Bioelectrochemical degradation of monoaromatic compounds: Current advances and challenges

Monoaromatic compounds (MACs) are typical refractory organic pollutants which are existing widely in various environments. Biodegradation strategies are benign while the key issue is the sustainable supply of electron acceptors/donors. Bioelectrochemical system (BES) shows great potential in this field for providing continuous electrons for MACs degradation. Phenol and BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes) can utilize anode to enhance oxidative degradation, while chlorophenols, nitrobenzene and antibiotic chloramphenicol (CAP) can be efficiently reduced to less-toxic products by the cathode. However, there still have several aspects need to be improved including the scale, electricity output and MACs degradation efficiency of BES. This review provides a comprehensive summary on the BES degradation of MACs, and discusses the advantages, future challenges and perspectives for BES development. Instead of traditional expensive dual-chamber configurations for MACs degradation, new single-chamber membrane-less reactors are cost-effective and the hydrogen generated from cathodes may promote the anode degradation. Electrode materials are the key to improve BES performance, approaches to increase the biofilm enrichment and conductivity of materials have been discussed, including surface modification as well as composition of carbon and metal-based materials. Besides, the development and introduction of functional microbes and redox mediators, participation of sulfur/hydrogen cycling may further enhance the BES versatility. Some critical parameters, such as the applied voltage and conductivity, can also affect the BES performance, which shouldn't be overlooked. Moreover, sequential cathode-anode cascaded mode is a promising strategy for MACs complete mineralization.

[Observation and analysis of lens turbidity lesion induced by low intensity 635 nm laser radiation]

Objective: To study the characteristics of the lens turbidity after long-term exposure to low intensity 635nm laser. Methods: Cluster sampling method was adopted to select 812 employees in a laser leveler workshop in a city of Guangdong Province from January 2014 to December 2018. They were divided into the control group, diffuse reflection (DR) group and direct vision (DV) group for retrospective observation and analysis of lens turbidity. The laser irradiation intensity of each group was investigated, the position and shape of lens opacity were analyzed, and the influencing factors were statistically analyzed with the repeated measurement data of dichotomy. Results: The laser irradiance and radiant exposure of DV group were between 0.72×10(-4) and 9.92×10(-4) mW/cm(2) and between 2.61×10(-2) and 1.53 J/cm(2), respectively. The subjects were mainly diagnosed with lens turbidity lesion, especially for the DV group. Most of lesions occurred in the pole and periphery of the anterior cortex. The lesions exhibited multipoint patterns with greyish white color. The turbidity rates in DV group (before work and work for 1, 2, 3 years) were 0%, 1.99% (8/402) , 4.98% (20/402) and 6.72% (27/402) , respectively, in the order of observation points. The statistical analysis of single factor effect showed that the turbidity rate was higher in DV group and higher in the second year in the DV group (P<0.01) . Multi-factor analysis of the laser effect on the lens showed that the main effect between groups, between the observation point were statistically significant (P<0.05) , but no statistical significance in the interaction between group×observation points (P>0.05) . Conclusion: Lens turbidity lesion can be caused by long-term exposure to low intensity 635 nm laser, so the product safety classification should be strictly strengthened. It is necessary to strengthen the protection of laser photochemical damage in the production process.

von Willebrand factor promotes platelet-induced metastasis of osteosarcoma through activation of the VWF-GPIb axis

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Immunohistochemistry results directly show VWF is increased during tumor progression.

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VWF is expressed as low molecular weight multimer in OS cell line SAOS2.

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VWF promotes platelet-induced metastasis of OS through VWF-GPIb pathway.

von Willebrand factor (VWF) is exclusively expressed in endothelial cells (ECs) and megakaryocytes, which plays a crucial role in the initiation of arterial thrombosis. Recent studies have shown that VWF is also expressed in osteosarcoma (OS) cells and participates in adhesion of cancer cells to platelets, thus promoting metastasis of OS cells. However, it is unclear how OS cell-derived VWF-platelet interaction contributes to the metastasis of OS. We hypothesized that the interaction is mediated by the binding between VWF A1 and GPIbα of platelets, a molecular mechanism similar to that of thrombosis. The increased expression of VWF in SAOS2 cells may contribute to the enhancement of platelet adhesion through the VWF-GPIb pathway, which could promote the migration and invasion capacities of SAOS2 cells in vitro. Antibodies that block the pathway could significantly inhibit the platelet-induced metastasis of OS cells. Our results suggest a theoretical basis for the development of new anti-OS metastasis drugs, and further enrich the mechanism of OS metastasis.

