Occurrence and fate of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in a wastewater treatment plant with Bacillus bio-reactor treatment

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have attracted wide attention due to their environmental impacts and health risks. PPCPs released through wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are estimated to be 80 %. Nevertheless, the occurrence of PPCPs in the WWTPs equipped with Bacillus spec.-based bioreactors (BBR) treatment system remains unclear. In this study, sludge and waste water samples were collected during separate winter and summer sampling campaigns from a typical BBR treatment system. The results indicate that out of 58 target PPCPs, 27 compounds were detected in the waste water (0.06-1900 ng/L), and 23 were found in the sludge (0.6-7755 ng/g dw). Paraxanthine was the chemical of the highest abundance in the influent due to the high consumption of the parent compounds caffeine and theobromine. The profile for PPCPs in the wastewater and sludge exhibited no seasonal variation. Overall, the removal of target PPCPs in summer is more effective than the winter. In the BBR bio-reactor, it was found that selected PPCPs (at ng/L level) can be completely removed. The efficiency for individual PPCP removal was increased from 1.0 % to 50 % in this unit, after target specific adjustments of the process. The effective removal of selected PPCPs by the BBR treatment system is explained by combined sorption and biodegradation processing. The re-occurrence of PPCPs in the wastewater was monitored. Negative removal efficiency was explained by the cleavage of Phase II metabolites after the biotransformation process, and the lack of equilibrium for PPCPs in the sludge of the second clarifier. A compound specific risk quotient (RQ) was calculated and applied for studying the potential environmental risks. Diphenhydramine is found with the highest environmental risk in wastewater, and 15 other PPCPs show negligible risks in sewage sludge.

Seasonal variations and sources of atmospheric EPFRs in a megacity in severe cold region: implications for the influence of strong coal and biomass combustion

Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) can pose exposure risks by inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species. As a new class of pollutants, EPFRs have been frequently detected in atmospheric particulate matters. In this study, the seasonal variations and sources of EPFRs in a severe cold region in Northeastern China were comprehensively investigated, especially for the high pollution events. The geomean concentration of EPFRs in the total suspended particle was 6.58×1013 spins/m3 and the mean level in winter was one order of magnitude higher than other seasons. The correlation network analysis showed that EPFRs had significantly positive correlation with carbon component, K+ and PAHs, indicating that EPFRs were primarily emitted from combustion and pyrolysis process. The source appointment by the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model indicated that the dominant sources in the heating season were coal combustion (48.4%), vehicle emission (23.1%) and biomass burning (19.4%), while the top three sources in the non-heating season were others (41.4%), coal combustion (23.7%) and vehicle emissions (21.2%). It was found that the high EPFRs in cold season can be ascribed to the extensive use of fossil fuel for heating demand; while the high EPFRs occurred in early spring were caused by the large-scale opening combustion of biomass. In summary, this study provided important basic information for better understanding the pollution characteristics of EPFRs, which suggested that the implementation of energy transformation and straw utilization was benefit for the control of EPFRs in severe cold region.

[Effects of applying human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes through different pathways to treat full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice]

Objective: To investigate the effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUCMSC) exosomes in the treatment of full-thickness skin defect wounds in mice through local wound application, subcutaneous injection at the wound margin, and tail vein injection, and to explore the optimal administration route of hUCMSC exosomes for wound treatment. Methods: This study was an experimental study. hUCMSC exosomes were extracted from the discarded umbilical cord tissue of three normal delivery women aged 25-35 years in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Baogang Hospital of Inner Mongolia and successfully identified. Totally 120 male BALB/c mice aged 6-8 weeks were selected, and full-thickness skin defect wounds were prepared on the back of them. According to the random number table, the injured mice were divided into control group (without drug administration), local wound application group, wound margin subcutaneous injection group, and tail vein injection group (with 30 mice in each group). Mice in the latter three groups were given 0.2 mL phosphate buffer solution containing 200 μg hUCMSC exosomes by local wound application, subcutaneous injection at the wound margin, and tail vein injection, respectively. On post injury day (PID) 7, 14, and 21, the general condition of the wound was observed, and the wound healing rate was calculated; the wound tissue was collected, the pathological changes and collagen fibers were observed respectively by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining, the number of new microvessels was observed by CD31 immunohistochemical staining, and the content of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The sample number was 10 in each group at each time point. Results: On PID 7, 14, and 21, the wounds of mice in the 4 groups all healed gradually, and the wound healing of the mice in wound margin subcutaneous injection group was the best; the wound healing rates of mice in the three administration groups were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05), the wound healing rates of mice in wound margin subcutaneous injection group and tail vein injection group were significantly higher than those in local wound application group (P<0.05), and the wound healing rates of mice in wound margin subcutaneous injection group were significantly higher than those in tail vein injection group (P<0.05). On PID 7, 14, and 21, the growth and epithelialization speed of the wound tissue of mice in the three administration groups were significantly accelerated, and the collagen fibers in the wounds of mice in the three administration groups were larger in number and more neatly arranged in comparison with the control group. On PID 7, 14, and 21, under every 200-fold visual field, the number of new microvessels in the wound tissue of mice in local wound application group was 24.1±2.5, 50.7±4.1, and 44.2±2.3, respectively, the number of new microvessels in the wound tissue of mice in wound margin subcutaneous injection group was 32.2±2.9, 67.5±4.9, and 53.6±3.7, respectively, and the number of new microvessels in the wound tissue of mice in tail vein injection group was 27.8±2.4, 59.1±3.7, and 49.6±2.6, respectively, which was significantly more than 20.6±1.7, 46.7±3.4, and 40.9±2.8 in control group (P<0.05); the number of new microvessels in the wound tissue of mice in wound margin subcutaneous injection group and tail vein injection group was significantly more than that in local wound application group (P<0.05); the number of new microvessels in the wound tissue of mice in wound margin subcutaneous injection group was significantly more than that in tail vein injection group (P<0.05). On PID 7, 14, and 21, the content of TNF-α and IL-6 in the wound tissue of mice in the three administration groups was significantly less than that in control group (P<0.05), the content of TNF-α and IL-6 in the wound tissue of mice in wound margin subcutaneous injection group and tail vein injection group was significantly less than that in local wound application group (P<0.05), and the content of TNF-α and IL-6 in the wound tissue of mice in wound margin subcutaneous injection group was significantly less than that in tail vein injection group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Local wound application, subcutaneous injection at the wound margin, and tail vein injection of hUCMSC exosomes can all promote the wound healing of full-thickness skin defects in mice through alleviating excessive inflammatory response and promoting angiogenesis. Among them, subcutaneous injection at the wound margin has a better therapeutic effect, indicating subcutaneous injection at the wound margin is the optimal administration route for hUCMSC exosomes in wound treatment.

Seasonal patterns, fate and ecological risk assessment of pharmaceutical compounds in a wastewater treatment plant with Bacillus bio-reactor treatment

Pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs) pose a growing concern with potential environmental impacts, commonly introduced into the environment via wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The occurrence, removal, and season variations of 60 different classes of PhCs were investigated in the baffled bioreactor (BBR) wastewater treatment process during summer and winter. The concentrations of 60 PhCs were 3400 ± 1600 ng/L in the influent, 2700 ± 930 ng/L in the effluent, and 2400 ± 120 ng/g dw in sludge. Valsartan (Val, 1800 ng/L) was the main contaminant found in the influent, declining to 520 ng/L in the effluent. The grit chamber and BBR tank were substantially conducive to the removal of VAL. Nonetheless, the BBR process showcased variable removal efficiencies across different PhC classes. Sulfadimidine had the highest removal efficiency of 87 ± 17% in the final effluent (water plus solid phase). Contrasting seasonal patterns were observed among PhC classes within BBR process units. The concentrations of many PhCs were higher in summer than in winter, while some macrolide antibiotics exhibited opposing seasonal fluctuations. A thorough mass balance analysis revealed quinolone and sulfonamide antibiotics were primarily eliminated through degradation and transformation in the BBR process. Conversely, 40.2 g/d of macrolide antibiotics was released to the natural aquatic environment via effluent discharge. Gastric acid and anticoagulants, as well as cardiovascular PhCs, primarily experienced removal through sludge adsorption. This study provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of PhCs in wastewater treatment, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to effectively mitigate their release and potential environmental risks.

