Maternal androgen excess inhibits fetal cardiomyocytes proliferation through RB-mediated cell cycle arrest and induces cardiac hypertrophy in adulthood

PURPOSE

Maternal hyperandrogenism during pregnancy is associated with adverse gestational outcomes and chronic non-communicable diseases in offspring. However, few studies are reported to demonstrate the association between maternal androgen excess and cardiac health in offspring. This study aimed to explore the relation between androgen exposure in utero and cardiac health of offspring in fetal and adult period. Its underlying mechanism is also illustrated in this research.

METHODS

Pregnant mice were injected with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from gestational day (GD) 16.5 to GD18.5. On GD18.5, fetal heart tissue was collected for metabolite and morphological analysis. The hearts from adult offspring were also collected for morphological and qPCR analysis. H9c2 cells were treated with 75 μM androsterone. Immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, qPCR, and western blot were performed to observe cell proliferation and explore the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

Intrauterine exposure to excessive androgen led to thinner ventricular wall, decreased number of cardiomyocytes in fetal offspring and caused cardiac hypertrophy, compromised cardiac function in adult offspring. The analysis of steroid hormone metabolites in fetal heart tissue by ultra performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry showed that the content of androgen metabolite androsterone was significantly increased. Mechanistically, H9c2 cells treated with androsterone led to a significant decrease in phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (pRB) and cell cycle-related protein including cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), and cyclin D1 (CCND1) in cardiomyocytes. This resulted in cell cycle arrest at G1-S phase, which in turn inhibited cardiomyocyte proliferation.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results indicate that in utero exposure to DHT, its metabolite androsterone could directly decrease cardiomyocytes proliferation through cell cycle arrest, which has a life-long-lasting effect on cardiac health. Our study highlights the importance of monitoring sex hormones in women during pregnancy and the follow-up of cardiac function in offspring with high risk of intrauterine androgen exposure.

Normalized circulating Tfh and Th17 associates with improvement in myasthenia gravis treated with ofatumumab

Objective

To assess the effect of B cell depletion therapy (BCDT) on circulating T follicular helper (cTfh) and circulating T helper 17 (cTh17) cells and its relation to clinical improvement in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods

28 anti-AchR positive MG patients treated with ofatumumab and 28 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Frequencies of cTfh and cTh17 cells were monitored by flow cytometry at baseline and 4, and 12 weeks after the initial dose ofatumumab. Serum cytokines associated with cTfh and cTh17, including IL-6, IL-21, and IL-17, were also analyzed.

Results

The frequency of cTfh and cTh17 significantly increased in MG patients compared with HCs. Additionally, elevated levels of both T-cell subsets correlated with MG severity. During the follow-up, cTfh and cTh17 return to normal after BCDT. Furthermore, the decrease in cTfh and cTh17 was associated with MG scores improvement over time. Notably, cTfh- and cTh17-related cytokines, including IL-6, IL-21, and IL-17, exhibited a marked decrease following ofatumumab therapy.

Conclusions

Abnormal expansion of cTfh and cTh17 cells may be key features in the immunopathology of MG. Their levels returned to normal after BCDT, which was closely correlated with clinical amelioration. This result suggests that these two T-cell subsets may be targets for BCDT treatment of MG.

Postural balance disorders in sarcopenia based on surface electromyography

Background

Sarcopenia is an intrinsic factor that leads to balance disorders and falls in older adults. However, the characterization of sarcopenia-related postural balance deficits remains unclear.

Aims

This study aimed to explore the balance performance and postural control strategy in older adults with sarcopenia during static stance tasks using force platforms and surface electromyography.

Methods

Older adults with right-sided dominance were recruited, including 27 adults with sarcopenia and 27 healthy counterparts. Postural sway was measured with eyes open/closed on rigid/compliant surfaces. The time- and frequency-domain indexes of bilateral lower extremity muscle activity were simultaneously recorded.

Results

The postural sway and activity of multiple lower extremity muscles in the sarcopenia group were increased (P < 0.05). The amplitude contribution ratio of the right tibialis anterior muscle (larger in sarcopenia), co-contraction ratio of right ankle dorsiflexion (smaller in sarcopenia), and mean power frequency and median frequency of the left gluteus maximus muscle (smaller in sarcopenia) had main effects of grouping (P < 0.001, η2p = 0.06-0.10). All of them had discrimination for sarcopenia (area under the curve = 0.639-0.657, P < 0.001) and were correlated with balance function measurement in sarcopenia (|rs| = 0.22-0.44, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that older adults with sarcopenia have decreased balance function and increased cost of electrophysiology. They were found to prefer the postural strategy of dominant ankle dorsiflexion and demonstrated overactivity of the dominant tibialis anterior muscles and fatigue vulnerability of the nondominant gluteus maximus. Improvements in these postural features may have balance benefits.

A Salt-Resistant and Antibacterial Cu2 ZnSnS4 -Based Hydrogel for High Efficient Photothermal Distillation in Seawater Desalination and Sewage Purification

Solar steam generation technology (SSGT) using unlimited solar energy is regarded as one of the most promising sustainable technologies to produce clean water. However, most of studies on SSGT simply focus on how to improve salt resistance as well as exclude inorganic and organic pollutants in targeted water, and only very limited studies pay attention to the micro-organisms in the collected water. Herein, one porous Cu2 ZnSnS4 -based photothermal hydrogel (CZTS-PH) with antibacterial properties as well as good salt resistance was successfully prepared. The CZTS-PH was measured with the water evaporation rate as high as 3.249 kg m-2  h-1 and photothermal conversion efficiency of 96.3 % under one sun irradiation. Impressively, owing to the amino groups in the skeleton, CZTS-PH can significantly deteriorate the cell membrane and lead to the death of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which ensures its long-term stability photothermal conversion and the safety of clean water. Overall, the admired photothermal conversion efficiency, and the excellent salt resistance and antibacterial performance suggest that CZTS-PH could be a promising full-scale device applied in seawater desalination and water purification.

[LINC00926 promotes pyroptosis of hypoxia-induced human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells by recruiting ELAVL1]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the regulatory role of the long non-coding RNA LINC00926 in pyroptosis of hypoxia-induced human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and explore the molecular mechanism.

METHODS

HUVECs were transfected with a LINC00926-overexpressing plasmid (OE-LINC00926), a siRNA targeting ELAVL1, or both, followed by exposure to hypoxia (5% O2) or normoxia. The expression of LINC00926 and ELAVL1 in hypoxia-treated HUVECs was detected using real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blotting. Cell proliferation was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), and the levels of IL-1β in the cell cultures was determined with ELISA. The protein expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins (caspase-1, cleaved caspase-1 and NLRP3) in the treated cells were analyzed using Western blotting, and the binding between LINC00926 and ELAVL1 was verified with RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay.

RESULTS

Exposure to hypoxia obviously up-regulated the mRNA expression of LINC00926 and the protein expression of ELAVL1 in HUVECs, but did not affect the mRNA expression of ELAVL1. LINC00926 overexpression in the cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, increased IL-1β level and enhanced the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins (all P < 0.05). LINC00926 overexpression further up-regulated the protein expression of ELAVL1 in hypoxia-exposed HUVECs. The results of RIP assay confirmed the binding between LINC00926 and ELAVL1. ELAVL1 knockdown significantly decreased IL-1β level and the expressions of pyroptosis-related proteins in hypoxia-exposed HUVECs (P < 0.05), while LINC00926 overexpression partially reversed the effects of ELAVL1 knockdown.

CONCLUSION

LINC00926 promotes pyroptosis of hypoxia-induced HUVECs by recruiting ELAVL1.

Employment impacts of industrial transformation in China: A case study of Yangtze River Delta

The United Nations formally adopted 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) at the summit in 2015. With the goal of SDGs, China has formulated the “3,060” dual carbon target, that is, to achieve a carbon peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060. Consequently, this goal will direct positive changes in industrial transformation, and employment quality will be impacted. In this article, 106 listed manufacturing enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta are selected to explore the impacts of industrial transformation and just transition on employment. The result shows that the industrial transformation has no significant promoting effect on employment quality in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and just transition has no significant moderating effect. However, in private enterprises, industrial transformation has a significant negative impact on employment equality. Moreover, employee training can alleviate the negative impact of industrial transformation on employment quality. On the contrary, employee welfare will play a negative moderating role. The conclusions of this research can help enterprises make better strategies to guarantee the interests of employees and stimulate staff. In addition, the government should advise relevant enterprises to transform steadily.

