kg^-1, respectively, which are higher than the critical leaf concentration for toxicity. Slight changes were observed in fresh biomass, photosynthetic parameters, lipid peroxidation, and mineral nutrient uptake. Exposure concentration, rather than particle size or solubility, regulated the foliar uptake and accumulation of Cd. Subcellular and the high-resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) results revealed that Cd was majorly stored in the soluble fraction and cell walls, which is an important Cd detoxification mechanism in leaves. The potential health risks associated with consuming CdS-containing vegetables were highlighted. These findings facilitate a better understanding of the fate of atmospheric Cd in plants, which is critical in ensuring food security.

Effect of Agricultural Organic Inputs on Nanoplastics Transport in Saturated Goethite-Coated Porous Media: Particle Size Selectivity and Role of Dissolved Organic Matter

The transport of nanoplastics (NPs) through porous media is influenced by dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from agricultural organic inputs. Here, cotransport of NPs with three types of DOM (biochar_DOM (BC_DOM), wheat straw_DOM (WS_DOM), and swine manure_DOM (SM_DOM)) was investigated in saturated goethite (GT)-coated sand columns. The results showed that codeposition of 50 nm NPs (50NPs) with DOM occurred due to the formation of a GT-DOM-50NPs complex, while DOM loaded on GT-coated sand and 400 nm NPs (400NPs) aided 400NPs transport due to electrostatic repulsion. According to the quantum chemical calculation, humic acid and cellulose played a significant role in 50NPs retardation. Owing to its high concentration, moderate humification index (HIX), and cellulose content, SM_DOM exhibited the highest retardation of 50NPs transport and promoting effect on 400NPs transport. Owing to a high HIX, the effect of BC_DOM on the mobility of 400NPs was higher than that of WS_DOM. However, high cellulose content in WS_DOM caused it to exhibit a 50NPs retardation ability that was similar to that of BC_DOM. Our results highlight the particle size selectivity and significant influence of DOM type on the transport of NPs and elucidate their quantum and colloidal chemical-interface mechanisms in a typical agricultural environment.

Effects of selected functional groups on nanoplastics transport in saturated media under diethylhexyl phthalate co-contamination conditions

The production and degradation of plastic remains can result in nanoplastics (NPs) formation. However, insufficient information regarding the environmental behaviors of NPs impedes comprehensive assessment of their significant threats. In this study, the transport behavior of unmodified NPs (PSNPs), carboxyl-modified NPs (PSNPs-COOH), and amino-modified NPs (PSNPs-NH₂) was investigated using column experiments in the presence and absence of goethite (GT) and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). Quantum chemical computation was performed to reveal the transport mechanisms. The results showed that GT decreased the transport of NPs and the presence of DEHP decreased it further. Van der Waals forces and small electrostatic interactions coexisted between the PSNPs and GT and caused deposition. Ligand exchange caused greater deposition of PSNPs-COOH on GT-coated sand than that of PSNPs. Although hydrogen bonding existed between the DEHP and NPs with functional groups, an increase in the positive charge and chemical heterogeneity of the collector was the main reason for DEHP promoting the deposition of NPs. Because of low absolute negative zeta potential values, PSNPs-NH₂ was sensitive to chemical heterogeneity, and thus fully deposited (over 96.9%) in GT and GT-DEHP-coated columns. Generally, the deposition of NPs due to chemical heterogeneity was more significant than that due to the formation of chemical bonds and van der Waals, electrostatic, and hydrogen interactions. Our results highlight that the surface charge and functional groups significantly influence the transport behaviors of NPs and elucidate the fate of NPs in the terrestrial environment.

[Epidemiological investigation of tinnitus in Sichuan and Chongqing]

