Calcium Deficiency Decreases Bone Mass without Affecting Adiposity in Ovariectomized Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

Obesity induced by a high-fat (HF) diet increases bone resorption and/or decreases bone formation, resulting in reduced bone mass and strength in various animal models. Studies showed that Ca intake is a modifiable factor for osteoporosis and obesity. This study investigated whether Ca deficiency affects bone structure and adiposity in ovariectomized (OVX) rats fed a HF diet. We hypothesized that Ca deficiency further decreases bone mass and increases fat mass in HF-fed OVX rats. Forty-seven OVX at 6-month-old were randomly assigned to four groups in a 2 × 2 factorial design: normal-fat (NF, 10% fat as energy) or HF (45% fat as energy) diet with either low Ca (LC, 1 g/4057 kcal) or normal Ca (NC, 6 g/4057 kcal). In addition, 12 sham-operated rats at 6 months old were fed a NFNC diet as a control for the OVX procedure. Rats were fed the respective diet for 4 months. Dietary Ca content did not affect body weight, fat mass, lean mass, food intake, energy intake, and serum cytokines. Compared to NC, LC resulted in lower tibial bone volume/total volume (BV/TV, p < 0.01), connectivity density (p < 0.01), trabecular number (Tb.N, p = 0.01), bone mineral density (BMD, p < 0.01), and femur weight (p < 0.01), femur content of Ca (p < 0.01), Cu (p = 0.03), Zn (p < 0.01), and greater trabecular separation (Tb.Sp, p < 0.01) at proximal tibia indicating bone structure deterioration. Compared to rats on the NF diet, animals fed the HF had lower BV/TV (p = 0.03) and Tb.N (p < 0.01) with greater body weight (p < 0.01), fat mass (p < 0.01), Tb.Sp (p = 0.01), the content of Ca, Cu, and Zn in the femur, and serum leptin (p < 0.01). There were no significant interactions between Ca and fat for body composition and bone structural parameters. Compared to Sham, OVX resulted in greater body weight and fat mass. The trabecular bone structure of the tibia, but not the cortical bone, was significantly impaired by the OVX procedure. These data indicate that inadequate Ca intake and a high-fat diet have independent negative effects on bone structure and that Ca deficiency does not affect adiposity in OVX rats.

Time of day of exercise does not affect the beneficial effect of exercise on bone structure in older female rats

Background: Circadian clock genes are expressed in bone and biomarkers of bone resorption and formation exhibit diurnal patterns in animals and humans. Disruption of the diurnal rhythms may affect the balance of bone turnover and compromise the beneficial effects of exercise on bone. Objective: This study investigated whether the time of day of exercise alters bone metabolism in a rodent model. We hypothesized that exercise during the active phase results in greater bone mass than exercise during the rest phase in older female rats. Methods: Fifty-five, female 12-month-old Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (n = 13-14/group). Rats were subjected to no exercise or 2 h of involuntary exercise at 9 m/min and 5 days/wk for 15 weeks using motor-driven running wheels at Zeitgeber time (ZT) 4-6 (rest phase), 12-14 (early active phase), or 22-24 (late active phase). ZT 0 is defined as light on, the start of the rest phase. A red lamp was used at minimal intensity during the active, dark phase exercise period, i.e., ZT 12-14 and 22-24. Bone structure, body composition, and bone-related cytokines in serum and gene expression in bone were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer post hoc contrasts. Results: Exercise at different ZT did not affect body weight, fat mass, lean mass, the serum bone biomarkers, bone structural or mechanical parameters, or expression of circadian genes. Exercise pooled exercise data from different ZT were compared to the No-Exercise data (a priori contrast) increased serum IGF-1 and irisin concentrations, compared to No-Exercise. Exercise increased tibial bone volume/total volume (p = 0.01), connectivity density (p = 0.04), and decreased structural model index (p = 0.02). Exercise did not affect expression of circadian genes. Conclusion: These data indicate that exercise is beneficial to bone structure and that the time of day of exercise does not alter the beneficial effect of exercise on bone in older female rats.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of ozone and the formation sensitivity over the Fenwei Plain

High surface ozone (O₃) levels affect human and environmental health. The Fenwei Plain (FWP), one of the critical regions for China's "Blue Sky Protection Campaign", has reported severe O₃ pollution. This study investigates the spatiotemporal properties and the causes of O₃ pollution over the FWP using high-resolution data from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) from 2019 to 2021. This study characterizes spatial and temporal variations in O₃ concentration by linking O₃ columns and surface monitoring using a trained deep forest machine learning model. O₃ concentrations in summer were 2-3 times higher than those found in winter due to higher temperatures and greater solar irradiation. The spatial distributions of O₃ correlate with the solar radiation showing decreased trends from the northeastern to the southwestern FWP, with the highest O₃ values in Shanxi Province and the lowest in Shaanxi Province. For urban areas, croplands and grasslands, the O₃ photochemistry in summer is NO_x-limited or in the transitional regime, while it is VOC-limited in winter and other seasons. Reducing NO_x emissions would be effective for decreasing O₃ levels in summer, while VOC reductions are necessary for winter. The annual cycle in vegetated areas included both NO_x-limited and transitional regimes, indicating the importance of NO_x controls to protect ecosystems. The O₃ response to limiting precursors shown here is of importance for optimizing control strategies and is illustrated by emission changes during the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak.

[Clinical analysis of 4 acute ischemic stroke children treated with endovascular thrombectomy]

Objective: To assess the feasibility of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in children. Methods: Clinical data and follow-up information of 4 AIS children who received EVT in the Department of Intervention & Hemangioma at the Children's Hospital of the Capital Institute of Pediatrics from December 2020 to June 2021 were collected retrospectively. The vascular recanalization after EVT was assessed by the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score. Efficacy outcomes were assessed with initial and postprocedural Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS) score, and the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at 3 and 6 months after treatment. Safety assessments included perioperative complications and intracranial hemorrhage post-treatment. Results: A total of 5 EVT treatment were performed on 4 children with AIS, of whom 3 were male. The age of onset was 4.6, 13.8, 7.8, 8.0, 8.9 years, respectively. The time from symptom onset to initiation of EVT was 19.0, 25.0, 22.0, 4.0, 16.5 hours, respectively and all patients achieved successful recanalization of the vessel after EVT (mTICI≥2b). The PedNIHSS score was 39, 14, 25, 39, 24 before treatment and decreased to 8, 1, 12, 39, 5 at discharge. All the procedures were performed with no perioperative complications. Only 1 patient with congenital heart disease had a recurrent AIS with malignant brain oedema and brain hernia. Although the occluded vessels were successfully recanalized,the symptoms were not improved and this patient died after treatment abandonment. The other 3 patients achieved good recovery at 6 months postoperatively. The mRS score of 3 patients was 3, 1, 2 at 3 months after EVT and decreased to 2, 1, 1 at 6 months. Conclusion: EVT treatment may be feasible and safe for pediatric AIS due to large vessel occlusion even when the treatment was initiated 6 hours post stroke, but children with heart disease may have a dismal prognosis.

