Astilbin alleviates LPS-induced ARDS by suppressing MAPK signaling pathway and protecting pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a devastating disorder that is characterized by increased vascular endothelial permeability and inflammation. Unfortunately, no effective treatment beyond supportive care is available for ARDS. Astilbin, a flavonoid compound isolated from Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae, has been used for anti-hepatic, anti-arthritic, and anti-renal injury treatments. This study examined the effects of Astilbin on pulmonary inflammatory activation and endothelial cell barrier dysfunction caused by Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Endothelial cells from human umbilical veins or male Kunming mice were pretreated with Astilbin 24h before LPS stimulation. Results showed that Astilbin significantly attenuated the pulmonary histopathological changes and neutrophil infiltration 6h after the LPS challenge. Astilbin suppressed the activities of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde, as well as the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in vivo and in vitro. As indices of pulmonary edema, lung wet-to-dry weight ratios, were markedly decreased by Astilbin pretreatment. Western blot analysis also showed that Astilbin inhibited LPS-induced activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in lung tissues. Furthermore, Astilbin significantly inhibited the activity of heparanase and reduced the production of heparan sulfate in the blood serum as determined by ELISA. These findings indicated that Astilbin can alleviate LPS-induced ARDS, which potentially contributed to the suppression of MAPK pathway activation and the degradation of endothelial glycocalyx.

Chronic exposure to cerebrospinal fluid of multiple system atrophy in neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells induces cytotoxicity via ER stress and autophagy activation

Oncogenesis and neurodegeneration share many common pathogenic pathways, involved in endoplastic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy, DNA repair, and oxidative stress. However, mechanisms of cross-talking between oncogenesis and neurodegeneration are still unknown. Characterized by abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates in central nervous system (CNS), multiple system atrophy (MSA) is classified as α-synucleinopathy. Rapidly emerging evidence suggests that ‘prion-like propagation’ of α-syn aggregates in the regional spread of CNS leads to the progression of α-synucleinopathy. Whether cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has deteriorating effects on neurogenic tumor cells and is involved in progression of α-synucleinopathy has not been explored. Here, we first show the cytotoxic effects of MSA-CSF on the neuroblastoma and glioblastoma cells and its underlying mechanism in vitro. Remarkably, MSA-CSF induced cytotoxicity via activating ER stress-associated apoptosis and autophagy in both SH-SY5Y and U251 cells. The result from in vivo systematic neuropathological analysis reveals that abnormally activated ER stress and autophagy were confined to substantia nigra and cerebellum in mouse CNS following MSA-CSF treatment. Specifically, dopamine neurons in substantia nigra and Purkinje cells in cerebellum cortex were degenerated in MSA-CSF-injected mice. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that MSA-CSF exerts cytotoxicities on nervous system neoplasms and accelerates the progression of synucleinopathies.

Association between ECE1 gene polymorphisms and risk of intracerebral haemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether endothelin converting enzyme-1 (ECE1) gene polymorphisms contribute to susceptibility to intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) by influencing blood pressure.

METHODS

This case-control study enrolled patients with ICH and healthy control subjects from a Southern Han Chinese population. The ECE1 gene polymorphisms rs212528 and rs213045 were genotyped. The association between the genotypes and the risk of ICH was assessed. The effects of these two ECE1 gene polymorphisms on blood pressure were also analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 389 patients with ICH and 404 healthy control subjects participated in the study. There was no significant association between the ECE1 rs212528 and rs213045 polymorphisms and ICH even after adjusting for different confounding variables. In patients with ICH, the systolic blood pressure of patients with the rs212528 AA genotype was significantly lower than that of patients with the AG/GG genotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that the ECE1 rs212528 and rs213045 polymorphisms had no major role to play in the genetic susceptibility to ICH, although rs212528 might influence blood pressure in patients with ICH.

Osteoporosis in adults with cerebral palsy: feasibility of DXA screening and risk factors for low bone density

This study aims to describe osteoporosis screening in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and identify any associated factors. Bone mineral density (BMD) was often lower than expected-for-age in these adults, and present even in young adulthood, particularly at the spine. Low BMD is frequent in adults with CP.

