The influence of e-waste recycling on the molecular ecological network of soil microbial communities in Pakistan and China

Primitive electronic waste (e-waste) recycling releases large amounts of organic pollutants and heavy metals into the environment. As crucial moderators of geochemical cycling processes and pollutant remediation, soil microbes may be affected by these contaminants. We collected soil samples heavily contaminated by e-waste recycling in China and Pakistan, and analyzed the indigenous microbial communities. The results of this work revealed that the microbial community composition and diversity, at both whole and core community levels, were affected significantly by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Zn, and Pb). The geographical distance showed limited impacts on microbial communities compared with geochemical factors. The constructed ecological network of soil microbial communities illustrated microbial co-occurrence, competition and antagonism across soils, revealing the response of microbes to soil properties and pollutants. Two of the three main modules constructed with core operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were sensitive to nutrition (total organic carbon and total nitrogen) and pollutants. Five key OTUs assigned to Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Nitrospirae in ecological network were identified. This is the first study to report the effects of e-waste pollutants on soil microbial network, providing a deeper understanding of the ecological influence of crude e-waste recycling activities on soil ecological functions.

A gain-of-function mutation in TNFRSF13B is a candidate for predisposition to familial or sporadic immune thrombocytopenia

Essentials Positive family histories suggest the existence of hereditary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). The predisposing gene for familial ITP was screened in two familial ITP patients. The G76S mutation on TNFRSF13B led to immune dysfunction and induced megakaryocyte apoptosis. The G76S mutation on TNFRSF13B is a gain-of-function mutation and a predisposing variant for ITP.

SUMMARY

Background Most immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is sporadic but a positive family history of ITP in some patients suggests that hereditary forms exist. Because of the rarity of familial ITP families available for study and the heterogeneity of sporadic ITP, family linkage analysis or genome-wide association studies are limited. Objectives Based on one ITP pedigree, we try to identify the predisposing gene in familial or sporadic ITP and reveal the way in which it causes thrombocytopenia. Methods Gene expression profiling analysis and whole-exome sequencing were performed on samples from family members with ITP, sporadic ITP cases and healthy individuals. We also evaluated the influence of potential pathogenic mutation on immune function and megakaryocyte apoptosis. Results Whole-exome sequencing identified a potential pathologic p.G76S heterozygous mutation on the TNFRSF13B gene in familial ITP patients. ITP patients harboring the G76S mutation displayed an upregulated 'cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction' signal, increased serum TNFα, IL-17α, IFNγ and BAFF levels, and enhanced binding capacity of APRIL ligand to B cells. Additionally, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B cells with the G76S mutation could induce human megakaryocyte line (Meg-01) apoptosis significantly. Conclusion p.G76S mutation on the TNFRSF13B gene is responsible for ITP, and is a genetic predisposing factor for familial or sporadic ITP.

Occurrence and air-soil exchange of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls at a CAWNET background site in central China: Implications for influencing factors and fate

Ambient air and soil samples were collected between March 2012 and March 2013 at Jinsha, a regional background site in central China, to measure the concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The average concentrations of total OCPs and total PCBs were 191 ± 107 and 39.4 ± 27.1 pg/m³ in air (gaseous and particulate phase) and 0.585 ± 0.437 and 0.083 ± 0.039 ng/g in soil, respectively. The higher concentrations of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT) and p,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDE ratios in the soil indicated recent p,p'-DDT input to the soil. A strong positive temperature dependence and average fugacity fraction value > 0.5 were observed for p,p'-DDT, suggesting that volatilization of residual DDT in the soil was the main influencing factor on atmospheric p,p'-DDT. Highly average fugacity fractions (>0.7) of trans-chlordane (TC) and cis-chlordane (CC) and high TC/CC ratios both in the soil and atmosphere suggested fresh inputs. Higher gaseous concentrations of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were observed in winter and negative temperature dependence was directly attributed to the surrounding ongoing source (e.g. fuel consuming activities), especially in winter. Overall, most targeted OCPs and PCBs were influenced by long-range transport, and fugacity fraction values indicated highly volatile compounds (e.g. α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH) and lower chlorinated PCBs) were volatilized and low volatility compounds (e.g. p,p'-DDE and higher chlorinated PCBs) were deposited at the air-soil interface. Knowing the source and sink of OCPs and PCBs can help to control their pollution in this area and provide a reference for other studies.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult patients with acute fulminant myocarditis : Clinical outcomes and risk factor analysis