FSH-blocking therapeutic for osteoporosis

Pharmacological and genetic studies over the past decade have established the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as an actionable target for diseases affecting millions, namely osteoporosis, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease. Blocking FSH action prevents bone loss, fat gain, and neurodegeneration in mice. We recently developed a first-in-class, humanized, epitope-specific FSH-blocking antibody, MS-Hu6, with a KD of 7.52 nM. Using a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)-compliant platform, we now report the efficacy of MS-Hu6 in preventing and treating osteoporosis in mice and parameters of acute safety in monkeys. Biodistribution studies using 89Zr-labeled, biotinylated or unconjugated MS-Hu6 in mice and monkeys showed localization to bone and bone marrow. The MS-Hu6 displayed a β phase t½ of 7.5 days (180 hr) in humanized Tg32 mice. We tested 217 variations of excipients using the protein thermal shift assay to generate a final formulation that rendered MS-Hu6 stable in solution upon freeze-thaw and at different temperatures, with minimal aggregation, and without self-, cross-, or hydrophobic interactions or appreciable binding to relevant human antigens. The MS-Hu6 showed the same level of "humanness" as human IgG1 in silico and was non-immunogenic in ELISpot assays for IL-2 and IFN-γ in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures. We conclude that MS-Hu6 is efficacious, durable, and manufacturable, and is therefore poised for future human testing.

[Impact of exposure to ambient fine particulate matter-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on blood thrombogenicity in adults]

Objective: To investigate the effects of exposure to ambient fine particulate matter-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on blood coagulation in adults. Methods: A total of 73 adult volunteers were recruited in a cohort study and had four clinical visits from November 2014 to January 2016. Blood samples were obtained and used to measure biomarkers of blood thrombogenicity, including soluble CD40 Ligand (sCD40L), soluble P-selection (sCD62P) and Fibrinogen (FIB). White blood cell (WBC), 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (HDL-CEC) were also determined. Daily concentrations of ambient fine particulate matter-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured throughout the study period, and positive matrix factorization (PMF) approach was used to identity PAHs sources. Linear mixed-effect models including single-pollutant model, two-pollutant model and stratification analysis were constructed to estimate the effects of exposure to ambient fine particulate matter-bound PAHs on blood thrombogenicity in adults after adjusting for potential confounders. Results: The mean age of participants was (23.3±5.4) years. During the study period, the median level of PM_2.5-bound PAHs was (55.29±74.99) ng/m³. Six sources of PM_2.5-bound PAHs were identified by PMF, with traffic sources contributing more than 50%. The linear mixed-effect model showed that PAHs exposure had a significant effect on elevated blood thrombogenicity. Significant elevations in sCD40L, sCD62P and FIB associated with per IQR increase (60.33 ng/m³) in exposure to PAHs were 14.36% (95%CI:6.94%-22.28%), 9.33% (95%CI: 1.71%-17.51%) and 2.07% (95%CI:0.44%-2.07%) at prior 5 days, respectively. Blood thrombogenicity levels were significantly and positively correlated with source-specific PAHs, especially gasoline vehicle emissions, diesel vehicle emission and coal burning at prior 1 or 5 days. Stronger associations between PAHs and increased blood thrombogenicity were found in participants with high plaque vulnerability, reduced HDL function, and high levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. Conclusion: Acute exposure to ambient fine particulate matter-bound PAHs, especially PAHs from traffic sources may promote blood thrombogenicity in adults, and PAHs have stronger effects on participants with reduced vascular function and high levels of inflammation and oxidative stress.

[Prognostic factors of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukemia patients with minimal residual disease negativity]

To explore prognostic factors in intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity (MRD<0.1%,MRD-)receiving autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT).A total of 59 intermediate-risk AML patients with MRD-were treated with auto-HSCT from January 2015 to September 2021 at Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University. The clinical data and laboratory results were collected retrospectively. Efficacy, clinical outcome and prognostic factors were analyzed. Univariate analysis was conducted by using log-rank test, the multivariate analysis by Cox proportional risk model.Among 59 patients, there were 27 males and 32 females with median age of 55 (31-69) years old.The median follow-up was 761(317-1 861)days. The 2-year overall survival (OS) rate and event-free survival (EFS) rate were 76.1%±11.4% and 73.4%±11.6% respectively.The univariate analysis showed that age older than 50 years, TET2 gene mutation (TET2⁺), achieving MRD negativity over 30 days (MRD³⁰⁺) were unfavorable factors of OS (χ²=6.20, 33.20, 7.18;P=0.013,<0.001, 0.007). TET²⁺, WT1 gene mutation (WT1⁺), CD34⁺cells<2×10⁶/kg, MRD³⁰⁺were negative factors of EFS (χ²=17.29, 4.47, 3.94, 9.393;P<0.001, 0.035, 0.047, 0.002).Multivariate analysis showed that MRD³⁰⁺, TET2⁺ were independent prognostic factors of OS and EFS (OS:HR=9.251, 25.839, P=0.036, 0.001;EFS:HR=5.851, 9.199, P=0.043, 0.002). Intermediate-risk AML patients with MRD³⁰⁺or TET2⁺ have very poor prognosis after auto-HSCT. Alternative regimens should be investigated.

[Pyroptosis of lens epithelial cells in diabetic cataract]

Objective: To investigate the possible role of pyroptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) in the occurrence of diabetic cataract. Methods: Experimental research. A total of 70 cataract lens anterior capsule and aqueous humor samples were obtained from 70 eyes (70 patients) with cataracts in the operation room of Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital between March 2020 and November 2020. Patients were divided into the non-diabetic and diabetic groups, with 35 patients (35 eyes) in each group. The expressions of Nod like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteine-aspartic proteases 1 (caspase-1) and Gasdermin D protein (GSDMD) in the lens anterior capsule were detected by Western blotting, real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 inaqueous humor were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The independent sample t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The age was (70±9) years in the diabetic group and (71±8) years in the non-diabetic group. There was no significant difference in age and gender distribution between the two groups (both P>0.05). Western blotting analysis showed that the expression levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD protein in the LECs of anterior capsule were 1.11±0.06, 0.95±0.04 and 0.39±0.03 in the diabetic group, significantly higher than those of the non-diabetic group (0.81±0.04, 0.33±0.11 and 0.16±0.04; t=4.38, 5.36, 4.63; all P<0.05). Real-time quantitative PCR showed that the levels of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD mRNA in the LECs of anterior capsule were 1.98±0.07, 54.36±4.88 and 6.98±1.18 in the diabetic group, significantly higher than those of the non-diabetic group (1.38±0.16, 15.31±1.51 and 2.41±0.95; t=3.49, 7.64, 3.00, all P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that the average gray values of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD in the diabetic group were higher than those of the non-diabetic group (all P˂0.01). ELISA showed that the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the aqueous humor were (4.178±0.028) fg/L and (20.983±0.018) fg/L in the diabetic group, significantly higher than those of the non-diabetic group [(4.063±0.017) fg/L and (20.509±0.073) fg/L; t=20.63, 37.21; both P˂0.01]. Conclusion: Caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis of LECs and the release of inflammatory mediators induced by pyroptosis may be involved in the occurrence and development of diabetic cataract.

Angular dependence of spin-flop transition in triangular lattice antiferromagnet Cu2(OH)3Br

We report angular dependence of spin-flop transition in triangular lattice antiferromagnet Cu₂(OH)₃Br by angle-dependent magnetization and ESR measurements. The results show that the antiferromagnetic easy magnetization axis is the diagonal direction (θ= 45°) of theac^*plane, i.e., the orientation of Cu1 spins based on the magnetic structure (2020Phys. Rev. Lett.125037204), whereas the spin-flop axis is thebaxis. A phenomenological model is proposed to describe the angle-dependent spin-flop transitions. Based on this model, Cu1 spins are sensitive to external magnetic field, while Cu2 spins are robust against to the field, showing partial decoupling. The model is expected to be used in other uniaxial antiferromagnets with a more general easy axis and complex spin-flop transitions.