Correction to: Maternal Hypertension, Advanced Doppler Haemodynamics and Therapeutic Precision: Principles and Illustrative Cases

The original publication of this article, unfortunately, contains the following errors.

Relative deprivation, social exclusion, and quality of life among Chinese internal migrants

OBJECTIVES

Factors contributing to diminishing quality of life (QOL) of migrants have been examined, but little is known about the impact of relative deprivation. This study aimed to clarify the effects of relative deprivation on QOL and mediating effects of social exclusion among Chinese internal migrants.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a secondary data analysis of a nationally representative survey.

METHODS

We obtained data from 14,816 internal immigrants, aged 15-59 years, throughout China using the 2014 China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS). We measured relative deprivation via a modified Yitzhaki Index, social exclusion using a four-point Likert scale, and QOL using the Kessler Psychological Distress Short Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and a subscale of the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. Survey data of 15,996 local residents were also retrieved and analyzed to make possible comparisons between the local and migrant population. Furthermore, we used descriptive and statistical analyses with data from the CMDS to identify relative deprivation and social exclusion.

RESULTS

The results show relative deprivation both directly and indirectly influences Chinese internal migrants' QOL. Specifically, compared with the local population, relative deprivation triggers serious social exclusion (β = 0.008, P < 0.001), ultimately deteriorating QOL. Social exclusion partially mediated the total effects of relative deprivation on mental illness (β = 0.004, P < 0.001), self-rated health (β = -0.285, P < 0.001), and life satisfaction (β = -0.020, P < 0.001) among Chinese internal migrants.

CONCLUSION

Relative deprivation significantly impacts QOL by exacerbating mental illness, eroding self-rated health, and inhibiting life satisfaction. Relative deprivation is significantly directly associated with various indicators of QOL and indirectly affects QOL through social exclusion. In addition, our results demonstrate that the relative deprivation theoretical approach and the modified Yitzhaki Index are worthy of future investigation in studies of migrants' health.

[Influence of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy on immune function and coagulation function and prognosis]

Objective: To explore the influence of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy on patients'immune functions, coagulation functions and prognoses. Methods: Fifty-eight patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (laparoscopic group) and 40 patients with gastric cancer who underwent traditional open surgery (traditional group) in Henan People's Hospital from May 2016 to May 2018 were selected as the subjects. The immune function and coagulation function were compared between the two groups before and after operation. The prognoses of patients underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and the influencing factors were analyzed. Results: Three days after operation, the CD4(+) level and CD4(+) /CD8(+) ratio in laparoscopic group were (29.78±3.58)% and (1.01±0.18), higher than (27.23±3.47)% and (0.93±0.14) in control group (P<0.05). Three days after operation, the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) in laparoscopic group was (26.55±2.56) seconds, shorter than (27.86±2.73) seconds in traditional group, while the levels of fibrinogen (FIB) and D-dimer were (4.24±0.84) g/L and (377.91±47.19) μg/L, higher than (3.88±0.75) g/L and (330.28±45.11) μg/L in traditional group (P<0.05). The 5-year survival rate was 77.5% in traditional group and 72.4% in laparoscopic group, without significant difference (P>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis was the independent risk factor for prognosis of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy (P<0.05). Conclusions: Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy can effectively reduce postoperative immunosuppression, but affect postoperative coagulation function. Lymph node metastasis is closely related to the prognosis of patient with gastric cancer. The patient's condition should be comprehensively evaluated before and after operation to determine whether the laparoscopic operation is suitable, for reducing postoperative complications and improving the prognosis.

Maternal Hypertension, Advanced Doppler Haemodynamics and Therapeutic Precision: Principles and Illustrative Cases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Maternal hypertension is a common and serious condition associated with increased maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality, with early detection and management improving outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Blood pressure (BP) changes of pre-eclampsia are defined after 20 gestational weeks, while haemodynamic changes can be detected at 5-11 weeks using a specialised non-invasive Doppler stroke volume (SV) monitor. Thus, advanced haemodynamic monitoring allows for physiologically precise identification of circulatory abnormalities, and implementation of appropriate therapy within the first trimester. We measured the oscillometric BP and advanced haemodynamics (USCOM 1A) of 3 unselected women with singleton pregnancies, consecutively listed for therapeutic induction for maternal hypertension at 32-41 weeks gestational age. While the BP's of the patients varied, it was the haemodynamics, particularly SV, cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, Smith Madigan Inotropy Index, and oxygen deliver, that identified differing patterns of circulatory dysfunction, therapeutic objectives, and predicted post-partum complications of the mother and child. First trimester screening of maternal haemodynamics may allow for earlier detection of circulatory derangements, selection of patient precise interventions, and improved maternal-foetal outcomes.