Changes in integrins αv and α5 with Nogo-A in the rat retina after optic nerve injury

OBJECTIVE

  The purpose of this study was to investigate whether integrin levels are associated with axon regeneration after central nervous system (CNS) injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

By using immunohistochemistry, we performed a detailed investigation of the changes in and colocalization of integrins αv and α5, with Nogo-A in the retina after optic nerve injury.

RESULTS

We confirmed that integrins αv and α5 were expressed in the rat retina and colocalized with Nogo-A. After optic nerve transection, we found that integrin α5 levels increased over 7 days, but integrin αv levels remained unchanged, while Nogo-A levels increased.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that the inhibition of axonal regeneration by the Amino-Nogo-integrin signaling pathway may not occur via changes in integrin levels.

A modelling approach to explore the optimum bubble size for micro-nanobubble aeration

Bubble aeration has been widely applied in water/wastewater treatment, however its low gas utilization rate results in high energy consumption. Application of micro-nanobubbles (MNB) has emerged as a process with the potential to significantly increase gas utilisation due to their high relative surface area and high gas-liquid mass transfer efficiency. In this study, we demonstrate through calibrated models that MNB of an optimum bubble size can shrink and burst at or below the water surface enabling (1) all encapsulated gas to thoroughly dissolve in water, and (2) the bursting of nanobubbles to potentially generate free radicals. Through the understanding of MNB dimensional characteristics and bubble behaviour in water, a dynamic model that integrated force balance (i.e. buoyancy force, gravity, drag force, Basset force and virtual mass force), and mass transfer was developed to describe the rising velocity and radius variation of MNB along its upward trajectory. Unlike for conventional millimetre-sized bubbles, intensive gas dissolution of MNBs led to radius reduction for small bubbles, while a large initial radius triggers bubble swelling. The initial water depth was also crucial, where greater depth could drive the potential for bubble shrinkage so that they were more liable to contract. For example, the optimum bubble size of air (42-194 μm) and oxygen (127-470 μm) MNB that could achieve complete gas transfer (100% gas utilisation) for a range of specific water depths (0.5-10 m) were calculated. The modelling results for microbubbles (10-530 μm) were well validated by the experimental data (R²>0.85). However, the validation of the modelling results for nanobubble (<1 μm) aeration requires further study due to a lack of available empirical data. In this study, the proposed model and analysis provided new insights into understanding bubble dynamics in water and offered fundamental guidance for practitioners looking to upgrade bubble aeration system.

[Susceptibility and mechanism of sodium salicylate-induced tinnitus model in low estrogen rats]

Objective: The susceptibility of tinnitus rats with low estrogen level induced by sodium salicylate and the changes of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in serum were observed to investigate the relationship between tinnitus occurrence and estrogen level. Methods: Forty-two healthy female Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group(n=6), normal group(n=6), sham operation group(n=6) and ovariectomized group(n=24). Control group was intraperitoneally injected with normal saline 200 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Normal group, sham operation group and ovariectomized group were intraperitoneally injected with sodium salicylate 200 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. Before and after sodium salicylate induction, the tinnitus behavior of rats in each group was detected by prepulse inhibition (PPI) and gap pre-pulse inhibition of the acoustic startle (GPIAS) test. Before and after sodium salicylate induction, blood samples were collected from eyeballs of rats in each group, and serum levels of estradiol and TNF-α were detected by ELISA. SPSS 25.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: (1) Following 14 days of sodium salicylate intervention, there was no significant difference in PPI inhibition rate between groups or within groups(all P>0.05). (2)There was no significant difference in the inhibition rate of GPIAS in the four groups before sodium salicylate injection(F=0.217, P>0.05). With sodium salicylate injected for 14 days, the inhibition rate of GPIAS in ovariectomized group (30.88%±15.40%) was significantly lower than that in the other three groups (44.11%±21.06%, 38.27%±10.92%, 51.59%±11.34%), and the difference was statistically significant(F=3.533, P<0.05). The inhibition rate of GPIAS in ovariectomized group with sodium salicylate injected for 14 days was significantly lower than that before injection, and the difference was statistically significant(t=2.977, P<0.05).There was no significant difference in GPIAS inhibition rate between the other three groups before and after sodium salicylate injection(P>0.05). (3)The level of TNF-α in ovariectomized rats was significantly higher than that in the other three groups, the difference was statistically significant(all P<0.05). With sodium salicylate injection for 14 days, TNF-α level in the ovariectomized group increased more significantly than that in the other three groups, the difference was statistically significant(F=8.045, P<0.05). TNF-α levels increased following salicylate injection in normal group, sham operation group and ovariectomized group, and the differences were statistically significant(t value was -4.843, -4.932 and -5.965 respectively, each P<0.05). There was no significant difference in TNF-α levels before and after normal saline injection in control group(all P>0.05). Conclusion: Low estrogen levels increase susceptibility to sodium salicylate-induced tinnitus. Decreased estrogen levels may increase susceptibility to tinnitus through the increased expression of pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α.

Synthetic lethal gene pairs: Experimental approaches and predictive models

Synthetic lethality (SL) refers to a genetic interaction in which the simultaneous perturbation of two genes leads to cell or organism death, whereas viability is maintained when only one of the pair is altered. The experimental exploration of these pairs and predictive modeling in computational biology contribute to our understanding of cancer biology and the development of cancer therapies. We extensively reviewed experimental technologies, public data sources, and predictive models in the study of synthetic lethal gene pairs and herein detail biological assumptions, experimental data, statistical models, and computational schemes of various predictive models, speculate regarding their influence on individual sample- and population-based synthetic lethal interactions, discuss the pros and cons of existing SL data and models, and highlight potential research directions in SL discovery.

Reclamation of ginseng residues using two-stage fermentation and evaluation of their beneficial effects as dietary feed supplements for piglets

Environmental pollution caused by herbal residues, such as ginseng residue (GR), and the huge waste of medicinal ingredients in such residues hinder the development of the pharmaceutical industry. Few studies focused on the biotransformation of GRs and the practical utilization of their bioproducts. In this study, we developed a two-stage fermentation method to optimize GR bioconversion and used the fermented products as dietary supplements for piglets. The tested GR contained abundant lignocelluloses, protein, sugar, and amino acids. Approximately 43.10% of the total lignocelluloses were degraded into sugars by Inonotus obliquus in stage 1 of fermentation. Meanwhile, the sugar content increased by 36.20%, which became the feed for Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in stage 2 of fermentation. These two strains boosted the production of bacterial proteins and other metabolites, including peptides, organic acids, and amino acids. At the end of fermentation, the contents of bioactive compounds significantly increased by 3.18%-21.79%. The dietary supplementation of fermented GR significantly improved the growth performance (6.47%-7.98%), intestinal microbiota, immune function, and healthy status and reduced the diarrhea incidence and noxious gas emission of the piglets. This study provides evidence-based results for the development and deployment of a circular economy between ginseng and livestock industries.

Mechanism comparisons of transport-deposition-reentrainment between microplastics and natural mineral particles in porous media: A theoretical and experimental study

The migration and distribution of microplastic particles (MPs) in the natural environment has attracted global attention in recent years. However, little is known about the transport-deposition-reentrainment differences between MPs and natural mineral particles in porous media. In this study, polystyrene (PS) and silica (SiO₂) particles, representing model MPs and natural mineral particles, respectively, were selected to study the responses of different particle types to changes in specific particle size and flow velocity. Three typical particle sizes and various flow velocities were chosen to compare and delineate the transport-deposition-reentrainment characteristics of PS and SiO₂ in a packed-bed laboratory column. Collector efficiency was calculated using Tufenkji and Elimelech (TE) equation. The particle fractions released from the collector surfaces were predicted using DLVO theory and force analysis. Two types of particles were attached in the secondary minimum, which were either retained on the collector surface or reentrained to the fluid. The staged elution experiment wherein the flow velocity was increased experienced a period of flow shock, thus breaking the force balance of the particle. An increase in the flow velocity resulted in various degrees of particle elution. The breakthrough experiment at a specific flow velocity showed that the corresponding velocity alteration in staged elution experiment contributed to reentrainment to varying extents. When the effect of gravity on particle deposition was negligible, the particle size was larger, and the lower the velocity for releasing the particles. However, the opposite tendency was observed when considering the effect of gravity on particle deposition. Moreover, the deposition, mainly due to gravity, easily causes particle reentrainment as the flow velocity increases. This study further predicts and reveals the nature of transport and deposition differences between MPs and natural mineral particles, which helps to further assess the risk and potential of groundwater contamination with MPs of different sizes.