Increasing Vegetable Intake Decreases Urinary Acidity and Bone Resorption Marker in Overweight and Obese Adults: An 8-Week Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Controlled intervention trials are needed to confirm a positive association from epidemiological studies between vegetable consumption and bone health.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether providing vegetables at the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommended amount affects excretion of acid and calcium in urine and bone turnover markers in serum in adults with low vegetable intake.

METHODS

In total, 102 adults (19 males and 83 females, age 18-65 y, BMI ≥25 kg/m2) consuming ≤1 serving of vegetables (128 g raw leafy or 64 g cooked vegetables) per d were recruited in a 2-arm, parallel, randomized, controlled, and community-based 8-wk feeding intervention trial. The 2 arms included a vegetable intervention (VI) during which participants received extra vegetables (∼270 g/d) and an attention control (CON) group that conducted only the testing visits. Measurements included nutrient intake, plasma carotenoids, and bone-related markers in serum and urine. Differences between CON and VI at week 8 were tested using the ANCOVA with baseline values as a covariate.

RESULTS

Compared with CON, carotenoid intake (mean ± SD) was higher (6.4 ± 3.4 compared with 2.0 ± 1.2 mg/d) (P < 0.01) and dietary potential renal acid load was lower (20 ± 13 compared with 3.4 ± 14 mEq/d) (P < 0.01) in VI. Compared with CON at week 8, urine titratable acid and Mg were 24 and 26% lower, respectively, while urine pH was 3% greater (P < 0.05) and serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) was 19% lower in VI. There were no group differences in serum concentrations of propeptide of type 1 procollagen and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase or urinary excretion of deoxypyridinoline and CTX.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of vegetables at the DGA-recommended amount by adults with low vegetable intake potentially benefits bone health. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02585102.

[The value of serum cystatin C for the evaluation of renal function damage in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy]

Objective: To investigate the value of serum cystatin C for the evaluation of renal function damage in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods: The clinical data of PDR patients treated in ophthalmic wards of Beijing Tongren Hospital from July 2019 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation. Based on the eGFR level, the patients were divided into no obvious renal function damage group [≥ 60 ml·min⁻¹·(1.73 m²)⁻¹] and renal inadequacy group [<60 ml·min⁻¹·(1.73 m²)⁻¹]. The clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the relevant factors of renal inadequacy. The value of cystatin C to predict the renal inadequacy was calculated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: A total of 1 009 patients [593 males and 416 females; mean age: (52±12) years] were finally included in the study, with 192 cases (19.0%) and 817 cases (81.0%) in renal inadequacy group and no obvious renal function damage group, respectively. There were no significant statistically differences in gender, age, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, fasting blood glucose and low-density lipoprotein between the two groups (all P>0.05). The systolic blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, triglyceride, cholesterol and cystatin C were higher in the renal inadequacy group than those of no obvious renal function damage group (all P<0.05). However, the glycosylated hemoglobin, albumin and high-density lipoprotein were lower in the renal inadequacy group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum creatinine (OR=1.189, 95%CI: 1.101-1.284, P<0.001) and cystatin C (OR=3.175, 95%CI: 1.272-7.923, P=0.013) were independent risk factors for renal inadequacy in PDR patients. The ROC curve showed that cystatin C had a predictive value for renal inadequacy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.966 (95%CI: 0.952-0.979). Meanwhile, the cutoff value was 1.315 mg/L, and the Youden index was 0.826, with the sensitivity of 94.3% and specificity of 88.4%. Conclusion: Serum cystatin C can be used as an important laboratory indicator to evaluate the renal impairment in PDR patients.

Deficiency of PPARγ in Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Does not Prevent High-Fat Diet-Induced Bone Deterioration in Mice

BACKGROUND

Bone marrow osteoblasts and adipocytes are derived from a common mesenchymal stem cell and have a reciprocal relationship. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a regulator for adipocyte differentiation, may be a potential target for reducing obesity and increasing bone mass.

OBJECTIVES

This study tested the hypothesis that bone-specific Pparg conditional knockout (cKO), via deletion of Pparg from bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC) using Osterix 1 (Osx1)-Cre, would prevent high-fat (HF) diet-induced bone deterioration in mice.

METHODS

PPARγ cKO (PPARγfl/fl: Osx1-Cre) and floxed littermate control (PPARγfl/fl Osx1-Cre- ) mice that were 6 weeks old were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 12/group, 6 male and 6 female) and fed ad libitum with either a normal-fat (NF) purified diet (3.85 kcal/g; 10% energy as fat) or an HF diet (4.73 kcal/g; 45% energy as fat) for 6 mo. Bone structure, body composition, and serum bone-related cytokines were measured. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc comparison.

RESULTS

The HF diet decreased the tibial and lumbar vertebrae trabecular bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) by 28% and 18%, respectively, compared to the NF diet (P < 0.01). PPARγ cKO mice had 23% lower body fat mass and 9% lower lean mass than control mice. PPARγ cKO mice had 41% greater tibial trabecular BV/TV compared to control mice. None of trabecular bone parameters at the second lumbar vertebra were affected by genotype. PPARγ cKO mice had decreased cortical thickness compared to control mice. PPARγ cKO mice had a 14% lower (P < 0.01) serum concentration of leptin and a 35% higher (P < 0.05) concentration of osteocalcin compared with control mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that PPARγ has site-specific impacts on bone structures in mice and that knockout PPARγ in BMSC increased bone mass (BV/TV) in the tibia but not the lumbar vertebrae. PPARγ disruption in BMSC did not prevent HF diet-induced bone deterioration in mice.

Salivary Aβ Secretion and Altered Oral Microbiome in Mouse Models of AD

BACKGROUND

Beta amyloid (Aβ) peptide containing plaque aggregations in the brain are a hallmark of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, Aβ is produced by cell types outside of the brain suggesting that the peptide may serve a broad physiologic purpose.

OBJECTIVE

Based upon our prior work documenting expression of amyloid β precursor protein (APP) in intestinal epithelium we hypothesized that salivary epithelium might also express APP and be a source of Aβ.

METHODS

To begin testing this idea, we compared human age-matched control and AD salivary glands to C57BL/6 wild type, App^NL-G-F , and APP/PS1 mice.

RESULTS

Both male and female AD, App^NL-G-F , and APP/PS1 glands demonstrated robust APP and Aβ immunoreactivity. Female App^NL-G-F mice had significantly higher levels of pilocarpine stimulated Aβ 1-42 compared to both wild type and APP/PS1 mice. No differences in male salivary Aβ levels were detected. No significant differences in total pilocarpine stimulated saliva volumes were observed in any group. Both male and female App^NL-G-F but not APP/PS1 mice demonstrated significant differences in oral microbiome phylum and genus abundance compared to wild type mice. Male, but not female, APP/PS1 and App^NL-G-F mice had significantly thinner molar enamel compared to their wild type counterparts.

CONCLUSION

These data support the idea that oral microbiome changes exist during AD in addition to changes in salivary Aβ and oral health.

