[Progress on microneedle drug delivery systems for the treatment of corneal diseases]

Corneal diseases are prevalent eye conditions in China, and the lack of effective treatment in the short term can lead to blindness. However, delivering drugs to the cornea safely and effectively poses a significant challenge due to the presence of ocular barriers and clearance mechanisms. Conventional drug delivery methods exhibit low bioavailability, making it difficult to achieve therapeutic effects. Microneedles, with their ability to penetrate ocular surface barriers effectively, offer a low-invasive and highly promising drug delivery technology. This article introduces the main delivery barriers on the ocular surface, classifies microneedles, and highlights the latest developments in the treatment of corneal diseases. Finally, the potential challenges of applying microneedle delivery systems to the ocular surface are analyzed, aiming to provide insights for the clinical application of microneedles in corneal diseases.

Adjustable rotation of multiple vortices produced by diode-pumped Nd:YVO4 lasers using intracavity second harmonic generation

The criteria for achieving adjustable rotation of optical vortices are analyzed and used to design a diode-pumped solid-state laser that incorporates intracavity second harmonic generation within a concave-flat cavity to produce frequency-doubled Hermite-Gaussian (FDHG) modes. These FDHG modes are subsequently employed to generate various structured lights containing 2, 4, and 6 nested vortices using an external cylindrical mode converter. Through theoretical exploration, we propose that increasing the radius of curvature of the concave mirror and extending the cavity length can enhance the rotational angles of multiple vortices by expanding the adjustable range of phase shift for FDHG modes. Moreover, theoretical analyses assess vortex rotation concerning the positions of a nonlinear medium, successfully validating the experimental observations and elucidating the phase structures of the transformed beams.

[A rational analysis of the commonly used renal tumor scoring systems in predicting surgical outcomes of cystic renal masses]

Objective: To explore the predictive effect of the renal tumor scoring system on the surgical outcomes of cystic renal masses (CRM). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 234 patients who received robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2018 to June 2020. And 31 cases had CRM and 203 cases had solid renal masses (SRM). The propensity score of patients was calculated by logistic regression model, and 1∶2 matching was performed by the nearest neighbor method. The changes in perioperative indexes and long-term estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in CRM group and SRM group were compared. The CRM group and SRM group were stratified according to the complexity grading of R.E.N.A.L. score and PADUA score, respectively, to compare the difference in the achievement rate of ideal surgical outcome between the two groups, and analyze the predictive factors affected. The CRM diameter was stratified with 4 cm as the cut-off value (CRM1 group with a diameter<4 cm, CRM2 group with a diameter≥4 cm), and the surgical results were compared with the matched SRM1 group and SRM2 group. Results: In the matching cohort, the CRM group comprised 29 patients with a mean age of (48.7±10.8) years, of which 22 (75.9%) were males. The SRM group included 58 patients with a mean age of (50.4±10.2) years, of which 41 (70.7%) were males, with no statistically significant difference (all P>0.05). The warm ischemia time (WIT) [M (Q1,Q3)] in the CRM group was longer than that in the SRM group [23(18, 25) vs 19(17, 25) min, P=0.040]. The operation time (OT) [M (Q1,Q3)] in the CRM group was also longer than that of the SRM group [130(100, 150) vs 108(86, 120) min, P=0.006]. The change in serum creatinine before and after the operation [M (Q1,Q3)] was higher in the CRM group than in the SRM group [15(10, 23) vs 12(6, 17) μmol/L, P=0.030]. The ideal surgical outcomes were achieved in 7 patients (24.1%) in the CRM group and 36 patients (62.1%) in the SRM group. The number of patients achieving ideal surgical outcomes in R.E.N.A.L. intermediate complex surgery and PADUA advanced complex surgery in the SRM group were 24 (58.5%) and 15 (51.7%), respectively, which were higher than those in the CRM group 6 (27.3%) and 1 (5.9%) respectively (P<0.05). Preoperative eGFR (OR=0.758, 95%CI: 0.719-0.799) and the nature of the tumor (CRM as reference, OR=4.883, 95%CI: 1.550-15.378) were influencing factors for achieving the ideal surgical outcome. Subgroup analysis showed that eGFR changes before and after surgery and the estimated blood loss (EBL) in the CRM2 group were higher than those in the SRM2 group, and WIT and OT were longer than those in the SRM2 group (all P<0.05). The EBL and WIT of the CRM1 group were shorter than those of the CRM2 group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The surgical risk of RAPN in complex CRMs with a maximum diameter of≥4 cm is higher than the risk of RAPN in SRM with equivalent R.E.N.A.L. and PADUA scores.

[The regulatory function of tumor-infiltrating Th9 cells to anti-tumor activity of CD8(+) T cells in patients with gastric cancer]

Objective: To investigate the levels of Th9 cells and interleukin-9 (IL-9), and to assess the regulatory activity of Th9/IL-9 to anti-tumor immune response in patients with gastric cancer. Methods: Thirty-four patients with gastric cancer who received operation in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University between October 2018 and August 2019 were included. Twenty individuals who received physical examination in the same period were also enrolled. Peripheral blood was collected, and then plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and autologous gastric cancer cells were isolated from resected gastric cancer tissues. CD4(+) T cells, CD8(+) T cells, and CD4(+) CCR4(-)CCR6(-)CXCR3(-) cells were purified from PBMCs and TILs. Plasma IL-9 level was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The percentage of CD3(+) CD4(+) IL-9(+) Th9 cells in PBMCs and TILSs was assessed by flow cytometry. The mRNA levels of IL-9 and transcriptional factors purine-rich nucleic acid binding protein 1 (PU.1) were semi-quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). PBMCs and TILs from gastric cancer patients were stimulated with recombinant human IL-9. Cellular proliferation was measured by cell counting kit-8. The phosphorylation levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and STAT6 were investigated by western blot. Cytokine production was measured by ELISA. Purified CD8(+) T cells from TILs of gastric cancer patients were stimulated with recombinant human IL-9. CD8(+) T cells and autologous gastric cancer cells were cocultured in direct contact and indirect contact manner. The percentage of target cell death was calculated by measuring the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level. These cretion of γ-Interferon (γ-IFN) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was measured by ELISA. CD4(+) CCR4(-)CCR6(-)CXCR3(-)cells, CD8(+) T cells, and autologous gastric cancer cells were directly cocultured, and anti-IL-9 neutralizing antibody was added. The target cell death was measured. Results: The percentages of CD3(+) CD4(+) IL-9(+) Th9 cells in PBMCs of control group and PBMCs of gastric cancer group were (1.21±0.25)% and (1.14±0.19)%, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant (P=0.280). The percentage of CD3(+) CD4(+) IL-9(+) Th9 cells in TILs of gastric cancer group was (2.30±0.55)%, which was higher than those in PBMCs of control group and PBMCs of gastric cancer group (P<0.001). The plasma IL-9 level in control group and gastric cancer group were (5.04±1.51) and (4.93±1.25) ng/ml. The difference was not statistically significant (P=0.787). The relative levels of IL-9 mRNA in PBMCs of control group and PBMCs of gastric cancer group were 1.33±0.39 and 1.36±0.27. The difference was not statistically significant (P=0.691). The relative level of IL-9 mRNA in TILs of gastric cancer group was 2.90±0.75, which was higher than those in PBMCs of control group (P<0.001) and PBMCs of gastric cancer group (P<0.001). The relative levels of PU.1 mRNA in PBMCs of control group and PBMCs of gastric cancer group were 1.21±0.12 and 1.20±0.11. The difference was not statistically significant (t=0.21, P=0.833). PU.1 mRNA relative level in TILs of gastric cancer group was 2.81±0.65, which was higher than those in PBMCs of control group (P<0.001) and PBMCs of gastric cancer group (P<0.001). Recombinant human IL-9 stimulation did not affect the proliferation of PBMCs and TILs of gastric cancer patients (P>0.05), but elevated the phosphorylation level of STAT6 and induced the secretions of γ-IFN, IL-17, and IL-22 by TILs (P<0.05). In direct contact culture system, IL-9 stimulation promoted tumor-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells-induced autologous gastric cancer cell death [(20.62±2.27)% vs. (16.08±2.61)%, P<0.01)]. In indirect contact culture system, IL-9 stimulation did not increase CD8(+) T cell-induced autologous gastric cancer cell death [(5.21±0.70)% vs. (5.31±1.22)%, P=0.998)]. However, the secretion levels of γ-IFN were elevated in response to IL-9 stimulation in both culture systems [direct contact culture system: (100.40±12.05) pg/ml vs. (76.45±8.56) pg/ml; indirect contact culture system: (78.00±9.98) pg/ml vs. (42.09±10.71) pg/ml; P<0.01]. The TNF-α secretion level did not significantly changed (P>0.05). In direct contact culture system, the percentage of target cells was (22.01±3.05) % and γ-IFN secretion level was (104.5±12.84) pg/ml in CD4(+) CCR4(-)CCR6(-)CXCR3(-) cells+ CD8(+) T cells+ gastric cancer cells group, which was higher than (16.08±2.61)% and (76.45±8.56) pg/ml in CD8(+) T cells+ gastric cancer cells group (P<0.01). However, the percentage of target cells was (14.47±3.14)% and γ-IFN secretion level was (70.45±19.43) pg/ml in CD4(+) CCR4(-)CCR6(-)CXCR3(-) cells+ CD8(+) T cells+ gastric cancer cells+ anti-IL-9 neutralizing antibody group, which were lower than those in CD4(+) CCR4(-)CCR6(-)CXCR3(-) cells+ CD8(+) T cells+ gastric cancer cells group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Tumor-infiltrating Th9 cells and the secreting IL-9 promote the activity of CD8(+) T cells in gastric cancer patients, and enhance anti-tumor immune response.