Role of naphthaleneacetic acid in the degradation of bisphenol A and wastewater treatment by microalgae: Enhancement and signaling

Coupling microalgae cultivation with wastewater treatment is a promising environmentally sustainable development strategy. However, toxics such as Bisphenol A (BPA) in wastewater damage microalgae cells and reduces bioresources production. Phytohormone regulation has the potential to solve this issue. However, phytohormone research is still in its infancy. In this work, 0.2 μM naphthyl acetic acid (NAA) significantly enhanced Chlorella vulgaris BPA detoxification by 127.3% and Chlorella biomass production by 46.4%. NAA helps Chlorella convert bisphenol A into small non-toxic intermediates by enhancing the expression of associated enzymes. Simultaneously, NAA promoted carbon fixation and photosynthetic metabolism. Activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway strengthened the downstream antioxidant system while improving photosynthesis and intracellular starch and lipid synthesis. Carbohydrates, pigment, and lipid production was significantly enhanced by 20.0%, 46.9%, and 21.8%, respectively. A new insight is provided into how phytohormones may increase microalgae in wastewater's bioresource transformation and toxicity resistance.

Inactivation and genome damage of rotavirus and a human norovirus surrogate by monochloramine treatment and sequential application with UV

The inactivation efficacy by monochloramine for disinfecting gastroenteritis-causing rotaviruses (RV) and Tulane viruses (TV), a surrogate for noroviruses, were evaluated in this study. In addition, the strategies for improving the disinfection efficiency of monochloramine by raising the temperature and sequentially implementing UV irradiation were investigated. The results showed that monochloramine was more effective in the inactivation of TV than RV. Additionally, the inactivation rate constants of RV and TV by monochloramine at 35 °C were improved approximately by 46% and 100%, respectively, compared to those at 25 °C. Moreover, applying UV irradiation before monochloramine enhanced the inactivation efficacy of RV and TV by 63% and 72% compared to monochloramine alone (UV: 6 mJ/cm², NH₂Cl: 60 ppm × min). Furthermore, the synergistic effect was observed during the RV inactivation by the sequential process. Especially, higher than 0.5 log₁₀ reductions of RV VP1 genome contributed to the synergistic effect in sequential treatment, while less than 0.1 log₁₀ reductions of RV VP1 genome were observed during UV alone (13 mJ/cm²) or monochloramine alone (94 ppm × min). The genome damage might be the primary mechanism of generating synergy in sequential treatment for the inactivation of RV. By comparison, no synergistic effect was discovered for the inactivation of TV due to high susceptibility to monochloramine and UV. The findings on the inactivation efficacy and mechanism for improvement will contribute to a wide application of monochloramine for virus inactivation in water treatment and distribution systems.

Subpathway Analysis of Transcriptome Profiles Reveals New Molecular Mechanisms of Acquired Chemotherapy Resistance in Breast Cancer

Chemoresistance has been a major challenge in the treatment of patients with breast cancer. The diverse omics platforms and small sample sizes reported in the current studies of chemoresistance in breast cancer limit the consensus regarding the underlying molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance and the applicability of these study findings. Therefore, we built two transcriptome datasets for patients with chemotherapy-resistant breast cancers—one comprising paired transcriptome samples from 40 patients before and after chemotherapy and the second including unpaired samples from 690 patients before and 45 patients after chemotherapy. Subsequent conventional pathway analysis and new subpathway analysis using these cohorts uncovered 56 overlapping upregulated genes (false discovery rate [FDR], 0.018) and 36 downregulated genes (FDR, 0.016). Pathway analysis revealed the activation of several pathways in the chemotherapy-resistant tumors, including those of drug metabolism, MAPK, ErbB, calcium, cGMP-PKG, sphingolipid, and PI3K-Akt, as well as those activated by Cushing’s syndrome, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and proteoglycans in cancers, and subpathway analysis identified the activation of several more, including fluid shear stress, Wnt, FoxO, ECM-receptor interaction, RAS signaling, Rap1, mTOR focal adhesion, and cellular senescence (FDR < 0.20). Among these pathways, those associated with Cushing’s syndrome, HPV infection, proteoglycans in cancer, fluid shear stress, and focal adhesion have not yet been reported in breast cancer chemoresistance. Pathway and subpathway analysis of a subset of triple-negative breast cancers from the two cohorts revealed activation of the identical chemoresistance pathways.

DSCN: Double-target selection guided by CRISPR screening and network

Cancer is a complex disease with usually multiple disease mechanisms. Target combination is a better strategy than a single target in developing cancer therapies. However, target combinations are generally more difficult to be predicted. Current CRISPR-cas9 technology enables genome-wide screening for potential targets, but only a handful of genes have been screend as target combinations. Thus, an effective computational approach for selecting candidate target combinations is highly desirable. Selected target combinations also need to be translational between cell lines and cancer patients. We have therefore developed DSCN (double-target selection guided by CRISPR screening and network), a method that matches expression levels in patients and gene essentialities in cell lines through spectral-clustered protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. In DSCN, a sub-sampling approach is developed to model first-target knockdown and its impact on the PPI network, and it also facilitates the selection of a second target. Our analysis first demonstrated a high correlation of the DSCN sub-sampling-based gene knockdown model and its predicted differential gene expressions using observed gene expression in 22 pancreatic cell lines before and after MAP2K1 and MAP2K2 inhibition (R2 = 0.75). In DSCN algorithm, various scoring schemes were evaluated. The ‘diffusion-path’ method showed the most significant statistical power of differentialting known synthetic lethal (SL) versus non-SL gene pairs (P = 0.001) in pancreatic cancer. The superior performance of DSCN over existing network-based algorithms, such as OptiCon and VIPER, in the selection of target combinations is attributable to its ability to calculate combinations for any gene pairs, whereas other approaches focus on the combinations among optimized regulators in the network. DSCN’s computational speed is also at least ten times fast than that of other methods. Finally, in applying DSCN to predict target combinations and drug combinations for individual samples (DSCNi), DSCNi showed high correlation between target combinations predicted and real synergistic combinations (P = 1e-5) in pancreatic cell lines. In summary, DSCN is a highly effective computational method for the selection of target combinations.

Transboundary intercellular communications between Penicillium and bacterial communities during sludge bulking: Inspirations on quenching fungal dominance

Fungal bulking is caused by the evolution toward a fungi-dominant unbalanced sludge system, which is indeed the phenomenon of fungi competing against bacterial cells. We hypothesized that the cross-kingdom intercellular communication between fungi and bacteria was internal driving force that stimulated fungal bulking. In this study, we identified three signal molecules related to Penicillium fungi bulking under low-pH stress in an activated sludge reactor, which inspired us to propose a sludge bulking prevention strategy using the quorum quenching theory. When pH dropped from 7.0 to 4.5, the abundance of Penicillium increased from 12.5% to 44.8%. However, some functional bacterial genera, such as Nitrosomonas and Sphingopyxis, were washed out from the sludge. The production of quorum-sensing (QS) molecules N-Heptanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C7-HSL), N-Dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C12-HSL), and N-Tetradecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C14-HSL) was regulated with sludge bulking; especially the response of the latter two was significantly negative to Penicillium blooming (P < 0.05). To test their roles, trace commercial C12-HSL and C14-HSL were added to Penicillium culture, successfully causing 8.3% and 30.2% inhibition of mycelial formation, respectively. They also contributed to the improvement of activated sludge settleability by 6.1% and 39.7%, respectively (represented by sludge volume index). The transcriptome technique further revealed the regulation of the expression of genes in |logFC| >1, involving signal transduction, mycelium synthesis, and metabolic pathways. Our study provided an innovative strategy for controlling fungal bulking from the perspective of microbial transboundary informatics.

[Effects of Phosphorus Sufficiency and Deficiency on Cadmium Uptake and Transportation by Rice]

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient element for crop growth. The effects of P surplus or deficit on Cd absorption and transport in rice in Cd-polluted farmland is not clear. The effects of P deficiency and P sufficiency on Cd uptake, transport, and accumulation in rice under Cd stress were investigated by applying different levels of phosphorus (NaH₂PO₄) in a hydroponic experiment. The results showed that:① with the increase in ρ(P) (1.5-48.0 mg·L^-1), the biomass in all parts of the rice plants had no obvious change, and the contents of photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid) firstly ascended and then descended; high concentrations of P inhibited the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments. ② Under Cd stress, when the P was deficient (1.5-6.0 mg·L^-1) or sufficient (12.0-48.0 mg·L^-1), the Cd content in different parts of the rice increased with the increase in P addition level, and the maximum increase in Cd content in brown rice was 132.1% and 191.2%, respectively. ③ The P/Cd of brown rice showed a piecewise decreasing rule under P deficiency and P sufficiency, and the Cd content in brown rice was significantly negatively correlated with P/Cd (P<0.01). These results indicated that elevating phosphorus concentration when rice was under both the conditions of P deficiency and P sufficiency could promote the uptake and transport of Cd by rice roots under Cd stress, thus increasing the accumulation of Cd in aboveground parts and the risk of excessive Cd in rice.

