A comparative review and analysis of tentative ecological quality objectives (EcoQOs) for protection of marine environments in Korea and China

Ecological quality objectives (EcoQOs), as tools for implementing ecosystem approach, have long been acknowledged to protect the marine ecosystems and fisheries in regional seas through joint efforts by surrounding countries over the past decade. The present review analyzed the best available meta-data relating to the five ecosystem elements that were recently proposed by the Northwest Pacific Action Plan to evaluate the current status of coastal ecosystem health in marine environment of the Yellow Sea. We suggested the six tentative EcoQOs among five ecological quality elements including: 1) biological and habitat diversity; 2) invasive species; 3) eutrophication; 4) pollutants; and 5) marine litters. Environmental status was assessed, depending on the EcoQOs targets, by comparison to the world average values, existing environmental standards, or reported values of other regional seas. Results of analysis revealed that among the six tentative EcoQOs, two target objectives to marine biodiversity and concentrations of nutrients (viz., DIN and DIP) were met towards good environmental status. Whilst, three EcoQOs relating to hypoxia and red-tide, pollutants (persistent toxic substances and metals), and marine litters (including microplastics) did not meet and one relating to invasive species could not be judged due to insufficient data sets. The biggest weak point for developing suitable EcoQOs and assessing status of ecosystem health could be insufficient meta-data sets available and/or discrepancy in methodological details cross the data-sets or between the two targeted countries. Thus, the cooperation of neighboring countries, viz., Korea and China for the Yellow Sea, is necessary for the ecosystem based management of our regional sea in the future. Overall, this first time review for the assessment of target tentative EcoQOs in the Yellow Sea region encompassing coasts of Korea and China would provide a better understanding of the current status of environmental pollution and ecosystem health.

Pulse control in a wide frequency range for a quasi-continuous wave diode-pumped cesium atom vapor laser by a pump modulation in the spectral domain

Diode-pumped alkali-atom laser (DPAL) has attracted intense attention due to its inherently high quantum efficiency, a good beam quality, and a high potential in the power scaling. However, most of DPAL research has been confined to the continuous wave and only a few pulsed operations have been attempted with limited performances. Here, we proposed and experimentally demonstrated a new scheme using a fast mode-hopping in the pump laser diode (LD), which enabled the quasi-continuous-wave (QCW) pulse modulation in a cesium (Cs) DPAL to control both the pulse width and the repetition rate. The pump wavelength was efficiently modulated in a fast cycle within discrete spectral ranges provided by the mode-hopping in the pump LD. The spectral range was successfully adjusted to include the resonant D₂ absorption line of Cs atom to result in an effective gain modulation. Using this proposed scheme, we successfully achieved Cs-DPAL QCW modulation, whose pulse width was varied from tens of microseconds to a few milliseconds and the repetition rate was also variable in a wide frequency range from 10 Hz to 7.0 kHz. Detailed pump modulation method and the corresponding laser characteristics are discussed. The proposed method can be readily applied to pulse modulation of other types of alkali vapor lasers overcoming the previous limitations of DPAL to further expand applications in various light-matter interactions.

Potential ecotoxicological effects of elevated bicarbonate ion concentrations on marine organisms

Recently, a novel method for carbon capture and storage has been proposed, which converts gaseous CO₂ into aqueous bicarbonate ions (HCO₃^-), allowing it to be deposited into the ocean. This alkalinization method could be used to dispose large amounts of CO₂ without acidifying seawater pH, but there is no information on the potential adverse effects of consequently elevated HCO₃^- concentrations on marine organisms. In this study, we evaluated the ecotoxicological effects of elevated concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) (max 193 mM) on 10 marine organisms. We found species-specific ecotoxicological effects of elevated DIC on marine organisms, with EC50-DIC (causing 50% inhibition) of 11-85 mM. The tentative criteria for protecting 80% of individuals of marine organisms are suggested to be pH 7.8 and 11 mM DIC, based on acidification data previously documented and alkalinization data newly obtained from this study. Overall, the results of this study are useful for providing baseline information on ecotoxicological effects of elevated DIC on marine organisms. More complementary studies are needed on the alkalinization method to determine DIC effects on seawater chemistry and marine organisms.