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to describe the feasibility of dual-energy X-Ray absorptiometry (DXA) screening in adults with cerebral palsy (CP) and identify factors associated with low bone mineral density (BMD), including longitudinal changes.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review study of these adults seen at an urban academic rehabilitation clinic and who underwent DXA scan(s). BMD and Z-scores for the lumbar spine, hips, and femoral (neck and total) were recorded. The change in BMD and Z-scores from baseline to follow-up DEXA, Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS), CP pattern (hemiplegic, diplegic, or quadriplegic), body mass index (BMI), and transfer and ambulation status were assessed.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients (83 % less than age 50 years) had at least one DXA. Seventeen had at least two studies, 15 without pharmacologic interventions between studies. Thirteen fractures in eight subjects were noted, most often lower limb. Fifty percent of spine studies in individuals under 50 had a Z-score of less than -2, while 25 and 30.8 % of these individuals had such scores at the right and left total hip sites, respectively. Need for transfer assistance was associated with lower BMD and Z-scores at all hip sites, but not the lumbar spine. Progressive abnormalities were seen at follow-up DXAs at some sites, however these were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower than expected-for-age BMD was very frequent in adults with CP with mobility limitations, present at both spine and hip sites. Low BMI and need for transfer assistance had a negative impact on BMD. Although not statistically significant, progression of abnormalities was seen at follow-up for DXAs Z-scores at some sites, which suggests longitudinal studies in this population are needed.

Numb induces e-cadherin adhesion dissolution, cytoskeleton reorganization, and migration in tubular epithelial cells contributing to renal fibrosis

Numb, an endocytic protein, is involved in both neural differentiation and protein post-endocytic trafficking. Although negative Numb expression has been linked to human mammary carcinomas, little is known about its expression and functions in other diseases. In the present study, we observed that Numb is expressed in renal tubule epithelia and its expression is increased in the fibrotic kidney in vivo. We determined that in proximal tubular epithelial cells (NRK52E cells), TGF-β1 induces the expression of Numb and ectopic expression of Numb leads to dissolution of E-cadherin adhesion, reorganization of cytoskeleton, activation of Rac1 and Cdc42, and enhancement of migration. Either knockdown of α-adaptin or overexpression of Numb asparagine-proline-phenylalanine (NPF) mutant interferes with AP-2 dependent endocytosis and rescues Ecadherin level in NRK52E cells. Moreover, knockdown of integrin β1 or α-adaptin, and overexpression of a Numb dominant-negative form (Numb phosphotyrosine binding [PTB] domain) impair integrin endocytosis, and markedly inhibit Numb-induced cell migration and activation of Rac1 and Cdc42. Taken together, our work identifies Numb as an important player in renal fibrosis, by regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process including E-cadherin adhesion dissolution, actin reorganization, and migration enhancement in NRK52E cells.

Identification and comparative proteomic study of quail and duck egg white protein using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry analysis

A proteomic study of egg white proteins from 2 major poultry species, namely quail (Coturnix coturnix) and duck (Anas platyrhynchos), was performed with comparison to those of chicken (Gallus gallus) through 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis. By using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS/MS), 29 protein spots representing 10 different kinds of proteins as well as 17 protein spots designating 9 proteins were successfully identified in quail and duck egg white, respectively. This report suggested a closer relationship between quail and chicken egg white proteome patterns, whereas the duck egg white protein distribution on the 2-DE map was more distinct. In duck egg white, some well-known major proteins, such as ovomucoid, clusterin, extracellular fatty acid-binding protein precursor (ex-FABP), and prostaglandin D2 synthase (PG D2 synthase), were not detected, while two major protein spots identified as “deleted in malignant brain tumors 1” protein (DMBT1) and vitellogenin-2 were found specific to duck in the corresponding range on the 2-DE gel map. These interspecies diversities may be associated with the egg white protein functions in cell defense or regulating/supporting the embryonic development to adapt to the inhabiting environment or reproduction demand during long-term evolution. The findings of this work will give insight into the advantages involved in the application on egg white proteins from various egg sources, which may present novel beneficial properties in the food industry or related to human health.