Deciphering the influence of multiple anthropogenic inputs on taxonomic and functional profiles of the microbial communities in Yitong River, Northeast China

We conducted the analysis of physicochemical parameters, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to explore the impact of human inputs on the bacterioplankton communities within a tributary of the largest river flowing through a megacity in northeast China. Agriculture largely accounted for the alteration of diversity and functions of the microbial communities. Furthermore, nitrate and total phosphorus declined at the reservoir outlet. The WWTP effluent discharge caused a decrease of the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Cyanobacteria, while the impact on the variation of alpha diversity of river microbial community was slight. Carbon fixation and nitrogen cycle varied with the change of land use type. The rare taxa contributed with a predominant role in the response to environmental variables and NH₃-N as well as NO₃^--N were the main environmental factors that drove the shift in the bacterial community. The occurrence of the human-specific fecal indicator was mostly derived from agriculture, and its increase in relative abundance was observed in the WWTP effluent. Thus, our study provides guidance for ecological assessment and management of rivers by revealing the response pattern of river bacterioplankton to multiple types of anthropogenic stressors.

Rapid removal of trace haloacetic acids from drinking water by a continuous adsorption process using graphene oxide

Significant health risks are caused by trace levels of haloacetic acids (HAAs) in drinking water. We used graphene oxide (GO), a high-performance absorbent, to remove monochloroacetic acid (MCAA), dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCAA). 31.6%, 27.1% and 30.2% of MCAA, DCAA and TCAA in drinking water could be rapidly removed within 2 min by the interaction of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between GO and HAAs. On the other hand, as a type of weak interaction, intermolecular hydrogen bonds are easy to fracture, which leads to the recovery of GO. The removal efficiency of MCAA, DCAA and TCAA monotonously decreased with increasing pH from 3 to 11. Temperature was not an important influence on the removal efficiency of HAAs, and only affected the interaction of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between GO and HAAs. A continuous adsorption process was used for further improving the removal efficiency of HAAs, and the concentration of total HAAs decreased from 436 to 52.5 μg L^-1 after five adsorption processes. The total contact time was just 2.25 min, which was faster than other reported adsorbents, and total HAAs could be decreased by 88%. The innovative process in this study provides an effective method for application of GO to rapidly remove HAAs in drinking water.

C12-HSL is an across-boundary signal molecule that could alleviate fungi Galactomyces's filamentation: A new mechanism on activated sludge bulking

Fungal bulking is caused by fungi excessive growth and morphological changes, resulting from the evolution toward fungi dominant activated sludge. Communication across fungi and bacteria boundary that mediated by bacterial signal molecules (SMs) probably is the central induce caused fungal bulking occurrence. In this work, it intended to identify the bacterial SM that affected fungal bulking, and verified its roles in regulate the spore germination and hyphal growth. We found C12-HSL concentration decreased significantly from 12.36 to 3.38 ng/g-VSS (P < 0.05) when fungal sludge bulking happened, and filamentous Galactomyces's relatively abundant was correlatively enriched. To test the effects of this SM, trace commercial C12-HSL was added to pure cultured Galactomyces, in which spore germination rates decreased by 20 % and hyphal extension inhibited by 15 %. Ras1-cAMP-PKA and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways of Galactomyces were responsible for signal C12-HSL transduction, which inhibited peroxisome biosynthesis, suppressed the biological activity of the actin cytoskeleton, and disrupted intercellular organelle transport. All these results showed C12-HSL was the functional SM that could suppress the development of fungal filamentous. This study provided a new insight into the sludge bulking mechanism from view of cross-kingdom communication.

Oxidation of phthalate acid esters using hydrogen peroxide and polyoxometalate/graphene hybrids

Phthalate acid esters (PAEs) have been adsorbed and oxidatively degraded into small molecules including lactic acid (LA), formic acid (FA), H₂O and CO₂ using polyoxometalates (POMs)/graphene hybrids. We demonstrated that super-lower concentrations of PAEs could be oxidized, which was due to their unique structure. POM molecules have been embedded onto graphene to form H₅PMo₁₀V₂O₄₀@surfactant(n)/Graphene(L wt%) (abbreviated as HPMoV@Surf(n)/GO(L wt%)) using surfactants with the carbon chain length n = 2, 4, 6 and 8 for the loading of HPMoV. The coexistence of the graphene and surfactant layer (on HPMoV@Surf(n)/GO(20 wt%)) adsorbed PAE molecules and transported them rapidly to HPMoV active sites. And n values determined the electron transfer ability between graphene and POMs that promoted PAEs oxidation. The loading of POMs on the surface of graphene permitted HPMoV@Surf(n)/GO(L wt%) act as interfacial catalyst which degraded various PAEs (i.e., diethyl phthalate (DEP), diallyl phthalate (DAP) and di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)) while removed more than 70% of TOC and COD. The degradation of DEP achieved 93.0% with HPMoV@Surf(n)/GO(20 wt%) and H₂O₂, which followed first-order kinetics and the reaction activation energy (Ea) of 23.1 kJ/mol. Further, HPMoV@Surf(n)/GO(20 wt%) showed potential for the removal of PAEs in Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), and the degradation efficiency for PAE (DEP) in secondary effluent achieved 55.0%. In addition, the loading method for POMs on graphene eliminated the leaching of POMs from graphene, and the degradation efficiency could still reach 88.1% after ten recycles.

Graphene quantum dot implanted supramolecular carbon nitrides with robust photocatalytic activity against recalcitrant contaminants

Graphene quantum dot implanted supramolecular carbon nitrides exhibit superior visible-light photocatalytic activity in the degradation of aqueous contaminants of emerging concern.

Prognostic value of a novel index: computational pressure-flow dynamics derived fractional flow reserve in patients with stable coronary artery disease treated with optimal medical therapy alone

Background

The use of fractional flow reserve (FFR) is limited due to the need of invasive pressure wire and hyperaemic stimulus. Computational pressure-flow dynamics derived fractional flow reserve (caFFR) is a novel non-invasive index to determine the FFR in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Purpose

The clinical value of caFFR remains uncertain. The aim of the study is to evaluate the prognostic role of caFFR in patients with stable CAD who were treated by optimal medical therapy alone.

Methods

A total of 558 stable CAD patients (mean age=64.5±11.2, 59.0% male) with ≥1 coronary lesion detected during conventional coronary angiogram were included. All of them did not undergo percutaneous coronary intervention and were treated with optimal medical therapy alone. Patients were then classified into 4 groups according to their caFFR value; caFFR ≤0.70 (n=40), caFFR = 0.71–0.80 (n=28), caFFR = 0.81–0.90 (n=292), caFFR = 0.91–1.00 (n=198), with a lower caFFR indicating a greater magnitude of myocardial ischemia. The primary endpoint was 3-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction or any unplanned revascularization.

Results

During a median follow-up of 36 months, a total of 49 composite events occurred, including 27 all-cause mortality, 4 myocardial infarction and 18 unplanned revascularization.

After multivariate adjustment, caFFR was an independent predictor of MACE (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.97 per 0.01 increase in caFFR; 95% confidence interval [Cl], 0.95–0.99; P&lt;0.01), all-cause mortality (adjusted HR = 0.96 per 0.01 increase in caFFR; 95% Cl, 0.94–0.99; P&lt;0.01), and stroke (adjusted HR = 0.95 per 0.01 increase in caFFR; 95% Cl, 0.90–0.99; P=0.03).

The area under the curve (AUC) by receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis (ROC) is 0.70 (95% Cl, 0.62–0.78; P&lt;0.01). The optimal cut-off of caFFR defined by ROC analysis for predicting MACE is 0.80, concluding that patients with caFFR ≤0.80 have significantly higher adverse event rate, which is consistent with the cut-off from wire-based FFR.