Sub-lethal and lethal toxicities of elevated CO2 on embryonic, juvenile, and adult stages of marine medaka Oryzias melastigma

The potential leakage from marine CO₂ storage sites is of increasing concern, but few studies have evaluated the probable adverse effects on marine organisms. Fish, one of the top predators in marine environments, should be an essential representative species used for water column toxicity testing in response to waterborne CO₂ exposure. In the present study, we conducted fish life cycle toxicity tests to fully elucidate CO₂ toxicity mechanism effects. We tested sub-lethal and lethal toxicities of elevated CO₂ concentrations on marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) at different developmental stages. At each developmental stage, the test species was exposed to varying concentrations of gaseous CO₂ (control air, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%), with 96 h of exposure at 0-4 d (early stage), 4-8 d (middle stage), and 8-12 d (late stage). Sub-lethal and lethal effects, including early developmental delays, cardiac edema, tail abnormalities, abnormal pigmentation, and mortality were monitored daily during the 14 d exposure period. At the embryonic stage, significant sub-lethal and lethal effects were observed at pH < 6.30. Hypercapnia can cause long-term and/or delayed developmental embryonic problems, even after transfer back to clean seawater. At fish juvenile and adult stages, significant mortality was observed at pH < 5.70, indicating elevated CO₂ exposure might cause various adverse effects, even during short-term exposure periods. It should be noted the early embryonic stage was found more sensitive to CO₂ exposure than other developmental stages of the fish life cycle. Overall, the present study provided baseline information for potential adverse effects of high CO₂ concentration exposure on fish developmental processes at different life cycle stages in marine ecosystems.

De novo mutations of STXBP1 in Chinese children with early onset epileptic encephalopathy

To detect syntaxin-binding protein 1 (STXBP1) mutations in Chinese patients with early onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE) of unknown etiology. Targeted next-generation sequencing was used to identify STXBP1 mutations in 143 Chinese patients with EOEE of unknown etiology. A filtering process was applied to prioritize rare variants of potential functional significance. Then Sanger sequencing was employed to validate the parental origin of the variants. Detailed clinical and genetic data were collected for 9 STXBP1-positive patients. Eight de novo heterozygous STXBP1 mutations were identified in 9 patients; 5 were novel mutations (c.1155delC, c.1030-1G>A, c.217G>C, c.268G>C, c.1480_1481 insT) and 3 were previously reported (c.1216C> T, c.1217G>A [2 cases], c.875G>A). Two patients had Ohtahara syndrome and 1 had West syndrome at onset, whereas the other 6 presented with EOEE that did not fit a specific recognized epilepsy syndrome. Six of these patients later evolved to West syndrome. All but 2 cases were prescribed more than 2 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) plus other regimens. Four subjects showed good responses to levetiracetam (LEV) alone or in combination with other AEDs, and one case (1/3) achieved complete freedom from seizures with a ketogenic diet (KD). All patients exhibited severe to profound global developmental delay. Five novel heterozygous de novo STXBP1 mutations were discovered in patients with EOEE from China. STXBP1 mutational analysis should be performed in cases of EOEE of unknown etiology. LEV as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy with other regimens, as well as KD should be considered for management of this patient group.

Enhancement of the lasing efficiency of vitamin B2 in a highly polar organic solvent via DNA-lipid complex

We experimentally demonstrated a green liquid laser at the wavelength of 570 nm, utilizing the optical gain of vitamin B₂ in a highly polar organic solvent, and proposed an efficient method to enhance its lasing efficiency by adding DNA-lipid complex (DNA-CTMA) in the solution. Optical properties of vitamin B₂ in the hexafluoro-2-propanol solvents were investigated by adding various amounts of DNA-CTMA in terms of the UV-visible absorbance, the visible emission, and the fluorescence lifetime. A Fabry-Perot cavity was built to obtain the laser oscillation at 570 nm using a pulsed pump source at the wavelength of 450 nm, 5 ns pulse duration, and 10 Hz repetition rate. By adding DNA-CTMA, both the output power and slope efficiency were enhanced along with a significant reduction of the lasing threshold pump power. The proposed scheme could open new potential for highly efficient biolasers.

Importance of accurate trophic level determination by nitrogen isotope of amino acids for trophic magnification studies: A review

During the last several decades, persistent organic pollutants and metals cause great concern for their toxicity in organisms as well as for their bioaccumulation and/or trophic transfer through the food chains in ecosystems. A large number of studies therefore have focused on the trophic levels of organisms to illustrate food web structure, as a critical component in the study of pollutant dynamics and biomagnification. The trends in biomagnification of pollutants in food webs indeed provide fundamental information about the properties and fates of pollutants in ecosystems. The trophic magnification supports the establishment of a reliable trophic structure, which can further aid the understanding of the transport and exposure routes of contaminants in accumulation and risk assessments. Recently, efforts to interpret the food web structure using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios have contributed to better understanding of the fate of pollutants in the ecosystem. However, it is known that this isotope analysis of bulk ones has many weaknesses, particularly for uncertainties on the estimate of trophic levels and therefore of magnification factors for studied organisms, enough to support a regulatory interpretation. In this review, we collate studies that investigated biomagnification characteristics of pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, along with calculated trophic magnification factors. Moreover, we introduce a novel approach, compound-specific stable isotope analysis of nitrogen in amino acids, to establish reliable food web structures and accurate trophic levels for biomagnification studies. This method promises to provide sound results for interpreting the influence of the pollutant in organisms, along with their bioaccumulation and magnification characteristics, as well as that in ecosystem.