[Diaphragmatic dysfunction post-COVID-19 infection: report of two cases]

Following the global outbreak of COVID-19, many patients have suffered from multi-system complications and long-term sequelae caused by the virus. Diaphragm dysfunction is an obscure post-COVID-19 symptom. Although a few cases of diaphragm dysfunction caused by COVID-19 infection have been reported abroad, there are no relevant reports in China. Herein, we present two cases of patients with respiratory distress after COVID-19 infection. On admission, dynamic chest radiographs revealed diaphragm dysfunction in these patients. Further investigations including diaphragm ultrasound, neurophysiological examinations, transdiaphragmatic pressure measurements cranial MRI, and antibody testing for autoimmune diseases, were conducted. The final diagnoses were severe myasthenia gravis induced by COVID-19 infection and diaphragmatic nerve and muscle involvement caused by COVID-19 infection. Both patients showed improvement in symptoms after treatment. Therefore, we summarized our case, with a review of the relevant literature to improve the understanding of the disease and to provide clinical evidence for future diagnosis and treatment.

Persistent organic pollutants in global surface soils: Distributions and fractionations

The distribution and fractionation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in different matrices refer to how these pollutants are dispersed and separated within various environmental compartments. This is a significant study area as it helps us understand the transport efficiencies and long-range transport potentials of POPs to enter remote areas, particularly polar regions. This study provides a comprehensive review of the progress in understanding the distribution and fractionation of POPs. We focus on the contributions of four intermedia processes (dry and wet depositions for gaseous and particulate POPs) and determine their transfer between air and soil. These processes are controlled by their partitioning between gaseous and particulate phases in the atmosphere. The distribution patterns and fractionations can be categorized into primary and secondary types. Equations are developed to quantificationally study the primary and secondary distributions and fractionations of POPs. The analysis results suggest that the transfer of low molecular weight (LMW) POPs from air to soil is mainly through gas diffusion and particle deposition, whereas high molecular weight (HMW) POPs are mainly via particle deposition. HMW-POPs tend to be trapped near the source, whereas LMW-POPs are more prone to undergo long-range atmospheric transport. This crucial distinction elucidates the primary reason behind their temperature-independent primary fractionation. However, the secondary distribution and fractionation can only be observed along a temperature gradient, such as latitudinal or altitudinal transects. An animation is produced by a one-dimensional transport model to simulate conceptively the transport of CB-28 and CB-180, revealing the similarities and differences between the primary and secondary distributions and fractionations. We suggest that the decreasing temperature trend along latitudes is not the major reason for POPs to be fractionated into the polar ecosystems, but drives the longer-term accumulation of POPs in cold climates or polar cold trapping.

Occurrence, seasonal variation and gas/particle partitioning of current used pesticides (CUPs) across 60 °C temperature and 30° latitudes in China

Gas and particle phases samples were collected at three sites in China in 2019-2020, with 60 °C temperature span and 30° latitude range. Totally, among 76 target current used pesticides (CUPs) with four types, 51 were quantified in at least one sample. The concentrations of individual CUPs ranged from 8 orders of magnitude, indicating different pollution levels. Herbicides were the dominated CUPs in Northeast China, while higher concentrations of fungicides were found in Southeast China. The highest concentrations of CUPs were observed in Southeast China in spring and winter, while in summer and autumn in Northeast China, caused by local climates and crop cultivation patterns. The gas/particle (G/P) partitioning of CUPs was mainly influenced by their physicochemical properties and ambient temperature. The G/P partitioning study indicated that the L-M-Y model was the optimum prediction model for herbicides, fungicides and pyrethroids. The L-M-Y model and the H-B model presented equal performance for organophosphate insecticides. To our knowledge, the L-M-Y model was firstly applied for the study of the G/P partitioning of CUPs, which provided new insights into the related fields of new emergency contaminates.

[Psychological problems in breast cancer patients should be taken seriously]

With the transformation of the biopsychosocial medical model, psychological problems and related interventions for breast cancer patients have received more and more attention. Patients often have various psychological problems, in diagnosis, treatment, and even in the state of disease-free survival, such as anxiety and depression, which not only seriously reduces the quality of life, but also affects the follow-up treatment and increases the risk of recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, physicians should perform routine psychological screening and appropriate intervention for patients. In recent years, psychological intervention has gradually become an important part of comprehensive breast cancer treatment, in which cognitive behavior therapy can alleviate patients' anxiety and sleep disorders, mindfulness therapy can treat patients' anxiety, depression and fear of cancer recurrence, and psychoeducational support is mainly used to address patients' mood disorders and sexual dysfunction. Improving patients' compliance with treatment and quality of life is the main goal of psychological intervention for breast cancer patients.

[An analysis of breast cancer patients with ultrasound BI-RADS 3 lesions after minimally invasive excision in clinicopathological features and influencing factors of residual tumor]

Objectives: To examine the clinicopathological characteristics and the influencing factors of the residual tumor of patients with Breast Image Report and Data System (BI-RADS) grade 3 lesions diagnosed with malignancy after minimally invasive excision. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, clinicopathological data of 69 cases, which had been evaluated as BI-RADS 3 lesions by ultrasound (4 151 cases) diagnosed with breast cancer by minimally invasive excision pathology, were analyzed between May 2012 and June 2016 at the Department of Breast Surgery of the Second Hospital of Shandong University and Linyi People's Hospital. All patients were female, aged (43.4±8.2) years (range: 22 to 70 years). Based on residual tumor after minimally invasive excision, patients were classified into two subgroups: tumor residual group (n=39) and non-tumor residual group (n=30). The clinicopathological features between the two groups were compared. The differences in clinicopathological characteristics were compared in different groups using the χ2 test and the t test. Potential variables identified in the univariate analysis and other relevant variables will be analyzed multivarially using Logistic regression models. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied for survival analysis and survival curves. Results: The breast cancer detection rate of ultrasound BI-RADS 3 lesions was 1.66% (69/4 151), and their maximum diameter of the masses was (1.27±0.45) cm (range: 0.5 to 2.3 cm). Among them, the maximum diameter were ≤1 cm in 28 cases and >1 cm in 41 cases. Histopathological results showed carcinoma in situ in 24 cases and invasive carcinoma in 41 cases, positive expression of the estrogen receptor in 47 cases, positive expression of the progesterone receptor in 43 cases, Ki-67 proliferation index elevated in 26 cases. Axillary metastasis positive rate was 10.1% (7/69). Residual tumor after minimally invasive surgery was found in 39 cases (56.5%). Univariate analysis showed that the tumour residual group showed a significantly increased rate of positive expression of the estrogen receptor (91.9%(34/37) vs. 61.9%(13/21), χ2=7.838, P=0.012). In multivariate analysis, the only variable found to significantly affect the residual tumor was the positive expression of the estrogen receptor (OR=16.852, 95%CI: 1.819 to 156.130, P=0.013). The 5-year disease-free survival rate of breast cancer patients with breast ultrasound BI-RADS 3 lesions was 97.1% and the overall survival rate was 98.6%. Conclusions: BI-RADS 3 lesions diagnosed by ultrasound undergoing ultrasound-guided minimally invasive excision have a certain risk of detected malignancy, approximately 1.66%. Patients with positive expression of the estrogen receptor are more likely to develop residual tumor. A secondary operation should be considered to ensure that no tumor residues remain in the cavity.

Cross-regional scale studies of organochlorine pesticides in air in China: Pollution characteristic, seasonal variation, and gas/particle partitioning

Few simultaneous studies of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the atmosphere have been conducted across Southeast and Northeast China, and no data on the gas/particle (G/P) partitioning behaviors of several current-use OCPs are available. In this study, a one-year synchronous monitoring program was conducted for OCPs in Chinese atmosphere spanning 30° latitude and 60 °C temperature. A total of 111 pairs of gas and particle samples were collected from Mohe and Harbin in Northeast China and from Shenzhen in Southeast China. The detection frequency for 66.7 % of the OCPs exceeded 80 %, indicating their prevalence in the atmosphere. The concentrations of individual OCPs spanned six orders of magnitude, indicating different pollution levels. Highest levels of hexachlorobenzene were observed at all sites. Banned OCPs were found predominantly in secondary distribution patterns, whereas current-use OCPs were dominated by primary distribution patterns. In Harbin and Mohe, the concentrations of OCPs were highest in summer, followed by autumn and winter. No obvious seasonal variation was observed in Shenzhen associated with different cultivation types. At all three sites, OCPs were predominantly found in the gas phase, and higher percentages of particle-phase OCPs were observed in Harbin and Mohe than in Shenzhen. In this study, G/P partitioning models were used to study the G/P partitioning mechanism of OCPs. The Li-Ma-Yang model provided the most accurate prediction of the G/P partitioning behavior of OCPs with high molecular weights and low vapor pressures, particularly at low temperatures. However, OCPs with lower molecular weights and higher vapor pressures were predominantly in the equilibrium state, for which the Junge-Pankow model was suitable. This systematic cross-scale study provides new insights into pollution, G/P partitioning, and the environmental behavior of OCPs in the atmosphere.