Using caFFR = 0.91–1.00 as reference, the risk of MACE was highest in patients with caFFR ≤0.70 (adjusted HR = 4.65; 95% Cl, 1.81–11.94; P&lt;0.01), followed by caFFR = 0.71–0.80 (adjusted HR = 3.67; 95% Cl, 1.12–11.33; P=0.02). The risk of MACE was nonetheless similar among patients with caFFR &gt;0.8 (adjusted HR = 1.39; 95% Cl, 0.61–3.19, P=0.44).

Conclusion

In patients with stable CAD who were treated with optimal medical therapy alone, those with more significant myocardial ischemia, indicated by lower caFFR, had higher risks of adverse outcomes. The finding thus supports the use of this non invasive index to quantify the severity of myocardial ischemia, improve risk-stratification, and predict adverse outcomes in patients with stable CAD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital

Association between non-wire based computational angiography fractional flow reserve treatment threshold and major adverse cardiac events in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Introduction

Despite class IA guideline recommendations, the use of fractional flow reserve (FFR) in guiding percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients remains low due to limitations including the need of guidewire placement and hyperaemic stimulus. A novel non-invasive index, computational pressure-flow dynamics derived FFR (caFFR), was developed for measuring functional myocardial ischemia and overcoming the limitations of FFR. However, the clinical relevance of caFFR remains to be investigated. In the present study, we aim at evaluating the prognostic value of caFFR among stable CAD patients.

Methods

We retrospectively included patients with stable CAD who underwent coronary angiography during 2014–2016 at our center. Based on the caFFR value, patients were considered to be ischemic (caFFR ≤0.8) and non-ischemic (caFFR &gt;0.8). Further, we recombined the patients to form the adherence cohort, where patients were defined as adherent-to-caFFR if they were ischemic with PCI or non-ischemic without PCI, and nonadherent-to-caFFR if they were ischemic without PCI or non-ischemic with PCI. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and any revascularization. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to account for treatment selection bias (PCI vs without PCI, or adherent vs non-adherent), and Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the association with MACE.

Results

A total of 1322 patients, 782 patients in the ischemic cohort and 540 patients in the non-ischemic cohort respectively, were included in our analysis. PCI was associated with a lower risk of MACE in the ischemic cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34–0.80; P=0.002), but was not associated with MACE in the non-ischemic cohort. In the adherence cohort, adherent-to-caFFR group (n=803) had a lower risk of MACE compared with nonadherent-to-caFFR group (n=566) (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.44–0.85; P=0.003).

Conclusion

Our study is the first to demonstrate the prognostic value of caFFR, a non-wire based assessment of myocardial ischemia, in patients with stable CAD undergoing PCI. These findings support the use of caFFR that bears the potential of a wider adoption compared with wire-based FFR through a reduction in procedure time, risk and costs.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Weighted Kaplan-Meier curvesWeighted Cox proportional hazards model

Prognostic value of per-vessel treatment adherence in stable coronary artery disease based on novel computational pressure-flow dynamics derived fractional flow reserve

Background

Computational pressure-flow dynamics derived fractional flow reserve (caFFR) is a novel index developed to evaluate the extent of myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), which eliminates the need of invasive pressure guidewire and hyperaemic stimulus in conventional fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement. Studies have shown improved clinical outcomes associated with adherence to functional myocardial ischemia assessment when deciding to perform percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at a per-patient level. However, the clinical significance of such treatment adherence at a per-vessel level remains uncertain.

Methods

A total of 928 patients (mean age 66.2±10.5, male 72.7%) with stable CAD were included in this study. The caFFR of all three major coronary vessels were obtained for every patient, and the FFR threshold of 0.8 was adopted as the threshold for caFFR to indicate functionally significant artery stenosis which warrants PCI, and vice versa. Based on the caFFR of each major coronary vessel and whether PCI was performed to the respective vessel, patients were stratified into 0–1 vessel with treatment adherence group (group 1) (n=105), 2 vessels with treatment adherence group (group 2) (n=338), and 3 vessels with treatment adherence group (group 3) (n=485). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction and any subsequent revascularization.

Results

The severity of CAD based on SYNTAX score assessment was 18.6±10.2 in group 1, 14.6±8.9 in group 2, and 11.5±9.9 in group 3 (P&lt;0.001). The rates of MACE at 3 years were significantly different across groups 1, 2 and 3 (17.1% vs. 12.1% vs. 7.4%; P=0.004). With reference to group 3, the risk of MACE at 3 years was increased in group 2 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]=1.597; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.020–2.501; P=0.041), and further increased in group 1 (adjusted HR=1.933; 95% CI=1.081–3.457; P=0.026).

Conclusion

In stable CAD patients, the risk of MACE is incremental when fewer major coronary vessels are treated with adherence to caFFR threshold of 0.8. Per-vessel treatment adherence significantly affects clinical outcomes in terms of MACE.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Long-term prognostic implications of PCI in ACS patients without ischemia on the basis of computational pressure-flow dynamics derived fractional flow reserve

Background

A substantial proportion of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may have intermediate lesion that are non-ischemic during emergency coronary angiography. The prognosis of such patients, compared to those with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) without ischemic lesion is however uncertain. Recently, a novel index, computational pressure-flow dynamics derived fractional flow reserve (caFFR), has been developed to assess myocardial ischemia, without the need of invasive pressure wire and hyperaemic stimulus as required in conventional fractional flow reserve (FFR). By utilizing caFFR to assess for ischaemic status during coronary angiography, the aim of our study is first to assess the prognostic difference between ACS and SIHD with non-ischaemia intermediate lesions. Second, we ascertain whether PCI in patients with ACS with non-ischaemia intermediate lesions provides survival benefit in addition to medical therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited 551 patients (mean age 64.4 years; male 59.9%) with absence of myocardial ischaemia, defined as caFFR ≥0.80 in all vessels, from our Hospital. Patients were stratified into those with index presentation of ACS (n=132) and those with SIHD (n=491). Among the ACS cohort, patients were further divided into those with PCI (n=83) and with medical therapy alone (n=49). The SIHD cohort (n=491), all of whom were treated with medical therapy alone, was considered as referent group. The primary end point was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 3 years, which was defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and any unplanned revascularization.

Results

During a median follow-up of 36 months, 54 composite events occurred, including 38 all-cause mortality, 5 MI, and 14 unplanned revascularization. Compared to those with SIHD, patients with ACS was independently associated with MACE even in the absence of myocardial ischaemia (adjusted Hazard Ratios=2.531; 95% confidence interval=1.397–4.586; P=0.002). The 3-year incidence rate of MACE was the highest in ACS patients with medical therapy alone, followed by ACS patients with immediate PCI; the SIHD cohort had the lowest incidence rates (30.6% vs 12.0% vs 5.9%, P&lt;0.001). This was mainly driven by the rate of all-cause death (26.5% vs 12.0% vs 3.1%; P&lt;0.001). Similar findings were observed for hospitalisation due to heart failure (14.3% vs 6.0% vs 3.1%, P=0.031) and cardiac death (8.2% vs 4.8% vs 0.4%, P&lt;0.001) at 3 years.

Conclusion

In patients with intermediate lesion without myocardial ischaemia (defined as caFFR ≥0.8), those presented with ACS had a higher risk of MACE at 3 years compared to SIHD. Among ACS patients with intermediate lesion without myocardial ischaemia, PCI significantly reduces the rate of MACE. In patients with ACS, our finding suggests that PCI should be advocated to intermediate lesion even without myocardial ischaemia.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Kaplan-Meier curve for MACECumulative Events at 3 Years

Cu transport and distribution in different cellular fractions of Klebsiella oxytoca strain CAV 1374

This study elucidated copper (Cu) transport and trafficking mechanisms at the cellular interface using the Cu-resistant strain Klebsiella oxytoca CAV 1374. The optimum conditions for biosorption were determined by investigating uptake rates due to initial pH, initial Cu concentrations, and maximum tolerated concentrations (MTC) of Cu. Cellular fraction analysis and depth-profiling XPS were used to comprehensively evaluate the spatial-temporal distribution of Cu on cellular interfaces during biosorption. Potential uptake mechanisms were then further examined by biosorption kinetics analyses, ion exchange experiments, FTIR analysis, and K⁺ channel blocking experiments. The results indicated that Cu was primarily absorbed by extracellular polymeric substances through chemical interactions and little Cu penetrated inside cells under low Cu stress conditions (≤20 mg/L). In contrast, an intracellular rate-controlling physical interaction was predominant under high Cu stress conditions (≥30 mg/L). Further, Cu²⁺ could be bound by functional groups, followed first by replacement of Ca²⁺ at the cell surface. Subsequently, some of the Cu²⁺ in cell walls was reduced to Cu⁺, and only Cu⁺ could then penetrate into cell membranes. These results indicate that strain Klebsiella oxytoca CAV 1374 is a suitable biosorbent agent for Cu removal and can provide critical insights into Cu-uptake mechanisms of microorganisms.