eDNA-based bioassessment of coastal sediments impacted by an oil spill

Oil spills offshore can cause long-term ecological effects on coastal marine ecosystems. Despite their important ecological roles in the cycling of energy and nutrients in food webs, effects on bacteria, protists or arthropods are often neglected. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding was applied to characterize changes in the structure of micro- and macro-biota communities of surface sediments over a 7-year period since the occurrence of Hebei Spirit oil spill on December 7, 2007. Alterations in diversities and structures of micro- and macro-biota were observed in the contaminated area where concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were greater. Successions of bacterial, protists and metazoan communities revealed long-term ecological effects of residual oil. Residual oil dominated the largest cluster of the community-environment association network. Presence of bacterial families (Aerococcaceae and Carnobacteriaceae) and the protozoan family (Platyophryidae) might have conferred sensitivity of communities to oil pollution. Hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial families (Anaerolinaceae, Desulfobacteraceae, Helicobacteraceae and Piscirickettsiaceae) and algal family (Araphid pennate) were resistant to adverse effects of spilt oil. The protistan family (Subulatomonas) and arthropod families (Folsomia, Sarcophagidae Opomyzoidea, and Anomura) appeared to be positively associated with residual oil pollution. eDNA metabarcoding can provide a powerful tool for assessing effects of anthropogenic pollution, such as oil spills on sediment communities and its long-term trends in coastal marine environments.

Integrated assessment of persistent toxic substances in sediments from Masan Bay, South Korea: Comparison between 1998 and 2014

Complexity of anthropogenic influences on coastal ecosystems necessitates use of an integrated assessment strategy for effective interpretation and subsequent management. In this study a multiple lines of evidence (LOE) approach for sediment assessment, that combined use of chemistry, toxicity, and benthic community structure in the sediment quality triad was used to assess spatiotemporal changes and potential risks of persistent toxic substances (PTSs) in sediments of Masan Bay highlighting "long-term changes" between 1998 and 2014. Specific target objectives encompassed sedimentary PTSs (PAHs, alkylphenols (APs), and styrene oligomers), potential aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR; H4IIE-luc assay)- and estrogen receptor (ER; MVLN assay)-mediated activities, and finally several ecological quality (EcoQ) indices of benthic community structure. Concentrations of target PTSs in Masan Bay sediments were generally less by half in 2014 compared to those measured in 1998. Second, AhR-mediated potencies in sediments also decreased during this time interval, whereas ER-mediated potencies increased (+3790%), indicating that there has been substantial ongoing, input of ER agonists over the past 16 years. Potency balance analysis revealed that only 3% and 22% of the AhR- and ER-mediated potencies could be explained by identified known chemicals, such as PAHs and APs, respectively. This result indicated that non-targeted AhR and ER agonists had a considerable presence in the sediments over time. Third, EcoQ indices tended to reflect PTSs contamination in the region. Finally, ratio-to-mean values obtained from the aforementioned three LOEs indicated that quality of sediments from the outer region of the bay had recovery more during the period of 16-years than did the inner region. Overall, the results showed that even with the progress supported by recent efforts from the Korean governmental pollution control, PTSs remain a threat to local ecosystem, especially in the inner region of Masan Bay.

High sensitivity temperature measurement via mask-free hybrid polymer long period fiber grating

Long-period fiber gratings (LPFGs) are useful for environmental sensing under conditions of high corrosiveness and electromagnetic interference. Most LPFGs are fabricated by coherent or high-power UV illumination of an optical fiber under an amplitude mask, resulting in narrow and environmentally-dependent band rejection. We present a hybrid LPFG waveguide fabricated without an amplitude mask through polymer self-assembly under low-power incoherent UV illumination, which demonstrates high-temperature sensitivity in its transmission spectrum compared to LPFG sensors based purely on silica waveguides. A sensitivity of 1.5 nm °C ^-1 is obtained experimentally for attenuation near 1180 nm, and a sensitivity of 4.5 nm °C ^-1 with a low random error was obtained with a composite of attenuation bands. Finite element method simulations and coupling mode theory reveal this to be due to a thermo-optic coefficient one order of magnitude greater than that of fused silica. The device has potential for a simple and inexpensive transmission intensity based temperature sensor consisting of an infrared light source, the LPFG, a bandpass filter, and a photodiode.