[Long-term clinical evaluation of different types of resin-bonded fixed partial denture to replace lost anterior teeth]

Objective: To evaluate the clinical survival rates and influence factors of different types of resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPD) used in anterior missing teeth restoration. Methods: Ninety-three RBFPD were delivered to 92 patients [92 patients,43 males and 49 females, average age (46.1±12.8) years] who visited Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2006 to December 2021 for restoration of 1 or 2 anterior missing teeth. Altogether 32 cases of glass fiber reinforced RBFPD, 39 cases of glass-based ceramic RBFPD and 22 cases of porcelain-fused-to-metal RBFPD were retrospectively analyzed. The complete survival rate, functional survival rate, patients' satisfaction and color matching of the restorations were recorded and evaluated every year since the replacement with RBFPD. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve method was used for survival analysis, and the Log-rank analysis was used to compare the effect of the number of missing teeth, position (maxillary or mandibular), cantilever or non-cantilever and gender on the survival rate of the restorations. Results: The overall survival time for the 93 RBFPD was 13.7 years (95%CI: 12.3-15.1 years). There was a decreasing trend in complete survival and functional survival for all three material RBFPD from year to year, but complete and functional survival rates exceeded 90% at year 5 and exceeded 80% at year 10. The complete survival rate of the glass-ceramic RBFPD was higher than the other two during the follow-up period, with a complete survival rate of 90% (35/39) at year 15. The porcelain-fused-to-metal RBFPD had a higher functional survival rate in years 1-8, but the complete and functional survival rates showed a substantial decrease after year 9. The single-factor Log-rank analysis showed that the success rate of porcelain-fused-to-metal RBFPD was significantly higher than that of glass fiber reinforced RBFPD (χ²=7.33, P=0.007), and the success rate of RBFPD with 1 missing tooth restored was significantly higher than that of RBFPD with 2 missing teeth restored (χ²=3.23, P=0.072). The differences in success rates between different restoration positions (maxillary and mandibular), cantilever or non-cantilever, and gender factors were not statistically significant (χ²=2.26, P=0.133; χ²=0.68, P=0.411; χ²=1.07, P=0.300). Conclusions: For the restoration of individual missing anterior teeth, both porcelain-fused-to-metal RBFPD and glass-based ceramic RBFPD achieve a high long-term clinical success rate, with glass-based ceramic RBFPD being more able to ensure long-term restorative result.

Acid-induced tubular g-C3N4 for the selective generation of singlet oxygen by energy transfer: Implications for the photocatalytic degradation of parabens in real water environments

Parabens are widely present in aquatic environments and pose potential health risk. Although great progress has been made in the field of the photocatalytic degradation of parabens, the powerful Coulomb interactions between electrons and holes are the major limitations to photocatalytic performance. Hence, acid-induced tubular g-C3N4 (AcTCN) was prepared and applied for the removal of parabens from a real water environment. AcTCN not only increased the specific surface area and light absorption capacity, but also selectively generated 1O2 via an energy transfer-mediated oxygen activation pathway. The 1O2 yield of AcTCN was 11.8 times higher than that of g-C3N4. AcTCN exhibited remarkable removal efficiencies for parabens depending on the length of the alkyl group. Furthermore, the rate constants (k values) of parabens in ultrapure water were higher than those in tap and river water because of the presence of organic and inorganic species in real water environments. Two possible pathways for the photocatalytic degradation of parabens are proposed based on the identification of intermediates and theoretical calculations. In summary, this study offers theoretical support for the efficient enhancement of the photocatalytic performance of g-C3N4 for the removal of parabens in real water environments.

Pomolic acid and its glucopyranose ester promote apoptosis through autophagy in HT-29 colon cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Colon cancer remains a leading cause of death globally. Pomolic acid (PA) can be separated from the ethyl acetate fraction of achyrocline satureioides.

AIM

To determine the effects of PA and its glucopyranose ester, pomolic acid-28-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (PAO), on colon cancer HT-29 cells.

METHODS

3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was used to measure cell viability. Apoptosis was detected via hoechst 33342 staining. PI single staining was identified by flow cytometry to determine the cycle and scratch assay was used to observe the migration of HT-29 cells. The levels of mRNA and proteins were evaluated by q polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

PA and PAO considerably inhibited the growth of the HT-29 cell line in a time and dose-dependent manner. After the administration of PA and PAO for 24 and 48 h, cell apoptosis was significantly promoted and HT-29 cells were arrested in the G0/G1 stage. The Bax/Bcl2 ratio was also increased, which activated cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3, leading to apoptosis; it also increased the expression of light chain 3 II/I and Beclin1, which activated autophagy and caused cell death. This in turn increased the expression of p62 to promote cell apoptosis, inhibiting the levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and p-STAT3, suppressing the level of Bcl2, and promoting cell.

CONCLUSION

Both PA and PAO provide novel therapeutic strategies for treating colorectal cancer.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Antibiotic Resistance in Patients Enrolled in Guangzhou, China

PURPOSE

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a high-risk factor for the occurrence of gastric cancer. The quadruple therapy has been widely used as the first-line treatment for H. pylori in China. However, the increasing resistance rate to antibiotics has become a major challenge in the treatment of H. pylori. Therefore, there is an urgent need for rapid and cost-effective detection of antibiotic resistance to different antibiotics. To evaluate the prevalence of H. pylori antibiotic resistance in Guangzhou and the diagnostic performance of DOB value of 13C UBT in predicting antibiotic resistance.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, we collected data from 193 H. pylori culture-positive patients in Guangzhou on their DOB values and resistance to antibiotics. We analyzed the antibiotic resistance rate of commonly used antibiotics in quadruple therapy, and the diagnostic efficacy of DOB value was evaluated.

RESULTS

The resistance rates of clarithromycin (CLA) and levofloxacin (LEV) were 46.1% and 44.0%, respectively. In the age group under 40, the resistance rate of LEV was lower than that of CLA. However, the diagnostic efficacy of DOB value was found to be low and it could not serve as an independent indicator for diagnosing resistance to CLA and LEV.

CONCLUSION

The high resistance rates of CLA and LEV in H. pylori patients in Guangzhou indicate the urgent need for effective detection methods. The DOB value is not a direct indicator of antibiotic resistance to CLA and LEV. Therefore, it is important to use a combination of diagnostic methods to accurately assess antibiotic resistance in H. pylori infection.

Influence on the levels of PAHs and methylated PAHs in surface soil from pollution control in China: Evidence in 2019 data compared with 2005 and 2012 data

To comprehensively clarify the pollution characteristics of persistent toxic substances, the Soil and Air Monitoring Program Phase III (SAMP-III) was conducted in 2019 in China. In total, 154 surface soil samples were collected across China, and 30 unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (U-PAHs) and 49 methylated PAHs (Me-PAHs) were analyzed in this study. The mean concentrations of total U-PAHs and Me-PAHs were 540 ± 778 and 82.0 ± 132 ng/g dw, respectively. Northeastern China and Eastern China are the two regions of concern with high PAH and BaP equivalency levels. Compared with SAMP-I (2005) and SAMP-II (2012), an obvious upward temporal trend followed by a downward trend of PAH levels was observed in the past 14 years for the first time. The mean concentrations of 16 U-PAHs were 377 ± 716, 780 ± 1010, and 419 ± 611 ng/g dw in surface soil across China for the three phases, respectively. Considering rapid economic growth and energy consumption, an increasing trend from 2005 to 2012 was expected. From 2012 to 2019, the PAH levels in soils across China decreased by 50 %, which was consistent with the decline in PAH emissions. The period of reduction of PAHs in surface soil coincided with the implementation of Air and Soil Pollution Control Actions in China after 2013 and 2016, respectively. Along with the pollution control actions in China, the pollution control of PAHs and the increase in soil quality can be expected in the near future.