BACKGROUND

Our study aimed to summarize the clinical outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adult patients with acute fulminant myocarditis and to investigate the risk factors associated with its application.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively examined patients with cardiogenic shock and acute fulminant myocarditis. The following data were collected: patients' preoperative general condition, related clinical factors during ECMO, complications, and outcomes of ECMO. The patients were divided into a survivor group and a nonsurvivor group.

RESULTS

From a total of 33 patients, seven died in hospital. The survival rate was 78.7%. The following complications were observed during ECMO: 16 cases of acute renal failure (48.4%), seven cases of sepsis (21.2%), six cases of pulmonary infection (18.1%), six cases of multiple organ failure (MOF; 18.1%), three cases of cerebral hemorrhage (9%), and four cases of limb ischemia (12.1%). Pre-ECMO cardiopulmonary resuscitation, high levels of lactic acid, high amounts of blood transfusion during ECMO, renal failure, encephalorrhagia, gastrointestinal complications, lower-limb ischemia, high bilirubin levels, and MOF during ECMO were associated with unfavorable patient outcomes.

CONCLUSION

ECMO is an effective auxiliary tool for treating acute fulminant myocarditis. Acute renal failure is the most common complication during ECMO. Improving tissue perfusion, reducing blood transfusions, and preventing acute kidney failure may improve patient outcomes.

Concentration, source identification, and exposure risk assessment of PM2.5-bound parent PAHs and nitro-PAHs in atmosphere from typical Chinese cities

Sixteen parent PAHs and twelve nitro-PAHs were measured in PM2.5 samples collected over one year (2013–2014) at nine urban sites in China. During the sampling period, concentrations of individual nitro-PAHs were one or two orders of magnitude lower than their parent PAHs. Typical seasonal variations in parent PAH concentrations, which increased 10- to 80- fold in winter compared to summer, were observed in this study. Conversely, the mean atmospheric concentrations of nitro-PAHs were similar in all four seasons, with the exception of 9-nitroanthracene (9n-Ant). Compared to other nitro-PAHs which were secondary formation products, 9n-Ant had a higher concentration and made up a larger proportion of total nitro-PAHs. Positive matrix factorization results indicated that 9n-Ant sources included biomass burning (20%), vehicle exhaust emissions (43%), and secondary formation (30%). Overall, the elevated concentrations of parent PAHs observed in winter correlated with the contribution from coal combustion at all sites, especially in north China (>80%). The contribution of secondary formation products to total nitro-PAHs was measured during the summer, and was especially high in the larger cities such as Shanghai (84%), Beijing (76%), Guangzhou (60%), and Chengdu (64%), largely due to the summer concentrations of parent PAHs were markedly lower than in winter.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 associates with casein kinase II to regulate GPIb-IX-mediated platelet activation via the PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway

Essentials The mechanisms of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) in GPIb-IX signaling are unclear. Function of ERK5 in GPIb-IX was tested using aggregation, western blotting, and mass spectrometry. The protein interacting with ERK5 in human platelets was identified as casein kinase II (CKII). ERK5 associates with CKII to regulate the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in GPIb-IX signaling.

