Insight into mixed chlorine/chloramines conversion and associated water quality variability in drinking water distribution systems

Mixed chlorine/chloramines are common in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs); however, their transformation and impact on chemical and microbial characteristics are not well understood. We systematically investigated water quality parameters associated with mixed chlorine/chloramine species conversion in 192 samples (including raw, finished, and tap water) collected throughout the year in a city in East China. Various chlorine/chloramine species (free chlorine, monochloramine [NH₂Cl], dichloramine [NHCl₂], and organic chloramines [OC]) were detected in both chlorinated and chloraminated DWDSs. NHCl₂ + OC increased with transport distance along the pipeline network. The maximum proportion of NHCl₂ + OC in over total chlorine in tap water reached 66 % and 38 % from chlorinated and chloraminated DWDSs, respectively. Both free chlorine and NH₂Cl showed a rapid decay in the water pipe systems, but NHCl₂ and OC were more persistent. Correlations between chlorine/chloramine species and physicochemical parameters were established. Models for predicting the sum of chloroform/TCM, bromodichloromethane/BDCM, chlorodibromomethane/CBDM, and bromoform/TBM (THM₄) (R² = 0.56) and haloacetic acids (HAAs) (R² = 0.65) exhibited greater accuracy based on machine learning tuned with chlorine/chloramine species, particularly NHCl₂ + OC. The predominant bacterial communities in mixed chlorine/chloramine systems were those resistant to chlorine or chloramine such as proteobacteria. NH₂Cl was the most significant explanatory factor (28.1 %) for the variation in microbial community assemblage in chloraminated DWDSs. Although residual free chlorine and NHCl₂ + OC, accounted for a smaller proportion of chlorine species in chloraminated DWDSs, they played an essential role (12.4 % and 9.1 %, respectively) in the microbial community structure.

Bioactive prenylated phenolic compounds from the aerial parts of Glycyrrhiza uralensis

In this work, a bioassay-guided fractionation strategy was used to isolate 26 phenolic compounds from the ethyl acetate partition of an ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC. Among them, 8 prenylated phenolic compounds (glycyuralins Q-X) were described for the first time. The two enantiomers of glycyuralin Q were purified and their absolute configurations were established by ECD spectral calculations. (1″R, 2″S)-glycyuralin Q and (1″S, 2″R)-glycyuralin Q showed significant inhibitory activities against SARS-CoV-2 virus proteases 3CL^pro with IC₅₀ values of 1.5 ± 1.0 and 4.0 ± 0.3 μM, and PL^pro with IC₅₀ values of 2.4 ± 0.2 and 1.9 ± 0.1 μM, respectively. Four compounds showed potent cytotoxic activities against A549, Huh-7, and HepG2 human cancer cells with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 μM.

[The role and molecular mechanism of miR-494 in disease development and progression]

MicroRNA-494 (miR-494) is a small non-coding RNA located in chromosome 14q32.31 and regulates post-transcriptional gene expression by promoting the degradation of its target mRNAs via binding to the 3' untranslated regions (3'UTR). It has been reported that miR-494 plays an important role in the occurrence, development and prognosis of various diseases. Several signaling pathways modulated by miR-494 including the PTEN/PI3K/AKT, nuclear factor κ-B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD, and Wnt/β-catenin are associated with physiological regulation and pathological process in many diseases. The stably expression of miR-494 in the blood stream suggests its potential as a biological marker for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Based on recent research, we summarize the role and molecular mechanism of miR-494 in disease development and progression. We also discuss its potential as a marker for clinical diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases.