[Association between healthy lifestyle and risk of rehospitalization in male or female patients with chronic heart failure]

Objective: To explore the association between healthy lifestyle and risk of rehospitalization in male or female patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: Discharged patients with CHF of Henan Provincial People's Hospital Collaboration Hospital were recruited in our study from January 1,2017 to December 31, 2018. The basic information of patients were collected through the electronic medical record system,the questionnaires were used to collect the related influencing factors. Healthy lifestyle includes 4 items, namely non-smoking, moderate exercise, healthy body mass index (BMI) and reasonable diet.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between healthy lifestyle and the risk of rehospitalization of CHF patients of different genders. Results: A total of 2 697 patients with CHF were enrolled in this study, including 1 308 male patients(621 rehospitalizations,687 controls)and 1 389 female patients(684 rehospitalizations,705 controls).Among male patients, there was no significant difference in age, residence, marital status, education level, average monthly income, and medical insurance between the rehospitalization group and the control group (all P>0.05). Among female patients, there was no significant difference in age, residence, marital status, education level, average monthly income, and medical insurance between the rehospitalization group and the control group (all P>0.05). Whether in male or female patients with CHF, we found that patients with 4 healthy lifestyles were associated with reduced risk of rehospitalization: male patients OR=0.34, 95%CI 0.11-0.99, P=0.002,female patients OR=0.27, 95%CI 0.13-0.79, P=0.012. A combination of non-smoking and any other 2 healthy lifestyles was associated with reduced risk of rehospitalization: male patients with no smoking, moderate exercise, healthy BMI, OR=0.32, 95%CI 0.11-0.99, P=0.043; female patients OR=0.28, 95%CI 0.12-0.93, P=0.032;male patients with no smoking, moderate exercise, reasonable diet OR=0.42, 95%CI 0.24-0.98, P=0.044,female patients OR=0.40, 95%CI 0.12-0.94, P=0.031;male patients with no smoking, healthy BMI, reasonable diet OR=0.31, 95%CI 0.21-0.92, P=0.039,female patients OR=0.27,95%CI 0.11-0.87, P=0.014. In female patients with CHF, the combination of non-smoking and moderate sports was associated with reduced risk of hospitalization (OR=0.23, 95%CI 0.19-0.97, P=0.038), while no similar results were seen in male patients (OR=0.65, 95%CI 0.33-1.84, P=0.315). Conclusion: Healthy lifestyle is associated with reduced risk of rehospitalization in patients with CHF, and the related healthy lifestyle and its combination may differ between male and female patients.

[Current situation of screening, prevention and treatment of bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic portal hypertension in Tibet region: a multicenter study]

Objective: To investigate and analyze the current situation, screening, clinical characteristics, prevention and treatment of bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension in Tibet region. Methods: Clinical data of cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension through March 2017 to February 2020 from Tibet region were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: 511 cases with liver cirrhosis were included in the study, of which 185 cases (36.20%) had compensated cirrhosis and 326 cases (63.80%) had decompensated cirrhosis. Further analysis of the etiological data of liver cirrhosis showed that 306 cases (59.88%) were of chronic hepatitis B, 113 cases (22.11%) of alcoholic liver disease, and 68 cases (13.31%) of chronic hepatitis B combined with alcoholic liver disease. Among patients with compensated liver cirrhosis, 48 cases (25.95%) underwent endoscopic examination of which 33 diagnosed as high-risk variceal bleeding. However, none of these 33 cases had received non-selective β-blocker therapy, and only four patients had received endoscopic variceal banding therapy. Among patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, 83 cases (25.46%) had a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 297 cases (91.10%) had ascites, 23 cases (7.05%) had hepatic encephalopathy, and 3 cases (0.92%) had hepatorenal syndrome. Among the patients with a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 42 cases (50.60%) had received secondary preventive treatment for bleeding esophageal varices, including 39 cases of endoscopic treatment, 1 case of endoscopic combined drug treatment, 3 cases of interventional treatment, and 2 cases of surgical treatment. Conclusion: Chronic hepatitis B and alcoholic liver diseases are the main causes of liver cirrhosis in Tibet region. Moreover, this region lacks screening, prevention and treatment for bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the screening of high-risk groups to prevent and improve the first-time bleeding, and promote multidisciplinary team to prevent and treat re-bleeding.

Osteoprotective effect of green tea polyphenols and annatto-extracted tocotrienol in obese mice is associated with enhanced microbiome vitamin K2 biosynthetic pathways

The role of the gut microbiome in bone health has received significant attention in the past decade. We investigated the effects of green tea polyphenols (GTP) and annatto-extracted tocotrienols (AT) on bone properties and gut microbiome in obese mice. Male mice were assigned to a two (no AT vs. 400 mg/kg diet AT) × two (no GTP vs. 0.5% w/v GTP) factorial design, namely control, G, T, and G+T group respectively, for 14 weeks. The 4th lumbar vertebra (LV-4) and femur were harvested for bone microstructural analysis using μ-CT. Microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of cecal feces was performed. AT increased bone volume at distal femur. GTP increased serum procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide concentration, bone volume at the distal femur and the LV-4, and trabecular number at distal femur; whereas GTP decreased trabecular separation at distal femur. Interactions between GTP and AT were observed in serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen level (control>G=T=G+T) as well as the cortical bone area (control<G=T=G+T) and thickness (T≥G+T≥G≥control) at femur mid-diaphysis. Redundancy analysis showed a significant difference in the gut microbiome profile among different groups and the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, Clostridum saccharogumia, and Subdoligranulum variabile was increased in the GTP- and AT-supplemented groups. Functional profiling of the gut microbiome showed the combination of GTP and AT induced biosynthetic pathways for vitamin K₂. Our results suggest that GTP and AT supplementation benefits bone properties in obese mice through modifying gut microbiome composition and function.

Metallic elements and Pb isotopes in PM2.5 in three Chinese typical megacities: spatial distribution and source apportionment

Heavy metal pollution in fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) is a serious environmental and health concern in China, particularly during winter. Here, we detected 40 elements in 24 h integrated daily PM_2.5 samples collected in January 2014 from three typical Chinese metropolises (Beijing, Changchun, and Chengdu) to reflect elemental spatial variations, local sources, and regional transport. The measured elemental concentrations in Changchun were 11.1% and 48.4% higher than those in Beijing and Chengdu, respectively. Thus, PM_2.5 from Changchun exhibited high levels and diversity in the elemental profile (characterized by high concentrations of industrial emission elemental markers). The results of elemental ratios and Pb isotopes proved that, except for a coal combustion source, vehicular emissions contributed more to PM_2.5 heavy metals in Beijing than in the other two cities; Changchun PM_2.5 elements received large contributions from industrial sources, including iron and steel manufacturing, and automobile industry. Moreover, crustal dust from long-range transport of regional air masses from the northwest regions of China played a crucial role in determining elemental levels in Beijing and Changchun, accounting for more than 50% of source intensity. However, a specific dominant source was not determined in Chengdu; the contribution of anthropogenic dust, mainly from construction activities, needs to be paid attention in Chengdu eastern area. This study contributed to enhancing our understanding of elemental spatial distribution characteristics and sources and to setting more judicious standards and strategies for PM_2.5 bound heavy metals in China.