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of tinnitus in Sichuan and Chongqing. Methods: We designed a tinnitus epidemiological questionnaire. The multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling methods was applied to obtain study subjects in six areas (Nanchong, Jiangjin, Fengdu, Yunyang, Suining and Ya'an), which were selected for epidemiological investigation. Home visit completion of epidemiological questionnaires was conducted. The trained investigators guided the respondents to fill in the tinnitus epidemiological questionnaires, and the epidemiological status of six areas on prevalence and risk factor was investigated. SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Sampling population were 10 289, in which 9 273 were valid questionnaires. There were 4 281 males and 4 992 females, with an average age of 47.3 years, among which 34.83% (3 230/9 273) had tinnitus. 3.99% (370/9 273) were diagnosed with bothersome tinnitus. In a multivariable logistic regression mod, the following factors were associated with onsetting of tinnitus: sleep disorder [Odds Ratio(OR)=3.74] and noise exposure(OR=1.99). The risk of disease was lowest in the age of 30-40 years old, while the risk of disease was higher for people under 30 and over 40. In another multivariable logistic regression mode, the following factors were associated with having bothersome tinnitus: older people were more likely to suffer from tinnitus, sleep disorders (OR=4.68) and noise exposure (OR=1.56). Conclusions: The prevalence of tinnitus in Sichuan and Chongqing is about 34.83%, but most of the tinnitus is short-lived and has low loudness, which will not affect the patients. Only a small number of patients with tinnitus (3.99%) persist and affect their health and need treatment. The occurrence and exacerbation of tinnitus may be related to sleep, age, and noise exposure.

Comparison of the effects of large-grained and nano-sized biochar, ferrihydrite, and complexes thereof on Cd and As in a contaminated soil-plant system

Cd and As are difficult to co-remediate in co-contaminated soils. In this study, remediation materials comprising large-grained and nano-sized biochar (BC), ferrihydrite (FH), and complexes thereof were added to Cd- and As-contaminated soil. The uptake of Cd and As by pak choi (Brassica chinensis L.) was then evaluated using a pot experiment and the Cd and As concentrations of the soil pore water and leaching water were measured. The Cd and As concentrations of the pore and leaching water were slightly increased with the addition of BC, and decreased with addition of FH and the biochar-ferrihydrite complex (BC-FH). However, nano-sized BC (BC_N), FH (FH_N), and BC-FH (BC-FH_N) had little influence on the decreases in Cd and As of the two monitored water types. Large-grained remediation materials, rather than nanomaterials, decreased the Cd and As concentrations of the two monitored water types. Nonetheless, nanomaterial treatments more effectively decreased the Cd and As concentrations in plants by an average of >10% relative to the large-grained treatments. The DLVO theory analysis suggested that BC_N, FH_N, and BC-FH_N, immobilized in the topsoil, adsorbed heavy metals in the rhizosphere soil. The remainder of the nano-sized materials was dispersed in the rhizosphere soil pores, shielding the uptake of Cd and As by the roots. Although the doses of nanomaterials used in this study were less than one-fortieth of those of the large-grained materials, changes in the plant rhizosphere microenvironment caused by the nanomaterials decreased the risk of toxicity transfer from the soil to the plants.

Phosphorus transport in different soil types and the contribution of control factors to phosphorus retardation

Iron (Fe) minerals, organic matter (OM), and pH can effectively regulate phosphorus (P) transport in the soil. However, their respective contributions in this regard are still unclear. In this study, P transport in soil columns was investigated by monitoring breakthrough curves and transport model fitting, and the contributions of Fe and total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations, as well as pH to P retention, were determined using multiple linear regression (MLR). The results showed that the rate of P transport in Fe-rich laterite soil was significantly lower (retardation factor R = 458.5) than that in the other soil types (R = 108.4-247.6). Additionally, it was observed that OM formed rate-limited adsorption sites, causing the rapid release of labile P, and owing to P release and readsorption. Even though more significant P releases were observed, chernozem soil had an obvious inhibiting effect on P transport owing to its relatively high Fe content, and the high P-Fe increment (48.9-90.4%) indicated the essential role of Fe minerals in P immobilization. Further, P was readily transported in natural or artificially modified fluvo-aquic soils with high calcium concentrations, and it was also observed that the convection-dispersion equation (CDE) and Thomas models were suitable for describing P retardation and adsorption, respectively. Furthermore, the contribution weights of Fe and TOC concentrations as well as pH to P retardation, based on MLR calculations, were approximately 1.0, -0.3, and -0.2, respectively. Our findings can support the control of eutrophication pollution caused by P leaching.