Evidence for two types of Aquilegia ecalcarata and its implications for adaptation to new environments

Spurs have played an important role in the radiation of the genus Aquilegia, but little is known about how the spurless state arose in A. ecalcarata. Here we aim to characterize the genetic divergence within A. ecalcarata and gain insights into the origin of this species. A total of 19 populations from A. ecalcarata and 23 populations from three of its closest relatives (Aquilegia kansuensis, Aquilegia rockii and Aquilegia yabeana) were sampled in this study. We sequenced fifteen nuclear gene fragments across the genome and three chloroplast loci to conduct phylogenetic, PCoA and STRUCTURE analyses. Our analyses indicate that A. ecalcarata may not be monophyletic and can be divided into two distinct lineages (A. ecalcarata I and A. ecalcarata II). A. ecalcarata I is genetically close to A. kansuensis, whereas A. ecalcarata II is close to A. rockii. Isolation-with-migration analysis suggested that historical gene flow was low between A. ecalcarata I and A. rockii, as well as between A. ecalcarata II and A. kansuensis. The two distinct lineages of A. ecalcarata show significant divergence in 13 floral traits and also have distinct distributions. In addition, both A. ecalcarata I and II are adapted to a stony environment that differs from that of their closest relatives, indicating a habitat shift may have driven new adaptations. Our findings enrich the understanding of how floral evolution contributes to species diversification.

A "Biconcave-Alleviated" Strategy to Construct Aspergillus niger-Derived Carbon/MoS2 for Ultrastable Sodium Ion Storage

Two-dimensional layered materials commonly face hindered electron transfer and poor structure stability, thus limiting their application in high-rate and long-term sodium ion batteries. In the current study, we adopt finite element simulation to guide the rational design of nanostructures. By calculating the von Mises stress distribution of a series of carbon materials, we find that the hollow biconcave structure could effectively alleviate the stress concentration resulting from expansion. Accordingly, we propose a biconcave-alleviated strategy based on the Aspergillus niger-derived carbon (ANDC) to construct ANDC/MoS₂ with a hollow biconcave structure. The ANDC/MoS₂ is endowed with an excellent long-term cyclability as an anode of sodium ion batteries, delivering a discharge capacity of 496 mAh g^-1 after 1000 cycles at 1 A g^-1. A capacity retention rate of 94.5% is achieved, an increase of almost seven times compared with the bare MoS₂ nanosheets. Even at a high current density of 5 A g^-1, a reversible discharge capacity around 400 mAh g^-1 is maintained after 300 cycles. ANDC/MoS₂ could also be used for efficient lithium storage. By using in situ TEM, we further reveal that the hollow biconcave structure of ANDC/MoS₂ has enabled stable and fast sodiation/desodiation.

MiR-494-mediated Effects on the NF-κB Signaling Pathway Regulate Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of miR-494 inhibition through the NF-κB signaling pathway on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) mouse model.

METHODS

The AKI mice induced by LPS were treated with miR-494 antagomir, and the kidney parameters and indicators of oxidative stress were detected. HE and TUNEL staining were performed to observe the kidney histopathology and the apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs), respectively. The ROS level was measured using dihydroethidium (DHE) staining. In addition, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and ELISA were also used to detect gene or protein expression.

RESULTS

LPS-induced AKI mice injected with the miR-494 antagomir showed reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Cr) with improved kidney histopathology. The expression levels of p-IKKα/β, p-IκBα and p65 NF-κB in the nucleus were increased in kidney tissues from the LPS-induced AKI mice, and they were decreased by the miR-494 antagomir. Moreover, the results of IHC showed that the miR-494 antagomir downregulated p65 NF-κB in kidney tissues from the LPS-induced AKI mice, accompanied by decreased levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA, NO, and ROS but increased levels of SOD and GSH. In addition, the LPS-induced AKI mice had increased apoptosis in RTECs, as well as increased Caspase-3 and Bax and decreased Bcl-2, which were reversed by the miR-494 antagomir.

CONCLUSIONS

The inhibition of miR-494 could reduce inflammatory responses and improve oxidative stress in kidney tissues from LPS-induced AKI mice by blocking the NF-κB pathway accompanying by reduced apoptosis in RTECs.