[Clinical and genetic characteristics of children with STXBP1 encephalopathy]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) caused by syntaxin-binding protein 1 (STXBP1) gene mutation. Methods: The clinical data, gene variation and treatment outcome of 15 children with STXBP1 encephalopathy admitted to Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from January 2014 to June 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Among 15 patients, 11 were male and 4 were female, age ranged from 2 months to 69 months. The clinical manifestations of 14 children were epilepsy and developmental delay (DD) and the remaining one showed developmental delay without seizure. The onset age of epilepsy ranged from two days to 19 months and 11 of them experienced the first attack before 1 year of age. The common seizure types were epileptic spasms and tonic seizures. Seven patients were diagnosed with Ohtahara syndrome or West syndrome. Epileptic form discharges were observed in the interictal electroencephalograms (EEG) of 11 patients, including multifocal discharges, suppression-burst and hypsarrhythmia. The brain magnetic resonance imaging of 7 children were abnormal, including myelin dysplasia, less white matter, lack of corpus callosum or hypoplasia. The follow-up time ranged from 2 months to 57 months, after the last follow-up, 3 cases were seizure free, 6 children showed partial response and the other 5 patients had no response on multitherapy. Six of 8 patients showed good responses to levetiracetam (LEV) monotherapy or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Vigabatrin (VGB) was applied to 5 patients with epileptic spasms and 4 of them showed response. All patients showed different degrees of developmental delay while four of them showed autistic features. STXBP1 gene mutations were identified in all cases and there were 15 types of gene variations, including 8 missense mutations, 1 nonsense mutation, 5 frame shift mutations and 1 complex mutation. Five novel mutations were unreported before, including c.1193A>G, c.172delG, c.1769C>T, c.1038_1039delCC, c.348_351dupTGAA. Conclusions: Development delay and epilepsy are the major and independent clinical phenotypes in children with STXBP1 encephalopathy. The variation of STXBP1 gene is mainly de novo. Levetiracetam and vigabatrin may be more effective in epilepsy control than other AEDs.

Decreasing the Ratio of Dietary Linoleic to α-Linolenic Acid from 10 to 4 by Changing Only the Former Does Not Prevent Adiposity or Bone Deterioration in Obese Mice

BACKGROUND

Linoleic acid (LA; 18:2n-6) has been considered to promote low-grade chronic inflammation and adiposity. Studies show adiposity and inflammation are inversely associated with bone mass.

OBJECTIVES

This study tested the hypothesis that decreasing the dietary ratio of LA to α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), while keeping ALA constant, mitigates high-fat diet (HF)-induced adiposity and bone loss.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice at 6 wk old were assigned to 4 treatment groups and fed 1 of the following diets ad libitum for 6 mo: a normal-fat diet (NF; 3.85 kcal/g and 10% energy as fat) with the ratio of the PUFAs LA to ALA at 6; or HFs (4.73 kcal/g and 45% energy as fat) with the ratio of LA to ALA at 10:1, 7:1, or 4:1, respectively. ALA content in the diets was kept the same for all groups at 1% energy. Bone structure, body composition, bone-related cytokines in serum, and gene expression in bone were measured. Data were analyzed using 1-factor ANOVA.

RESULTS

Compared with those fed the NF, mice fed the HFs had 19.6% higher fat mass (P < 0.01) and 13.5% higher concentration of serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) (P < 0.05), a bone resorption cytokine. Mice fed the HFs had 19.5% and 12.2% lower tibial and second lumbar vertebral bone mass, respectively (P < 0.01). Decreasing the dietary ratio of LA to ALA from 10 to 4 did not affect body mass, fat mass, serum TRAP and TNF-α, or any bone structural parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that decreasing the dietary ratio of LA to ALA from 10 to 4 by simply reducing LA intake does not prevent adiposity or improve bone structure in obese mice.

[Breakthrough of invasive fungal disease with posaconazole as primary prophylaxis after induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the breakthrough incidence of invasive fungal disease(IFD) and side effects of posaconazole as primary prophylaxis during induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia(AML). Methods: A total of 206 newly diagnosed AML patients admitted to our department during January 2016 and December 2018 were enrolled in the study. Exclusive criteria were as followings including patients diagnosed as acute promyelocytic leukemia; those who received intravenous antifungal therapy after admission or had history of IFD one month before induction chemotherapy, or those with functional insufficiency of vital organs and those older than 65. Forty-seven patients received posaconazole (posaconazole group), 61 cases received voriconazole (voriconazole group) and 98 cases did not receive any prophylaxis (control group) during induction chemotherapy. Prophylactic efficacy and safety between posaconazole and voriconazole were compared. Results: During induction chemotherapy, five possible cases of IFD occurred in posaconazole group (10.6%); while 11 cases (18.0%) were in voriconazole group including 7 possible, 3 probable and 1 proven. Thirty-five cases (35.7%) in control group were diagnosed as IFD including 19 possible, 11 probable and 5 proven ones. The incidences of IFD in posaconazole and voriconazole group were significantly lower than that in control group (P<0.05). The difference of posaconazole group and voriconazole group was not significant (P>0.05). The reported adverse events in posaconazole group were significantly lower than those in voriconazole group [12.8%(6/47) vs. 32.8%(20/61), P<0.05]. Conclusions: Posaconazole and voriconazole decrease IFD as primary prophylaxis during induction chemotherapy in patients with AML. The prophylactic effect of IFD with posaconazole is similar as voriconazole, but posaconazole shows better safety.

Increasing Dietary Fish Oil Reduces Adiposity and Mitigates Bone Deterioration in Growing C57BL/6 Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

BACKGROUND

Intake of total fat is linked to obesity and inversely associated with bone density in humans. Epidemiologic and animal studies show that long-chain n-3 (ω-3) PUFAs supplied as fish oil (FO) are beneficial to skeletal health.

OBJECTIVE

This study tested the hypothesis that increasing dietary FO would decrease adiposity and improve bone-related outcomes in growing obese mice.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice at 6 wk old were assigned to 6 treatment groups and fed either a normal-fat diet (3.85 kcal/g and 10% energy as fat) or a high-fat diet (HF; 4.73 kcal/g and 45% energy as fat) containing either 0%, 3%, or 9% energy as FO (0FO, 3FO, and 9FO, respectively) ad libitum for 6 mo. Bone structure, body composition, and serum bone-related cytokines were measured.

RESULTS

The HF diet increased the expression of the adipose tissue tumor necrosis factor α (Tnfa) and serum concentrations of leptin and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and decreased serum concentrations of osteocalcin and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05). FO decreased fat mass (P < 0.05), serum TRAP (P < 0.05), and adipose tissue Tnfa expression (P < 0.01). Bone content of long-chain n-3 PUFAs was increased and n-6 PUFAs were decreased with the elevation in dietary FO content (P < 0.01). Compared with mice fed 9FO, animals fed 3FO had higher femoral bone volume/total volume (25%), trabecular number (23%), connectivity density (82%), and bone mass of second lumbar vertebrae (12%) and lower femoral trabecular separation (-19%). Mice fed the 3FO HF diet had 42% higher bone mass than those fed the 0FO HF diet.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate increasing dietary FO ≤3% energy can decrease adiposity and mitigate HF diet-induced bone deterioration in growing C57BL/6 mice possibly by reducing inflammation and bone resorption. FO at 9% diet energy had no further beneficial effects on bone of obese mice.

[Ikaros family zinc finger 1 mutation is a poor prognostic factor for adult Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia]

Objective: To analyze the prognostic impact of Ikaros family zinc finger 1(IKZF1) mutation on adult Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1) positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. Methods: IKZF1 mutation was detected in 63 adult Ph1 positive ALL patients at diagnosis using capillary electrophoresis. Recruited patients were treated in our center and other three hospitals in Ningbo from January 2014 to January 2017. Clinical data were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Results: Thirty-nine (61.9%) patients were positive IKZF1 mutation in this cohort. The white blood cell (WBC) count in IKZF1 mutation group was significantly higher than that of mutation negative group [(64.6±11.3)×10(9)/L vs. (33.7±5.6)×10(9)/L, P<0.05]. Patients with WBC count over 30×10(9)/L accounted for 56.4% in IKZF1 mutation group. Complete remission (CR) rate in the IKZF1 mutation group was also lower than that of negative group after induction chemotherapy (64.1% vs. 75.0%, P>0.05). IKZF1 was a negative prognostic factor but not independent factor for survival by univariate and multivariate analyses. Patients were divided into chemotherapy and allogeneic transplantation groups. The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate and 3-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) rate in IKZF1 mutation group were significantly lower than those of negative group in both transplantation group (42.3% vs. 59.3%; 31.2% vs. 50.0%; respectively, both P<0.05) and chemotherapy group (24.8% vs. 40.0%; 19.0% vs. 34.3%; respectively, both P<0.05). Conclusion: IKZF1 mutation is a poor prognostic factor for adult Ph1 positive ALL patients.