Total Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden on MRI Correlates With Medial Temporal Lobe Atrophy and Cognitive Performance in Patients of a Memory Clinic

Background: Cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) and neurodegeneration are the two main causes of dementia and are considered distinct pathological processes, while studies have shown overlaps and interactions between the two pathological pathways. Medial temporal atrophy (MTA) is considered a classic marker of neurodegeneration. We aimed to investigate the relationship of total cSVD burden and MTA on MRI using a total cSVD score and to explore the impact of the two MRI features on cognition. Methods: Patients in a memory clinic were enrolled, who underwent brain MRI scan and cognitive evaluation within 7 days after the first visit. MTA and total cSVD score were rated using validated visual scales. Cognitive function was assessed by using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scales. Spearman's correlation and regression models were used to test (i) the association between MTA and total cSVD score as well as each cSVD marker and (ii) the correlation of the MRI features and cognitive status. Results: A total of 312 patients were finally enrolled, with a median age of 75.0 (66.0-80.0) years and 40.7% (127/312) males. All of them finished MRI and MMSE, and 293 subjects finished MoCA. Of note, 71.8% (224/312) of the patients had at least one of the cSVD markers, and 48.7% (152/312) of them had moderate-severe MTA. The total cSVD score was independently associated with MTA levels, after adjusting for age, gender, years of education, and other vascular risk factors (OR 1.191, 95% CI 1.071-1.324, P = 0.001). In regard to individual markers, a significant association existed only between white matter hyperintensities and MTA after adjusting for the factors mentioned above (OR 1.338, 95% CI 1.050-1.704, P = 0.018). Both MTA and total cSVD score were independent risk factors for MMSE ≤ 26 (MTA: OR 1.877, 95% CI 1.407-2.503, P < 0.001; total cSVD score: OR 1.474, 95% CI 1.132-1.921, P = 0.004), and MoCA < 26 (MTA: OR 1.629, 95% CI 1.112-2.388, P = 0.012; total cSVD score: OR 1.520, 95% CI 1.068-2.162, P = 0.020). Among all the cSVD markers, microbleed was found significantly associated with MMSE ≤ 26, while no marker was demonstrated a relationship with MoCA < 26. Conclusion: Cerebral small vessel disease was related to MTA in patients of a memory clinic, and both the MRI features had a significant association with cognitive impairment.

Bactericidal efficiency and photochemical mechanisms of micro/nano bubble-enhanced visible light photocatalytic water disinfection

Microbial contamination of water in the form of highly-resistant bacterial spores can cause a long-term risk of waterborne disease. Advanced photocatalysis has become an effective approach to inactivate bacterial spores due to its potential for efficient solar energy conversion alongside reduced formation of disinfection by-products. However, the overall efficiency of the process still requires significant improvements. Here, we proposed and evaluated a novel visible light photocatalytic water disinfection technology by its close coupling with micro/nano bubbles (MNBs). The inactivation rate constant of Bacillus subtilis spores reached 1.28 h^-1, which was 5.6 times higher than that observed for treatment without MNBs. The superior performance for the progressive destruction of spores' cells during the treatment was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra determination. Experiments using scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROSs) revealed that H₂O₂ and •OH were the primary active species responsible for the inactivation of spores. The effective supply of oxygen from air MNBs helped accelerate the hole oxidation of H₂O₂ on the photocatalyst (i.e. Ag/TiO₂). In addition, the interfacial photoelectric effect from the MNBs was also confirmed to contribute to the spore inactivation. Specifically, MNBs induced strong light scattering, consequently increasing the optical path length in the photocatalysis medium by 54.8% at 700nm and enhancing light adsorption of the photocatalyst. The non-uniformities in dielectricity led to a high-degree of heterogeneity of the electric field, which triggered the formation of a region of enhanced light intensity which ultimately promoted the photocatalytic reaction. Overall, this study provided new insights on the mechanisms of photocatalysis coupled with MNB technology for advanced water treatment.

Polyoxometalate@g-C3N4 nanocomposite for enhancing visible light photoelectrocatalytic performance

The prepared g-C₃N₄ under morphology controlling shows better physic and chemical performance. The synergistic effect of POM and g-C₃N₄ in the hybrid improves its high photocatalytic capability. The research indicates that g-C₃N₄-based material is a potential photoelectrode for PEC degradation. Besides, the PMoV nanocomposite shows better activities in the PEC and removal efficiency of RhB. Compared with the same PEC system, the degradation time of RhB is shorter and the degradation efficiency is higher for the MCN/PMoV catalysts.

Treatment delay and reperfusion management of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: analysis of the China STEMI Care Project Phase 1

BACKGROUND

The China ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) Care Project (CSCAP) was launched in 2011 to address the problems of insufficient reperfusion and long treatment delay in STEMI care in China.

AIM

To describe the baseline status of STEMI emergency care in Tertiary PCI Hospitals using Phase 1 (CSCAP-1) data.

DESIGN

CSCAP-1 is a prospective multi-center STEMI registry.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 4191 patients with symptom onset within 12 or 12-36 h requiring primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), were enrolled from 53 tertiary PCI hospitals in 14 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions of China in CSCAP-1. Among them, 49.0% were self-transported to the hospital, 26.5% were transferred to the hospital by calling the emergency medical services directly, and 24.5% were transferred from other hospitals. In patients with symptom onset within 12 h, 83.2% received primary PCI, 5.9% received thrombolysis and 10.9% received conservative medications. The median door-to-balloon time was 115 (85-170) min and the median door-to-needle time for in-hospital thrombolysis was 80 (50-135) min. The overall in-hospital all-cause mortality was 2.4%, while it was 5.3% in the non-reperfusion group and 2.1% in the reperfusion group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Although a long treatment delay and a high proportion of patients transporting themselves to the hospital were observed, trends were positive with greater adoption of primary PCI and lower in-hospital mortality in tertiary hospitals in China. Our results provided important information for further integrated STEMI network construction in China.

Nano-Fe3O4-modified biochar promotes the formation of iron plaque and cadmium immobilization in rice root

Rice as a paddy field crops, iron-containing materials application could induce its iron plaque formation, thereby affecting cadmium (Cd) transportation in the rhizosphere and its uptake in root. In this study, a hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three exogenous iron materials, namely nano-Fe₃O₄-modified biochar (BC-Fe), chelated iron (EDTA-Fe), and ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄), on the iron plaque formation on the surface of rice root, and to investigate the effects of formed iron plaque on the absorption, migration, and transportation of Cd and Fe in rice plant. The results showed that yellow-brown and brown iron plaque was formed on surface cells of the Fe-treated rice root, and some black particles were embedded in the iron plaque formed by BC-Fe. The proportion of crystallized iron plaque (31.8%-35.9%) formed by BC-Fe was much higher than that formed by EDTA-Fe and FeSO₄. The Cd concentrations in the crystallized iron plaque formed by BC-Fe were 7.64-13.0 mg·kg^-1, and increased with the increasing of Fe concentrations in the plaque. The Cd translocation factor from root to stem (TF_r-s) and the Cd translocation factor from stem to leaf (TF_s-l) with BC-Fe treatment decreased by 84.7% and 80.0%, respectively. The results demonstrated that application BC-Fe promoted the formation of iron plaque and enhanced the sequestration of Cd and Fe in roots, thus reduced the transportation and accumulation of Cd in aerial rice tissues.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Water Decontamination by Micro-Nano Bubbles: Measurements and Mechanisms

Despite recent advancements in photocatalysis enabled by materials science innovations, the application of photocatalysts in water treatment is still hampered due to low overall efficiency. Herein, we present a TiO₂ photocatalytic process with significantly enhanced efficiency by the introduction of micro-nano bubbles (MNBs). Notably, the removal rate of a model organic contaminant (methylene blue, MB) in an air MNB-assisted photocatalytic degradation (PCD) process was 41-141% higher than that obtained in conventional macrobubble (MaB)-assisted PCD under identical conditions. Experimental observations and supporting mechanistic modeling suggest that the enhanced photocatalytic degradation is attributed to the combined effects of increased dissolution of oxygen, improved colloidal stability and dispersion of the TiO₂ nanocatalysts, and interfacial photoelectric effects of TiO₂/MNB suspensions. The maximum dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration of the MNB suspension (i.e., 11.7 mg/L) was 32% higher than that of an MaB-aerated aqueous solution (i.e., 8.8 mg/L), thus accelerating the hole oxidation of H₂O on TiO₂. We further confirmed that the MNBs induced unique light-scattering effects, consequently increasing the optical path length in the TiO₂/MNB suspension by 7.6%. A force balance model confirmed that a three-phase contact was formed on the surface of the bubble-TiO₂ complex, which promoted high complex stability and PCD performance. Overall, this study demonstrates the enhanced photocatalytic water decontamination by MNBs and provides the underlying mechanisms for the process.