[Advances in research of protein kinase A in parasites: a review]

Protein kinase A (PKA) is an important intracellular substance that regulates substance metabolism and biological functions, which exerts a wide range of biological effects through phosphorylation of specific serine/threonine residues in specific proteins. PKA plays an important role in the cAMP signaling pathway, and is involved in various life activities of parasites. Therefore, investigating the role of PKA in the life activities of parasites may provide insights into the development of novel anti-parasitic targets. The review mainly describes the structure and function of PKA and its role in life activities of parasites.

[Effect of overexpression of integrin β2 on clinical prognosis in triple negative breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate the clinical significance of the expression of integrin β2 (ITGB2) and tumor infiltrating dendritic cells CD80 and CD86 in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods: The expression levels of ITGB2 and MHC-1 in MDA-MB-231 cells and TNBC tissues were detected by Western bolt and RT-PCR, and the expressions of ITGB2, CD80 and CD86 in TNBC tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: 1.The expression level of ITGB2 in TNBC cell line (1.67±0.38) was higher than that in MCF-10A cell line (1.06±0.38), and the expression level of MHC-1 molecules in TNBC cell line (0.64±0.20) was lower than that in MCF-10A cell line (1.02±0.21). The difference was statistically significant (P=0.036 and 0.020, respectively). 2.The expression level of ITGB2 in TNBC tissues (1.55±0.47) was significantly higher than that in normal breast tissues (1.04±0.31). 3. Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression level of ITGB2 in TNBC tissues (3.31±2.29) was significantly higher than that in paracancerous tissues (1.20±1.19). Combined with clinicopathological data, it was suggested that the expression of ITGB2 was correlated with tumor stage (P=0.038), histological grade (P=0.022), lymph node metastasis (P=0.019), ki67 expression (P=0.000) and total survival (P=0.003). 4. Immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of CD80 and CD86 in TNBC tissues (3.07±1.57, 3.93±1.64) was significantly lower than those in paracancerous tissues (4.63±2.92 vs 5.23±2.85) (P=0.032 and 0.027). Conclusion: The high expression of ITGB2 in triple negative breast cancer affects the prognosis of patients.

[Effect of high expression of type Ⅰ collagen α1 chain protein on the prognosis of triple negative breast cancer]

Objective: To investigate the expression of type Ⅰ collagen α1 chain protein (COL1A1) in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and its relationship with clinicopathological features and prognosis of TNBC. Methods: A total of 148 TNBC specimens were collected from the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from 2013 to 2015. The mRNA expression of COL1A1 was detected by fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR and the protein expression of COL1A1 was detected by Western blot. The expression of COL1A1 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in TNBC were detected by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between the expression of COL1A1 and clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of TNBC patients was analyzed. Results: The mRNA and protein expression of COL1A1 in MDA-MB-231 cells were 1.696±0.486 and 0.550±0.088, respectively, which were higher than those in MCF-10A cells (1.020±0.231 and 0.350±0.083, P=0.032, P=0.046). The mRNA and protein expression of COL1A1 in TNBC tissues were 1.632 ±0.598 and 0.733 ±0.068, respectively, which were higher than those in paracancerous tissues (1.041±0.316 and 0.612±0.016, P=0.003, P=0.039). The high expression rates of COL1A1 and α-SMA in TNBC tissues were 35.8% and 56.7% respectively, which were higher than those in paracancerous tissues (16.7% and 30.0%, P=0.041, P=0.037). The expression of COL1A1 was correlated with tumor size, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion and α-SMA expression (all P<0.05). The median survival time in COL1A1 high expression group was 64 months, which was lower than that in low expression group (73 months, P<0.05). Multivariate analysis of Cox proportional hazard regression model showed that COL1A1 expression was an independent influencing factor for the survival of TNBC patients (HR=3.952, P=0.004). Conclusion: The high expression of COL1A1 in TNBC is an independent prognostic factor of TNBC patients.