SUMMARY

Background The platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX complex plays essential roles in thrombosis and hemostasis. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) ERK1/2 and p38 have been shown to be important in the GPIb-IX-mediated signaling leading to integrin activation. However, the roles of the MAPK extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) in GPIb-IX-mediated platelet activation are unknown. Objective To reveal the function and mechanisms of ERK5 in GPIb-IX-mediated platelet activation. Methods The functions of ERK5 in GPIb-IX-mediated human platelet activation were assessed using botrocetin/VWF, ristocetin/VWF, or platelet adhesion to von Willebrand factor (VWF) under shear stress in the presence of a specific inhibitor of ERK5. ERK5-associated proteins were pulled down from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with HA-tagged-ERK5, identified by mass spectrometry, and confirmed in human platelets. Roles of ERK5-associated proteins in GPIb-IX-mediated platelet activation were clarified using specific inhibitors. Results The phosphorylation levels of ERK5 were significantly enhanced in human platelets stimulated with botrocetin/VWF or ristocetin/VWF. The ERK5 inhibitor XMD8-92 suppressed the second wave of human platelet aggregation induced by botrocetin/VWF or ristocetin/VWF and inhibited human platelet adhesion on immobilized VWF under shear stress. Casein kinase II (CKII) was identified as an ERK5-associated protein in human platelets. The CKII inhibitor TBB, similar to the ERK5 inhibitor XMD8-92, specifically restrained PTEN phosphorylation, therefore suppressing Akt phosphorylation in human platelets treated with botrocetin/VWF. Conclusion ERK5 associates with CKII to play essential roles in GPIb-IX-mediated platelet activation via the PTEN/PI3K/Akt pathway.

[Treatment of high-risk and complicate foreign bodies in respiratory tract]

Objective:To explore the treatment of the high-risk and complicate foreign bodies in respiratory tract. Method:Retrospective analysis of 3 330 cases of respiratory foreign bodies were performed, from 2003 January to 2016 November, including 205 cases of high-risk and complicate cases, foreign bodies including plastic caps, plastic or glass lamp beads, animal bones, metal objects, and foreign bodies such as peanuts. Result:In one hundred and seventy-five cases, foreign bodies were taken out directly by hard bronchoscope, in twenty-eight cases, foreign bodies were removed by fiberoptic bronchoscope, one case of foreign body was removed with thoracotomy and one case of foreign body died. Conclusion::To treat high-risk foreign bodies in respiratory tract, sufficient preoperative preparation or rapid response are both important, including selecting the appropriate equipment, surgery and anesthesia, in order to successfully remove the foreign body and minimize complications.

On the choice of outlet boundary conditions for patient-specific analysis of aortic flow using computational fluid dynamics

Boundary conditions (BCs) are an essential part in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of blood flow in large arteries. Although several studies have investigated the influence of BCs on predicted flow patterns and hemodynamic wall parameters in various arterial models, there is a lack of comprehensive assessment of outlet BCs for patient-specific analysis of aortic flow. In this study, five different sets of outlet BCs were tested and compared using a subject-specific model of a normal aorta. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) was performed on the same subject and velocity profiles extracted from the in vivo measurements were used as the inlet boundary condition. Computational results obtained with different outlet BCs were assessed in terms of their agreement with the PC-MRI velocity data and key hemodynamic parameters, such as pressure and flow waveforms and wall shear stress related indices. Our results showed that the best overall performance was achieved by using a well-tuned three-element Windkessel model at all model outlets, which not only gave a good agreement with in vivo flow data, but also produced physiological pressure waveforms and values. On the other hand, opening outlet BCs with zero pressure at multiple outlets failed to reproduce any physiologically relevant flow and pressure features.

Impacts of human activities on the spatial distribution and sources of polychlorinated naphthalenes in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River

The concentrations and compositions of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in sediments and suspended particulate matters (SPM) in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River were investigated. The mean concentrations of PCNs were 7.15 ± 19.3 ng/g dw in the sediment and 38.1 ± 58.4 ng/g dw in SPM. Tri- and tetra-CNs were the dominant homologue groups in most samples. CN-23 was the predominant congener at all sites, and its presence may be attributed to coal combustion. Combustion indicators showed that local combustion source was the main contributor to the PCN concentrations. These sources were related to the energy structure of this region, where coal is the most important energy resource. Human activities, including industrial thermal processes and reservoir construction, were major factors affecting PCN levels and hydrological conditions, which strongly influenced the environmental fate of PCNs in the Yellow River.

The subgingival microbiomes in periodontitis and health of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis

Serum anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), present in 70% of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), can be detected ≤10years before the onset of clinical disease. RA and periodontitis are epidemiologically associated and we have reported a high incidence of periodontitis in people who are ACPA+ and at risk of RA. Periodontal bacteria may contribute by multiple routes to the generation of RA-autoantibodies. This study aims to characterise the subgingival microbiomes from periodontitis and health in individuals with/without RA and at risk of RA.