Resource Recycling of Mn-Rich Sludge: Effective Separation of Impure Fe/Al and Recovery of High-Purity Hausmannite

Groundwater treatment sludge is a Fe/Mn-rich waste generated in mass production in a groundwater treatment plant for potable water production. The conventional disposal of sludge, such as direct discharge into river/lake, sea, and landfill, is not environmentally sustainable. Herein, a novel method was proposed to effectively separate Fe/Al and recover Mn via a combined hydrochloric acid leaching and hydrothermal route. The sludge contained 14.6% Fe, 6.3% Mn, and 11.5% Al and was first dissolved in 5 M HCl to prepare a leaching solution. Second, the leaching solution was hydrothermally treated, in which 97.1% Fe and 94.8% Al were precipitated as hematite and boehmite and more than 98% Mn was kept. Increasing the reaction temperature to 270 °C was beneficial for Fe/Al removal. With the consumption of abundant H+, the reaction of added glucose and nitrate accelerated as the temperature increased. An optimal pH was utilized for Fe/Al hydrolysis and crystallization, leading to extensive removal of Fe/Al. Third, the residual solution was adjusted to pH 8.3 with NaOH, and approximately, 99.2% Mn was removed as hausmannite with a Mn content of 63.6%. This method exhibited efficient separation of impure Fe/Al from Mn-rich groundwater treatment plant iron mud, and the recycled high-purity hausmannite was a marketable active pharmaceutical ingredient.

A facile calcination conversion of groundwater treatment sludge (GTS) as magnetic adsorbent for oxytetracycline adsorption

In this paper, groundwater treatment sludge (GTS) was recycled as a magnetic adsorbent via a facile calcination process without adding any reductant. The prepared magnetic adsorbents (MAs) were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), vibrating sample magnenometer (VSM) and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The results showed that GTS comprised 33.2% Fe, 1.4% Al and 6.2% Si, and exhibited a weak saturation magnetization of 0.0008 emu/g. Without NaOH, the GTS calcinated at 700 and 500 °C were well magnetized with Ms of 20.1 and 7.1 emu/g, separately, but exhibited a low Ms of 0.43 emu/g at 300 °C. By adding NaOH powder, the Ms of GTS apparently increased to 4.9 emu/g after calcination at 300 °C, and further to 8.5 emu/g at 500 °C. In GTS, about 96.1% Fe was involved in ferrihydrite form. The Ms of calcinated GTS was accompanied with the phase transformation of ferrihydrite to maghemite. Si/Al oxides in GTS coordinated on the surface sites of ferrihydrite and inhibited the conjunction and phase transformation of adjacent ferrihydrite particles, but were effectively desorbed as in the presence of NaOH. Na500, preparing by calcinating GTS at 500 °C with NaOH, showed an optimal total surface sites (Hs) of 0.65 mmol/g. Oxytetracycline (OTC) was used as a target for studying the adsorption characteristics of synthetic magnetic adsorbents and a high adsorption capacity of oxytetracycline of 862.1 mg/g in comparison with the other calcinated GTS, and the adsorption data was consistent with the Langmuir model. By adding 6 g/L Na-500, approximately 100% of oxytetracycline and tetracycline and nearly 40% total organic carbon were removed from real pharmaceutical wastewater. With the method, GTS can be converted in mass production to magnetic adsorbent that exhibits effective application in pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.

Achieving deep desulfurization with inverse-micellar polyoxometalates and oxygen

Designing green and efficient catalytic systems that can operate under mild conditions and utilize molecular oxygen as an oxidant for achieving deep desulfurization is highly desirable. In this study, an inverse-micellar polyoxometalate (POM) (NH₄)₅(CTA)₆PMo₄V₈O₄₀ (CTA = cetyltrimethylammonium), abbreviated as (CTA)PMo₄V₈, was designed and its activity in desulfurization was evaluated. Almost ∼100% of organic sulfur was removed in 8 h at 100 °C, using only flowing oxygen under atmospheric pressure. (CTA)PMo₄V₈ exhibited excellent activity in treating sulfur-containing compounds (dibenzothiophene (DBT), 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (DMDBT), benzothiophene (BT) and thiophene) in real oils, i.e. diesel and FCC gasoline, affording clean oils with super-low sulfur content of 8.77 and 6.17 ppm, respectively. Furthermore, (CTA)PMo₄V₈ showed high activity in the oxidative desulfurization of real oils in the presence of oxygen and nitrogen (volume ratio 1 : 1). Such inverse-micellar POMs could be reused at least six times without significant loss of activity due to their high stability.

(CTA)PMo₄V₈ exhibited excellent activity in treating S-containing compounds (dibenzothiophene (DBT), 4,6-dimethyldibenzothiophene (DMDBT), benzothiophene (BT) and thiophene) in real oils, i.e. diesel and FCC gasoline.

High-Performance, Free-Standing Symmetric Hybrid Membranes for Osmotic Separation

The internal concentration polarization (ICP) of asymmetric osmotic membranes with support layers greatly reduced membrane water permeability, therefore compromising membrane performance. In this study, a series of free-standing symmetric hybrid forward osmosis (FO) membranes without experiencing ICP were fabricated by covalently linking metal-organic framework (MOF) nanofillers with a polymer matrix. Owing to the introduction of MOFs, which allow only water permeation but reject salts by steric hindrance, the prepared hybrid membranes could approach the empirical permeability-selectivity trade-off. The optimized hybrid membrane displayed an outstanding water/Na₂SO₄ selectivity of ∼1208.4 L mol^-1, compared with that of conventional membranes of ∼375.6 L mol^-1. Additionally, the fabricated hybrid membranes showed excellent mechanical robustness, maintaining structural integrity during the long-term FO separation of high-salinity solution. This work provides an effective methodology to fabricate high-performance, symmetric MOF-based membranes for osmotic separation processes such as seawater desalination and water purification.

Early results for iCMR in atrial flutter

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

 As a standard of care, ablation of typical atrial flutter involves performing cardiac catheterization under x-ray fluoroscopy. The unique ability of magnetic resonance (MR) to provide real-time functional imaging in multiple views without ionizing radiation exposure has the potential to be a powerful tool for diagnostic and interventional procedures. Real-time MR imaging-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation has been used as a part of clinical trials.

Objective

 To implement the MR imaging-guided RF ablation of typical atrial flutter in the clinical routine.

Methods

 From January to July 2020, 15 consecutive patients with typical atrial flutter have been referred for ablation. Patient preparation, conscious sedation and groin puncture took place inside the 1.5 Tesla MR scanner as a part of an MR-only workflow. The catheter advancement as well as the RF ablation procedure have been performed under direct visualisation of catheters with integrated micro-coils using an interactive sequence with active tip tracking and automatic slice positioning in the plane where the catheter tip has been detected. During catheter advancement a single frontal plane has been used to visualize the passage of the catheter through femoral veins and inferior vena cava. With both diagnostic and ablation catheters in the right atrium, an axial stack of balanced steady-state free precession acquisitions has been acquired and used to reconstruct planes in the short- and long cardiac axis. These have been used to provide a "left- and right anterior oblique" view familiar to an interventional electrophysiologist. The subsequent catheter placement and ablation have been performed under direct visualisation in these two planes (see figure).

Results

 The ablation was successful in 14 patients, one patient had to undergo a conventional procedure on the following day. The mean time to reach right atrium and coronary sinus was 4 [3,5] and 7 [6,10] minutes, respectively. The mean total ablation duration and procedure time was 18 [12,26] and 43 [33,58] minutes, respectively. There were no adverse events.

Conclusion

 The implementation of the MR imaging-guided RF ablation of typical atrial flutter in the clinical routine is feasible and leads to similar success rates and procedure times as the conventional fluoroscopy-based ablation.