Effect of Long-Term Green Tea Polyphenol Supplementation on Bone Architecture, Turnover, and Mechanical Properties in Middle-Aged Ovariectomized Rats

We investigated the effects of 6-month green tea polyphenols (GTP) supplementation on bone architecture, turnover, and mechanical properties in middle-aged ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Female rats were sham-operated (n = 39, 13/group) or OVX (n = 143, 13/group). Sham-control and OVX-control rats (n = 39) receiving no GTP were assigned for sample collection at baseline, 3, or 6 months. The remaining OVX rats (n = 104) were randomized to 0.15%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% (g/dL) GTP for 3 or 6 months. Blood and bone samples were collected. Relative to the OVX-control group, GTP (1% and 1.5%) lowered serum procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide at 3 and 6 months, C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen at 3 months, and insulin-like growth factor-I at 6 months. GTP did not affect bone mineral content and density. At 6 months, no dose of GTP positively affected trabecular bone volume based on microCT, but a higher cortical thickness and improved biomechanical properties of the femur mid-diaphysis was observed in the 1.5% GTP-treated group. At 3 and 6 months, GTP (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) had lower rates of trabecular bone formation and resorption than the OVX-control group, but the inhibitory effects of GTP on periosteal and endocortical bone mineralization and formation at the tibial midshaft were only evident at 3 months. GTP at higher doses suppressed bone turnover in the trabecular and cortical bone of OVX rats and resulted in improved cortical bone structural and biomechanical properties, although it was not effective in preventing the ovariectomy-induced dramatic cancellous bone loss.

[Effect of FLT3-ITD with DNMT3A R882 double-mutation on the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

目的

探讨FLT3-ITD和DNMT3A R882双突变对急性髓系白血病（AML）患者allo-HSCT预后的影响。

方法

使用直接测序法检测206例接受allo-HSCT的AML患者（M₃和使用分子靶向药物索拉菲尼的病例除外）初诊时骨髓中常见的基因突变组套（包括FLT3-ITD、DNMT3A、c-kit、CEBPA、FLT3-TKD、NPM1），回顾性分析患者的临床资料，比较各基因突变组的移植预后。

结果

①206例AML患者中男104例，女102例，中位年龄38（3~63）岁。FAB分型：M₀ 6例，M₁ 24例，M₂ 56例，M₄ 39例，M₅ 63例，M₆ 6例，不能分类12例。②全部206例患者根据初诊时的突变基因情况分为4组：FLT3-ITD⁺ DNMT3A R882⁺组（A组）19例，FLT3-ITD⁺ DNMT3A R882⁻组（B组）38例，FLT3-ITD⁻DNMT3A R882⁺组（C组）21例，FLT3-ITD⁻DNMT3A R882⁻组（D组）128例。四组间性别、年龄、初诊时白细胞计数、FAB分型、移植前疾病状态、染色体核型、供者类型、预处理方案及GVHD发生率比较，差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。③A组和B、C、D组比较，2年累积复发率较高[分别为（72.2±2.6）%、（38.6±0.6）%、（36.8±1.6）%、（27.8±0.1）%，P值均<0.05]，总生存率较低[分别为（30.9±13.3）%、（67.5±7.8）%、（61.4±12.4）%、（80.1±3.7）%，P值均<0.05]，无白血病生存率较低[分别为（11.3±10.2）%、（47.9±8.4）%、（56.8±12.5）%、（79.7±3.6）%，P值均<0.05]。

结论

伴有FLT3-ITD与DNMT3A R882双突变的AML患者移植后累积复发率较高，总生存率和无白血病生存率较差。

High Dietary Protein Intake and Protein-Related Acid Load on Bone Health

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Consumption of high-protein diets is increasingly popular due to the benefits of protein on preserving lean mass and controlling appetite and satiety. The paper is to review recent clinical research assessing dietary protein on calcium metabolism and bone health.

RECENT FINDINGS

Epidemiological studies show that long-term, high-protein intake is positively associated with bone mineral density and reduced risk of bone fracture incidence. Short-term interventional studies demonstrate that a high-protein diet does not negatively affect calcium homeostasis. Existing evidence supports that the negative effects of the acid load of protein on urinary calcium excretion are offset by the beneficial skeletal effects of high-protein intake. Future research should focus on the role and the degree of contribution of other dietary and physiological factors, such as intake of fruits and vegetables, in reducing the acid load and further enhancing the anabolic effects of protein on the musculoskeletal system.

A High-Fat Diet Decreases Bone Mass in Growing Mice with Systemic Chronic Inflammation Induced by Low-Dose, Slow-Release Lipopolysaccharide Pellets

Background: Chronic inflammation is associated with increased bone resorption and is linked to osteopenia, or low bone mass. Obesity is also associated with low-grade chronic upregulation of inflammatory cytokines.Objective: This study investigated the effect of high-fat (HF) diet-induced obesity on bone structure changes in growing mice with existing systemic chronic inflammation induced by low-dose, slow-release lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Methods: Forty-eight 6-wk-old female C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups (n = 12/group) in a 2 × 2 factorial design-control (placebo) or LPS treatment (1.5 μg/d)-and consumed either a normal-fat (NF, 10% of energy as fat) or an HF (45% of energy as fat) diet ad libitum for 13 wk. Bone structure, serum biomarkers of bone turnover, and osteoclast differentiation were measured.Results: No alterations were observed in final body weights, fat mass, or lean mass in response to LPS treatment. LPS treatment increased serum concentration of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP, a bone resorption marker) and bone marrow osteoclast differentiation and decreased femoral and lumbar vertebral bone volume (BV):total volume (TV) by 25% and 24%, respectively, compared with the placebo. Mice fed the HF diet had greater body weight at the end of the study (P < 0.01) due to increased fat mass (P < 0.01) than did mice fed the NF diet. The HF diet increased serum TRAP concentration, bone marrow osteoclast differentiation, and expression of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β and interleukin 6 in adipose tissue. Compared with the NF diet, the HF diet decreased BV:TV by 10% and 8% at femur and lumbar vertebrae, respectively, and the HF diet was detrimental to femoral and lumbar vertebral bone structure with decreased trabecular number and increased trabecular separation and structure model index.Conclusion: Results suggest that HF diets and systemic chronic inflammation have independent negative effects on bone structure in mice.

[Difference in lateral cephalogram of the male patients with Uygur and Han OSAHS]

Objective:To investigate the difference of lateral cephalogram, PSG, BMI in Uygur and Han OSAHS male patients. Method:OSAHS male patients with 33 Uygur cases and 42 Han cases,30 normal Uygur cases and 36 normal Han cases were taken as control.Lateral cephalogram of upright position in waking state, then comparecraniofacial strcture parameters and PSG dates, etc. Result:Patients in OSAHS group and normal group had significant differences in the MP-H, PAS, PNS-P, BMI (P<0.05), the Uygur healthy men and Uygur male OSAHS patients had significant difference in the ANB° (P<0.05). The difference was statistically significant in PNS-P, MP-H and BMI in Uygur and Han OSAHS male patients (P<0.05). Conclusion:The differences in airway plane, hyoid position and length of soft palate and weight were significantly different between healthy men and OSAHS men. Han OSAHS male patients and Uygur male patients had significant differences in Hyoid position, length of the soft palate and weight. Lateral cephalogram can judge blocking site of upper airway and provide opration plan.