Arsenic speciation in environmental multimedia samples from the Youngsan River Estuary, Korea: A comparison between freshwater and saltwater

Differences in the distribution, partitioning, and bioaccumulation characteristics of arsenicals between freshwater and saltwater systems remain poorly understood. To determine the characteristics of distribution and behavior of arsenicals, multimedia environmental samples including water, suspended particles, zooplankton, sediments, and porewater were collected from inner (five sites, freshwater) and outer (five sites, saltwater) regions of the estuary dike of the Youngsan River Estuary in South Korea (Nov., 2012). Six organic and inorganic forms of As were separated and measured using HPLC-ICP/MS equipped with an anion exchange column. Concentrations of arsenicals in water samples of the inner region (mean = 1.5 μg As L^-1) were significantly lower than in those of the outer region (mean = 5.2 μg As L^-1). Conversely, concentrations of As in suspended particles in the inner region (mean = 14 μg As g^-1) were much greater than in the outer region (mean = 5.7 μg As g^-1). The field-based distribution coefficient (K_d) for As depended strongly on salinity; relatively greater K_d values were found in freshwater compared with saltwater. The As^V was found to be the major form of As in all water and particle samples in both inner and outer regions. The zooplankton species were significantly distinguishable between the inner and outer regions; cladocerans were the most dominant species in freshwater and cyclopoida were predominantly found in saltwater. The As concentrations in zooplankton were shown to be particle-concentration dependent, suggesting that dietary exposure plays a substantial role in the bioaccumulation of As. Inorganic arsenicals, such as As^V and As^III were the most dominant forms found in zooplankton. Partitioning behavior of As between porewater and sediments was similar to that in water-particle distributions. The results of the present study enhance the understanding of As biogeochemistry in river and estuarine environments.

Greenland records of aerosol source and atmospheric lifetime changes from the Eemian to the Holocene

The Northern Hemisphere experienced dramatic changes during the last glacial, featuring vast ice sheets and abrupt climate events, while high northern latitudes during the last interglacial (Eemian) were warmer than today. Here we use high-resolution aerosol records from the Greenland NEEM ice core to reconstruct the environmental alterations in aerosol source regions accompanying these changes. Separating source and transport effects, we find strongly reduced terrestrial biogenic emissions during glacial times reflecting net loss of vegetated area in North America. Rapid climate changes during the glacial have little effect on terrestrial biogenic aerosol emissions. A strong increase in terrestrial dust emissions during the coldest intervals indicates higher aridity and dust storm activity in East Asian deserts. Glacial sea salt aerosol emissions in the North Atlantic region increase only moderately (50%), likely due to sea ice expansion. Lower aerosol concentrations in Eemian ice compared to the Holocene are mainly due to shortened atmospheric residence time, while emissions changed little.

Past climate changes in Greenland ice were accompanied by large aerosol concentration changes. Here, the authors show that by correcting for transport effects, reliable source changes for biogenic aerosol from North America, sea salt aerosol from the North Atlantic, and dust from East Asian deserts can be derived.

Estimation of different source contributions to sediment organic matter in an agricultural-forested watershed using end member mixing analyses based on stable isotope ratios and fluorescence spectroscopy

The two popular source tracing tools of stable isotope ratios (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to estimate the relative source contributions to sediment organic matter (SeOM) at five different river sites in an agricultural-forested watershed (Soyang Lake watershed), and their capabilities for the source assignment were compared. Bulk sediments were used for the stable isotopes, while alkaline extractable organic matter (AEOM) from sediments was used to obtain fluorescent indices for SeOM. Several source discrimination indices were fully compiled for a range of the SeOM sources distributed in the catchments of the watershed, which included soils, forest leaves, crop (C3 and C4) and riparian plants, periphyton, and organic fertilizers. The relative source contributions to the river sediment samples were estimated via end member mixing analysis (EMMA) based on several selected discrimination indices. The EMMA based on the isotopes demonstrated that all sediments were characterized by a medium to a high contribution of periphyton ranging from ~30% to 70% except for one site heavily affected by forest and agricultural fields with relatively high contributions of terrestrial materials. The EMMA based on fluorescence parameters, however, did not show similar results with low contributions from forest leaf and periphyton. The characteristics of the studied watershed were more consistent with the source contributions determined by the isotope ratios. The discrepancy in the EMMA capability for source assignments between the two analytical tools can be explained by the limited analytical window of fluorescence spectroscopy for non-fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) and the inability of AEOM to represent original bulk particulate organic matter (POM).