Spatial distribution and temporal trend of organochlorine pesticides in Chinese surface soil

Although organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the Stockholm Convention List were banned for a period of time, the residue of OCPs in environment was still detected recently. Therefore, the continuous environmental monitoring was necessary and important for the deep understanding on the temporal trend of environmental fate of OCPs. In this study, the national scale surface soil samples in 26 provinces of China in 2012 were collected, and 28 OCPs were analyzed. The mean concentrations (ng/g dw) of Σhexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), Σdichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) were 2.47 ± 5.4, 4.29 ± 8.28, 3.33 ± 7.68, and 0.041 ± 0.097, respectively. The correlations between OCPs concentrations with temperature, latitude, and longitude were conducted for the deep study of the spatial distribution pattern of OCPs. It was found that HCHs, HCB, and HCBD are positively correlated with latitude and longitude; however, the correlations were not significant. HCHs followed the secondary distribution pattern, and DDTs followed both the primary and/or secondary distribution patterns. Except for HCB, other OCPs showed a gradual downward trend from 2005 to 2012, indicating the effectiveness of the phase-out of OCPs. In summary, the results of the study provided new insight into the related studies, which will help us to better understand the long-term environmental fate of OCPs on large scales.

Rapid genotyping of 32 insertion/deletion panel for human identification using fluorogenic probes-based multiplex real-time PCR

BACKGROUND

Insertion and deletion polymorphisms (InDels) have considerable potential in the field of forensic genetics because of their low mutation rate and small amplicons. At present, InDel polymorphisms detection based on the technique of capillary electrophoresis is the main technique used in forensic DNA laboratory. However, this method is complicated and time-consuming, and is not suitable for rapid on-site paternity and personal identification. Next-generation sequencing analysis of InDels polymorphisms requires expensive instruments, large upfront reagent and supply costs, computational requirements and complex bioinformatics, increased the time to obtain results. Thus, there is an urgent need to establish a method to provide reliable, rapid, sensitive and economical genotyping for InDels.

METHOD

A rapid InDels (32 InDels) panel was established using fluorogenic probes-based multiplex real-time PCR with microfluidic test cartridge and portable real-time PCR instrument. Then, we performed several validation studies including concordance, accuracy, sensitivity, stability, species specificity.

RESULTS

It showed that the complete genotypes could be obtained from ≥100 pg of input DNA and from a series of challenging samples with high accuracy and specificity within 90 min.

CONCLUSION

This method provides a rapid and cost-effective solution for InDels genotyping and personal identification in portable format.

Effectively removing gaseous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by willow catkins: Do you still dislike the catkins floating?

The floating catkins generated by willow and poplar trees have been criticized for spreading germ and causing fire for decades. It has been found that catkins are with a hollow tubular structure, which made us wonder if the floating catkins can adsorb atmospheric pollutions. Thus, we conducted a project in Harbin, China to investigate whether and how willow catkins could adsorb atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The results suggest that both the catkins floating in the air and on the ground preferred to adsorb gaseous PAHs rather than particulate PAHs. Moreover, 3- and 4-ring PAHs were the dominating compositions adsorbed by catkins, which significantly increased with exposure time. The gas/catkins partition (K_CG) was defined, which explained why 3-ring PAHs are more easily adsorbed by catkins than by airborne particles when their subcooled liquid vapor pressure is high (log P_L > -1.73). The removal loading of atmospheric PAHs by catkins were estimated as 1.03 kg/year in the center city of Harbin, which may well explain the phenomenon that levels of gaseous and total (particle + gas) PAHs are relatively low in the months with catkins floating reported in peer-reviewed papers.

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in indoor/outdoor window films and the indoor film/air partition of northeastern Chinese college dormitories

Indoor window films can represent short-term air pollution conditions of indoor environment through rapidly capturing organic contaminants as effective passive air samplers. To investigate the temporal variation, influence factors of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor window films, and the exchange behavior with gas phase in college dormitories, 42 pairs window films of interior and exterior window surfaces and corresponding indoor gas phase and dust samples were collected monthly in six selected dormitories, Harbin, China, from August to December 2019 and September 2020. The average concentration of ∑₁₆PAHs in indoor window films (398 ng/m²) was significantly (p < 0.01) lower than that in outdoors (652 ng/m²). In addition, the median indoor/outdoor ∑₁₆PAHs concentration ratio was close to 0.5, showing that outdoor air acted as a major PAH source to indoor environment. The 5-ring PAHs were mostly dominant in window films whereas the 3-ring PAHs contributed mostly in gas phase. 3-ring PAHs and 4-ring PAHs were both important contributors for dormitory dust. Window films showed stable temporal variation, i.e. PAH concentrations in heating months were higher than those in non-heating months. The atmospheric O₃ concentration was the main influence factor of PAHs in indoor window films. PAHs with low molecular weight in indoor window films rapidly reached film/air equilibrium phase within in dozens of hours. The large deviation in the slope of the log K_F-A versus log K_OA regression line from that in reported equilibrium formula might be the difference between the window film composition and octanol.

Association of occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in workers with hypertension from a northeastern Chinese petrochemical industrial area

Elevated urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, for petrochemical workers with potentially high PAH exposure, it remains largely unknown whether the link will be amplified. Thus, this work aimed to investigate 14 urinary mono-hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs) in 746 petrochemical workers working in a Chinese petrochemical industrial area and their association with the risk of hypertension using the binary logistic regression. Metabolites of naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, and pyrene were frequently detected in the 746 urine samples analyzed (>98%), with Σ₁₀OH-PAH concentration in the range of 0.906-358 ng/mL. 2-hydroxynaphthalene accounted for the largest proportion of ten detected OH-PAHs (60.8% of Σ₁₀OH-PAHs). There were significant correlations between these metabolites and other factors, including gender, age, and body mass index. Diastolic blood pressure, not systolic blood pressure, was significant positively associated with the urinary Σ₁₀OH-PAH concentrations of the petrochemical workers. Elevated urinary 2/3-OH-Flu was significantly associated with an increased risk of hypertension (adjusted odds ratio: 1.96, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-3.18, p = 0.007), suggesting that PAH exposure in petrochemical workers was a driving factor of hypertension. In the stratified analysis, the association was more pronounced in those who were overweight with older age. Although the PAH exposure risk in petrochemical workers based on the estimated daily intakes was relatively low. Given the long-term impact, we call attention to CVDs of petrochemical workers.

Modeling historical budget for β-Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in the Arctic Ocean: A contrast to α-HCH

The historical annual loading to, removal from, and cumulative burden in the Arctic Ocean for β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), an isomer comprising 5-12% of technical HCH, is investigated using a mass balance box model from 1945 to 2020. Over the 76 years, loading occurred predominantly through ocean currents and river inflow (83%) and only a small portion via atmospheric transport (16%). β-HCH started to accumulate in the Arctic Ocean in the late 1940s, reached a peak of 810 t in 1986, and decreased to 87 t in 2020, when its concentrations in the Arctic water and air were ∼30 ng m^-3 and ∼0.02 pg m^-3, respectively. Even though β-HCH and α-HCH (60-70% of technical HCH) are both the isomers of HCHs with almost identical temporal and spatial emission patterns, these two chemicals have shown different major pathways entering the Arctic. Different from α-HCH with the long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) as its major transport pathway, β-HCH reached the Arctic mainly through long-range oceanic transport (LROT). The much higher tendency of β-HCH to partition into the water, mainly due to its much lower Henry's Law Constant than α-HCH, produced an exceptionally strong pathway divergence with β-HCH favoring slow transport in water and α-HCH favoring rapid transport in air. The concentration and burden of β-HCH in the Arctic Ocean are also predicted for the year 2050 when only 4.4-5.3 t will remain in the Arctic Ocean under the influence of climate change.

Silicon nanowire array overcomes chemotherapeutic resistance by inducing the differentiation of breast cancer stem cells

Currently, traditional cancer treatment strategies are greatly challenged by the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are root cause of chemotherapy resistance. Differentiation therapy presents a novel therapeutic strategy for CSC-targeted therapy. However, there are very few studies on the induction of CSCs differentiation so far. Silicon nanowire array (SiNWA) with many unique properties is considered to be an excellent material for various applications ranging from biotechnology to biomedical applications. In this study, we report the SiNWA differentiates MCF-7-derived breast CSCs (BCSCs) into non-CSCs by modulating the morphology of cells. In vitro, the differentiated BCSCs lose the stemness properties and thus become sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs, eventually leading to the death of BCSCs. Therefore, this work suggests a potential approach for overcoming chemotherapeutic resistance.