Risk of malignant progression in Barrett's esophagus indefinite for dysplasia

Barrett's esophagus is a well-recognized risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma. The natural history of Barrett's esophagus classified as ‘indefinite for dysplasia’ (IND) is poorly characterized. The aim of this study is to characterize the natural history of IND by determining the rate of neoplastic progression and identifying risk factors for progression. Patients from the University of Pennsylvania Health System pathology database and Barrett's esophagus registry with a diagnosis of IND between 2000 and 2014 were identified. Exclusion criteria included: (1) prior diagnosis of low-grade dysplasia (LGD), high-grade dysplasia (HGD), or esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC); (2) presence of LGD, HGD, or EAC at the time of diagnosis of IND; and (3) lack of follow-up endoscopy after diagnosis. Patients with neoplastic progression were classified as having either prevalent disease (LGD, HGD, or EAC on surveillance biopsy within 12 months of IND diagnosis) or incident disease (LGD, HGD, or EAC on surveillance biopsy >12 months after IND diagnosis). One hundred six patients were eligible for analysis. Of 87 patients with follow-up endoscopy and biopsies within 1 year of IND diagnosis, 7 (8%) had prevalent disease (2 LGD, 4 HGD, 1 EAC). The prevalence of LGD was 2.3%, HGD was 4.6%, and EAC was 1.1%. Importantly, four of the seven prevalent (2 LGD, 2 HGD) cases were found to have dysplasia within 6 months of IND diagnosis. No demographic or endoscopic characteristics studied were associated with prevalent disease. Of the 106 IND patients, there were 66 patients without prevalent dysplasia with >1-year follow-up. Three (4.5%) progressed (1 to LGD after 12 months, 2 to HGD after 16.5 and 28 months), yielding an incidence rate for any dysplasia of 1.4 cases/100 person-years and HGD/EAC of 0.9/100 person-years. Risk factors for incident disease were smoking (p = 0.02) and Barrett's esophagus segment length (p = 0.03). IND is associated with considerable risk of prevalent dysplasia, especially within the first 6 months after diagnosis. However, the incidence of HGD/EAC is low and similar to previous studies of IND. These data suggest that IND patients should have repeat endoscopy within 6 months with careful surveillance protocols. Longer BE length and smoking history may help predict which patients are more likely to develop dysplasia, and therefore identify patients who may warrant even closer monitoring.

[Expression and significance of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in natural degeneration in vitro model of endplate chondrocytes of rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression and significance of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in natural degeneration in vitro model of rat endplate chondrocytes.

METHODS

Rat endplate chondrocytes were isolated and cultured, and the natural degeneration in vitro model of rat endplate chondrocytes was established. The endplate chondrocytes were divided into blank control group (P2 cells), natural degeneration passage group (P5 cells), AKT/mTOR signaling pathway inhibitor group (P5 cells), AKT/mTOR signaling pathway agonist group (P5 cells). The endplate chondrocyte morphology changes were observed under inverted microscope; Toluidine blue staining was used to detect the expression changes of proteoglycans in endplate chondrocytes; Western blot was used to detect the expression changes of AKT and P-AKT; real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of type Ⅱ collagen, proteoglycan, SOX9 and the key gene of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, mTOR gene.

RESULTS

With in vitro passage of rat endplate chondrocytes, phenotypes of rat endplate chondrocytes gradually reduced or even lost; the type Ⅱ collagen (P5/P2=0.28, P=0.042 7), proteoglycan (P5/P2=0.33, P=0.026 3), SOX9 (P5/P2=0.40, P=0.018 2) and mTOR (P5/P2=0.28, P=0.038 1) expression were significantly reduced in natural degeneration passage group; in AKT/mTOR signaling pathway inhibitor group: type Ⅱ collagen (P5/P2=0.19, P=0.034 7), proteoglycan (P5/P2=0.25, P=0.023), SOX9 (P5/P2=0.31, P=0.034 2) and mTOR (P5/P2=0.20, P=0.024 1) expression were decreased compared with natural passage group; in AKT/mTOR signaling pathway agonist group: type Ⅱ collagen (P5/P2=0.41, P=0.044 1), proteoglycan (P5/P2=0.53, P=0.015 1), SOX9 (P5/P2=0.61, P=0.019 7) and mTOR (P5/P2=0.41, P=0.038 1) expression were increased compared with natural passage group and inhibitor group.