Abstract P4-02-10: Breast cancer surveillance in high-risk women with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging every 6 months: Results from a single institution study

Purpose: To develop a novel approach for early detection of breast cancer and examine molecular features of screen detected cancers in prospectively ascertained high-risk women undergoing semi-annual dynamic contrast-enhanced breast magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for women at high genetic risk.

Background: Women with a personal or family history of breast cancer and genetic mutation carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 have a higher than normal risk of breast cancer. An intensified screening surveillance regimen is an early detection strategy in high-risk women. The American Cancer Society recommends annual DCE-MRI in addition to annual mammogram based off several pivotal screening studies that demonstrated improved sensitivity and cancer detection rates and decreased interval cancer rates with the addition of annual DCE-MRI. Questions remain regarding the optimal screening modality and interval regimen in these high-risk women.

Methods: Between 2004 and 2016, we assembled a prospective cohort of high-risk women undergoing semi-annual DCE-MRI and annual mammography. To be eligible, women had a lifetime breast cancer risk &gt;20% and/or tested positive for a pathogenic mutation using a cancer gene panel including BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, PALB2, CHEK2 and other cancer susceptibility genes in the DNA repair pathway. Somatic mutation events in screen-detected tumors were investigated using UW-OncoPlex cancer gene panel using DNA extracted from FFPE shavings.

Results: 295 women were recruited to the study; 44% of the study participants had pathogenic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. At a median follow-up of 3.3 years (range 0-12 years), 3 DCIS and 13 early stage invasive breast cancers were detected, of which 14 occurred in subjects with identifiable pathogenic mutations (11 BRCA1, 2 BRCA2, 1 CDH1). The incidence rate is 1.3% in all subjects, but 3.5 % per year in BRCA1 carriers. DCE-MRI identified all 13 invasive cancers at a mean size of 0.61 cm (range 0.1-1.0 cm); none had lymph node metastasis. No interval cancers occurred. In addition, 7 of the breast cancers were detected on DCE-MRI imaging obtained at the 6 months screening interval; they would be interval cancers if only annual screening were implemented. There was very little DNA for somatic mutation testing in the majority of cases. However, as expected, there was heterogeneity in the spectrum of mutations but the most commonly somatically mutated gene in the early cancers was TP53.

Conclusions: DCE-MRI every 6 months performed well for early detection of invasive breast cancer in high-risk women, accomplishing the ultimate goal of breast cancer screening—detecting node-negative, invasive tumors less than 1 cm. Semi-annual DCE-MRI performed especially well in BRCA1 mutation carriers at risk for the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer. Further interventional studies evaluating this novel screening approach are warranted to personalize breast cancer risk assessment and prevention.

Citation Format: Whitaker K, Guindalini R, Abe H, Sheeth D, Huo D, Hong S, Churpek J, Verp M, Obeid E, Zheng Y, Amico A, Yoshimatsu T, Olopade O. Breast cancer surveillance in high-risk women with dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging every 6 months: Results from a single institution study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-02-10.

The relationship between fatty liver index and bone mineral density in Koreans: KNHANES 2010-2011

Analyses using a nationally representative cohort have revealed that high fatty liver index (FLI) is associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) regardless of insulin resistance in men, thereby supporting the deteriorated bone metabolism in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

INTRODUCTION

NAFLD is linked to deteriorated bone health. We investigated the association of FLI, a scoring model for NAFLD, with BMD.

METHODS

This was a population-based, cross-sectional study from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys including 4264 Koreans (1908 men and 2356 women). FLI was calculated using body mass index, waist circumference, serum triglyceride, and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase level. Insulin resistance was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and whole body.

RESULTS

Men had a higher FLI than women, while the HOMA-IR index was similar between men and women. The significant association between FLI and BMD was observed only in men, but not in women. FLI was negatively correlated with total hip, femoral neck, and whole body BMD in men after adjusting for all potential confounders, including HOMA-IR (P < 0.001 to 0.010). Lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and whole body BMD in men showed a decreasing trend as the FLI tertile increased after adjusting for all potential confounders, including HOMA-IR (P for trends < 0.001 to 0.034). In men aged 50 years or older, odds ratios for combined osteopenia and osteoporosis increased across increasing FLI tertiles after adjusting for confounders (P for trends < 0.011 to 0.029).

CONCLUSION

NAFLD is associated with low bone density regardless of insulin resistance in men. These findings suggest an undiscovered direct link between liver and bone that increases the risk of osteoporosis in men with NAFLD.

Effects of Ketamine on Icam-1 Expression during Lipopolysaccharide Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats

Introduction

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) serves very important roles in lung injury, and increases in ICAM-1 are associated with severity of lung injury. We intended to examine whether ketamine could have favourable effects on ICAM-1 expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury in the rat.