Seasonal variations of airborne phthalates and novel non-phthalate plasticizers in a test residence in cold regions: Effects of temperature, humidity, total suspended particulate matter, and sources

As a class of plasticizers widely used in consumer products, some phthalate esters (PAEs) have been restricted due to their adverse health effects and ubiquitous presence, leading to the introduction of alternative non-phthalates plasticizers (NPPs) to the market. However, few studies focus on the influence of environmental parameters on the presence of these plasticizers and the potential human health risks for people living in poorly ventilated indoor spaces in cold regions. We investigated the trends of PAEs and NPPs in air in a typical indoor residence in northern China for over one year. The air concentrations of PAEs were significantly higher than those of NPPs (p < 0.05), indicating that PAEs are still the dominant plasticizers currently being used in the studied residence. PAEs showed seasonal fluctuation patterns of the highest levels found in summer and autumn. The temperature and relative humidity dependence for most PAEs and NPPs decreased with decreasing vapor pressure. Concentrations of the high molecular weight NPPs and PAEs positively correlated with total suspended particles (TSP). It is worth noting that the peak concentrations of PAEs and NPPs were found when the haze occurred in autumn. Principal component analysis (PCA) suggested the diverse applications of PAEs and NPPs in the indoor environment. The hazard index (HI) values observed in this study were all below international guidelines (<1); however, the average carcinogenic risk (CR) values for some compounds exceeded acceptable levels (One in a million), which raised concerns about the possibility of carcinogenicity for people living indoors for long periods of time in cold regions.

National-scale monitoring of historic used organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and current used pesticides (CUPs) in Chinese surface soil: Old topic and new story

Along with the restriction and prohibition of historic used organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), current used pesticides (CUPs) were widely used as alternatives. In order to investigate the pollution characteristics of pesticides, the levels and spatial distributions of OCPs and CUPs in 154 surface soil across China were comprehensively compared. Totally, 107 target pesticides were screened, and 20 OCPs and 34 CUPs were detected. The numbers of co-occurred pesticides in single soil sample were from 17 to 36 indicating the diversity and complexity of pesticides pollution. The concentrations of OCPs in urban soils were higher than rural soils, while rural > urban for CUPs. Furthermore, obviously different spatial distribution patterns were found for OCPs and CUPs. For OCPs, the secondary distribution pattern was dominant. For CUPs, the primary distribution pattern was obviously observed due to their current extensive usage. In addition, higher concentrations of both CUPs and OCPs were accumulated in the Northeast China Plain due to long-range atmospheric transport and deposition. Along with the old topic of OCPs, the study pointed out the preliminary understanding of CUPs pollution characteristic in surface soil of China, which provided a new story with the deep understanding of their environmental fate in both China and the world.

Size-resolved environmentally persistent free radicals in cold region atmosphere: Implications for inhalation exposure risk

Environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs) have attracted more attentions recently due to their potential adverse effects to human. EPFRs in full-size range particles were comprehensively investigated in this study. The average EPFRs concentration during heating season was 3.01 × 10¹⁴ spins/m³, which was much higher than that in non-heating season (4.30 × 10¹³ spins/m³). The highest concentration of EPFRs presented in 0.56-1.0 µm particles during heating season, while it shifted to 5.6-10 µm particles during non-heating season. Besides, the contributions of EPFRs on PM_>10 to the total concentration of EPFRs cannot be neglected, especially in the non-heating season. The International Commission on Radiological Protection model and the specific factors of the Chinese population were applied to evaluate the inhalation exposure risk of EPFRs. The results indicated that the exposure levels of EPFRs to the upper respiratory tract were much higher. The daily exposure dose of EPFRs suggested the inhalation exposure risk of 3-4 years old was higher than other age groups. In summary, these finding provided new insights for the full range particle size distribution and the inhalation exposure risk of EPFRs, which improved our understanding on the environmental fate and the health risk of EPFRs in atmosphere.

Four new benzo[d,e]isochromene derivatives from rhizomes of Musa basjoo

Four new compounds, basjoochromene A (1), basjoochromene B (2), basjoochromene C (3) and basjoochromene D (4) were isolated from the 70% ethanol extract of the rhizomes of Musa basjoo using column chromatography techniques. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation, mass spectrometric analyses.

Solar-induced efficient propylparaben photodegradation by nitrogen vacancy engineered reticulate g-C3N4: Morphology, activity and mechanism

Propylparaben (PrP) has attracted extensive concerns due to its wide occurrence in wastewater and potential health risk. Herein, nitrogen vacancy engineered reticulate g-C₃N₄ (Nv-RCN) was successfully synthesized for the photodegradation of PrP. Nv-RCN exhibited larger specific surface area, greater light absorption ability, higher transfer and separation efficiency of charge carriers in comparison with bulk g-C₃N₄ (CN). According to the characterization results and DFT calculation, nitrogen vacancy could capture electrons and facilitate oxygen adsorption. The Nv-RCN exhibited an outstanding PrP removal efficiency of 94.3 %, and the corresponding apparent rate constant of Nv-RCN was 3.37 times higher than that of CN. High O₂ concentration (8 mg/L) and low pH value (pH = 3) promoted PrP photodegradation based on Box-Behnken Design. The O₂^- was the major radical during PCOP of Nv-RCN, and could oxidize PrP by decarbonylation and dealkylation. This study provided new insights to the improvement of photodegradation performance of g-C₃N₄ for parabens removal and related environmental remediation.

Accumulations and equilibrium conditions of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in the indoor window film and the estimation of concentrations in air

The study of the fate of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in the interior environment is vital because of the growing use of OPEs. Organic films on glass are both sink and sources of indoor pollutants. Indoor window films have been employed as passive air samplers to collect OPEs in the indoor air. Nevertheless, little is known about the development and equilibrium condition of OPEs on indoor window films during the film formation process. In this study, the concentrations of twelve OPEs in indoor window films from different buildings on a university campus and the growth thickness of the films as a function of sampling time were investigated in different seasons. Ten out of the 12 OPEs were detected in window film with >50 % frequency. Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and tris (1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCPP), which are chlorinated and toxic OPEs, were the dominant OPEs found in the winter. The majority of OPEs in window films exhibited linear growth patterns within 77 days. Temperature, humidity, ventilation, and seasonality all affected the concentrations of various OPEs in the window films. Low molecular weight OPEs, such as tri-n-butyl phosphate and TCEP, attained equilibrium between indoor air and window films within 49 or 77 days. The indoor air concentrations of OPEs were estimated from their film concentrations based on the theoretical approach for the passive air sampler. In winter, the predicted gas-phase air concentrations of OPEs (3.7 ng/m³ for TECP) were significantly lower than or comparable to summer (11 ng/m³, p < 0.05). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to combine uncertainty and sensitivity analysis to understand the behaviors of OPEs in indoor film and air.

Respiratory exposure to graphene oxide induces pulmonary fibrosis and organ damages in rats involving caspase-1/p38MAPK/TGF-β1 signaling pathways

Numerous studies have shown that graphene oxide (GO) respiratory exposure led to severe lung injury, but whether pulmonary fibrosis caused by GO respiratory exposure is related to the activation of the caspase-1/p38MAPK/TGF-β1 remains unclear. In this study, rats were administrated GO by intratracheal instillation and fed for three months, and the molecular mechanisms of GO on the pulmonary fibrosis and other organ damage caused by GO respiratory exposure were examined. The results showed that the expression of caspase-1/p38MAPK/TGF-β1 pathway-related factors were significantly elevated with the increase of exposure concentrations of GO. Those data proved that the caspase-1/p38MAPK/TGF-β1 signaling pathway was involved in the pulmonary fibrosis caused by GO respiratory exposure. The trends of related factors also proved that the caspase-1/p38MAPK/TGF-β1 pathway was likely to play a dominant role in the sub-acute and sub-chronic stages. The other organ damage examination found that the liver and spleen were damaged initially by the GO respiratory exposure. Meanwhile for the testicle, although the acute injury was severe, signs of recovery were found during the three-month trial period.