Genome-wide identification and characterization of the BES1 gene family in apple (Malus domestica)

As the most important transcription factor in the brassinosteroid (BR) signal transduction pathway, BES1 not only affects growth and development of plants but also regulates stress resistance of crops. The physicochemical properties, gene structure, cis-acting elements and gene chip expression of apple BES1 transcription factors were analysed using bioinformatics, and expression of this gene family was analysed with qRT-PCR. There were 22 members of the apple BES1 transcription factors, distributed on eight chromosomes, divided into seven subtribes (I-VII), and the same subtribe contained the same basic motifs. Gene structure analysis showed that the number and position of exons differed, and there was no upstream and downstream structure. Analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that BES1 transcription factors contain response elements for hormones and abiotic stress, as well as organ-specific elements. Gene chip expression profile analysis revealed that expression patterns of BES1 transcription factors differed in different apple hybrids and different organs. In addition, expression of apple BES1 genes was higher in flowers, young fruits, mature fruits and leaves. qRT-PCR demonstrated that expression of MdBES1 genes was highest 12 h after BR induction. At the same time, there were differences in expression in response to PEG, NaCl and MeJA. This paper provides a theoretical basis for analysis of the biological function and stress resistance mechanism of BES1 transcription factors in apple.

Sapphire Fabry-Perot interferometer for high-temperature pressure sensing

An adhesive-free encapsulation sapphire Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) is proposed and demonstrated for high-temperature pressure measurements. The sapphire FPI sensor is packaged by zirconia ferrules and a zirconia sleeve, which is easy to be configured and low in cost. Owing to this packaging technology, the sapphire FPI sensor presents good stability and high temperature resistance. The pressure and temperature properties of the sapphire FPI sensor are investigated within a temperature range from -50^∘C to 1200°C and a pressure range from 0.4 to 4.0 MPa. Experimental results show the FPI has a temperature sensitivity of 23 pm/°C and still works as the temperature is up to 1200°C. Meanwhile, the wavelength shift of the sapphire FPI versus the applied pressure is linear at each tested temperature. The pressure sensitivity is measured to be 1.20 nm/MPa at 1200°C, and the linear response shows the proposed sensor has good repeatability within 0.4-4.0 MPa. Such a sapphire FPI sensor has potential applications in engineering areas, such as the oil industry and gas boilers.

Identification of genetic effects and potential causal polymorphisms of CPM gene impacting milk fatty acid traits in Chinese Holstein

Our previous GWAS revealed 83 significant SNPs and 20 promising candidate genes associated with milk fatty acid traits in dairy cattle. Out of them, the carboxypeptidase M (CPM) gene contains a genome-wide significant SNP, Hapmap49848-BTA-106779, which is strongly associated with myristic acid (C14:0; P = 0.0064). Herein, we aimed to confirm the genetic effects of CPM on milk fatty acids in Chinese Holstein. Seven SNPs were detected by re-sequencing the sequences of entire exons and 3000 bp of up-/downstream flanking regions of the CPM gene, of which three were in 5' flanking region, one in the 3' UTR and three were in the 3' flanking region. Using the Haploview 4.1, we estimated the LD among the identified SNPs and found two haplotype blocks. With the animal model, we performed the SNP- and haplotype-based association analyses, and observed that these SNPs and haplotype blocks mainly had strong genetic associations with medium-chain saturated fatty acids (caproic acid, C6:0; caprylic acid, C8:0; capric acid, C10:0; and lauric acid, C12:0) (P < 0.0001-0.0257). In addition, using the Genomatix software, we predicted that three SNPs in the 5' flanking region of CPM (g.45079507A>G, g.45080228C>A and g.45080335C>G) changed the transcription factor binding sites for PREF (progesterone receptor biding site), ZBRK1 (transcription factor with eight central zinc fingers and an N-terminal KRAB domain), SOX9 (sex-determining region Y-box 9, dimeric binding sites), SOX6 (sex-determining region Y-box 6) and FOXP1-ES (alternative splicing variant of FOXP1, activated in ESCs). Further, the dual-luciferase reporter assay showed these three SNPs altered the transcriptional activity of CPM gene (P ≤ 0.0006). In summary, using the post-GWAS strategy, we first confirmed the significant genetic effects of CPM with milk fatty acids in dairy cattle, and identified three potential causal mutations.