[Effects of cortical bone trajectory screw in adjacent-segment disease after posterior lumbar interbody fusion]

Objective: To investigate the effect of the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw fixation combined with midline lumbar fusion (MIDLF) for adjacent spondylopathy after posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in 16 patients, including 9 males and 7 females, with a mean age of (68±6) years, who underwent revision surgery for adjacent spondylopathy after posterior lumbar fusion surgery using CBT combined with MIDLF technology in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University from May 2013 to August 2019. The reasons for revision were radiculalgia in 4 cases, intermittent claudication in 10 cases and protrusive dissociate in 2 cases. Eleven cases had 1 segment fused in the first operation, while the other 5 cases received fusion in 2 segments. The average interval time between the first operation and the revision operation was (7.5±2.0) years. For the levels underwent revision, 1 case was L_2/3, 6 cases were L_3/4, 7 cases were L_4/5 and 2 cases were L₅/S₁. Before the operation, all the patients took X-rays scans of the thoracic and lumbar spine. CT and MRI scans were also performed. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, surgical complications, visual analog scale (VAS) of low back and leg pain before the operation and at each follow-up were all recorded. Oswestry disability index (ODI) questionnaire was used to evaluate the functional improvement of patients after the operation. Results: All operations were completed successfully. The operation time was 120-240 (170±30) mins, intraoperative bleeding was 100-280 (220±45) ml. One case had a slight split in the isthmus, and the screw was inserted smoothly after adjusting the insertion point. In one case, the cerebrospinal fluid leaked during the operation and was successfully treated with conservative methods including no pillow supine treatment and strengthened anti-infection. The average follow-up time was of (19.5±1.3) months. The VAS of low back pain was 2.9±1.7 before the operation and it was 1.8±0.5 at the last follow-up, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The VAS of leg pain was 5.9±1.5 before the operation and it was 1.5±0.4 at the last the follow-up (P<0.01). The ODI score was 34.5±3.2 preoperatively and it decreased to 12.6±4.2 at the last follow-up, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Conclusion: CBT technique combined with MIDLF for the adjacent-segment disease after posterior lumbar interbody fusion is minimally invasive and convenient, with good clinical effects. This technique can be used as an option for the revision of adjacent spondylopathy.

Trifocal diffractive intraocular lens implantation in patients after previous corneal refractive laser surgery for myopia

Background

With the difficulties in IOL power calculation and the potential side effects occurring postoperatively, multifocal IOL implantation after previous corneal refractive surgery are rarely reported especially for the trifocal IOL. Herein we report the clinical observation of trifocal IOL implantation in patients with previous myopia excimer laser correction. In this study, a multi-formula average method was performed for the IOLs power calculation to improve the accuracy. Visual and refractive outcomes were analyzed, and the subjective quality of patients’ life was evaluated by questionnaires survey.

Methods

This retrospective case series included patients with previous myopia excimer laser correction who underwent femtosecond laser assisted phacoemulsification and trifocal IOL (AT LISA tri 839 MP) implantation. Follow-up was done at 1-day, 1-month and 3-month to assess the visual outcomes. Outcome measures were uncorrected distance, intermediate and near visual acuity (UDVA, UIVA, UNVA), manifest refraction, defocus curve, and subjective quality of vision.

Results

Twenty-one Eyes from sixteen patients (14 eyes with previous laser in situ keratomileusis and 7 eyes with previous photorefractive keratectomy) were included. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) at 3-month was − 0.56 D ± 0.49 SD, wherein, 10 eyes (47.6%) were within ±0.50 D of the desired emmetropia and 19 eyes (90.5%) were within ±1.0 D. Mean monocular UDVA, UIVA and UNVA (logMAR) at last visit were 0.02 ± 0.07, 0.10 ± 0.10, and 0.15 ± 0.11 respectively. Three patients (19%) reported halos and glare in postoperative 3 months, two of them needed to use spectacles to improve the intermediate visual acuity. Fifteen patients (94%) reported a satisfaction score of ≥3.5 out of 4.0, without any difficulty in daily activity. Thirteen patients (81%) did not need spectacles at all distances, while the other 3 patients (19%) used spectacles for near-distance related visual activity. Mean composite score of the VF-14 questionnaire was 95.00 ± 7.29 out of 100.

Conclusions

Trifocal IOL implantation after myopia excimer laser correction could restore good distance, intermediate visual acuity and acceptable near visual acuity, and provide accurate refractive outcomes as well as high spectacles independence rate.

[Implications of EET in renal ischemia/reperfusion by regulating NLRP3 expression and pyroptosis]

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EET) on renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Methods: Thirty 10-week male C57BL6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: sham goup, I/R group, I/R with EET group, I/R with toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor (TAK242) group, I/R with EET and TAK242 group. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr) as well as renal pathological changes were observed 24 h after reperfusion. The protein expression of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 1 (caspase-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), TLR4 and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) were evaluated using Western blot. Results: Severe renal tubular epithelial cell injury and decreased renal function [BUN:(10.37±0.53) vs (6.70±0.82)mmol/L, t=9.17, P<0.001; Scr: (83.67±3.88) vs (32.50±3.51)μmol/L, t=23.96, P<0.001] occurred in I/R group. Compared to the sham group, the relative expression of NLRP3 (1.54±0.10 vs 0.71±0.05, t=13.14, P<0.001), caspase-1 (2.35±0.05 vs 0.62±0.02, t=73.77, P<0.001), IL-1β (3.11±0.11 vs 1.26±0.05, t=35.97, P<0.001), TLR4 (1.58±0.03 vs 0.39±0.01, t=86.00, P<0.001), MyD88 (0.94±0.02 vs 0.26±0.01, t=72.61, P<0.001) were significantly increased. Mice pretreated with EET analog featured lower kidney damage and diminished levels of above proteins than I/R group (all P<0.001). Besides, the co-administration of TAK242 and EET analog could even markedly reduced the expression levels of each proteins than those in I/R group and I/R with EET group (all P<0.001). Conclusion: EET exerts a protective effect on attenuating renal I/R injury possibly through inhibiting TLR4 pathway to regulate the activation of NLRP3-induced pyroptosis.