Forty-five ACPA+ no RA (RA-at-risk; RAR), 31 healthy controls (HC) and 30 ACPA+ RA patients (RA) underwent a periodontal examination. DNA from subgingival plaque from healthy and deep pocket sites were paired-end sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq3000 and data analysed using MG-RAST + DESeq.

Metagenomes in RA samples had high proportions of Actinobacteria; RAR microbiomes contained higher proportions of Bacteroidetes than HC. The relative abundance of P. gingivalis was high in periodontitis and RAR; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was detected with similar frequency in each group. Other bacteria implicated in periodontitis and/or autoantibody generation (Filifactor alocis, Prevotella spp, Leptotrichia spp.) were detected. Analyses are on-going to elucidate the diversity and functional potential of the subgingival microbiome associated with RA.

MiR-15a expression analysis in non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells under local hypoxia microenvironment

OBJECTIVE

Lung cancer is a common tumor in the clinic. Hypoxia is an important biological characteristic in the solid malignant tumor. MiRNA participates in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. This study tested hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α) in lung cancer patients and analyzed the microRNA-15a (miR-15a) expression in A549 cells under different local hypoxia microenvironments.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 40 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients in First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between Jan 2015 and Jan 2016 were involved in this study. The serum and tissue samples of lung cancer were collected. Serum HIF-1α level was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay. HIF-1α expression in tissue was evaluated by using the immunohistochemistry. A549 cells were cultured under normoxic, hypoxic, and anaerobic environment, respectively. HIF-1α mRNA and miR-15a levels were determined by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

HIF-1α levels were up-regulated in serum and tissue (p<0.05). HIF-1α mRNA increased, while miR-15a down-regulated in A549 from hypoxia and anaerobic groups compared with control (p<0.05). HIF-1α shRNA transfection significantly reduced HIF-1α and elevated miR-15a level (p<0.05). MiR-15a shRNA transfection exhibited no statistical impact on HIF-1α expression (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HIF-1α highly expressed in lung cancer patients. MiR-15a levels were down-regulated in A549 cells under hypoxia and anaerobic conditions.

Experimental Study on the Role of Sedimentation and Degradation Processes on Atmospheric Deposition of Persistent Organic Pollutants in a Subtropical Water Column

The goal of this study is to experimentally assess the role of vertical sinking and degradation processes of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in a subtropical water column. This was done by measuring the concentrations of selected typical organochlorine pesticides, including hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), trans-chlordane (TC), and cis-chlordane (CC), in atmosphere (gas phase), water (dissolved and particulate phases), and sedimentation samples simultaneously from October 2011 to April 2013 in a subtropical lake. The fugacity ratios suggested net deposition for α-HCH, γ-HCH, p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDT, TC, and CC, indicating that the subtropical lake was acting as a "sink" for these chemicals. The enantiomer fractions of α-HCH, o,p'-DDT, TC, and CC in the dissolved phase samples were much more deviated from the racemic values than were those in the air samples, suggesting that these chemicals have suffered microbial degradation in the subtropical lake. In fact, 99% to 100% of atmospheric input of α-HCH and γ-HCH to the subtropical lake was estimated to be depleted via microbial degradation, while the role of hydrolysis and vertical sinking was very small. For more hydrophobic p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDT, TC, and CC, the role of vertical sinking was 2 to 3 orders of magnitude larger than that for α-HCH and γ-HCH. Microbial degradation was also very important for removing p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDT, TC, and CC from the water column.

Occurrence and distribution of antibiotics in multiple environmental media of the East River (Dongjiang) catchment, South China

The occurrence and distribution of 11 antibiotics in multiple environmental media including river water, suspended particle, sediment, and soil of the East River catchment, South China, were systematically characterized from multiple spatial (area and point) and temporal (seasonal variation and diurnal variation) scales. The results indicated that six to eight antibiotics were detected in these media. The predominant antibiotics and their concentrations varied with environment media because of the varied contamination sources, physicochemical properties of antibiotics, and media. For their spatial distribution, the river environment including water phase, suspended particles, and sediments showed a similar feature with the rule of C _delta > C _{lower reach} > C _{middle reach}, which may be related to the industrial level and population density. However, the antibiotics in the soils showed a close relationship with the land use types. A diurnal variation of antibiotics at river sections was mainly affected by the tidal change and diurnal domestic sewage discharge feature. Source analysis indicated that domestic sewage was the main source for antibiotic contamination in the river, while irrigation and fertilization using river water and animal wastes were the main reasons for antibiotic contamination in the soils. However, antibiotics may be redistributed in different media in a catchment.