Reconstruction of atmospheric soot history in inland regions from lake sediments over the past 150 years

Historical reconstruction of atmospheric black carbon (BC, in the form of char and soot) is still constrained for inland areas. Here we determined and compared the past 150-yr records of BC and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in sediments from two representative lakes, Huguangyan (HGY) and Chaohu (CH), in eastern China. HGY only receives atmospheric deposition while CH is influenced by riverine input. BC, char, and soot have similar vertical concentration profiles as PACs in both lakes. Abrupt increases in concentrations and mass accumulation rates (MARs) of soot have mainly occurred since ~1950, the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, when energy usage changed to more fossil fuel contributions reflected by the variations in the concentration ratios of char/soot and individual PACs. In HGY, soot MARs increased by ~7.7 times in the period 1980–2012 relative to the period 1850–1950. Similar increases (~6.7 times) were observed in CH. The increase in soot MARs is also in line with the emission inventory records in the literature and the fact that the submicrometer-sized soot particles can be dispersed regionally. The study provides an alternative method to reconstruct the atmospheric soot history in populated inland areas.

Involuntary wheel running improves but does not fully reverse the deterioration of bone structure of obese rats despite decreasing adiposity

This study investigated whether exercise or antioxidant supplementation with vitamin C and E during exercise affects bone structure and markers of bone metabolism in obese rat. Sprague-Dawley rats, 6-week old, were fed a normal-fat diet (NF, 10 % kcal as fat) and a high-fat diet (HF, 45 % with extra fat from lard) ad libitum for 14 weeks. Then, rats on the high-fat diet were assigned randomly to three treatment groups for additional 12 weeks with forced exercise: HF; HF + exercise (HF + Ex); and HF with vitamin C (0.5 g ascorbate/kg diet) and vitamin E (0.4 g α-tocopherol acetate/kg diet) supplementation + exercise (HF + Ex + VCE). At the end of the study, body weight and fat (%) were similar among NF, HF + Ex, and HF + Ex + VCE, whereas HF had greater body weight and fat (%) than other groups. Compared to NF, HF had elevated serum leptin, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and IGF-1; increased trabecular separation and structural model index; and lowered bone mineral density, trabecular connectivity density, and trabecular number in distal femur, while HF + Ex and HF + Ex + VCE had elevated serum TRAP and decreased bone volume/total volume and trabecular number of distal femurs. Compared to HF, HF + Ex and HF + Ex + VCE had decreased serum TRAP and osteocalcin and improved bone structural properties of the distal femur. These findings suggest that exercise, while decreasing body fat, does not fully protect against the negative skeletal effects of existing obesity induced by a high-fat diet. Furthermore, vitamin C and E supplementation has no additional benefits on bone structural properties during exercise.

Elemental carbon and polycyclic aromatic compounds in a 150-year sediment core from Lake Qinghai, Tibetan Plateau, China: influence of regional and local sources and transport pathways

Elemental carbon (EC) and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are potential proxies for the reconstruction of change in human activities and the origin of air masses in historic times. In this study, the historic deposition of char and soot (the two subtypes of EC) and PACs in a 150-year sediment core from different topographic subbasins of Lake Qinghai on the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau (QTP) were reconstructed. The objective was to explore how the variations in the concentrations of EC and PACs, in the ratios of char to soot and of oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs) to parent PAHs, and in the composition of the PAC mixtures reflect historical changes in climate and human activity and the origin of air masses arriving at the QTP. The deposition fluxes of soot in the different subbasins were similar, averaging 0.18 (range of 0.15-0.25) and 0.16 (0.13-0.23) g m(-2) year(-1), respectively, but they varied for char (averaging 0.11 and 0.22 g m(-2) year(-1), respectively), suggesting ubiquitous atmospheric deposition of soot and local river inputs of char. The different vertical distributions of the char/soot ratios in the different subbasins can be interpreted in terms of the different transport mechanisms of char and soot. An abrupt increase in soot concentrations since 1980 coincides with results from the QTP ice cores that were interpreted to be indicative of soot transport from South Asia. Similar concentration patterns of PAHs with soot and 9,10-anthraquinone/anthracene (9,10-AQ/ANT) ratios all >2.0 suggest regional PAC sources. Increasing PAH/soot ratios and decreasing 9,10-AQ/ANT ratios since the beginning of the 1970s indicate increasing local emissions. The historical trends of these diagnostic ratios indicate an increase in the fossil-fuel contribution since the beginning of the 1970s. The increase of perylene concentrations with increasing core depth and the ratio of perylene to its penta-aromatic isomers indicate that perylene originates mainly from in situ biogenic diagenesis. We demonstrate that the concentrations of EC, char, soot, and PACs in sediments can be used to reconstruct local, regional, and remote sources and transport pathways of pollutants to the QTP.

Spatiotemporal distribution of carbonyl compounds in China

A sampling campaign was carried out at nine Chinese cities in 2010/2011. Fifteen monocarbonyls (C# = 1-9) were quantified. Temperature is the rate-determining factor of the summertime carbonyl levels. The carbonyl emissions in winter are mainly driven by the primary anthropogenic sources like automobile. A molar ratio of propionaldehyde to nonaldehyde is a barometer of the impact of atmospheric vegetation emission which suggesting that strong vegetation emissions exist in summer and high propionaldehyde abundance is caused by fossil fuel combustion in winter. Potential health risk assessment of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde was conducted and the highest cumulative risks were observed at Chengdu in summer and Wuhan in winter. Because of the strong photochemical reaction and large amount of anthropogenic emissions, high concentrations of carbonyl compounds were observed in Chengdu. The use of ethanol-blended gasoline in Wuhan is the key reason of acetaldehyde emission and action should be taken to avoid potential health risks.

Stronger association of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with soot than with char in soils and sediments

The knowledge of the association of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with organic matter and carbonaceous materials is critical for a better understanding of their environmental transport, fate, and toxicological effects. Extensive studies have been done with regard to the relationship of PAHs with total organic carbon (TOC) and elemental carbon (EC) in different environmental matrices. The relationship between PAHs and the two subtypes of EC, char (combustion residues) and soot (produced via gas-to-particle conversion) also has been tested in field and laboratory experiments using reference materials. However, a direct comparison of associations of PAHs between with char and with soot in real environmental matrices has to our knowledge not yet been reported because of a lack of methodology to differentiate them. In this study, char and soot were measured using the IMPROVE method to test their associations with 12 EPA priority PAHs measured in topsoil samples (N=22, top 10 cm) collected from the Guanzhong Plain and in surface sediment samples (N=32, top 5 cm) from the Wei River (central China). In both soils and sediments, ∑12PAHs were more strongly associated with soot than with char, mainly due to the fact that soot and PAHs were produced in the same gas phase during combustion, had a strong affinity for each other, and were transported and deposited together, while char, the combustion residue, was transported differently to PAHs due to its large particle size. Stronger correlations between PAHs and the different carbon fractions (TOC, soot, and char) in sediments than in soils were observed, which is associated with the redistribution of PAHs among the organic matter pools in water because of the processes during soil erosion and sedimentation in the river.