Magnetic glassy state at low spin state of Co3+ in EuBaCo2O5+δ (δ = 0.47) cobaltite

The magnetic glassy state is a fascinating phenomenon, which results from the kinetic arrest of the first order magnetic phase transition. Interesting properties, such as metastable magnetization and nonequilibrium magnetic phases, are naturally developed in the magnetic glassy state. Here, we report magnetic glass property in the low spin state of Co³⁺ in EuBaCo₂O_5+δ (δ  =  0.47) cobaltite at low temperature (T  <  60 K). The measurements of magnetization under the cooling and heating in unequal fields, magnetization relaxation and thermal cycling of magnetization show the kinetic arrest of low magnetization state below 60 K. The kinetically arrested low temperature magnetic phase is further supported through the study of isothermal magnetic entropy, which shows the significant entropy change. The present results will open a new window to search the microscopic relation between the spin state transitions and the kinetic arrest induced magnetic glassy phenomena in complex materials.

Preparation of carotenoid extracts and nanoemulsions from Lycium barbarum L. and their effects on growth of HT-29 colon cancer cells

Lycium barbarum L., a traditional Chinese herb widely used in Asian countries, has been demonstrated to be protective against chronic diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. The objectives of this study were to determine the carotenoid content in L. barbarum by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, followed by preparation of a carotenoid nanoemulsion to evaluate the mechanism of inhibition on HT-29 colon cancer cells. The highest extraction yield of carotenoids was attained by employing a solvent system of hexane-ethanol-acetone (1:1:1, v/v/v). Nine carotenoids, including neoxanthin (4.47 μg g-1), all-trans-zeaxanthin and its cis-isomers (1666.3 μg g-1), all-trans-β-cryptoxanthin (51.69 μg g-1), all-trans-β-carotene and its cis-isomers (20.11 μg g-1), were separated within 45 min and quantified using a YMC C30 column and a gradient mobile phase of methanol-water (9:1, v/v) (A) and methylene chloride (B). A highly stable carotenoid nanoemulsion composed of CapryolTM 90, Transcutol®HP, Tween 80 and deionized water was prepared with a mean particle size of 15.1 nm. Characterization of zeaxanthin standard, blank nanoemulsion, carotenoid extract and carotenoid nanoemulsion by differential scanning calorimetry curves and Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed a good dispersion of zeaxanthin-dominated carotenoid extract with no significant chemical change after incorporation into nanoemulsion. The in vitro release kinetic study showed a higher release profile at pH 5.2 than at physiological pH 7.4, suggesting a rapid release of carotenoids in the acidic environment (pH 4.5-6.5) characteristic of tumors. Both the carotenoid nanoemulsion and the extract were effective at inhibiting growth of HT-29 colon cancer cells, with an IC50 of 4.5 and 4.9 μg ml-1, respectively. Also, both treatments could up-regulate p53 and p21 expression and down-regulate CDK2, CDK1, cyclin A and cyclin B expression and arrest the cell cycle at G2/M. The study may form a basis for further exploration of L. barbarum nanoemulsion in cancer treatment.

Effects of tanshinone nanoemulsion and extract on inhibition of lung cancer cells A549

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), a Chinese medicinal herb, consists of several functional components including tanshinones responsible for prevention of several chronic diseases. This study intends to prepare tanshinone extract and nanoemulsion from danshen and determine their inhibition effect on lung cancer cells A549. A highly stable tanshinone nanoemulsion composed of Capryol 90, Tween 80, ethanol and deionized water with the mean particle size of 14.2 nm was successfully prepared. Tanshinone nanoemulsion was found to be more effective in inhibiting A549 proliferation than tanshinone extract. Both nanoemulsion and extract could penetrate into cytoplasm through endocytosis, with the former being more susceptible than the latter. A dose-dependent response in up-regulation of p-JNK, p53 and p21 and down-regulation of CDK2, cyclin D1 and cyclin E1 expressions was observed with the cell cycle arrested at G0/G1 phase. The cellular microcompartment change of A549 was also investigated. The study demonstrated that tanshinone nanoemulsion may be used as a botanic drug for treatment of lung cancer.

Observation of S = 1/2 quasi-1D magnetic and magneto-dielectric behavior in a cubic SrCuTe2O6

We investigate the magnetic, thermal, and dielectric properties of SrCuTe2O6, which is isostructural to PbCuTe2O6, a recently found, Cu-based 3D frustrated magnet with a corner-sharing triangular spin network having dominant first and second nearest neighbor (nn) couplings (Koteswararao et al 2014 Phys. Rev. B 90 035141). Although SrCuTe2O6 has a structurally similar spin network, the magnetic data exhibit the characteristic features of a typical quasi-1D magnet, which mainly resulted from the magnetically dominant third nn coupling, uniform chains. The magnetic properties of this system are studied via magnetization (M), heat capacity (C p ), dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]), and measurements along with ab initio band structure calculations. The magnetic susceptibility [Formula: see text] data show a broad maximum at 32 K and the system orders at low temperatures [Formula: see text] K and [Formula: see text] K, respectively. The analysis of the [Formula: see text] data gives an intra-chain coupling, [Formula: see text], to be about  ≈  -  42 K with non-negligible frustrated inter-chain couplings ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]). The hopping parameters obtained from the LDA band structure calculations also suggest the presence of coupled uniform chains. The observation of simultaneous anomalies in [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] suggests the presence of a magneto-dielectric effect in SrCuTe2O6. A magnetic phase diagram is also built based on the M, C p , and [Formula: see text] results.

Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of gold-supported cerium oxide nanoparticles

Background

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂) have been shown to be a novel therapeutic in many biomedical applications. Gold (Au) nanoparticles have also attracted widespread interest due to their chemical stability and unique optical properties. Thus, decorating Au on CeO₂ nanoparticles would have potential for exploitation in the biomedical field.

Methods

In the present work, CeO₂ nanoparticles synthesized by a chemical combustion method were supported with 3.5% Au (Au/CeO₂) by a deposition-precipitation method. The as-synthesized Au, CeO₂, and Au/CeO₂ nanoparticles were evaluated for antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 normal cells and A549 lung cancer cells.

Results

The as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet-visible measurements. The X-ray diffraction study confirmed the formation of cubic fluorite-structured CeO₂ nanoparticles with a size of 10 nm. All synthesized nanoparticles were nontoxic towards RAW 264.7 cells at doses of 0–1,000 μM except for Au at >100 μM. For A549 cancer cells, Au/CeO₂ had the highest inhibitory effect, followed by both Au and CeO₂ which showed a similar effect at 500 and 1,000 μM. Initial binding of nanoparticles occurred through localized positively charged sites in A549 cells as shown by a shift in zeta potential from positive to negative after 24 hours of incubation. A dose-dependent elevation in reactive oxygen species indicated that the pro-oxidant activity of the nanoparticles was responsible for their cytotoxicity towards A549 cells. In addition, cellular uptake seen on transmission electron microscopic images indicated predominant localization of nanoparticles in the cytoplasmic matrix and mitochondrial damage due to oxidative stress. With regard to antibacterial activity, both types of nanoparticles had the strongest inhibitory effect on Bacillus subtilis in monoculture systems, followed by Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, while, in coculture tests with Lactobacillus plantarum, S. aureus was inhibited to a greater extent than the other bacteria.

Conclusion

Gold-supported CeO₂ nanoparticles may be a potential nanomaterial for in vivo application owing to their biocompatible and antibacterial properties.