Immobilization and release risk of arsenic associated with partitioning and reactivity of iron oxide minerals in paddy soils

The consumption of agricultural products grown on paddy soils contaminated with toxic element has a detrimental effect on human health. However, the processes and mechanisms of iron (Fe) mineral-associated arsenic (As) availability and As reactivity in different paddy soil profiles are not well understood. In this study, the fractions, immobilization, and release risk of As in eleven soil profiles from the Changzhutan urban agglomeration in China were investigated; these studied soils were markedly contaminated with As. Sequential extraction experiments were used to analyze fractions of As and Fe oxide minerals, and kinetic experiments were used to characterize the reactivity of Fe oxide minerals. The results showed that concentrations of total As and As fractions had a downward trend with depth, but the average proportions of As fractions only showed relatively small changes, which implied that the decrease in the total As concentrations influenced the changes in fraction concentrations along the sampling depth. Moreover, we found that easily reducible Fe (Fe_ox1) mainly controlled the reductive dissolution of the Fe oxides, which suggest that the reductive dissolution process could potentially release As during the flooded period of rice production. In addition, a high proportion of As was specifically absorbed As (As-F2) (average 20.4%) in paddy soils, higher than that in other soils. The total organic carbon (TOC) content had a positive correlation with the amount of non-specifically bound As (As-F1) (R = 0.56), which means that TOC was one factor that affected the As extractability in the As-F1. Consequently, high inputs of organic fertilizers may elevate the release of As and accelerate the diffusion of As. Graphical abstract.

NLRP6 Induces Pyroptosis by Activation of Caspase-1 in Gingival Fibroblasts

NLRP6, a member of the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing (NLR) innate immune receptor family, has been reported to participate in inflammasome formation. Activation of inflammasome triggers a caspase-1-dependent programming cell death called pyroptosis. However, whether NLRP6 induces pyroptosis has not been investigated. In this study, we showed that NLRP6 overexpression activated caspase-1 and gasdermin-D and then induced pyroptosis of human gingival fibroblasts, resulting in release of proinflammatory mediators interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. Moreover, NLRP6 was highly expressed in gingival tissue of periodontitis compared with healthy controls. Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is a commensal bacterium and has periodontopathic potential, induced pyroptosis of gingival fibroblasts by activation of NLRP6. Together, we, for the first time, identified that NLRP6 could induce pyroptosis of gingival fibroblasts by activation of caspase-1 and may play a role in periodontitis.

[Method for recording tension changes of small pulmonary artery and vein using the isolated vessel tension measurement system]

Objective: To establish a standardized method for isolated pulmonary artery and vein rings with different diameter, pressure and length, which could provide a more scientific method for in vitro study of pulmonary vessel diseases. Methods: Male SD rats were anesthetized, and the right ventricular systolic pressure were measured. Small pulmonary artery and vein rings with 200-400 μm in diameter and 2 mm in length were prepared by dissecting pulmonary arteries and veins. The pulmonary vessel rings were mounted in the organ bath by 2 stainless steel wires with diameter of 40 μm. Then the internal circumference of the vessel rings was increased gradually with 100 μm per step. At the same time the vascular tension was recorded by the Myograph System and Acknowledgement data acquisition system, and subsequently the passive length-tension exponential curve was made. The initial tension of the rings was set, equilibrated for another 30 min, and then stimulated with 60 mmol/L KCl 3 times, and the best contractile reactivity was achieved. The contractile reactivity of pulmonary artery rings and endothelial integrity were detected by exposure to 1 μmol/L phenylephrine(PE) and 10 μmol/L acetylcholine(Ach), while the contractile reactivity of pulmonary vein rings was detected by exposure to 1 μmol/L U46619 and 10 μmol/L papaverine. Results: The contraction and relaxation effects of the pulmonary artery rings reached 0.39 mg and 92% when they were stimulated by 1 μmol/L PE and 10 μmol/L Ach. The contraction and relaxation effects of pulmonary vein rings were up to 0.13 mg and 84% when they were exposed to 1 μmol/L U46619 and 10 μmol/L papaverine, respectively. Conclusion: Pulmonary artery and vein rings with appropriate basal tension and optimal vasodilator activity were prepared, and a standardized method of tension experiment for isolated pulmonary artery and vein rings established.

Rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes co-cultured with PBMC increased peripheral CD4+ CXCR5+ ICOS+ T cell numbers

'Circulating' T follicular helper cells (Tfh), characterized by their surface phenotypes CD4⁺ chemokine receptor 5 (CXCR5)⁺ inducible co-stimulatory molecule (ICOS)⁺ , have been identified as the CD4⁺ T cell subset specialized in supporting the activation, expansion and differentiation of B cells. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are critical in promoting inflammation and cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the interaction between FLS and T cells is considered to facilitate FLS activation and T cell recruitment. However, it remains unknown whether RA-FLS co-cultured with activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) has immunoregulatory effects on peripheral Tfh. In the present study, we co-cultured RA-FLS with or without anti-CD3/CD28-stimulated PBMC. The results showed that RA-FLS co-cultured with stimulated PBMC could increase the numbers of CD4⁺ CXCR5⁺ ICOS⁺ T cells of RA PBMC possibly via the production of interleukin (IL)-6, a critical cytokine involved in the differentiation of Tfh cells. We also observed increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the co-culture system of RA-FLS and PBMC. The percentage of CD4⁺ CXCR5⁺ ICOS⁺ T cells was decreased when ROS production was inhibited by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a specific inhibitor which can decrease ROS production. In addition, we showed that the higher levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1β in the co-culture system and the blocking of TNF receptor 2 (TNF-R2) and IL-1β receptor (IL-1βR) both decreased the numbers of CD4⁺ CXCR5⁺ ICOS⁺ T cells. Our study reveals a novel mechanistic insight into how the interaction of RA-FLS and PBMC participates in the RA pathogenesis, and also provides support for the biologicals application for RA.

The study of the relationship between aberrant expression of hot shock protein 70 (HSP70) and spontaneous abortion

OBJECTIVE

The present study is aimed to explore the relationship between aberrant expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP) and spontaneous abortion.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

50 patients with spontaneous abortion and 50 patients with induced abortion were continuously selected based on the nearest matching principle, and the proportion of age and gestational age was 1:1. The decidual tissues were obtained, and the cell apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assay. Further, the expression of HSP70 was assayed by immune-histochemical staining, and the expression of HSP70 mRNA was detected by the RT-PCR approach.

RESULTS

Apoptosis rate, HSP70 expression and HSP70 mRNA expression in the observation group were significantly higher than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

HSP70 might induce apoptosis so as to cause spontaneous abortion.

The curative efficacy of arthroscopic therapy in treating anterior cruciate ligament rupture with secondary osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To compare and analyze the clinical effects of arthroscopic therapy and drug therapy in treating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture with secondary osteoarthritis (OA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 68 patients that were diagnosed as ACL rupture with secondary OA in our hospital from February 2014 to February 2015 were enrolled in our study. All of the patients were randomly divided into control group (n = 30) and observation group (n = 38) according to the order of admission. The patients in the control group were given analgesic, anti-inflammatory drugs + functional rehabilitation training whereas the patients in the observation group were given ACL reconstruction + OA debridement and functional rehabilitation training under arthroscopy.

RESULTS

The success rate of the observation group was 92.1%. After 3-month follow-up, the clinical total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group, the prevalence of complications in the observation group was significantly lower than in the control group, and differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Lysholm scale scoring of observation group was significantly higher than of the control group, modified McGill pain scale score was significantly lower than that of the control group, and differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Quadriceps muscle peak torque, average power, and the optimal single work at 60°/s, 120°/s, and 180°/s were significantly higher than those of the control group, and differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic operative therapy was safe and effective for the treatment of ACL with secondary OA. Compared with drug therapy, it can significantly improve the movement function of the knee joint, so it was worthy of clinical application.

Assessment of the Altitudinal Atmospheric Metal(loid) Deposition in a Mountainous City by Mosses

Samples of moss (Haplocladium microphyllum) were collected at different elevations on a mountain and four representative sites in Guiyang City, and the concentrations of metal(loid)s were determined by ICP-MS. The altitudinal deposition of soil-originated metals differed from that of anthropogenic metal(loid)s. The concentrations of soil-related elements decreased with elevation, indicating that these elements tend to deposit at lower elevations and their impact on the higher elevations is less. The concentrations of anthropogenic elements varied only slightly with elevation, indicating that the atmospheric deposition of these elements did not vary largely with elevation. The results of this study showed that the mosses at different locations may serve to indicate a vertical gradient of atmospheric metal(loid) deposition.

Dense WDM transmission at 2 μm enabled by an arrayed waveguide grating

We show, for the first time, dense WDM (8×20  Gbit/s) transmission at 2 μm enabled by advanced modulation formats (4-ASK Fast-OFDM) and the development of key components, including a new arrayed waveguide grating (AWGr) at 2 μm. The AWGr shows -12.8±1.78  dB of excess loss with an 18-dB extinction ratio and a thermal tunability of 0.108 nm/°C.