Rapamycin-induced autophagy plays a pro-survival role by enhancing up-regulation of intracellular ferritin expression in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Elevated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling has been reported to correlate with poor prognosis in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. Rapamycin, an mTOR kinase inhibitor, and also a potent autophagy inducer, could not only effectively reverse glucocorticoid resistance, but also promote autophagy in the ALL cells. Autophagy has been suggested to play a paradoxical role in cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to address the role of the rapamycin-induced autophagy in the leukemia treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cell proliferation was detected by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay in ALL cell lines of CEM-C1 and CEM-C7. Western Blot analysis was performed to test protein expressions.

RESULTS

Inhibition of mTOR by rapamycin could reverse glucocorticoid resistance in CEM-C1 cells, and also induce autophagy in these cells by up-regulation of LC3-II and Beclin-1 expressions. This autophagy played a pro-survival role since its inhibition by 6-amino-3-methylpurine or chroloquine could enhance rapamycin-induced cell death. Rapamycin increased the expression of intracellular ferritin, and this effect could be totally blocked by 6-amino-3-methylpurine and chroloquine, suggesting that the protective role of autophagy might be mediated through up-regulation of ferritin, the major iron-binding stress protein. Ciclopirox olamine, an iron chelator, could enhance rapamycin's anti-leukemia effect by down-regulation of intracellular ferritin expression.

CONCLUSIONS

All these findings would suggest that rapamycin-induced autophagy plays a pro-survival role in leukemia cells and this effect might be mediated by up-regulation of intracellular ferritin expression. We hypothesize that the combination of mTOR pathway inhibitors and autophagy inhibition is rational and would induce strong anti-leukemia effects in ALL.

Abstract ES10-2: Understanding breast cancer using a developmental perspective

Parallels among embryonic development, stem cells, and cancer have long been recognized. We identified, isolated, and characterized stem cells that first become committed to a mammary fate during embryogenesis; we refer to these cells as fetal mammary stem cells (fMaSCs). Lineage tracing, in vitro sphere formation, and in vivo transplantation studies by our group and many others all confirm that cells in the embryo are the bipotent progenitors of the mammary gland. There is debate, however, on whether such bipotent cells persist into the adult, or whether the luminal and basal lineages are maintained by unipotent progenitors. To gain insight into the relationships between fMaSCs and breast cancer, and to investigate their potential persistence in the adult, we have applied bulk and single cell RNA-sequencing (sc-RNA-seq) and single nucleus ATAC-sequencing (snATAC-seq) throughout mammary development. The results to be discussed demonstrate that fMaSC transcriptomes are heterogeneous, but all share co-expression of genes associated with luminal and basal cell fates. This fits a model in which the bipotent state is created by a balance of lineage specifiers. We also find that the fMaSC transcriptome is highly enriched in basal-like human breast cancers and identify potential embryonic pathways that correlate with poor prognosis. We used a variety of computational tools to infer the gene expression programs that ensue when fMaSCs commit to luminal and basal states. The data from scRNA-seq and snATAC-seq demonstrate that the transitions are gradual, not precipitous, and that luminal and basal cells exhibit significant transcriptomic and epigenetic heterogeneity. This challenges the notion that the mammary gland consists of discrete cell types defined by rigid transcriptomic parameters, and reveals a potential for intrinsic phenotypic plasticity of normal mammary cells. Using the combined databases, we identified Sox10 as a significantly differentially expressed cell state regulator. We show that tumors are heterogeneous with regard to Sox10 expression, and that locally invasive cells tend to express high Sox10 levels. Elevated Sox10 correlates with acquisition of a neural-crest like, EMT-related state. Implications for interception of metastasis by targeting neural crest-like cells will be discussed. Finally, we have generated a web resource that is available to the scientific community to enable the transcription and epigenetic characteristics of any gene of interest to be tracked through mammary development (https://wahl-labsalk.shinyapps.io/Mammary_snATAC/).

Citation Format: GM Wahl, Z Ma, C Chung, C Dravis, BT Spike, RR Giraddi, O Balcioglu, C Fan, B Hagos, R Heinz, Herrera-Valdez J, X Hou, J Hwang, R Lasken, G Luna, NE Lytle, EM Mehrabad, M Novotny, CM Perou, O Poirion, S Preissl, B Ren, T Reya, CL Trejo, KT Varley. Understanding breast cancer using a developmental perspective [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr ES10-2.