Mass Spectrometry Imaging technology in metabolomics: a systematic review

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a powerful label-free analysis technique that can provide simultaneous spatial distribution of multiple compounds in a single experiment. By combining the sensitive and rapid screening of high-throughput mass spectrometry with spatial chemical information, metabolite analysis and morphological characteristics are presented in a single image. MSI can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of metabolic profiles and it can provide visual analysis of spatial distribution information of complex biological and microbial systems. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization, laser ablation electrospray ionization and desorption electrospray ionization are commonly used in MSI. Here, we summarize and compare these three technologies, as well as the applications and prospects of MSI in metabolomics.

Polymelamine Formaldehyde-Coated MIL-101 as an Efficient Dual-Functional Core-Shell Composite to Catalyze the Deacetalization-Knoevenagel Tandem Reaction

Porous organic polymer (POP) coated on a metal-organic framework (MOF) has the functions and advantages of MOF and POP at the same time and has excellent catalytic ability. In this study, an efficient dual-functional core-shell composite MOF@POP with Lewis acid and Brønsted base sites was synthesized using the impregnation method in which MIL-101(Cr) was the core component and polymelamine formaldehyde (PMF) was the shell component. Most importantly, the obtained MIL-101(Cr)@PMF showed perfect catalytic activity in the deacetalization-Knoevenagel tandem reaction. In addition, it could still maintain ultrahigh physical and chemical stability.

Characterization of the immune cell infiltration landscape in myxofibrosarcoma to aid immunotherapy

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS) is a highly malignant subtype of soft tissue sarcoma, accounting for 5% of cases. Immunotherapy guided by immune cell infiltration (ICI) is reportedly a promising treatment strategy. Here, MFS samples (n = 104) from two independent databases were classified as ICI clusters A/B/C and gene clusters A/B/C. Then, a close relationship between ICI and gene clusters was established. We found that the features of these clusters were consistent with the characteristics of immune-inflamed tumors (cluster C), immune-desert tumors (cluster B), and immune-excluded tumors (cluster A). Moreover, cluster C was sensitive to immunotherapy. Finally, an independent ICI score was established to predict the therapeutic effect, which has prospects for application in guiding immunotherapy during clinical practice.

Steady-State Based Model of Airborne Particle/Gas and Settled Dust/Gas Partitioning for Semivolatile Organic Compounds in the Indoor Environment

Indoor semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), present in the air, airborne particles, settled dust, and other indoor surfaces, can enter the human body through several pathways. Knowing the partitioning between gaseous and particulate phases is important in identifying specific pathway contributions and thereby accurately assessing human exposure. Numerous studies have developed equilibrium equations to predict airborne particle/gas (P/G) partitioning in air (K_P) and dust/gas (D/G) partitioning in settled dust (K_D). The assumption that P/G and D/G equilibria are instantaneous for airborne and settled dust phases, commonly adopted by current indoor fate models, is not likely valid for compounds with high octanol-air partition coefficients (K_OA). Here, we develop steady-state based equations to predict K_P and K_D in the indoor environment. Results show that these equations perform well and are verified by worldwide monitoring data. It is suggested that instantaneous steady state could work for P/G and D/G partitioning of SVOCs in indoor environments, and the equilibrium is just a special case of the steady state when log K_OA < 11.38 for P/G partitioning and log K_OA < 10.38 for D/G partitioning. These newly developed equations and methods provide a tool for more accurate assessment for human exposure to SVOCs in the indoor environment.

Non-equilibrium influence on G/P partitioning of PAHs: Evidence from the diurnal and nocturnal variation

Gas/particle (G/P) partitioning is an important behavior for the atmospheric transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this study, paired daytime and nighttime air samples were collected for one year in order to study the diurnal and nocturnal variations of concentration and G/P partitioning of PAHs. Higher PAHs concentrations in total phase were observed in nighttime. The geomean (GM) concentrations of Σ₁₅PAHs in total phase were 69.6 and 52.8 ng/m³ in nighttime and daytime, respectively. More obviously diurnal and nocturnal variations were observed in non-heating season, with the GM ratios of Σ₁₅PAHs in nighttime to daytime of 1.65 and 1.06 in non-heating season and heating season, respectively. The results could be attributed to emission sources and meteorological conditions. The values of particulate phase fraction (ϕ_P) and G/P partitioning quotient (log K_P) were used to quantify the phase distribution of PAHs. For most high molecular weight PAHs, the values of ϕ_P and log K_P in nighttime were higher than those in daytime, which could be mainly attributed to the lower temperature in nighttime. However, for the three light molecular weight PAHs (Acy, Ace and Flu), higher values of ϕ_P and log K_P were observed in daytime. The regression of log K_P against log K_OA for the three PAHs in daytime differed from those in nighttime. The chemical losses of PAHs in different phases might be responsible for the result. These findings suggested that the chemical loss of PAHs in gas phase should be considered for the G/P partitioning process.

Prediction of the gas/particle partitioning quotient of PAHs based on ambient temperature

Gas/particle (G/P) partitioning is an important influencing factor for the environmental fate of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs). The G/P partitioning of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is an integrated complex process due to its formation and growth concurrently with particles. Based on the large dataset of gaseous and particulate samples in a wide ambient temperature range of 50 °C, the simple empirical equations based on ambient temperature were established to predict the G/P partitioning quotient (K_P) of PAHs at the temperature range from 252 K to 307 K (-21 °C to 34 °C). The performance of the empirical equations was validated by comparison with the monitoring K_P of PAHs worldwide. The empirical equations exhibited good performance for the prediction of K_P of PAHs based on ambient temperature. Two deviations with the prediction lines of the previous G/P partitioning models from the monitoring data of K_P were observed. It was found that the deviations might be attributed to some non-considered influencing factors with the previous G/P partitioning prediction models. Therefore, further research should be conducted to study the mechanism of the G/P partitioning of PAHs, and more influencing factors should be introduced into the establishment of G/P partitioning models of PAHs. In summary, the result of the present study provided a convenient method for the prediction of K_P of PAHs, which should be useful for the study of environmental fate of PAHs in atmosphere.

Quantification of carbohydrates in human serum using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with the stable isotope-labeled internal standard method

Comparison of two derivatization approaches (silylation and acylation) for carbohydrate separation based on optimizing reaction conditions by artificial neural networks.

Approach to Predicting the Size-Dependent Inhalation Intake of Particulate Novel Brominated Flame Retardants

The risk of human exposure to particulate novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in the atmosphere has received increasing attention from scientists and the public, but currently, there is no reliable approach to predict the intake of these compounds on the basis of their size distribution. Here, we develop a reliable approach to predict the size-dependent inhalation intake of particulate NBFRs, based on the gas/particle (G/P) partitioning behavior of the NBFRs. We analyzed the concentrations of eight NBFRs in 363 size-segregated particulate samples and 99 paired samples of gaseous and bulk particles. Using these data, we developed an equation to predict the G/P partitioning quotients of NBFRs in particles in different size ranges (K_Pi) based on particle size. This equation was then successfully applied to predict the size-dependent inhalation intake of particulate NBFRs in combination with an inhalation exposure model. This new approach provides the first demonstration of the effects of the temperature-dependent octanol-air partitioning coefficient (K_OA) and total suspended particle concentration (TSP) on the intake of particulate NBFRs by inhalation. In an illustrative case where TSP = 100 μg m^-3, inhalation intake of particulate NBFRs exceeded the intake of gaseous NBFRs when log K_OA > 11.4.

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of organic acid profiles in human serum: A protocol of direct ultrasound-assisted derivatization

RATIONALE

Low-molecular-weight organic acids that generally contain one to three carboxyl groups are involved in many important biological processes; therefore, it is important to develop a quantitative method for analyzing organic acids in serum in order to allow an evaluation of metabolic changes. In this study, we evaluated a protocol for detecting 26 organic acids in serum based on ultrasound-assisted derivatization by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

METHODS

Serum samples were prepared using ultrasound-assisted silane derivatization before GC/MS analysis to quantify concentrations of organic acids. Additionally, we investigated the variables affecting derivatization yields, including the extraction solvent, derivatization reagents, and derivatization conditions (reaction temperature, duration, and sonication parameters). The protocol was ultimately applied to detect organic acid profiles related to obesity.