Exposure levels of environmental endocrine disruptors in mother-newborn pairs in China and their placental transfer characteristics

There is a growing concern about the potential health effects of exposure to various environmental chemicals during pregnancy and infancy. The placenta is expected to be an effective barrier protecting the developing embryo against some endocrine disruptors (EDs) circulating in maternal blood. The current study was designed to assess in utero exposure levels of non-persistent organic pollutants (non-POPs) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Chinese newborns and potential role of placenta barrier against fetal exposure to these commonly-used environmental endocrine disruptors. A total of 230 newborn-mother pairs were enrolled during 2010–2011, 201 pairs of which were recruited from Shanghai, and the other 29 pairs came from Wenzhou. Maternal blood, cord blood, and meconium specimens were collected in the subject population from Shanghai and analyzed for non-POPs, including mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), octylphenol (OP) and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP). A total of 19 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) congeners, which belong to POPs, were detected in maternal and cord blood specimens from the other 29 pairs. Fetal-maternal ratios (F-M ratios) and regression coefficients were presented to assess potential function of placenta on barricading the mother/fetal transfer of these EDs. Concentrations of the detected non-POPs in cord blood samples were approximately 20% lower than those in maternal blood, and regression coefficients of which were all over 0.80. In contrast, PBDEs levels in cord blood samples were significantly higher than those in maternal blood. MEHP levels in meconium were much higher than those in cord blood samples, and highly correlated. Therefore, observations demonstrated that the placental barrier slightly decreased the fetal exposure to most non-POPs, while PBDEs seemed to be totally transferred across the placenta and finally reached the fetus. For in utero exposure assessment of Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), MEHP level in meconium may be a useful biomarker.

Dye adsorption characteristics of magnetite nanoparticles coated with a biopolymer poly(γ-glutamic acid)

Magnetite nanoparticles coated with an anionic biopolymer poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGA-MNPs) were synthesized and characterized for their methylene blue dye adsorption capability. Both bare- and dye-loaded PGA-MNPs were characterized by FTIR, TEM and VSM measurements, revealing the PGA-MNPs to be superparamagnetic with average particle diameter being 12.4 nm and magnetization value 59.2 emu/g. The synthesized PGA-MNPs were stable in deionized, tap and river waters as well as in acidic and basic media. Redlich-Peterson and Langmuir models precisely described the isotherm and the maximum adsorption capacity was 78.67 mg/g. A pseudo-second-order equation best predicted the kinetics with a maximum adsorption attained within 5 min. Incorporation of sodium or calcium ions reduced the dye adsorption, while a raise in pH enhanced adsorption and a complete desorption occurred at pH 1.0. Dye removal mechanism by PGA-MNPs was probably due to electrostatic interaction through exchange of protons from side-chain α-carboxyl groups on PGA-MNPs surface.

The synthesis and characterization of poly(γ-glutamic acid)-coated magnetite nanoparticles and their effects on antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) modified with sodium and calcium salts of poly(γ-glutamic acid) (NaPGA and CaPGA) were synthesized by the coprecipitation method, followed by characterization and evaluation of their antibacterial and cytotoxic effects. Superparamagnetic MNPs are particularly attractive for magnetic driving as well as bacterial biofilm and cell targeting in in vivo applications. Characterization of synthesized MNPs by the Fourier transform infrared spectra and magnetization curves confirmed the PGA coating on MNPs. The mean diameter of NaPGA- and CaPGA-coated MNPs as determined by transmission electron microscopy was 11.8 and 14 nm, respectively, while the x-ray diffraction pattern revealed the as-synthesized MNPs to be pure magnetite. Based on agar dilution assay, both NaPGA- and CaPGA-coated MNPs showed a lower minimum inhibitory concentration in Salmonella enteritidis SE 01 than the commercial antibiotics linezolid and cefaclor, but the former was effective against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 10832, whereas the latter was effective against Escherichia coli O157:H7 TWC 01. An in vitro cytotoxicity study in human skin fibroblast cells as measured by MTT assay implied the as-synthesized MNPs to be nontoxic. This outcome demonstrated that both γ-PGA-modified MNPs are cytocompatible and possess antibacterial activity in vitro, and thereby should be useful in in vivo studies for biomedical applications.

Preparative chromatography of flavonoids and saponins in Gynostemma pentaphyllum and their antiproliferation effect on hepatoma cell

A preparative column chromatographic method was developed to isolate flavonoids and saponins from Gynostemma pentaphyllum, a Chinese Medicinal herb, and evaluate their antiproliferation effect on hepatoma cell Hep3B, with the standards rutin and ginsenoside Rb(3) being used for comparison. Initially the powdered G. pentaphyllum was extracted with ethanol, followed by eluting flavonoids and saponins with ethanol-water (30:70, v/v) and 100% ethanol, respectively, in an open-column containing 5 g of Cosmosil 75C(18)-OPN, and then subjected to HPLC-MS analysis. The flavonoid fraction was mainly composed of quercetin- and kaempferol-glycosides, while in saponin fraction, both ginsenoside Rb(3) and ginsenoside Rd dominated. Both fractions were more effective against Hep3B cells than the standards rutin and ginsenoside Rb(3), with the cell cycle being arrested at G0/G1 phase for all the treatments. Additionally, the inhibition effect followed a dose-dependent increase for all the sample treatments. The result of this study may be used as a basis for possible phytopreparations in the future with G. pentaphyllum as raw material.

Inhibition effect of poly(γ-glutamic acid) on lead-induced toxicity in mice

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficiency in treatment of lead-induced intoxication in mice with γ-PGA as chelating agent and compare with the drug (meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid). The results showed the incorporation of γ-PGA at 200 and 400 mg/kg could reduce the accumulation of lead in the liver, heart, and testis; however, the latter was more effective in decreasing the lead content in the kidney and spleen. Nevertheless, both doses failed to inhibit the lead accumulation in the lung and brain. Additionally, both doses of γ-PGA could reduce TBARs in the kidney and brain, as well as elevate δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydrase (δ-ALAD) activity in blood and decrease glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in the serum. For hematological parameters, both white blood cells (WBCs) and hematocrite (HCT) were raised by 400 mg/kg of γ-PGA, while for both doses of γ-PGA, a slight decline in hemoglobin (HGB), mean cell volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was observed, with the red blood cells (RBCs) being unaffected.

Formation and inhibition of cholesterol oxidation products in tea-leaf eggs during marinating

The objectives of this study were to develop a GC-MS method for determination of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in tea-leaf eggs and study the formation and inhibition of COPs as affected by heating time and various ingredients in marinated juice. The various COPs in egg and juice samples were extracted by a solvent system of chloroform/methanol (2:1, v/v), followed by purification using a silica cartridge and GC-MS for subsequent separation and quantitation, with high recovery ranges from 85.9 to 98.3% and from 83.1-100.1% being obtained for egg and juice, respectively. 5α-Cholestane was shown to be an appropriate internal standard for quantitation. A total of five COPs, including 7-keto, 5,6 β-EP, 7α-OH, 7β-OH, and triol, were formed in tea-leaf eggs during marinating, but not in marinated juice. A peak level of total COPs (2272.2 ng/g) was generated in tea-leaf eggs after 24 h of heating, but reduced to 1068.2 ng/g in 48 h. Both the total phenolic and flavonoid compounds in tea-leaf eggs showed a time-dependent increase during marinating and so did the pH and browning index in tea-leaf eggs and juice. The incorporation of soy sauce or black tea leaf into juice was effective in inhibiting COPs formation in tea-leaf eggs, with the latter being more pronounced than the former. The formation of Maillard reaction products during marinating as well as the presence of total phenolic and total flavonoid in black tea leaf was mainly responsible for COPs reduction in tea-leaf eggs.

Selective induction of apoptosis in glioma tumour cells by a Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract

At low concentration H(2)O(2) is an important signal molecule in proliferation of tumour cells. We report about a study investigating the effect of an ethanolic extract from Gynostemma pentaphyllum on proliferation of C6 glioma tumour cells and cellular H(2)O(2) concentration. The proliferation of these cells was maximal at about 1 muM extracellular H(2)O(2). HPLC-finger prints of the extract revealed a set of saponines as essential components. In C6 glioma cells the extract caused increase in super oxide dismutase (SOD) activity, in the amount of SOD protein, and in cellular H(2)O(2) concentration. It inhibited cell proliferation and induced activation of caspase 3 as indication of apoptosis. No effect of the extract was observed on the proliferation of astrocytes of a primary cell culture. From these findings we suggest that the ethanolic extract from Gynostemma pentaphyllum may selectively shift the H(2)O(2) concentration to toxic levels exclusively in tumour cells due to increased SOD activity. It may have a high potency in cancer therapy and cancer prophylaxis.