CONCLUSION

AKT/mTOR signaling pathway may play an important role in the degenerative process of rat endplate chondrocytes in vitro, artificial control or intervention of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway may accelerate, inhibit or slow the degeneration of endplate cartilage of rats.

Assessment of Left Atrial Appendage Morphology and Function in Patients with Non-valvular Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation with Different Rhythms Using Real-Time 3D Transesophageal Echocardiography

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology and function of the left atrial appendage (LAA) in different rhythms of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PaAF) patients using real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography. This study included 46 patients with PaAF-24 with PaAF with sinus rhythm (PaAF-S) and 22 with PaAF with fibrillation (PaAF-F)-and 23 healthy volunteers. Real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography images of the LAA were acquired in all patients. LAA end-diastolic volume increased in PaAF-S and PaAF-F, whereas LAA end-systolic volume increased only in PaAF-F. LAA emptying index, end-diastolic volume and end-systolic volume were strongly negatively correlated. LAA emptying index was positively correlated with percentage changes in LAA area and diameter, as well as flow velocity. The co-occurrence of spontaneous echo contrast and thrombus gradually increased in the PaAF-F group, compared with the PaAF-S group. The morphology and change in function of the LAA in patients with paroxysmal PaAF can be evaluated with superior feasibility and reproducibility using real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography. Morphologic changes in the LAA appeared earlier than changes in LAA function during the course of PaAF. Spontaneous echo contrast and thrombus co-occurred more often in PaAF-F than in PaAF-S.

Room-temperature fabrication of multi-deformable perovskite solar cells made in a three-dimensional gel framework

Ultraflexible perovskite solar cells are made by absorbing solar cell materials into 3D gel framework, yielding enhanced photovoltaic performances under deformations.

Spatial confinement growth of perovskite nanocrystals for ultra-flexible solar cells

Ultraflexible perovskite solar cells are built on 3D gel framework, yielding increasing cell performances under deformations and good stability in moisture.

[Change and Significance of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in the model with natural degeneration of the rat endplate chondrocytes]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the change and Significance of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in the model with natural degeneration of the rat endplate chondrocytes.

METHODS

Endplate chondrocytes were selected by enzyme digestion and cultured in vitro to divided into control (P2 cells), naturally passaged (P5 cells) groups and treatment group (P5+ROCK Inhibitor Y27632). The phenotype of endplate chondrocytes were identified by toluidine blue stains and F-actin stains. Type II collagen, aggrecan and SOX9 genes were examed by Real-time RT-PCR to verify the degeneration model. The RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway related gene ROCK-1, ROCK-2 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. The actived RhoA was examed by active-RhoA detection and Western blot.

RESULTS

With the passaging,endplate chondrocytes completely lost the original cell morphology, the levels of type II collagen (P5/P2=0.248, P<0.001), aggrecan (P5/P2=0.172, P<0.001) and SOX9 (P5/P2 =0.499, P<0.001) significantly reduced. There is also a certain reduction of ROCK-1 (P5/P2=0.652, P<0.001), but ROCK-2 (P5/P2=2.527, P<0.001) expression increased significantly. And the active-RhoA were Significant increased too.ROCK-1 AND ROCK-2 were down-regulated in the treatment group. And type II collagen, aggrecan, SOX9 significantly increased.

CONCLUSION

The degeneration of endplate chondrocytes with decreased ROCK-1 expression but increased active-RhoA and ROCK-2 expression suggest that RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway play an important role in the in vitro degeneration of endplate chondrocytes.Modulating the expression of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway may be a new method of solving the problem of the degeneration of intervertebral disc.