Methods

The acute lung injury was induced by instilling LPS into the tracheas of 72 anaesthetised rats. The animals were divided into four groups including a sham group with intratracheal saline, an LPS group with intratracheal LPS and intraperitoneal saline, and two ketamine treatment groups with intratracheal LPS and treated with 1 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg doses of intraperitoneal ketamine hydrochloride. Half of the animals were sacrificed at three hours and the remaining animals were sacrificed at six hours. Real time PCR was performed on the lung tissues obtained. Concentration of the soluble ICAM-1 was measured in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Expression of ICAM-1 was measured.

Results

The transcriptional activity of ICAM-1 mRNA increased 9.92 fold in the LPS group compared to the sham group but decreased by 84.1% and 83.3%, respectively, in the 1 and 10 mg/kg ketamine treatment groups. The concentration of soluble ICAM-1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid increased 2.23 fold in the LPS group compared to the sham group while decreasing by 75.0% and 74.5% respectively in the 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg ketamine treatment groups. The intensity of immunohistochemical staining for ICAM-1 was also decreased in both ketamine treatment groups.

Conclusion

Ketamine attenuates ICAM-1 expression during acute lung injury in rats. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2011;18:397-405)

Endocrine disrupting potential of PAHs and their alkylated analogues associated with oil spills

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylated PAHs are known to be major toxic contaminants in spills of petroleum hydrocarbons (oil). Spilled oil undergoes weathering and over time, PAHs go through a series of compositional changes. PAHs can disrupt endocrine functions, and the type of functions affected and associated potencies vary with the type and alkylation status of PAH. In this study, the potential of five major PAHs of crude oil, i.e., naphthalene, fluorene, dibenzothiophene, phenanthrene, and chrysene, and their alkylated analogues (n = 25), to disrupt endocrine functions was evaluated by use of MVLN-luc and H295R cell lines. In the MVLN-luc bioassay, seven estrogen receptor (ER) agonists were detected among 30 tested PAHs. The greatest ER-mediated potency was observed for 1-methylchrysene (101.4%), followed by phenanthrene and its alkylated analogues (range of %-E2max from 1.6% to 47.3%). In the H295R bioassay, significantly greater syntheses of steroid hormones were observed for 20 PAHs. For major PAHs and their alkylated analogues, disruption of steroidogenesis appeared to be more significant than ER-mediated effects. The number and locations of alkyl-moieties alone could not explain differences in the types or the potencies of toxicities. This observation shows that disruption of endocrine functions by some constituents of oil spills could be underestimated if only parent compounds are considered in assessments of hazard and risk.

Long-term changes in distributions of dioxin-like and estrogenic compounds in sediments of Lake Sihwa, Korea: Revisited mass balance

In the late 1990s, severe pollution by persistent organic contaminants (POCs) was observed in Lake Sihwa by use of a combination of instrumental analyses and in vitro bioassays. To determine long-term changes (>15-year gaps) in distributions of POCs and their potential toxic potencies in the given region, sediment assessments were reconducted. Target chemicals include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylphenols (APs), and recently reported emerging chemicals, styrene oligomers (SOs). We employed in vitro bioassays (such as H4IIE-luc and MVLN) to determine potential sediment toxicities. The reduction rates of mean concentrations of APs and SOs in sediments between the two sampling years (1998 vs. 2015) were estimated to be 99% and 67%, respectively. Although APs and SOs significantly declined over the 15-year period, concentrations of PAHs were consistent. Results of the bioassays were consistent with the instrumental data, with relatively great concentrations of all target compounds being detected, particularly in inland creeks. Compositions of all target compounds exhibited changes in homologue patterns over the 15 years considered. This result indicated varying and/or continuing sources in this region. In particular, PAHs were dominated by higher-molecular-weight PAHs (e.g., benzo[g,h,i]perylene and benzo[b]fluoranthene) in recent years. This result might indicate consumption of oil-related fuels. Quantitative potency balance analysis revealed that concentrations of instrumentally-derived equivalents accounted for as little as 18.5% of bioassay-derived equivalents, which indicated significant amounts of unknown and/or unmeasured compounds were present. The present study documented the continuing severe pollution by selected POCs in the Lake Sihwa region over the last 15 years, indicating a lack of management in the area studied.