Simultaneous changes in gray matter volume and white matter fractional anisotropy in Alzheimer's disease revealed by multimodal CCA and joint ICA

The prominent morphometric alterations of Alzheimer's disease (AD) occur both in gray matter and in white matter. Multimodal fusion can examine joint information by combining multiple neuroimaging datasets to identify the covariant morphometric alterations in AD in greater detail. In the current study, we conducted a multimodal canonical correlation analysis and joint independent component analysis to identify the covariance patterns of the gray and white matter by fusing structural magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging data of 39 AD patients (23 males and 16 females, mean age: 74.91±8.13years) and 41 normal controls (NCs) (20 males and 21 females, mean age: 73.97±6.34years) derived from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. The results revealed 25 joint independent components (ICs), of which three joint ICs exhibited strong links between the gray matter volume and the white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) and significant differences between the AD and NC group. The joint IC maps revealed that the simultaneous changes in the gray matter and FA values primarily involved the following areas: (1) the temporal lobe/hippocampus-cingulum, (2) the frontal/cingulate gyrus-corpus callosum, and (3) the temporal/occipital/parietal lobe-corpus callosum/corona radiata. Our findings suggest that gray matter atrophy is associated with reduced white matter fiber integrity in AD and possibly expand the understanding of the neuropathological mechanisms in AD.

Hyperglycemia-induced small intestinal dysrhythmias attributed to sympathovagal imbalance in normal and diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia is known to induce dysrhythmias in the stomach; however, it is unknown whether they are also induced in the small intestine. Autonomic dysfunction is commonly noted in diabetes but the role it plays in hyperglycemia-induced dysrhythmias remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the effects of hyperglycemia on intestinal myoelectrical activity and the role of autonomic functions in hyperglycemia.

METHODS

Small intestinal myoelectrical activity (slow wave and spike activity) and autonomic functions (assessed by the spectral analysis of heart rate variability) were measured in Goto-Kakizaki diabetic rats and control rats treated with acute glucagon. Blood glucose was measured and its correlation with intestinal slow waves was determined.

KEY RESULTS

(1) The diabetic rats showed reduced regularity in intestinal slow waves in fasting and fed states (p < 0.001 for both), and increased sympathovagal balance (p < 0.05) in comparison with the control rats. The regularity in intestinal slow waves was negatively correlated with the HbA1c level in all rats (r = -0.663, p = 0.000). (2) Glucagon injection in the control rats induced transient hyperglycemia, intestinal slow wave dysrhythmias and impaired autonomic functions, similar to those observed in the diabetic rats. The increase in blood glucose was correlated with the decrease in the regularity of intestinal slow waves (r = -0.739, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Both spontaneous and glucagon-induced hyperglycemia results in slow wave dysrhythmias in the small intestine. Impairment in autonomic functions (increased sympathovagal balance) may play a role in hyperglycemia-induced dysrhythmias.

Relationship between the expression of CES2, UGT1A1, and GUSB in colorectal cancer tissues and aberrant methylation

Irinotecan (CPT-11) is considered an important drug in the treatment of colorectal cancer, but its continuous administration reduces its sensitivity and influences the curative effect. The metabolism of CPT-11 is mainly controlled by carboxy-lesterase (CES), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A (UGT1A), and β-glucuronidase (GUSB). Studies to date have shown that methylation acts as an important mechanism for gene expression to suppress the metabolic enzymes of many chemotherapeutics. This study, which selected 99 colorectal cancer patients, 23 of whom had paracancerous tissues and eight of whom had large intestine adenomas, aimed to investigate the correlation between the protein expression of the CPT-11 metabolic enzyme genes CES2, UGT1A1, and GUSB and various clinical pathological parameters of colorectal cancer tissues, as well as the relationship between methylation regulation and the gene expression of CES2, UGT1A1, and GUSB. We used immunohistochemistry staining, methylation-specific PCR, and clinical status to reveal the possible regulatory targets of chemotherapeutic resistance in colorectal cancer and to provide new ideas and countermeasures to reverse anti-cancer drug resistance and chemosensitization. The results showed that the expression of CES2, UGTA1A1, and GUSB varies in colorectal pathology tissues and that the expression of CES2 is somewhat related to tumor staging. This relationship is likely caused by the gene regulation of UGT1A1 and GUSB, and other regulation mechanisms may also be involved. The methylation of the CES2 gene is irrelevant to the morbidity associated with colorectal cancer. The GUSB gene showed no significant differences in methylation, and the hemi-methylation was also positive, the regulating ability of which needs to be verified. The potential role of these genes in the colorectal cancer progression, which may be directly related to the methylation regulation of UGT1A1, requires further research. The promoter of the UGT1A1 gene in colorectal cancer cells is methylated, which is an important mechanism of UGT1A1 gene silencing and can be regarded as the target point of research for CPT-11 drug resistance and control mechanisms for the reversal of drug resistance.