An economic passive sampling method to detect particulate pollutants using magnetic measurements

Identifying particulate matter (PM) emitted from industrial processes into the atmosphere is an important issue in environmental research. This paper presents a passive sampling method using simple artificial samplers that maintains the advantage of bio-monitoring, but overcomes some of its disadvantages. The samplers were tested in a heavily polluted area (Linfen, China) and compared to results from leaf samples. Spatial variations of magnetic susceptibility from artificial passive samplers and leaf samples show very similar patterns. Scanning electron microscopy suggests that the collected PM are mostly in the range of 2-25 μm; frequent occurrence of spherical shape indicates industrial combustion dominates PM emission. Magnetic properties around power plants show different features than other plants. This sampling method provides a suitable and economic tool for semi-quantifying temporal and spatial distribution of air quality; they can be installed in a regular grid and calibrate the weight of PM.

Inter-reader variability when applying the 2013 Fleischner guidelines for potential solitary subsolid lung nodules

BACKGROUND

In 2013, the Fleischner Society published recommendations for managing subsolid pulmonary nodules. Inter-reader variability has not yet been defined and has potential implications for the ease and reproducibility of applying the guidelines to clinical practice.

PURPOSE

To evaluate inter-reader variability when applying the 2013 Fleischner guidelines for potential solitary subsolid lung nodules.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Potential nodules were identified through a systematic retrospective review of CT studies that reported a ground-glass lesion. Three radiologists decided whether these lesions fit criteria of a subsolid nodule and thus merit application of the Fleischner Society guidelines, determined if a solid component was present, and measured each component in two dimensions. Final management recommendations were based on these intermediate decisions. Inter-reader variability for management was calculated and Fleiss' kappa was used to determine significance. Logistic regression and Fisher's exact test determined whether management was contingent on each intermediate decision.

RESULTS

Forty-four nodules with mean diameter of 9.4 mm were evaluated by three radiologists. Final management recommendations were in agreement for 93 out of 132 cases (70.4%, kappa = 0.56). Inter-reader variability in management recommendation was contingent on disagreement over whether a pulmonary lesion fit criteria of a subsolid nodule for 24 cases (P < 0.01), whether there was a solid component for 10 cases (P = 0.01), and whether the measurement met the threshold of 5 mm for five cases (P = 0.12).

CONCLUSION

There is moderate inter-reader variability when applying the 2013 Fleischner Society management recommendations. Significant contributors of variability include whether the potential lesions fit subsolid nodule criteria and whether a solid component is present. Measurement variability does not significantly affect the final management decisions.

Function Clustering Self-Organization Maps (FCSOMs) for mining differentially expressed genes in Drosophila and its correlation with the growth medium

The central task of this study was to mine the gene-to-medium relationship. Adequate knowledge of this relationship could potentially improve the accuracy of differentially expressed gene mining. One of the approaches to differentially expressed gene mining uses conventional clustering algorithms to identify the gene-to-medium relationship. Compared to conventional clustering algorithms, self-organization maps (SOMs) identify the nonlinear aspects of the gene-to-medium relationships by mapping the input space into another higher dimensional feature space. However, SOMs are not suitable for huge datasets consisting of millions of samples. Therefore, a new computational model, the Function Clustering Self-Organization Maps (FCSOMs), was developed. FCSOMs take advantage of the theory of granular computing as well as advanced statistical learning methodologies, and are built specifically for each information granule (a function cluster of genes), which are intelligently partitioned by the clustering algorithm provided by the DAVID_6.7 software platform. However, only the gene functions, and not their expression values, are considered in the fuzzy clustering algorithm of DAVID. Compared to the clustering algorithm of DAVID, these experimental results show a marked improvement in the accuracy of classification with the application of FCSOMs. FCSOMs can handle huge datasets and their complex classification problems, as each FCSOM (modeled for each function cluster) can be easily parallelized.