Seasonal variability of estuarine dynamics due to freshwater discharge and its influence on biological productivity in Yeongsan River Estuary, Korea

In order to evaluate water quality and biological productivity, observation data sets were collected and analyzed in Yeongsan River Estuary, Korea. We also set up a numerical model to resolve hydrodynamics and fate of water quality variables in the system. Results show that most of nutrients loading are trapped in the lake and higher concentrations of nutrients and organic matters (OM) are present only inside of the artificial sea dike. There exist episodial discharges at the dam, which coincide mostly with rainfall events during summer monsoon periods. During this discharge event, lower salinity and higher suspended solids, nutrients, and OM are observed in surface layer of the estuarine section. Hydrodynamic model results show that circulation in the estuarine section is governed by freshwater discharge from the lake, resulting in an enhanced two-layer estuarine circulation being dominated, during and after the freshwater is discharged. Such two-layer estuarine circulation combined with higher concentration of nutrients in the surface layer results in that outfluxes of nutrients in the surface layer dominate over the influxes in the bottom layer during summer high precipitation periods. Meanwhile, numerical dye experiment results show that the discharged water with elevated nutrients levels have a short residence time (∼5-10 days) in the estuarine section. Due to this fast flushing rate, excessive nutrient loadings are not used to produce biological matters in the estuarine section. This limited biological productivity, characterized by seaward side of the artificial sea dike, makes Yeongsan estuarine system excluded from acting as an active carbon sink.

Biologic therapies for refractory juvenile dermatomyositis: five years of experience of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance in North America

BACKGROUND

The prognosis of children with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) has improved remarkably since the 1960's with the use of corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy. Yet there remain a minority of children who have refractory disease. Since 2003 the sporadic use of biologics (genetically-engineered proteins that usually are derived from human genes) for inflammatory myositis has been reported. In 2011-2016 we investigated our collective experience of biologics in JDM through the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA).

METHODS

The JDM biologic study group developed a survey on the CARRA member experience using biologics for Juvenile DM utilizing Delphi consensus methods in 2011-2012. The survey was completed online by the CARRA members interested in JDM in 2012. A second survey was similarly developed that provided more opportunity to describe their experiences with biologics in JDM in detail and was completed by CARRA members in Feb 2013. During three CARRA meetings in 2013-2015, nominal group techniques were used for achieving consensus on the current choices of biologic drugs. A final survey was performed at the 2016 CARRA meeting.

RESULTS

One hundred and five of a potential 231 pediatric rheumatologists (42%) responded to the first survey in 2012. Thirty-five of 90 had never used a biologic for Juvenile DM at that time. Fifty-five of 91 (denominators vary) had used biologics for JDM in their practice with 32%, 5%, and 4% using rituximab, etanercept, and infliximab, respectively, and 17% having used more than one of the three drugs. Ten percent used a biologic as monotherapy, 19% a biologic in combination with methotrexate (mtx), 52% a biologic in combination with mtx and corticosteroids, 42% a combination of a biologic, mtx, corticosteroids (steroids), and an immunosuppressive drug, and 43% a combination of a biologic, IVIG and mtx. The results of the second survey supported these findings in considerably more detail with multiple combinations of drugs used with biologics and supported the use of rituximab, abatacept, anti-TNFα drugs, and tocilizumab in that order. One hundred percent recommended that CARRA continue studying biologics for JDM. The CARRA meeting survey in 2016 again supported the study and use of these four biologic drug groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our CARRA JDM biologic work group developed and performed three surveys demonstrating that pediatric rheumatologists in North America have been using multiple biologics for refractory JDM in numerous scenarios from 2011 to 2016. These survey results and our consensus meetings determined our choice of four biologic therapies (rituximab, abatacept, tocilizumab and anti-TNFα drugs) to consider for refractory JDM treatment when indicated and to evaluate for comparative effectiveness and safety in the future. Significance and Innovations This is the first report that provides a substantial clinical experience of a large group of pediatric rheumatologists with biologics for refractory JDM over five years. This experience with biologic therapies for refractory JDM may aid pediatric rheumatologists in the current treatment of these children and form a basis for further clinical research into the comparative effectiveness and safety of biologics for refractory JDM.

CB2 receptors regulate natural killer cells that limit allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma

BACKGROUND

Allergic asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease involving the complementary actions of innate and adaptive immune responses. Endogenously generated cannabinoids acting via CB2 receptors play important roles in both homeostatic and inflammatory processes. However, the contribution of CB2-acting eicosanoids to the innate events preceding sensitization to the common house dust mite (HDM) allergen remains to be elucidated. We investigated the role of CB2 activation during allergen-induced pulmonary inflammation and natural killer (NK) cell effector function.

METHODS

Lung mucosal responses in CB2-deficient (CB2^-/- ) mice were examined and compared with wild-type (WT) littermates following intranasal exposure to HDM allergen.