[Application of disability adjusted life years in evaluating health effects due to particulate air pollution in Chinese cities]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the loss of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) due to particulate air pollution in Chinese urban residents.

METHODS

DALYs was applied to evaluate the health effects due to particulate air pollution in the residents of 656 Chinese cities, and the data of annual average concentrations of inhalable particle (PM(10)) in 2006 were collected from the state-owned air quality monitoring network.

RESULTS

Particulate air pollution in Chinese urban areas in 2006, could cause (506.6 +/- 95.2) thousand premature deaths, (156.6 +/- 41.2) thousand new cases of chronic bronchitis, (12.6 +/- 5.2) million outpatient visits for internal medicine, (99.9 +/- 50.4) thousand and (72.0 +/- 8.2) thousand hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases respectively. The attributable DALYs loss in urban residents amounted up to (5.26 +/- 0.99) million person years in 2006, of which, 96.26% (506.55/526.22) were caused by premature deaths. The attributable loss of DALYs increased with more seriously PM-polluted atmosphere and larger urban population.

CONCLUSION

Substantial adverse health effects due to outdoor particulate air pollution were observed in China urban areas, thus strengthening air pollution control still remains an imperative and urgent matter in public health perspective.

Impact of ambient air pollution on public health under various traffic policies in Shanghai, China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the potential impact of ambient air pollution on public health under various traffic policies in Shanghai.

METHODS

The exposure level of Shanghai residents to air pollution under various planned traffic scenarios was estimated, and the public health impact was assessed using concentration-response functions derived from available epidemiological studies.

RESULTS

Our results showed that ambient air pollution in relation to traffic scenarios had a significant impact on the future health status of Shanghai residents. Compared with the base case scenario, implementation of various traffic scenarios could prevent 759-1574, 1885-2420, and 2277-2650 PM10-related avoidable deaths (mean-value) in 2010, 2015, and 2020, respectively. It could also decrease the incidence of several relevant diseases.

CONCLUSION

Our findings emphasize the need to consider air pollution-related health effects as an important impact of traffic policy in Shanghai.

In vitro binding of heavy metals by an edible biopolymer poly(gamma-glutamic acid)

An edible biopolymer poly(gamma-glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA) was evaluated for possible use as an chelating/binding agent in the treatment of metal intoxication in humans. In vitro binding of the toxic heavy metals lead and cadmium as affected by pH, contact time, metal concentration, gamma-PGA dose, and essential metals was carried out in a batch mode. A maximum binding occurred in the pH range 5-7, corresponding to the gastrointestinal pH values except for the stomach. Binding isotherms at pH 5.5 were well described by the heterogeneous models (Freundlich and Toth), while the lead isotherm at pH 2.5 showed a S-type curve, which was fitted as multiple curves with the Langmuir model and a shifted-squared Langmuir model. However, no adsorption occurred for cadmium at pH 2.5. The maximum binding capacities of lead and cadmium at pH 5.5 were 213.58 and 41.85 mg/g, respectively. A curvilinear biphasic Scatchard plot signified a multisite interaction of metals. Binding was extremely rapid with 70-100% of total adsorption being attained in 2 min. Kinetics at low and high metal concentrations obeyed pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, respectively. The gamma-PGA dose-activity relationship revealed a low dose of gamma-PGA to be more efficient in binding a large amount of metals. Incorporation of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mg, Ca, and K showed only a minor influence on lead binding but significantly reduced the binding of cadmium.

Adsorption of toxic mercury(II) by an extracellular biopolymer poly(gamma-glutamic acid)

Adsorption of mercury(II) by an extracellular biopolymer, poly(gamma-glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA), was studied as a function of pH, temperature, agitation time, ionic strength, light and heavy metal ions. An appreciable adsorption occurred at pH>3 and reached a maximum at pH 6. Isotherms were well predicted by Redlich-Peterson model with a dominating Freundlich behavior, implying the heterogeneous nature of mercury(II) adsorption. The adsorption followed an exothermic and spontaneous process with increased orderliness at solid/solution interface. The adsorption was rapid with 90% being attained within 5 min for a 80 mg/L mercury(II) solution, and the kinetic data were precisely described by pseudo second order model. Ionic strength due to added sodium salts reduced the mercury(II) binding with the coordinating ligands following the order: Cl(-) >SO(4)(2-) >>NO(3)(-). Both light and heavy metal ions decreased mercury(II) binding by gamma-PGA, with calcium(II) ions showing a more pronounced effect than monovalent sodium and potassium ions, while the interfering heavy metal ions followed the order: Cu(2+) >> Cd(2+) > Zn(2+). Distilled water adjusted to pH 2 using hydrochloric acid recovered 98.8% of mercury(II), and gamma-PGA reuse for five cycles of operation showed a loss of only 6.5%. IR spectra of gamma-PGA and Hg(II)-gamma-PGA revealed binding of mercury(II) with carboxylate and amide groups on gamma-PGA.

Disruption effects of monophthalate exposures on inter-Sertoli tight junction in a two-compartment culture model

Phthalates are suspect environmental endocrine disruptors that may affect male reproduction and development by disturbing androgen synthesis and cell-cell interactions in the seminiferous epithelium. The in vivo metabolites, monophthalates, are thought to be the active agents, and toxicant effects including testicular damage and decreased sperm motility have been described previously. In this study, the aim was to investigate the effect of monophthalates on Sertoli cells using a two-compartment cell culture model, asking whether tight junction protein structures are affected, compromising the blood-testis barrier and contributing to male-mediated toxicity. Sertoli cells were isolated from Sprague Dawley rat testes and seeded onto the filters of two-compartment wells. A Sertoli cell monolayer was allowed to form, whereupon the cultures were treated with 0, 10, 30, 150, and 600 micromol/L monobutyl phthalate (MBP) or mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) for 24 h. Effects on the tight junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy, the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) assay, and immunofluorescence localization. Results showed that exposures to monophthalates destroyed tight junctional structure in Sertoli cell monolayers in a dose-depended manner, as evidenced by a loss of single-cell layer organization in the cultures, decline of TEER value, and decreased expression of proteins associated with tight junctions such as zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), F-actin, and Occludin. The changes were observed at doses of 150 and 600 micromol/L, which is 10-100 times higher relative to estimated human exposures from the environment. These results are consistent with monophthalate-induced damage to tight junctions between adjacent Sertoli cells, suggesting that damage to Sertoli cell tight junctions induced by monophthalates may be an underlying mechanism of their male-mediated reproductive toxicity.

Determination of carotenoids and their esters in fruits of Lycium barbarum Linnaeus by HPLC-DAD-APCI-MS

The fruit of Lycium barbarum Linnaeus, a traditional Chinese herb containing functional components such as carotenoids, flavonoids and polysaccharides, has been widely used in the health food industry because of its possible role in the prevention of chronic disease like age-related macular degeneration. The objectives of this study were to develop a high performance liquid chromatography-photo diode array detection-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) method with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) mode for qualitative and quantitative analyses of carotenoids in fruits of L. barbarum. Dried samples of L. barbarum were subjected to extraction without saponification or extraction followed by saponification. A C30 column with a gradient mobile phase of methylene chloride (100%) and methanol-acetonitrile-water (81:14:5, v/v/v) was used to separate carotenoids, with a total of 11 free carotenoids and 7 carotenoid esters being resolved from unsaponified and saponified L. barbarum extracts within 51 and 41 min, respectively. The fatty acid composition of carotenoid esters was confirmed by gas chromatography. Zeaxanthin dipalmitate (1143.7 microg/g) was present in the largest amount, followed by beta-cryptoxanthin monopalmitate and its two isomers (32.9-68.5 microg/g), zeaxanthin monopalmitate and its two isomers (11.3-62.8 microg/g), all-trans-beta-carotene (23.7 microg/g) and all-trans-zeaxanthin (1.4 microg/g).