Monte Carlo N-particle simulation of neutron-based sterilisation of anthrax contamination

OBJECTIVE

To simulate the neutron-based sterilisation of anthrax contamination by Monte Carlo N-particle (MCNP) 4C code.

METHODS

Neutrons are elementary particles that have no charge. They are 20 times more effective than electrons or γ-rays in killing anthrax spores on surfaces and inside closed containers. Neutrons emitted from a (252)Cf neutron source are in the 100 keV to 2 MeV energy range. A 2.5 MeV D-D neutron generator can create neutrons at up to 10(13) n s(-1) with current technology. All these enable an effective and low-cost method of killing anthrax spores.

RESULTS

There is no effect on neutron energy deposition on the anthrax sample when using a reflector that is thicker than its saturation thickness. Among all three reflecting materials tested in the MCNP simulation, paraffin is the best because it has the thinnest saturation thickness and is easy to machine. The MCNP radiation dose and fluence simulation calculation also showed that the MCNP-simulated neutron fluence that is needed to kill the anthrax spores agrees with previous analytical estimations very well.

CONCLUSION

The MCNP simulation indicates that a 10 min neutron irradiation from a 0.5 g (252)Cf neutron source or a 1 min neutron irradiation from a 2.5 MeV D-D neutron generator may kill all anthrax spores in a sample. This is a promising result because a 2.5 MeV D-D neutron generator output >10(13) n s(-1) should be attainable in the near future. This indicates that we could use a D-D neutron generator to sterilise anthrax contamination within several seconds.

Genetic diversity of Tibetan goats of Plateau type using microsatellite markers

Abstract. The 10 microsatellite markers (XBM7, XBM11, XBM16, XBM19, XBM24, XBM31, XBM84, TGLA53, SRCRSP-10 and ILS005) were selected to investigate the genetic diversity of Tibetan goat of Plateau type (NM, n=108), and the other 5 goat populations, i.e., Tibetan goat of Valley type (TG, n=36), Baiyu black goat (BY, n=36), Jianchang black goat (JC, n=36), Meigu goat (MG, n=36) and Xinjiang goat (XJ, n=32) were served as control. The mean polymorphism information content, heterozygosity and effective allele number of these 6 populations were 0.660/0.777/4.476, 0.716/0.797/4.9416, 0.631/0.673/3.061, 0.649/0.680/3.125, 0.629/0.680/3.125 and 0.561/0.793/4.840 respectively. The allele frequencies of Tibetan goat of plateau type in 10 microsatellite loci were greatly different with other 5 goat populations. The 6 goat populations were grouped into three distinct clusters: the Tibetan goat cluster (NM goat and TG goat), Sichuan goat cluster (JC goat, MG goat and BY goat), and Xinjiang goat cluster (XJ goat). These 3 distinct clusters were finally clustered together. The genetic differences among populations were in accordance with their geographical and historical origins.

1H NMR-based metabolomic study of metabolic profiling for systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by multi-system involvement, diverse clinical presentation, and alterations in circulating metabolites. In this study, a 1H NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics approach was applied to establish a human SLE serum metabolic profile. Serum samples were obtained from patients with SLE ( n = 64), patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) ( n = 30) and healthy controls ( n = 35). The NOESYPR1D spectrum combined with multi-variate pattern recognition analysis was used to cluster the groups and establish a disease-specific metabolites phenotype. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models were capable of distinguishing SLE or RA patients from healthy subjects. The OPLS-DA model was able to predict diagnosis of SLE with a sensitivity rate of 60.9% and a specificity rate of 97.1%. For diagnosing RA, the model has much higher sensitivity (96.7%) and specificity (91.4%). The SLE serum samples were characterized by reduced concentrations of valine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, lysine, isoleucine, histidine, glutamine, alanine, citrate, creatinine, creatine, pyruvate, high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, glycerol, formate and increased concentrations of N-acetyl glycoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein in comparison with the control population. Theresults not only indicated that serum NMR-based metabolomic methods had sufficient sensitivity and specificity to distinguish SLE and RA from healthy controls, but also have the potential to be developed into a clinically useful diagnostic tool, and could also contribute to a further understanding of disease mechanisms.