RESULTS

We used acetone as the extraction solvent and determined suitable derivatization conditions, as follows: BSTFA + 1% TMCS, 50°C, 10 min, and 100% ultrasound power. The protocol showed satisfactory linearity (r = 0.9958-0.9996), a low limit of detection (0.04-0.42 μmol/L), good reproducibility (coefficient of variation (CV) %: 0.32-13.76%), acceptable accuracy (recovery: 82.97-114.96%), and good stability within 5 days (CV%: 1.35-12.01% at room temperature, 1.24-14.09% at 4°C, and 1.01-11.67% at -20°C). Moreover, the protocol was successfully applied to obtain the organic acid profiles from obese and healthy control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified and validated a protocol for ultrasound-assisted derivatization prior to GC/MS analysis for detecting 26 kinds of organic acids in serum. The results suggest the efficacy of this protocol for clinical applications to determine metabolic changes related to fluctuations in organic acid profiles.

Direct Measurement of the Branching Fractions B(ψ(3686)→J/ψX) and B(ψ(3770)→J/ψX), and Observation of the State R(3760) in e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψX

We report a measurement of the observed cross sections of e^{+}e^{-}→J/ψX based on 3.21  fb^{-1} of data accumulated at energies from 3.645 to 3.891 GeV with the BESIII detector operated at the BEPCII collider. In analysis of the cross sections, we measured the decay branching fractions of B(ψ(3686)→J/ψX)=(64.4±0.6±1.6)% and B(ψ(3770)→J/ψX)=(0.5±0.2±0.1)% for the first time. The energy-dependent line shape of these cross sections cannot be well described by two Breit-Wigner (BW) amplitudes of the expected decays ψ(3686)→J/ψX and ψ(3770)→J/ψX. Instead, it can be better described with one more BW amplitude of the decay R(3760)→J/ψX. Under this assumption, we extracted the R(3760) mass M_{R(3760)}=3766.2±3.8±0.4  MeV/c^{2} , total width Γ_{R(3760)}^{tot}=22.2±5.9±1.4  MeV, and product of leptonic width and decay branching fraction Γ_{R(3760)}^{ee}B[R(3760)→J/ψX]=(79.4±85.5±11.7)  eV. The significance of the R(3760) is 5.3σ. The first uncertainties of these measured quantities are from fits to the cross sections and second systematic.

[Molecular epidemiology of norovirus associated with pediatric acute gastroenteritis in Beijing in 2020]

Objective: To investigate the molecular epidemiology of norovirus associated with pediatric acute gastroenteritis in Beijing under the Working Mechanism for Joint Prevention and Control of the Epidemic in 2020. Methods: This was a retrospective, repeated cross-sectional study. Fecal or vomit samples (1 213 cases) were collected from children visited the Capital Institute of Pediatrics Affiliated Children's Hospital for acute gastroenteritis from January 1 to December 31, 2020. First, real-time reverse PCR (RT-PCR) was used to screen the samples for norovirus, and then RdRp gene and capsid gene VP1 of norovirus-positive samples were amplified by conventional RT-PCR for genotyping based on the nucleotide sequence. The χ² test was used to compare the positive rates and genotypes of norovirus among different specimen types, genders of children, and different age groups. Results: Among the 1 213 samples were collected, 215 samples were positive for norovirus, with a positivity rate of 17.7% for the whole year. The peak of norovirus infection observed mainly in the cold seasons, as the positive rates were 28.6% (18/63), 26.2% (16/61), 22.8% (77/338) and 17.1% (89/520) in January, October, November and December, respectively. The positive rate of norovirus in fecal sample was significantly higher than that in vomit sample (χ² = 9.692, P<0.01). There was no significant difference between genders (χ²=0.041, P>0.05), but significant difference was found between age groups with the highest rate in the 6-48 months group (χ²=103.112, P<0.01). Three genogroups (GⅠ, GⅡ and GⅨ) of the circulating virus were detected by G-gene typing, and GⅡgenogroup was predominant, accounting for 98.5% (196/199). Among the GⅡ positive samples, genotype GⅡ.4 Sydney (55.1%, 108/196) was the most common, followed by GⅡ.2 (29.6%, 58/196), while the GⅡ.3 norovirus (10.2%, 20/196) which was common in previous years was not as much as before. Based on the P-type, GⅡ.P16 was predominant (61.5%, 96/156), followed by GII.P31 (19.9%, 31/156). The dual genotyping revealed that GⅡ.4 Sydney [P16] (36.4%, 56/154) and GⅡ.2 [P16] (24.7%, 38/154) were predominant. Conclusion: The prevalence of norovirus in children in 2020 in Beijing is not much different from those of the previous years, but the genotypes composition has changed significantly, and there are multiple genotypes circulating simultaneously.

[Roles of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase in skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with severe scald]

Objective: To investigate the expression and phosphorylation level change of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) in skeletal muscle of severely scald rats and its roles in skeletal muscle atrophy in severely scalded rats. Methods: The experimental research method was applied. Totally 100 6-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into sham injury group and scald group according to the random number table, with 50 rats in each group. After weighing the body weight, rats in scald group were inflicted with full-thickness scald of 30% total body surface area on the back, and rats in sham injury group were simulated with scald. At 6 h and on 1, 3, 5, and 7 d post injury, 10 rats in each group were taken to measure their body weights and weights of extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscle. At 6 h and on 1, 3, 5, and 7 d post injury, the tibialis anterior muscles were collected, the mRNA expressions of muscle atrophy F-box protein (MAFbx) and muscle-specific RING finger protein 1 (MuRF1) were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; the content of adenosine monophosphate (AMP), adenosine diphosphate, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were detected by high performance liquid chromatography, and AMP/ATP ratio and energy charge were calculated; the protein expressions of AMPK-α and phosphorylated AMPK-α (p-AMPK-α) were detected by Western blotting, and the p-AMPK-α/AMPK-α ratio was calculated, with sample number of 4 in each time point of each group. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for factorial design and least significant difference test. Results: The body weights of rats in 2 groups before injury and at each time point post injury were close (P>0.05). At 6 h post injury, the weight of extensor digitorum longus of rats in scald group was (0.107±0.007) g, which was significantly heavier than (0.086±0.0607) g of sham injury group (P<0.01). On 3 d post injury, the weight of extensor digitorum longus of rats in scald group was (0.083±0.016) g, which was significantly lighter than (0.102±0.005) g of sham injury group (P<0.01). The weight of soleus of rats in 2 groups were close at each time point post injury (P>0.05). Compared with those of sham injury group, the mRNA expression of MAFbx in tibialis anterior muscle of rats in scald group was significantly up-regulated at 6 h post injury (P<0.01), and the mRNA expressions of MuRF1 in tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group were significantly up-regulated at 6 h and on 1 d post injury (P<0.01). At 6 h and on 7 d post injury, compared with those of false injury group, the AMP/ATP ratios of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and energy charges of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group were significantly decreased (P<0.01). At each time point post injury, the protein expressions of AMPK-α of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in 2 groups were close (P>0.05). The p-AMPK-α/AMPK-α ratios of the tibial anterior muscle of rats in scald group at 6 h and on 7 d post injury were significantly higher than those in sham injury group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: The decrease in energy charge and increase in AMP/ATP ratio of skeletal muscle of rats after severe scald activate AMPK. The activation of AMPK in the early stage of injury is consistent with the up-regulation of MAFbx and MuRF1 expressions and down-regulation of skeletal muscle weight. The above-mentioned changes may be one of the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy in rats with severe scald.

Gamma-Ray Observation of the Cygnus Region in the 100-TeV Energy Region

We report observations of gamma-ray emissions with energies in the 100-TeV energy region from the Cygnus region in our Galaxy. Two sources are significantly detected in the directions of the Cygnus OB1 and OB2 associations. Based on their positional coincidences, we associate one with a pulsar PSR J2032+4127 and the other mainly with a pulsar wind nebula PWN G75.2+0.1, with the pulsar moving away from its original birthplace situated around the centroid of the observed gamma-ray emission. This work would stimulate further studies of particle acceleration mechanisms at these gamma-ray sources.