RESULTS

Mice lacking CB2 receptors exhibited elevated numbers of pulmonary NK cells yet were resistant to the induction of allergic inflammation exemplified by diminished airway eosinophilia, type 2 cytokine production and mucus secretion after allergen inhalation. This phenomenon was corroborated when WT mice were treated with a CB2-specific antagonist that caused a pronounced inhibition of HDM-induced airway inflammation and goblet cell hyperplasia. Unexpectedly, the preponderance of NK cells in the lungs of CB2^-/- mice correlated with reduced numbers of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). Depletion of NK cells restored the allergen responsiveness in the lungs and was associated with elevated ILC2 numbers.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these results reveal that CB2 activation is crucial in regulating pulmonary NK cell function, and suggest that NK cells serve to limit ILC2 activation and subsequent allergic airway inflammation. CB2 inhibition may present an important target to modulate NK cell response during pulmonary inflammation.

Identification of sources and seasonal variability of organic matter in Lake Sihwa and surrounding inland creeks, South Korea

Coastal areas are subjected to significant allochthonous organic matter deposits from surrounding areas; however, limited information is available on the source and delivery of this organic matter. In this study, to assess seasonal changes in the sources of organic matter in Lake Sihwa (Korea), biodegradability, fluorescence property, and stable isotopic compositions (carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur) of the organic matter were determined. Water samples were collected from the inner lake (n = 9) and inland creeks (n = 10) in five separate events, from November 2012 to October 2013. Organic matter originating from rural, urban, and industrial areas was examined as the potential sources. The organic matter contents and biodegradability in the industrial area were the highest, whereas low concentrations and poor biodegradability of organic matter were found in the rural area, and moderate properties were observed in the urban area. In Lake Sihwa, a large concentration of total organic matter and enhanced biodegradability were observed during March and August. However, main source of organic matter differed between the sampling events. The largest contribution of organic matter, deriving from marine phytoplankton, was found in March. On the other hand, in August, the organic matter originating from the industrial area, which is characterized by high levels of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, was significantly increased. Our results could be useful to enhance the management of water bodies aimed at reducing the organic matter concentrations and improving the water quality of Lake Sihwa, and even that of the Yellow Sea.

Thermo-optic characteristic of DNA thin solid film and its application as a biocompatible optical fiber temperature sensor

We report unique thermo-optical characteristics of DNA-Cetyl tri-methyl ammonium (DNA-CTMA) thin solid film with a large negative thermo-optical coefficient of -3.4×10^-4/°C in the temperature range from 20°C to 70°C without any observable thermal hysteresis. By combining this thermo-optic DNA film and fiber optic multimode interference (MMI) device, we experimentally demonstrated a highly sensitive compact temperature sensor with a large spectral shift of 0.15 nm/°C. The fiber optic MMI device was a concatenated structure with single-mode fiber (SMF)-coreless silica fiber (CSF)-single mode fiber (SMF) and the DNA-CTMA film was deposited on the CSF. The spectral shifts of the device in experiments were compared with the beam propagation method, which showed a good agreement.

First-in-human phase 1 study of margetuximab (MGAH22), an Fc-modified chimeric monoclonal antibody, in patients with HER2-positive advanced solid tumors

Background

Margetuximab is an anti-HER2 antibody that binds with elevated affinity to both the lower and higher affinity forms of CD16A, an Fc-receptor important for antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against tumor cells. A Phase 1 study was initiated to evaluate the toxicity profile, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of margetuximab in patients with HER2-overexpressing carcinomas.

Patients and methods

Patients with HER2-positive breast or gastric cancer, or other carcinomas that overexpress HER2, for whom no standard therapy was available, were treated with margetuximab by intravenous infusion at doses of 0.1-6.0 mg/kg for 3 of every 4 weeks (Regimen A) or once every 3 weeks (10-18 mg/kg) (Regimen B).

Results

Sixty-six patients received margetuximab (34 patients for Regimen A and 32 patients for Regimen B). The MTD was not reached for either regimen. Treatment was well-tolerated, with mostly Grade 1 and 2 toxicities consisting of constitutional symptoms such as pyrexia, nausea, anemia, diarrhea, and fatigue. Among 60 response-evaluable patients, confirmed partial responses and stable disease were observed in 7 (12%) and 30 (50%) patients, respectively; 26 (70%) of these patients had received prior HER2-targeted therapy. Tumor reductions were observed in over half (18/23, 78%) of response-evaluable patients with breast cancer including durable (>30 weeks) responders. Ex vivo analyses of patient peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples confirmed the ability of margetuximab to support enhanced ADCC compared with trastuzumab.

Conclusions

Margetuximab was well-tolerated and has promising single-agent activity. Further development efforts of margetuximab as single agent and in combination with other therapeutic agents are ongoing.

Trial Registration ID

NCT01148849.