Differential expression of serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

The serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP), a 39 kDa protein localized predominantly in cytoplasm, is an important inhibitor of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) signaling and a regulator of cell proliferation. To investigate the application of STRAP as a novel biomarker in evaluating the pathological condition of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to determine the possible involvement of STRAP in SLE pathogenesis, the expression levels of STRAP in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of SLE patients were analyzed. PBMC were collected from six patients with active SLE, six with stable SLE and six healthy controls; after protein extraction and concentration determination, the samples were labeled with reagents for isobaric tagging for relative and absolute protein quantification (iTRAQ) and detected by tandem mass spectrometry. The initial proteomic analysis identified and quantified hundreds of proteins. Of these, STRAP was found to decrease more than three-fold in active SLE patients compared with healthy controls (the relative ratio was 0.291). The under-expression of STRAP in active SLE was further verified by western blot in larger independent sample sets. Clinical data analyses revealed that the levels of STRAP in SLE inversely correlated to the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) (r = -0.607, p < 0.05). These results indicate that the under-expression of STRAP may be a negative factor in the pathogenic process of SLE; as a result, this may also be of clinical significance as a potential condition-specific indicator of active SLE.

White matter integrity deficit in treatment-naïve adult patients with major depressive disorder

OBJECTIVES

The fronto-limbic system plays critical roles in cognitive functions, including emotion. This is supported by recent reports in the studies of major depressive disorder using diffusion tensor imaging of the brain. This study examined white matter integrity and correlations to cognitive function in treatment-naive adult patients with major depressive disorder.

METHODS

Fractional anisotropy values, derived from diffusion tensor imaging, were compared in 18 treatment-naïve adult patients with major depressive disorder and 18 well-matched healthy controls by voxel-based analysis. Correlation of fractional anisotropy with performance of cognitive tests was also analysed.

RESULTS

Lower fractional anisotropy values in the bilateral medial frontal gyri, right subgyral frontal and temporal lobes, and left middle frontal and cingulate gyri were observed in patients than in controls. However, no correlation between mean fractional anisotropy values and cognitive scores was found.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the notion that deficit of white matter integrity in the fronto-limbic system may be the neural substrate of major depressive disorder.

The cell cycle regulation of anti-cancer bioactive peptide (ACBP) on gastric cancer cell lines

15087

Background: Anti-cancer bioactive peptide (ACBP) was extracted from the spleen of the goat suffered immune inducement by immunoreaction, supercentrifuge and ultra-filtration. Our previous studies have identified ACBP had significantly inhibited the growth of the human gastric cancer cell lines BGC-823 and MGC-803, the human rhinopharyngocele cell line CNE and the leukemic cell line. The in vivo experiments showed ACBP could dramatically repress the growth of tumor, and had few side-effects in the long-term toxic experiments. In clinical trials, ACBP could enhance the survival and life quality of the patients with advanced gastric cancer. In this study, we will explore the influence and mechanism of the effect of ACBP on cell cycle using human gastric cancer cell lines BGC-823 and MGC-803. Methods: Human gastric cancer cell lines BGC-823 and MGC-803 were cultured with different concentrations (10–25 ug/ml) of ACBP. The MTT method was employed to measure the growth inhibition rates of the cells with different concentrations of ACBP; the morphological changes were observed under the light microscope; the semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to assay the changes of mRNA for p16,p21,p27,c-myc,cyclin D1,bax,bcl-2 gene. Results: Different concentrations of ACBP in the range of 10.0–25.0 μg/ml could inhibit the growth of BGC-823 and MGC-803 cell and such effect was both concentration and time dependent. 25.0 μg/ml ACBP had an inhibition rate (IR) of 84.4%, 72.3% and a median concentration (IC50) of 17.86 μg/ml, 13.16 ug/ml. After ACBP treatment, the cells showed typical apoptotic changes under the light microscope. On RT-PCR, the expressions of p16,p21,p27,bax mRNA in the two cell lines were markedly increased after ACBP treatment. On the contrary, the expression of c-myc,cyclin D1,bcl-2 mRNA in the two cell lines were obviously decreased after ACBP treatment. Conclusion: ACBP had markedly repressed the growth of BGC-823 and MGC-803 cell lines through inducing the cellular apoptosis. The possible mechanism is ACBP affects the cell cycle molecules expression including p16,p21,p27,cyclin D1 and regulate c-myc,bcl-2 and bax to induce apoptosis.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Rapid eye movement sleep deprivation selectively impairs recall of fear extinction in hippocampus-independent tasks in rats