Effects of temperature and pH on adsorption of basic brown 1 by the bacterial biopolymer poly(gamma-glutamic acid)

Poly(gamma-glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA), an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) synthesized by Bacillus species, was explored to study its interaction with the basic brown 1 dye by conducting a systematic batch adsorption study as affected by two critical parameters, temperature and pH. Adsorption isotherms were closely predicted by Temkin equation among the eight isotherm models tested. The rate of adsorption was very rapid attaining equilibrium within 60 min and the kinetics were well described by both modified second-order and pseudo second-order models. Boyd's ion exchange model, which assumes exchanges of ions to be a chemical phenomenon, also fitted the kinetic data precisely. The adsorption rate increased with increasing solution temperature, however, a reversed trend was observed for the adsorption capacity. Changes in enthalpy, entropy and free energy values revealed dye adsorption by gamma-PGA to be an exothermic and spontaneous process involving no structural modification in gamma-PGA, whereas the activation energy of 37.21 kJ/mol indicated dye adsorption to be reaction-controlled. Following a rise in solution pH, the dye adsorption increased and reached a plateau at pH 5, while the maximum release of dye from spent gamma-PGA occurred at pH 1.5, suggesting a possible ion exchange mechanism. Ion exchange adsorption of basic dyes by gamma-PGA was further proved by the presence of two new IR bands at approximately 1600 and 1405.72 cm(-1), representing asymmetric and symmetric stretching vibration of carboxylate anion, for dye-treated gamma-PGA.

Anti-inflammatory effects of isoflavone powder produced from soybean cake

Soybean cake, a byproduct obtained during the processing of soybean oil, has been shown to be a rich source of isoflavones. The objectives of this study were to use soybean cake as raw material for processing into powder and to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity. Eleven treatments, including powders of malonylglucoside, glucoside, acetylglucoside, aglycone, ISO-1, and ISO-2, as well as genistein standard, gamma-PGA, control, normal, and PDTC, were used for evaluation. A total of 77 mice were each provided daily with tube feeding for 4 weeks at a dose of 0.3 mL of aqueous solution from each treatment, and inflammation was induced with intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg of body weight lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Results showed that all of the isoflavone powders and genistein standard were effective in inhibiting LPS-induced inflammation, lowering leukocyte number in mice blood and reducing production of IL-1beta, IL-6, NO, and PGE2 in both peritoneal exudate cell supernatant and peritoneal exudate fluid. All of the isoflavone treatments failed to retard T cell proliferation; however, both ISO-1 and ISO-2 could inhibit B cell proliferation. The difference in anti-inflammatory activity was minor between any of the isoflavone treatments.

Is alpha2-macroglobulin important in female stress urinary incontinence?

BACKGROUND

Loss of mechanical stability of the urethra and bladder is thought to be important in the development of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The vaginal wall is the main supporting tissue for pelvic organs and changes in components of supporting tissues are known to be involved in the pathophysiology of SUI.

METHODS

We evaluated changes in expression of alpha2-macroglobulin (alpha2-M), a protease inhibitor, in vaginal wall tissues from premenopausal women (aged 42-45 years) with SUI (n = 28) compared with menstrual cycle-matched continent women (controls, n = 29). The distribution of alpha2-M in vaginal wall tissues and fibroblasts was analysed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Expression levels of alpha2-M mRNA and protein was determined by relative real-time quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Protease inhibition was measured to assess bioactivity.

RESULTS

Vaginal wall tissues do express alpha2-M. Expression of alpha2-M mRNA and protein was significantly higher in tissues from controls compared to women with SUI in both proliferative and secretory phases (P < 0.05). Protease inhibitory activity of alpha2-M was significantly higher in tissues from controls compared to women with SUI in the secretory phase (P < 0.05), but we found no difference in the proliferative phase between groups. alpha2-M protein level was lower in the proliferative phase than the secretory phase in both controls and SUI patients, while for alpha2-M mRNA this was found only in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Decreased expression of alpha2-M mRNA and protein and protease inhibitory activity in the vaginal wall tissues of women with SUI may contribute to the development of SUI.

Interaction between ambient particles and ozone and its effect on daily mortality

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of particulate matter (PM) less than 10 microns in diameter (PM10) and ozone (O3) on daily mortality in Shanghai, China.

METHODS

A generalized additive model with penalized spline function was used to observe the acute effect of PM10 and O3 on daily mortality.

RESULTS

Higher PM10 significantly increased the effect of O3 on total mortality, and O3 also increased the effect of PM10 although the estimated increment was statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide further evidence for the effect of PM10 and O3 on daily mortality.

A time series analysis of outdoor air pollution and preterm birth in Shanghai, China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relation between air pollution exposure and preterm birth in Shanghai, China.

METHODS

We examined the effect of ambient air pollution on preterm birth using time-series approach in Shanghai in 2004. This method can eliminate potential confounding by individual risk factors that do not change over a short period of time. Daily numbers of preterm births were obtained from the live birth database maintained by Shanghai Municipal Center of Disease Control and Prevention. We used the generalized additive model (GAM) with penalized splines to analyze the relation between preterm birth, air pollution, and covariates.

RESULTS

We observed a significant effect of outdoor air pollution only with 8-week exposure before preterm births. An increase of 10 microg/m3 of 8-week average PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3 corresponded to 4.42% (95%CI 1.60%, 7.25%), 11.89% (95%CI 6.69%, 17.09%), 5.43% (95%CI 1.78%, 9.08%), and 4.63% (95%CI 0.35%, 8.91%) increase of preterm birth. We did not find any significant acute effect of outdoor air pollution on preterm birth in the week before birth.

CONCLUSION

Ambient air pollution may contribute to the risk of preterm birth in Shanghai. Our analyses also strengthen the rationale for further limiting air pollution level in the city.

Encapsulation of lycopene extract from tomato pulp waste with gelatin and poly(gamma-glutamic acid) as carrier

Tomato pulp waste, a byproduct obtained during the processing of tomato juice, has been shown to be a rich source of lycopene. The objectives of this study were to use gelatin and poly(gamma-glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA) as coating materials for the encapsulation of lycopene extract from tomato pulp waste. Initially, lycopene was extracted with supercritical carbon dioxide, followed by microencapsulation using an emulsion system consisting of 4.5% gelatin, 10% gamma-PGA, and 4.8% lycopene extract. Analysis of differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the thermal stability of the coating material could be up to 120 degrees C, with a mean particle size of 38.7 microm based on Coulter counter analysis. The total weight of microencapsulated powder was 617 microg with the yield of lycopene being 76.5%, indicating a 23.5% loss during freeze drying. During storage of microencapsulated powder, the concentrations of cis-, trans-, and total lycopene decreased along with increasing time and temperature. A fast release of lycopene in the powder occurred at pH 5.5 and 7.0, while no lycopene was released at pH 2.0 and 3.5.

Differences in mRNA and protein expression of small proteoglycans in vaginal wall tissue from women with and without stress urinary incontinence

BACKGROUND

To investigate changes in mRNA and protein levels of biglycan (BGN), decorin (DCN) and fibromodulin (FMOD) in vaginal wall tissue from women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) compared to menstrual-cycle matched continent women.

METHODS

We determined mRNA expressions of BGN, DCN and FMOD by quantitative real-time PCR. They were localized in vaginal wall tissue by immunohistochemistry. We performed western blot analysis to examine protein expression.

RESULTS

BGN, DCN and FMOD co-localized with collagen and elastin in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of vaginal wall tissue from both groups. The mRNA expression of FMOD was significantly lower in cases versus controls in the proliferative phase (P = 0.03). DCN mRNA expression in cases was higher in the proliferative (P = 0.05) and secretory phases (P = 0.02) versus controls. BGN mRNA expression showed no significant differences in either phase. Protein expression of FMOD in cases was lower in the proliferative phase versus controls (six out of nine pairs), whereas DCN and BGN protein expression in the secretory phase in cases was higher (seven out of nine pairs).

CONCLUSION

BGN, DCN and FMOD expressions in vaginal wall tissue differ in women with SUI and are hormonally modulated. Differences in small proteoglycans may contribute to the altered pelvic floor connective tissues found in these women.

Removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solution using an anionic poly-gamma-glutamic acid-based adsorbent

Natural polymeric materials are gaining interest for application as adsorbents in wastewater treatment due to their biodegradable and non-toxic nature. In this study, a biopolymer, poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA) derived from bacterial sources (Bacillus species) was evaluated for its efficiency in removing basic dyes from aqueous solution. Sorption studies under batch mode were conducted using C.I. Basic blue 9 (BB9) and C.I. Basic green 4 (BG4) as test dyes. Equilibrium process conformed well with the Redlich-Peterson isotherm equation and the monolayer sorption capacity obtained from the Langmuir model was 352.76 and 293.32mg/g for BB9 and BG4 dyes, respectively. The kinetic studies of dye sorption on gamma-PGA gave high coefficients of determination (>0.98) for a pseudo second-order equation. An ion-exchange model, which assumes adsorption as a chemical phenomenon, was also found to fit the kinetic data precisely. The dye sorption largely depended on the initial pH of the solution with maximum uptake occurring at pH above 5. About 98% of the dye adsorbed on gamma-PGA could be recovered at pH 1, which facilitates the reuse of spent gamma-PGA.

Lack of formation of heterocyclic amines in fumes from frying French fries

The formation of heterocyclic amines (HAs) in the fumes from frying French fries in soybean oil or lard was studied. A high-pressure liquid chromatography method was used to determine the various HAs in fumes. Results showed that the yields of fumes produced from soybean oil when heated alone for 2 or 4 h were higher than from lard; however, a reversed trend was found when frying French fries in soybean oil and lard. Most fumes from soybean oil and lard while frying French fries were adsorbed onto the condensation apparatus, while the other portions were adsorbed onto the wool and glass beads, which were incorporated in our experimental design for collecting the fumes. The fumes from soybean oil when heated alone were found to contain three HAs, namely, 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (IQx), 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f ]quinoline (IQ), and 1-methyl-9H-pyrido[4,3-b ]indole (Harman), whereas two more HAs, 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (MeIQ) and 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b ]indole (Trp-P-1), were generated in lard. Lard was more susceptible to the formation of HAs than soybean oil when both were heated alone. No HAs were detected in the fumes from French fries fried in soybean oil and lard.

Effect of pH on binding of mutagenic heterocyclic amines by the natural biopolymer poly(gamma-glutamic acid)

Poly(gamma-glutamic acid) (gamma-PGA), a nontoxic and biodegradable macropolymer, was evaluated for its efficiency in binding three mutagenic heterocyclic amines (HAs), 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (MeIQ), 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx), and 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-p-2), as affected by pH in a batch mode. The maximum HA sorption was attained for pH 3-7 and decreased sharply for pH less than 3. Binding isotherms obtained at pH 2.5 and 5.5 showed different isotherm shapes that belong to S and L types, respectively. The isotherm data at pH 2.5 were well described by a linear form of the Langmuir equation, while at pH 5.5 it showed two distinct curves, which were precisely fitted as multiple Langmuir curves. The deviation of linearity in Scatchard plot proved the multisite HA sorption. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller equation also fitted better to isotherm data at pH 5.5, suggesting a multisite sorption caused by multimolecular HA layers on gamma-PGA. High HA sorption levels of 1250, 667, and 1429 mg/g at pH 2.5 and 1429, 909, and 1667 mg/g at pH 5.5 were observed for MeIQ, 4,8-DiMeIQx, and Trp-p-2, respectively. Among the HAs studied, the sorption capacity correlated directly with hydrophobicity of HAs and inversely with the number of methyl groups in HA molecules. The plausible binding mechanism of HAs on gamma-PGA may include a combination of hydrophobic, hydrogen-bonding, ionic, and dipole-dipole interactions.

Application of DALYs in measuring health effect of ambient air pollution: a case study in Shanghai, China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of ambient air pollution on human health and the subsequent disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost in Shanghai.

METHODS

We used epidemiology-based exposure-response functions to calculate the attributable number of cases due to air pollution in Shanghai in 2000, and then we estimated the corresponding DALYs lost in Shanghai based on unit DALYs values of the health consequences.

RESULTS

Ambient air pollution caused 103,064 DALYs lost in Shanghai in 2000. Among all the health endpoints, premature deaths and chronic bronchitis predominated in the value of total DALYs lost.

CONCLUSION

The air pollution levels have an adverse effect on the general population health and strengthen the rationale for limiting the levels of air pollution in outdoor air in Shanghai.

Phthalate exposure and human semen quality in Shanghai: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To monitor the level of phthalates in human semen samples and to analyze the relationship between phthalate levels and semen parameters.

METHODS

Concentrations of three kinds of commonly used phthalates (di-ethyl phthalate, DEP; di-n-butyl phthalate, DBP; di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, DEHP) were measured using reversed-phase HPLC. Semen parameters were measured by computer aided sperm analysis (CASA).

RESULTS

The three phthalates were detected in most of the biological samples, with median levels of 0.30 mg/L (0.08-1.32 mg/L) in semen specimens. There was a significant positive association between liquefied time of semen and phthalate concentrations of semen. The correlation coefficient was 0.456 for DEP, 0.475 for DBP, and 0.457 for DEHP, respectively. There was no significant difference between phthalate concentrations of semen and sperm density or livability, though the correlation coefficients were negative.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that people who reside in Shanghai are exposed to phthalates, especially to DBP and DEHP. Although the level of phthalates is relatively mild, an association of phthalate levels and reduced quality of human semen has been shown in the present study.

Improved high performance liquid chromatographic method for determination of carotenoids in the microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Microalgae have become an important commercial source of carotenoids and microalgae-derived functional foods are consumed by people worldwide. Therefore, an HPLC method was developed to discern the variety and content of carotenoids in the microalga Chlorella pyrenoidosa. The microalga sample was powdered, extracted, saponified and subjected to HPLC analysis. A mobile phase of methanol-acetonitrile-water (84:14:2, v/v/v) (A) and methylene chloride (100%) (B) with the following gradient elution was developed: 100% A and 0% B in the beginning, maintained for 14 min, decreased to 95% A in 25 min, 75% A in 30 min, 74% A in 35 min, 45% A in 50 min and returned to 100% A in 55 min. A total of 32 carotenoids were resolved within 49 min by using a C30 column with flow rate at 1 mL/min and detection at 450 nm. An internal standard beta-apo-8'-carotenal was used to quantify all the carotenoids. All-trans-lutein was present in exceptionally large amount (125034.4 microg/g), followed by cis isomers of lutein (27975.3 microg/g), all-trans-alpha-carotene (2465.8 microg/g), zeaxanthin (2170.3 microg/g), cis isomers of beta-carotene (2159.3 microg/g), all-trans-beta-carotene (2155.0 microg/g), cis isomers of alpha-carotene (1766.7 microg/g), beta-cryptoxanthin (334.9 microg/g), neoxanthin and its cis isomers (199.7 microg/g), neochrome (65.2 microg/g), auroxanthin (38.5 microg/g) and violaxanthin and its cis isomers (38.1 microg/g).

An improved HPLC method for determination of carotenoids in human serum

An HPLC method was developed to determine the various carotenoids in human serum. A C-30 column and a mobile phase of 100% methanol (A) and 100% methylene chloride (B) with the following gradient elution were used: 90% A and 10% B in the beginning, maintained for 5 min, decreased to 78% A at 15 min, 62% A at 30 min, 52% A at 40 min, 41% A at 50 min, 38% A at 55 min, maintained for 3 min, and returned to 100% A at 65 min. A total of 21 carotenoids, including all-trans forms of lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha-cryptoxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and lycopene, as well as their 14 cis-isomers were resolved within 51 min at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and detection at 476 nm. all-trans-beta-Carotene was found to be present in highest amount (256.3-864.2 ng/mL), followed by all-trans-lycopene (64.4-569.2 ng/mL), all-trans-lutein (137.9-450.3 ng/mL), all-trans-alpha-cryptoxanthin (55.7-188.2 ng/mL), all-trans-beta-cryptoxanthin (43.1-134.5 ng/mL), all-trans-alpha-carotene (20.0-122.1 ng/mL) and all-trans-zeaxanthin (9.1-21.3 ng/mL). Similar trend was observed for cis-isomers of carotenoids.