Chemical and biological characterization of air particulate matter 2.5, collected from five cities in China

Fifteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5 samples collected in five different cities (Hong Kong (HK), Guangzhou (GZ), Xiamen (XM), Xi'an (XA) and Beijing (BJ)) in China in the winter 2012-13 [corrected] were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The biological effects of organic extracts were assayed using the human bronchial epithelial cells BEAS-2B. All sixteen priority PAHs can be found in the PM2.5 samples of XA and BJ, but not in HK, GZ and XM, demonstrating the differential spatial source and distribution of PAHs. Our results showed that the total PAHs ranged from 3.35 to 80.45 ng/m(3) air, leading by BJ, followed by XA, XM, GZ and HK. In the cell culture study, transcript levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 were found to be induced in the treatment. The cells exposed to extracts from XA and BJ demonstrated significant migratory activities, indicating a sign of increase of tumorigenicity.

Expression of the porcine lipoic acid synthase (LIAS) gene in Escherichia coli

Lipoic acid synthase, which exists primarily in mitochondria, participates in the biosynthesis of intrinsic lipoic acid. The lipoic acid synthase gene in pig is known as LIAS. To further investigate the biological functions of the protein that is encoded by LIAS, we cloned the open read frame of porcine LIAS (GenBank No. JN797612.1) into the expression vector pET-28α(+). The resulting pET-28α(+)-Lias recombinant vector was introduced into the Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain. With induction by isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside, the recombinant E. coli strain can express the target protein that has a molecular weight of 41.58 kDa, which was confirmed by Western blotting.

Dietary protein level and source differentially affect bone metabolism, strength, and intestinal calcium transporter expression during ad libitum and food-restricted conditions in male rats

High-protein (HP) diets may attenuate bone loss during energy restriction. The objective of the current study was to determine whether HP diets suppress bone turnover and improve bone quality in male rats during food restriction and whether dietary protein source affects this relation. Eighty 12-wk-old male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to consume 1 of 4 study diets under ad libitum (AL) control or restricted conditions [40% food restriction (FR)]: 1) 10% [normal-protein (NP)] milk protein; 2) 32% (HP) milk protein; 3) 10% (NP) soy protein; or 4) 32% (HP) soy protein. After 16 wk, markers of bone turnover, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), microarchitecture, strength, and expression of duodenal calcium channels were assessed. FR increased bone turnover and resulted in lower femoral trabecular bone volume (P < 0.05), higher cortical bone surface (P < 0.001), and reduced femur length (P < 0.01), bending moment (P < 0.05), and moment of inertia (P = 0.001) compared with AL. HP intake reduced bone turnover and tended to suppress parathyroid hormone (PTH) (P = 0.06) and increase trabecular vBMD (P < 0.05) compared with NP but did not affect bone strength. Compared with milk, soy suppressed PTH (P < 0.05) and increased cortical vBMD (P < 0.05) and calcium content of the femur (P < 0.01) but did not affect strength variables. During AL conditions, transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 6 was higher for soy than milk (P < 0.05) and HP compared with NP (P < 0.05). These data demonstrate that both HP and soy diets suppress PTH, and HP attenuates bone turnover and increases vBMD regardless of FR, although these differences do not affect bone strength. The effects of HP and soy may be due in part to enhanced intestinal calcium transporter expression.

Seasonal variations of monocarbonyl and dicarbonyl in urban and sub-urban sites of Xi'an, China

Seventeen airborne carbonyls including monocarbonyls and dicarbonyls were determined in urban and sub-urban sites of Xi'an, China in three seasons in 2010. In winter, acetone was the most abundant carbonyl in the urban site due to usage of organic solvents in constructions and laboratories and its slower atmospheric removal mechanisms by photolysis and reaction with hydroxyl radical than those of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde. In the sub-urban site, acetaldehyde was the most abundant carbonyl, followed by formaldehyde and acetone. During summer, however, formaldehyde was the most dominant carbonyl in both sites. The photooxidations of a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) yielded much more formaldehyde than other carbonyls under high solar radiation and temperature. In the urban site, the average concentrations of dicarbonyls (i.e., glyoxal and methyglyoxal) in spring and summer were higher than that in winter. Transformation of aromatic VOCs emitted from fuel evaporation leads to the formation of 1,2-dicarbonyls. A reverse trend was observed in sub-urban sites, as explained by the relatively low abundances and accumulations of VOC precursors in the rural atmosphere during warm seasons. Moreover, cumulative cancer risk based on measured outdoor carbonyls (formaldehyde and acetaldehyde) in Xi'an Jiaotong University and Heihe was estimated (8.82 × 10(-5) and 4.96 × 10(-5), respectively). This study provides a clear map on the abundances of carbonyls and their source interpretation in the largest and the most economic city in Northwestern China.

N-acetylcysteine supplementation decreases osteoclast differentiation and increases bone mass in mice fed a high-fat diet

Obesity induced by high-fat (HF) diets increases bone resorption, decreases trabecular bone mass, and reduces bone strength in various animal models. This study investigated whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant and a glutathione precursor, alters glutathione status and mitigates bone microstructure deterioration in mice fed an HF diet. Forty-eight 6-wk-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups (n = 12 per group) and fed either a normal-fat [NF (10% energy as fat)] or an HF (45% energy as fat) diet ad libitum with or without NAC supplementation at 1 g/kg diet for 17 wk. Compared with the NF groups, mice in the HF groups had higher body weight, greater serum leptin concentrations and osteoclast differentiation, and lower trabecular bone volume, trabecular number, and connectivity density (P < 0.05). NAC supplementation increased the serum-reduced glutathione concentration and bone volume and decreased osteoclast differentiation in HF-fed mice (P < 0.05). We further demonstrated that osteoclast differentiation was directly regulated by glutathione status. NAC treatment of murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells in vitro increased glutathione status and decreased osteoclast formation. These results show that NAC supplementation increases the bone mass of obese mice induced by an HF diet through elevating glutathione status and decreasing bone resorption.

Calcium homeostasis and bone metabolic responses to high-protein diets during energy deficit in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Although consuming dietary protein above current recommendations during energy deficit (ED) preserves lean body mass, concerns have been raised regarding the effects of high-protein diets on bone health.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to determine whether calcium homeostasis and bone turnover are affected by high-protein diets during weight maintenance (WM) and ED.

DESIGN

In a randomized, parallel-design, controlled trial of 32 men and 7 women, volunteers were assigned diets providing protein at 0.8 [Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)], 1.6 (2 × RDA), or 2.4 (3 × RDA) g · kg(-1) · d(-1) for 31 d. Ten days of WM preceded 21 d of ED, during which total daily ED was 40%, achieved by reduced dietary energy intake (∼30%) and increased physical activity (∼10%). The macronutrient composition (protein g · kg(-1) · d(-1) and % fat) was held constant from WM to ED. Calcium absorption (ratio of (44)Ca to (42)Ca) and circulating indexes of bone turnover were determined at day 8 (WM) and day 29 (ED).

RESULTS

Regardless of energy state, mean (±SEM) urinary pH was lower (P < 0.05) at 2 × RDA (6.28 ± 0.05) and 3 × RDA (6.23 ± 0.06) than at the RDA (6.54 ± 0.06). However, protein had no effect on either urinary calcium excretion (P > 0.05) or the amount of calcium retained (P > 0.05). ED decreased serum insulin-like growth factor I concentrations and increased serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations (P < 0.01). Remaining markers of bone turnover and whole-body bone mineral density and content were not affected by either the protein level or ED (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate that short-term consumption of high-protein diets does not disrupt calcium homeostasis and is not detrimental to skeletal integrity. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01292395.