Genetic analysis of HOXA11 gene in Chinese patients with cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital anomaly in male children. Its aetiology remains unknown in the majority of cases. Because HOXA11 plays a vital role in regulating testicular descent, genetic variants in HOXA11 genes may contribute to the risk of cryptorchidism. In this study, mutation analysis was performed on the HOXA11 gene in a cohort of 89 patients with cryptorchidism. Furthermore, an association analysis of the HOXA11 tag single nucleotide polymorphism rs6461992 was performed in 168 patients with unilateral cryptorchidism and 193 controls. No pathogenic mutations were found. A significant difference in genotype and allele distribution was detected between cases and controls (p = .029 and .022 respectively). These results suggest that mutations in the coding sequence of HOXA11 might not be a common cause of cryptorchidism, while common polymorphisms in the HOXA11 gene might contribute to the risk of developing unilateral cryptorchidism.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic integration and modelling of oxytetracycline for the porcine pneumonia pathogens Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida

Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) integration and modelling were used to predict dosage schedules of oxytetracycline for two pig pneumonia pathogens, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and mutant prevention concentration (MPC) were determined in broth and porcine serum. PK/PD integration established ratios of average concentration over 48 h (C_av0–48 h)/MIC of 5.87 and 0.27 μg/mL (P. multocida) and 0.70 and 0.85 μg/mL (A. pleuropneumoniae) for broth and serum MICs, respectively. PK/PD modelling of in vitro time–kill curves established broth and serum breakpoint values for area under curve (AUC_0–24 h)/MIC for three levels of inhibition of growth, bacteriostasis and 3 and 4 log₁₀ reductions in bacterial count. Doses were then predicted for each pathogen, based on Monte Carlo simulations, for: (i) bacteriostatic and bactericidal levels of kill; (ii) 50% and 90% target attainment rates (TAR); and (iii) single dosing and daily dosing at steady‐state. For 90% TAR, predicted daily doses at steady‐state for bactericidal actions were 1123 mg/kg (P. multocida) and 43 mg/kg (A. pleuropneumoniae) based on serum MICs. Lower TARs were predicted from broth MIC data; corresponding dose estimates were 95 mg/kg (P. multocida) and 34 mg/kg (A. pleuropneumoniae).

Testing Iron and Zinc Bioavailability in Genetically Enriched Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) and Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) in a Rat Model

A rat model was used to determine the bioavailability of iron and zinc in bean seeds and rice grain from enriched genotypes of these globally important staple foods. Seed and grain from the genotypes tested (intrinsically radiolabelled with either 59Fe or 65Zn) were cooked, homogenized in water, and lyophilized to dryness. The dried, radiolabelled powder was fed to young male rats in single meals. Bioavailability was calculated from the amount of radiolabelled iron and zinc retained in the rats over a 10-day period as determined each day by whole-body gamma spectrometry assay. The data collected demonstrate that increasing the amount of iron or zinc in enriched rice grain and bean seed significantly increases the amount of iron or zinc bioavailable to rats.

Although a rat model is not ideal for determining iron and zinc bioavailability to humans, because rats are much more efficient at absorbing iron and zinc from plant foods than humans, rats can be used to give relative estimates of bioavailable iron and zinc in plant foods. These estimates can be used to rank promising genotypes of staple foods for use in later feeding trials with humans, greatly reducing the numbers of genotypes that would have to be tested in humans without use of the rat model. Ultimately, because of the complexities of determining the bioavailability to humans of iron and zinc in plant foods, human feeding trials performed under free-living conditions should be conducted with the most promising genotypes before these genotypes are released for distribution to breeding programmes worldwide