Establishment of exposure-response functions of air particulate matter and adverse health outcomes in China and worldwide

OBJECTIVE

To obtain the exposure-response functions that could be used in health-based risk assessment of particulate air pollution in China.

METHODS

Meta analysis was conducted on the literatures on air particulate matter and its adverse health outcomes in China and worldwide.

RESULTS

For each health outcome from morbidity to mortality changes, the relative risks were estimated when the concentration of air particulate matter increased to some certain units.

CONCLUSION

The exposure-response functions recommended here can be further applied to health risk assessment of air particulate matter in China.

Relationship between ambient air pollution and daily mortality of SARS in Beijing

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between ambient air pollution and daily mortality of SARS in Beijing.

METHODS

The approach of time-series Poisson regression was used to assess the relationship between daily SARS mortality, ambient air pollution, and other factors from April 25 to May 31, 2003 in Beijing.

RESULTS

An increase of each 10 microg/m3 over a 5-day moving average of PM10, SO2 and NO2 corresponded to 1.06 (1.00-1.12), 0.74 (0.48-1.13) and 1.22 (1.01-1.48) relative risks (RRs) of daily SARS mortality, respectively. The relative risks (RRs) values depended largely on the selection of lag days.

CONCLUSION

The daily mortality of SARS might be associated with certain air pollutants in Beijing.

Improved liquid chromatographic method for determination of carotenoids in Taiwanese mango (Mangifera indica L.)

An HPLC method was developed to determine the various carotenoids in Taiwanese mango (Mangifera indica L.). Initially, the peel and seed of mangoes were removed, the pulps were cut into pieces, freeze-dried, ground into powder, extracted and subjected to HPLC analysis. A mobile phase of methanol-isopropanol (99:1, v/v) (A) and methylene chloride (100%) (B) with the following gradient elution was developed: 100% A and 0% B in the beginning, maintained for 15 min, decreased to 70% A in 45 min, maintained for 15 min and returned to 100% A in 65 min. A total of 25 carotenoids were resolved within 53 min by using a C-30 column with flow rate at 1 mL/min and detection at 450 nm. alpha-Carotene was used as an internal standard to quantify all the carotenoids. All-trans-beta-carotene was present in largest amount (29.34 microg/g), followed by cis isomers of beta-carotene (9.86 microg/g), violaxanthin and its cis isomers (6.40 microg/g), neochrome (5.03 microg/g), luteoxanthin (3.6 microg/g), neoxanthin and its cis isomers (1.88 microg/g), zeaxanthin (1.16 microg/g) and 9- or 9'-cis-lutein (0.78 microg/g).

Statistical distributions of ambient air pollutants in Shanghai, China

OBJECTIVE

To determine the best statistical distribution of concentration data of major air pollutants in Shanghai.

METHODS

Four types of theoretic distributions (lognormal, gamma, Pearson V and extreme value) were chosen to fit daily average concentration data of PM10, SO2 and NO2 from June 1, 2000 to May 31, 2003 in Shanghai by using the maximum likelihood method. The fit results were evaluated by Chi-square test.

RESULTS

The best-fit distributions for PM10, SO2 and NO2 concentrations in Shanghai were lognormal, Pearson V, and extreme value distributions, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results can be further applied to local air pollution prediction and control, e.g., the probabilities exceeding the air quality standard and emission source reduction of air pollutant concentration to meet the standard.

[Study on the application of benchmark dose and biological monitoring indexes of fluorides in drinking water]

OBJECTIVE

By using Benchmark Dose (BMD) approach to explore the relations among drinking water fluoride, urine fluoride, serum fluoride and dental fluorosis; and to evaluate the significance of urine fluoride and serum fluoride in control and prevention of endemic fluorosis.

METHODS

512 children (290 in Xinhuai Village, 222 in Wamiao Village) aged 8-13 years were recruited in the study. Epidemiological methods were used to investigate the prevalence of dental fluorosis, and the levels of urine fluoride, serum fluoride, and drinking water fluoride in superficial well. The children were divided into six subgroups by the concentration of fluoride in drinking water: < 0.5 mg/L, 0.5-mg/L, 1.0-mg/L, 2.0-mg/L, 3.0-mg/L and > or = 4.0 mg/L.

RESULTS

There was significant dose-response relationship between the drinking water fluoride and the prevalence of dental fluorosis or the prevalence of defect dental fluorosis. The BMDLs (Benchmark Dose Lower Bound) were 1.01 and 1.30 mg/L, respectively. Urine fluoride and serum fluoride also had significant dose-response relationship to the prevalence of dental fluorosis or defect dental fluorosis. The correlation coefficient between drinking water fluoride and urine fluoride was 0.717, and it was 0.855 between drinking water fluoride and serum fluoride, and 0.617 between urine fluoride and serum fluoride.

CONCLUSIONS

The currently national standard of fluoride in drinking water in China is safe and reasonable. As a biological monitoring index, the levels of fluoride in serum may be more useful than that in urine in the control and prevention of endemic fluorosis.

Effects of heating time and antioxidants on the formation of heterocyclic amines in marinated foods

The effect of heating time and antioxidants on the heterocyclic amine (HAs) formation in marinated foods were studied. Food samples were cooked at 98 +/- 2 degrees C for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 h in a closed pan in the presence of water, soy sauce and rock candy with or without antioxidants. The various HAs in marinated food samples and juice were analyzed by HPLC with photodiode-array detection. Results showed that the amount of HAs formed during heating followed an increased order for each increasing heating time. A larger variety and higher amount of HAs were generated in marinated pork when compared to marinated eggs and bean cake. In marinated juice, the levels of HAs were present in greater amount than in marinated foods. The incorporation of antioxidants Vitamin C, Vitamin E and BHT were found to be effective towards HAs inhibition, however, the effect was minor.

[A case-crossover study of ambient air pollution and daily mortality in Shanghai]

OBJECTIVE

Using case-crossover design to estimate the acute effect of ambient air pollution on daily mortality in Shanghai, and to explore the applicability of if in studying the acute health effects of air pollution.

METHODS

Case-crossover technique was used to evaluate the relationship between air pollution and daily mortality from June 2000 to December 2001 in Shanghai. The results of the bi-directional control sampling approach were compared with unidirectional approach.

RESULTS

The validity of relative risks in case-crossover studies varied greatly depending on the strategy used in control sampling. When a bi-directional six control sampling approach was used an increase of relative risk of non-accident mortality on each 10 micro g/m(3) over a 48-hr moving average of PM(10), SO(2) and NO(2) corresponds to 1.003 (95% CI: 1.001 - 1.005), 1.016 (95% CI: 1.011 - 1.021), and 1.020 (95% CI: 1.012 - 1.027) respectively was seen.

CONCLUSION

The results reinforced the deleterious role of current air pollution level on human health in Shanghai, and provided information on the applicability of case-crossover design in studying the acute health effects of air pollution.

Determination of carotenoids in tomato juice by liquid chromatography

A high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed to determine the various carotenoids in tomato juice. A C30 column and a mobile phase of acetonitrile-1-butanol (7:3, v/v) (A) and methylene chloride (B) with the following gradient elution were used: 99% A and 1% B intitally, increased to 4% B in 20 min, 10% B in 50 min and returned to 1% B in 55 min. Sixteen carotenoids, including all-trans-lutein, all-trans-beta-carotene, all-trans-lycopene and their 13 cis isomers were identified and resolved within 52 min with flow-rate at 2.0 ml/min and detection at 476 nm. Of the various extraction solvent systems, the best extraction efficiency of carotenoids in tomato juice was achieved by employing ethanol-hexane (4:3, v/v). Lycopene was found to be present in largest amount in tomato juice, followed by beta-carotene and lutein.