Slopes and intercepts from log-log correlations of gas/particle quotient and octanol-air partition coefficient (vapor-pressure) for semi-volatile organic compounds: II. Theoretical predictions vs. monitoring

The logarithm of gas/particle (G/P) partition quotient (logK_P) has been found to have a linear relationship with logK_OA (octanol-air partition coefficient) with slope m_o and intercept b_o and logP_L (subcooled liquid vapor pressure) with slope m_p and intercept b_p. In the sister paper of the present work, analytical equations to predict the slope m_o and intercept b_o based on logK_OA and predict the slope m_p and intercept b_p based on logP_L are developed using steady state theory. In this work, the equations are evaluated using world-wide monitoring data (262 pairs for m_o and b_o values and 292 pairs for m_p and b_p values produced from more than 10,000 monitiring data worldwide) for selected seven groups of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polyclorinated biphenyl (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), and other selected halogenated flame retardants. The slopes and intercepts predicted by the steady state equations reproduce the trends observed in monitoring regression results for the seven SVOC groups, with 44.4% of the variation of monitoring m_o values accounted for by logK_OA and 48.2% of the variation of monitoring m_p values accounted for by logP_L. Theoretically, the values of m_o can be any value between 0 and 1 dependent on the values of K_OA, and are not constrained to 1 as in equilibrium theory. Likewise, the values of m_p can be any value between 0 and -1 dependent on the values of P_L, and not constrained to -1 predicted by the equilibrium theory. The influence of sampling artifacts on the G/P partitioning of SVOCs has most likely been overemphasized by the equilibrium theory. Thus, the equilibrium approach should be abandoned in favor of the steady state approach for calculating the G/P partition quotients for SVOCs with high K_OA values (>10^11.38) or low P_L values (<10^-4.92).

Treatment of particle/gas partitioning using level III fugacity models in a six-compartment system

In this paper, two level III fugacity models are developed and applied using an environmental system containing six compartments, including air, aerosols, soil, water, suspended particulate matters (SPMs), and sediments, as a "unit world". The first model, assumes equilibrium between air and aerosols and between water and SPMs. These assumptions lead to a four-fugacity model. The second model removes these two assumptions leading to a six-fugacity model. The two models, compared using four PBDE congeners, BDE-28, -99, -153, and -209, with a steady flux of gaseous congeners entering the air, lead to the following conclusions. 1. When the octanol-air partition coefficient (K_OA) is less than 10^11.4, the two models produce similar results; when K_OA > 10^11.4, and especially when K_OA > 10^12.5, the model results diverge significantly. 2. Chemicals are in an imposed equilibrium in the four-fugacity model, but in a steady state and not necessary an equilibrium in the six-fugacity model, between air and aerosols. 3. The results from the six-fugacity model indicate an internally consistent system with chemicals in steady state in all six compartments, whereas the four-fugacity model presents an internally inconsistent system where chemicals are in equilibrium but not a steady state between air and aerosols. 4. Chemicals are mass balanced in air and aerosols predicted by the six-fugacity model but not by the four-fugacity model. If the mass balance in air and aerosols is achieved in the four-fugacity model, the condition of equilibrium between air and aerosols will be no longer valid.

[Effects of Janus kinase/signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 pathway inhibitor in skeletal muscle function in severely burned rats and its mechanism]

Objective: To observe the functional changes of skeletal muscle in severely burned rats, and to investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK/STAT3) pathway inhibitor in skeletal muscle function. Methods: The experiment research method was applied. One hundred and twenty male Wistar rats of 8-week-old were divided into sham injury group, simple burn group, and burn+JAK/STAT3 inhibitor group according to the random number table, with 40 rats in each group. Rats in simple burn group and burn+JAK/STAT3 inhibitor group were inflicted with 50% total body surface area full-thickness scald on the back and abdomen, and rats in sham injury group were sham injured. Rats in burn+JAK/STAT3 inhibitor group were intraperitoneally injected with JAK/STAT3 inhibitor ruxolitinib. On post injury day (PID) 0 (immediately), 1, 4, 7, and 14, 8 rats in each group were used to measure the specific force generated by extensor digitorum longus in optimal length stimulated with pulse frequency of 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, and 160 Hz using a multichannel electrophysiological instrument, and specific force in fatigue period of extensor digitorum longus in optimal length stimulated with pulse frequency of 50 Hz for 0, 10, 20, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 s. On PID 0, 1, 4, 7, and 14, carbonyl compound content of extensor digitorum longus was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and ATP content of extensor digitorum longus was determined by micrometry. Data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance for repeated measurement, analysis of variance for factorial design, Bonferroni method, and t test. Results: Compared with those of sham injury group, specific forces of extensor digitorum longus of rats in simple burn group were significantly decreased after being stimulated with all the pulse frequency on PID 0, 1, 7, and all the pulse frequency except for 20 Hz on PID 4, and pulse frequency of 20 and 40 Hz on PID 14 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with those of simple burn group, specific forces of extensor digitorum longus of rats in burn+JAK/STAT3 inhibitor group were significantly increased after being stimulated with all the pulse frequency except for 20 Hz on PID 1 and all the pulse frequency on PID 4, 7, and 14 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with those of sham injury group, specific forces of extensor digitorum longus of rats in simple burn group were significantly decreased in fatigue period at all the time points post injury and stimulation time points except for 240 s on PID 7 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with those of simple burn group, specific forces of extensor digitorum longus of rats in burn+JAK/STAT3 inhibitor group were obviously increased in fatigue period at all the stimulation time points except for 60 and 300 s on PID 1 and 240 s on PID 4, and all the stimulation time points on PID 7 and 14 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The carbonyl compound content of extensor digitorum longus of rats in simple burn group on PID 0, 1, 4, 7, and 14 was (0.651±0.155), (0.739±0.194), (0.618±0.086), (0.813±0.162), (0.615±0.115) nmol/mg, which were obviously higher than (0.196±0.019), (0.156±0.004), (0.169±0.023) (0.156±0.027), (0.175±0.008) nmol/mg in sham injury group (t=7.219, 6.491, 10.938, 9.182, 11.589, P<0.01) and (0.538±0.069), (0.369±0.059), (0.273±0.061), (0.334±0.109), (0.318±0.101) nmol/mg in burn+JAK/STAT3 inhibitor group (t=2.446, 4.689, 8.355, 5.754, 6.097, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The ATP content in extensor digitorum longus of rats in simple burn group on PID 1, 4, 7, and 14 was obviously lower than that in sham injury group (t=7.159, 7.591, 7.473, 4.026, P<0.01) and burn+JAK/STAT3 inhibitor group (t=2.295, 2.575, 2.453, 2.997, P<0.05). Conclusions: After severe burn, the specific force of extensor digitorum longus in rats decreased significantly after being stimulated with different pulse frequencies, and the extensor digitorum longus in rats was prone to fatigue. Blocking the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway can reduce the oxidative stress of muscle protein and increase ATP content, thereby reducing the muscle strength decline caused by burn injury and improving the muscle strength decline during fatigue period.

Occurrence, Removal, and Mass Balance of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Derivatives in Wastewater Treatment Plants in Northeast China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 33 methylated PAHs (Me-PAHs), and 14 nitrated PAHs (NPAHs) were measured in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to study the removal efficiency of these compounds through the WWTPs, as well as their source appointment and potential risk in the effluent. The concentrations of ∑PAHs, ∑Me-PAHs, and ∑NPAHs were 2.01–8.91, 23.0–102, and 6.21–171 µg/L in the influent, and 0.17–1.37, 0.06–0.41 and 0.01–2.41 µg/L in the effluent, respectively. Simple Treat 4.0 and meta-regression methods were applied to calculate the removal efficiencies (REs) for the 63 PAHs and their derivatives in 10 WWTPs and the results were compared with the monitoring data. Overall, the ranges of REs were 55.3–95.4% predicated by the Simple Treat and 47.5–97.7% by the meta-regression. The results by diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis PCA showed that “mixed source” biomass, coal composition, and petroleum could be recognized to either petrogenic or pyrogenic sources. The risk assessment of the effluent was also evaluated, indicating that seven carcinogenic PAHs, Benzo[a]pyrene, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene, and Benzo(a)anthracene were major contributors to the toxics equivalency concentrations (TEQs) in the effluent of WWTPs, to which attention should be paid.

Modeling and improvement of a low-frequency micro-accelerometer

A sensitivity- and resolution-improving method for a low-frequency micro-vibration accelerometer is presented in this paper. A sensitivity model of the measurement system is derived and established. The key parameters that limit the sensitivity and the resolution of the accelerometer were identified through the sensitivity coefficient analysis method. The structural parameters and the signal process method were then optimized. Experimental results show that the sensitivity of the accelerometer has improved from 1.10 V/(m/s²) to 19.21 V/(m/s²), and the resolution has improved from 1.47 mm/s² to 0.21 mm/s². The lowest working frequency range has expanded from 1 Hz to 0.7 Hz. The presented method is effective and cheap and can be applied to other sensors.