Therapeutic efficacy of fibroblast growth factor 10 in a rabbit model of dry eye

The aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) in the promotion of healing, survival and expression of mucin in corneal epithelial cells in a rabbit dry eye model. A total of 12 healthy female New Zealand white rabbits were divided randomly into three groups. The lacrimal glands were injected with saline either alone (normal control group) or with concanavalin A (Con A), with either topical phosphate-buffered saline (PBS; PBS control group) or 25 µg/ml FGF10 (FGF10 treatment group). Lacrimal gland inflammation, tear function, corneal epithelial cell integrity, cell apoptosis and mucin expression were subsequently assessed. Lacrimal gland tissue biopsies were performed in conjunction with histology and electron microscopy observations. Tear meniscus height (TMH) and tear meniscus area (TMA) were measured using Fourier domain-optical coherence tomography. Tear membrane break-up time (TBUT) was also assessed and corneal fluorescein staining was performed. The percentages of apoptotic corneal and conjunctival (Cj) epithelial cells (ECs) were counted using a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling method. The mRNA expression levels of Muc1 were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. The TMH and TMA values of the PBS and treatment groups were found to be significantly reduced, compared with those of the normal control group 3 days after Con A injection. However, the TMH and TMA of the FGF10 treatment group were higher, compared with those of the PBS group 3 and 7 days after treatment, respectively. Furthermore, the FGF10 treatment group exhibited prolonged TBUT, reduced corneal fluorescein staining and repaired epithelial cell ultra-structure7 days after treatment. The percentages of apoptotic corneal- and Cj-ECs in the FGF10 treatment group were significantly reduced, compared with those in the PBS group. FGF10 significantly induced the mRNA expression of Muc1 in the corneal epithelial cells, compared with the normal control group, and induced higher mRNA expression levels of Muc1 in the Cj-ECs, compared with the PBS control group. In the present study, the rabbit dry eye model was successfully established 3 days after lacrimal gland Con A injection. FGF10 eye drops increased TMH and TMA, promoted corneal epithelial healing, reduced apoptosis of the corneal- and Cj-ECs and led to increased expression of Muc1.

[Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis:clinical analysis of 11 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical manifestation, laboratory findings, radiological data of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis.

METHODS

The clinical manifestation, laboratory findings, radiological data of eleven patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis were analyzed.

RESULTS

Main symptoms included epilepsy presented in 9 cases, psychiatric symptom in 7 cases, dyskinesia in 5 cases, autonomic dysfunction in 3 cases. The anti-NMDA receptor antibody was found in all the patients' cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). No teratoma was detected in any of the patients, and 1 case had lung cancer. All the patients received immune therapy. And at discharge, 4 cases recuperated generally, 7 cases had different degrees of dysfunction. After telephone follow-up of 1-18 months, 1 case was lost, 3 cases had complete recovery, and 7 cases had different degrees of sequela.

CONCLUSION

When Patients without mental illness history presents with unexplained mental symptoms accompanied by seizures, memory impairment, disturbance of consciousness, movement disorders, autonomic dysfunction and other symptoms, anti-NMDA receptor antibodies studies in both serum and CSF should be done as early as possible in order to facilitate early diagnosis, early treatment and improve the prognosis.

Atmospheric pollution history at Linfen (China) uncovered by magnetic and chemical parameters of sediments from a water reservoir

We studied magnetic and chemical parameters of sediments from sediments of a water reservoir at Linfen (China) in order to quantitatively reconstruct the atmospheric pollution history in this region. The results show that the main magnetic phases are magnetite and maghemite originating from the surrounding catchment and from anthropogenic activities, and there is a significant positive relationship between magnetic concentration parameters and heavy metals concentrations, indicating that magnetic proxies can be used to monitor the anthropogenic pollution. In order to uncover the atmospheric pollution history, we combined the known events of environmental improvement with variations of magnetic susceptibility (χ) and heavy metals along the cores to obtain a detailed chronological framework. In addition, air comprehensive pollution index (ACPI) was reconstructed from regression equation among magnetic and chemical parameters as well as atmospheric monitoring data. Based on these results, the atmospheric pollution history was successfully reconstructed.