Abstract Figure.

Ultrasonic evaluation of systemic and renal perfusion in sepsis patients before and after fluid resuscitation

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the significance of renal Doppler ultrasound in evaluating systemic and renal perfusion in sepsis patients before and after fluid resuscitation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty sepsis patients admitted to the Department of Intensive Medicine and intensive care unit (ICU) of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2014 to December 2014 were enrolled in this study, and 35 patients were included in the final analysis. These patients were divided into positive and negative fluid responsiveness groups. They were also divided into an acute kidney injury (AKI) group and a non-AKI group according to changes in creatinine and urine volume. The correlations of the changes in hemodynamics before and after fluid resuscitation in each group with the changes in renal resistance index (RRI) and renal blood flow (RBF) grades were evaluated.

RESULTS

Before and after fluid resuscitation, the heart rate (HR), blood creatinine (Cre), and lactate (Lac) levels of all patients, including the patients in the positive fluid responsiveness group decreased, and the stroke volume (SV) and central venous pressure (CVP) increased. Only HR decreased in the negative fluid responsiveness group. In the AKI group, HR, Cre, and Lac decreased, while in the non-AKI group, HR decreased, but CVP and SV increased. There were differences between HR, Lac, and change rate of Lac (Lac%) after fluid resuscitation for the positive and negative fluid responsiveness groups. There was no statistical difference between the RRI values of each group before and after fluid resuscitation. The RRI values of the AKI group were higher than those of the non-AKI group, while the AKI group's RBF grades were lower than those of the non-AKI group. The change rate of RRI (RRI%) was higher in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group. Except for the negative fluid responsiveness group, the RBF grade of each group increased.

CONCLUSIONS

The approach of RBF classification based on Doppler ultrasound can be used to evaluate the systemic and renal perfusion of patients with severe sepsis before and after fluid resuscitation, while the RRI value cannot be used for evaluation. However, the RRI value can be used as a dynamic index for the evaluation of renal perfusion in patients with AKI.

Tafolecimab, a novel potential long-acting PCSK9 monoclonal antibody: efficacy and safety in healthy and hypercholesterolemia subjects

Background

LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. PCSK9 binds LDL receptors, targeting them for degradation. The dosing intervals for currently available PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies are once every 2 or 4 weeks. Tafolecimab, a novel recombinant human PCSK9 monoclonal antibody, was found to have higher affinity with PCSK9 and show longer LDL-C reduction compared to evolocumab in preclinical studies.

Purposes

The objectives for the SAD and MAD studies were to investigate the safety and efficacy of tafolecimab and explore the optimal dosing schedule.

Methods

The phase 1 study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, single-ascending dose study (SAD) in Chinese healthy subjects, who were randomized 3:1 to tafolecimab and placebo (n=58). SAD subjects received tafolecimab subcutaneously at 25/75/150/300/450/600mg, or intravenously at 75/450mg, monitored up to day 84. The phase 2 study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, repeated-dosing, multiple ascending dose (MAD) study in patients with hypercholesterolemia, who were randomized 4:1 to tafolecimab and placebo (n=60). MAD subjects received tafolecimab subcutaneously at 75/140mg every 2 weeks, 300/420mg every 4weeks, 450/600mg every 6 weeks up to day 84 or 98 with 3 months follow-up.

Results

In the SAD, the maximum mean reduction in LDL-C ranged from 52.2% to 72.1% and was achieved as early as 5 days (figure 1a). The duration of LDL-C reduction was tafolecimab dose dependent. In the MAD, the mean LDL-C concentrations were reduced by tafolecimab for each dose at 12 weeks relative to baseline (ranging from 54.30% to 72.26%; p&lt;0.001). Particularly, a 56.52% (−72.50%, −40.54%) reduction of LDL-C was observed in the cohort of 600mg Q6W. The effect sustained till week 14 (8 weeks after the last dose) where there was still a 43.46% (−60.96%, −25.96%) reduction from baseline (figure 1b). The mean reduction of Lp(a) at week 12 ranged from 24.04% to 50.59% relative to baseline. Tafolecimab reduced the other lipids when comparing with placebo. The pharmacokinetics/pharmadynamics (LDL-C) profiles of tafolecimab were well characterised and support the potential dosing interval of 6–8 weeks subcutaneously.

Both healthy and hypercholesterolemia subjects are generally tolerable to tafolecimab. Reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were: tafolecimab 23 (52.3%) vs. placebo 8 (57.1%); tafolecimab 34 (70.8%) vs. placebo 9 (75.0%) in the SAD and MAD respectively. There were no serious TEAEs or events leading to death or treatment discontinuation in both SAD and MAD.

Conclusions

Tafolecimab was well tolerated in both healthy and hypercholesterolemia in Chinese subjects, and improved lipid profile including LDL-C, Lp(a) and other lipids. The sustained effects on LDL-C suggests the potential of tafolecimab as a long-lasting PCSK9 inhibitor with dosing interval of 6–8 weeks or beyond.

Figure 1. LDL-C: Percent change from baseline

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Innovent Biologics (Suzhou), China

Effect of the baseline pulse wave velocity on short term and long term blood pressure control in primary hypertension

OBJECTIVES

Arterial stiffness may affect antihypertensive response to antihypertensive treatment. However, sufficient clinical evidence is lacking. This longitudinal study aimed to evaluate the effect of baseline arterial stiffness measured by the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) on response to short-term and long-term enalapril-based treatment in 3310 hypertensive adults from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Blood pressure (BP) measured at three months (short-term) in 2780 subjects, and the time-average on-treatment BP in 3310 subjects during a median of 4.5-year follow-ups (long-term) were analyzed in the study. After short-term antihypertensive treatment, every 1 m/s increase in baPWV denoted a 7% and 6% decreased chance of achieving systolic BP (SBP) control (odds ratio (OR), 0.93; 95% CI 0.90, 0.96; P < 0.001) and BP control (OR, 0.94; 95% CI 0.91, 0.97; P < 0.001), respectively, after adjustment for age, gender and other variables. After long-term treatment, every 1 m/s increase in baPWV posed an 7% and 6% greater risk of failing to attain SBP control (OR, 0.93; 95% CI 0.90, 0.95; P < 0.001) and BP control (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.92, 0.96; P < 0.001), respectively, not regarding for DBP control after both short- and long-term treatment. Higher baseline baPWV significantly decreased SBP reduction both after three months and the median 4.5-year treatment, while increased DBP reduction after the median 4.5-year treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated baseline baPWV significantly decreased BP response to short-and long-term treatment in adults with primary hypertensive. Arterial stiffness improvement may be an essential target to achieve adequate BP control.

[Effects of Exogenous Phosphorus on Rice Growth and Cadmium Accumulation and Transportation Under Cadmium Stress]

In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous phosphorus on the accumulation and transportation of cadmium in rice plants through a hydroponic experiment. In the experiment, the rice variety was Huanghuazhan, P solution concentrations were 10.0-45.0 mg ·L^-1 that was made using NaH₂PO₄, and Cd solution concentrations were 0.1 mg ·L^-1 and 0.2 mg ·L^-1. The results showed that: ① the biomass in all parts of rice plants and contents of photosynthetic pigment (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid) increased gradually with an increase in exogenous P. ② Content of Cd in rice stems, leaves, husk, and brown rice increased gradually with an increase in the amounts of exogenous P. The content of Cd in brown rice increased by 2.8%-22.8% and 40.9%-61.8% when treated with Cd concentrations of 0.1 mg ·L^-1 and 0.2 mg ·L^-1 in hydroponic solutions, respectively. ③ Cd accumulation in rice plants was accelerated due to the application of exogenous P. Cd accumulating amounts increased from 395.1 μg ·plant^-1 to 542.6 μg ·plant^-1 and 639.6 μg ·plant^-1 to 1082.0 μg ·plant^-1 when treated with Cd concentrations of 0.1 and 0.2 mg ·L^-1 in hydroponic solutions, respectively. ④ With an increase in the applied amounts of exogenous P, the P/Cd quality ratio in rice roots increased, while those in rice stems, leaves, husks, and brown rice decreased; meanwhile, the Cd transfer coefficients from root to stem (TF_root-stem) and stem to leaf (TF_stem-leaf) increased. This showed that there was a certain synergistic effect between P and Cd in the rice parts. Finally, the application of exogenous P promoted the transfer of Cd from the rice root to other rice tissues, resulting in a synergistic effect on Cd accumulation and transportation in various rice tissues and increased Cd contents in brown rice.