Previous studies have shown that rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation (RSD) exerts a detrimental effect on some memory tasks. However, whether post-learning RSD impairs memory for fear extinction, an important model of inhibitory learning, remains to be elucidated. The present study examined the effects of post-extinction RSD from 0 to 6 h and 6 to 12 h on recall of fear extinction tested 24 h after extinction training. We found that RSD from 0 to 6 h significantly increased freezing when recall of extinction of cued fear was tested in the context in which rats received extinction training whereas RSD from 6 to 12 h had no effect (experiments 1 and 2, two hippocampus-independent memory tasks). RSD at either time point had no effect on freezing when recall of extinction of cued fear was tested in the context different from that in which extinction training occurred (experiment 3, a hippocampus-dependent memory task). Additionally, we observed no effect of RSD at either time point on freezing during recall test for extinction of contextual fear (experiment 4, a hippocampus-dependent memory task). These results suggest that the effects of post-extinction RSD on memory for fear extinction are complex. RSD impairs recall of fear extinction in hippocampus-independent tasks, but does not affect recall of fear extinction in hippocampus-dependent tasks. Our findings extend previous research on the effects of RSD on learning and memory and support the notion that REM sleep is involved in memory process of certain tasks.

Detection of Coxsackievirus B3 RNA in mouse myocarditis by nested polymerase chain reaction

BACKGROUND

A majority of cases of viral myocarditis are associated with group B Coxsackieviruses (CVB) and the persistence of these viruses in the myocardium is associated with the progression of acute myocarditis to chronic dilated cardiomyopathy. A highly sensitive nested polymerase chain reaction (NPCR) is required to study the mechanisms of viral persistence in the myocardium.

OBJECTIVES

To develop an enterovirus group-specific NPCR system, to compare it to the reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) plus Southern hybridisation and to investigate the dynamics of viral RNA in a murine model of myocarditis induced by CVB3.

STUDY DESIGN

Primers corresponding to the conserved sequences in the 5'-nontranslated region of enteroviruses were designed to ensure a broad specificity. The specificity of PCR products was confirmed by Southern hybridisation. The sensitivity of RT-PCR or NPCR was assessed using reconstructed infected muscle samples. The myocardial samples of the SWR murine model of CVB3-myocarditis were collected from day 1 to 30 after infection. The presence of viral RNA was detected by the RT-PCR or NPCR and infectious virus was isolated by cell culture.

RESULTS

Both RT-PCR and NPCR could detect all 11 representative enteroviruses. The NPCR could detect as few as 0.01 plaque forming unit of virus, 100 times more sensitive than the RT-PCR. Virus was isolated from the myocardium in acute phase, but was no longer recoverable after 9 days. Viral RNA was detected by the NPCR technique throughout the studied period.

CONCLUSIONS

An enterovirus group-specific NPCR system was developed and was much more sensitive than the RT-PCR technique. It can replace the Southern hybridisation of RT-PCR products. The presence of viral RNA in the myocardium after acute phase indicates a possibility of CVB3 shifting to persistent infection in the SWR mice.

Effect of p53 on centrosome amplification in prostate cancer cells

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is one of the common features in prostate cancer, especially in advanced stages. Recently, the involvement of p53 in CIN through the regulation of centrosome amplification has been proposed in certain tumor types. In this study, we investigated the relationship between p53 and centrosome amplification in prostate cancer cells. Increased centrosome number and size were observed in DU145 and PC3 containing nonfunctional p53 compared to LNCap which expressed wild-type p53. Transfection of p53 into PC3 cells resulted in a decreased cell growth rate, G2/M arrest and decreased centrosome abnormalities. We provide the first evidence on a correlation between loss of p53 function and centrosome amplification in prostate cancer cells. Our results indicate that p53 may play a role in the regulation of centrosome amplification and loss of p53 may be one of the mechanisms involving CIN in prostate cancer cells.