Pyruvate kinase genes in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella: molecular characterization, expression patterns, and effects of dietary carbohydrate levels

To explore features of carbohydrate metabolism and evolution of carbohydrate metabolism-associated genes in herbivorous fishes, the open reading frames (ORF) of PKL, PKMa, and PKMb genes of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were obtained, encoding 538, 528, and 532 amino acids, respectively. Comparative genomic analysis showed that adjacent PK genes were highly conserved between fish and mammals. Gene expression profiles were quite different between the three PK genes in tissues and at developmental stages. PKL, PKMa, and PKMb had the highest expression levels in the liver, heart, and muscle, respectively. During embryogenesis, high expression levels of PKMa and PKMb were detected in unfertilized and fertilized eggs. Following a non-expression period, PKMa and PKMb exhibited high expressions again after the hatching stage. In contrast, PKL transcripts could not be detected in early developmental stages, and expression levels continued to increase from the hatching stage to 144 h post hatching. After the 8-week feeding trial with 18%, 30%, and 42% dietary carbohydrate levels, the concentrations of glucose and insulin in serum, pyruvate kinase enzymes, and gene expression levels in brain, muscle, and liver tissues all increased with the increase in carbohydrate levels in the diets. Furthermore, high carbohydrate levels (30% and 42% carbohydrate diets) had a greater effect on grass carp growth. This indicated that PKL, PKMa, and PKMb genes were not only very important in catalytic enzymes, which can be up-regulated by high carbohydrate dietary conditions, but also exhibited a complex and detailed division of labor in different tissues and developmental stages.

Research progress of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of epilepsy

The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) defined drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) that epilepsy seizure symptoms cannot be controlled with two well‐tolerated and appropriately chosen antiepileptic drugs, whether they are given as monotherapy or in combination. According to the WHO reports, there is about 30%‐40% of epilepsy patients belong to DRE. These patients need some treatments other than drugs, such as epilepsy surgery, and neuromodulation treatment. Traditional surgical approaches may be limited by the patient's clinical status, pathological tissue location, or overall prognosis. Thus, neuromodulation is an alternative choice to control their symptoms. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is one of the neuromodulation methods clinically, which have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In this review, we systematically describe the clinical application, clinical effects, possible antiepileptic mechanisms, and future research directions of VNS for epilepsy.

Chest wall metastasis in postoperative thyroid cancer: a case report

Thyroid cancer is common in China. Thyroid adenocarcinoma metastases can be local or distal metastasis. Local metastasis presents as a hard and fixed lymph node in the neck, while distant metastases are found in the lung, skull, vertebrae, and pelvis. However, thyroid follicular carcinomas are mostly observed in hematogenous metastases. The thyroid adenocarcinoma and follicular carcinoma of the thyroid gland are often misdiagnosed. Here, we report the case of a 53-year-old female patient. More than 2 years after her initial diagnosis, her left chest wall was physically examined. The results revealed a progressive enlargement that had a hard quality, poor activity, unclear boundary, pressure pain, and percussion pain. Thyroid follicular cell carcinoma was subsequently diagnosed and treated surgically. The thyroid carcinoma had multiple bone metastases, and the thyroid follicular carcinoma had spread to the chest wall through the blood vessels. Thus, preoperative procedures and follow-up should be strengthened because early pathological thyroid follicular carcinoma and thyroid adenoma can easily be misdiagnosed. Pathologic consultation and follow-ups should be strengthened to prevent misdiagnosis.

High-Energy Density Li metal Dual-Ion Battery with a Lithium Nitrate-Modified Carbonate-Based Electrolyte

Lithium (Li) metal is a favorable anode for most energy storage equipment, thanks to its higher theoretical specific capacity. However, nonuniform Li nucleation/growth results in large-sized and irregular dendrites generated from the Li anode, which causes rapid capacity fade and serious safety hazard, hindering its widespread practical applications. In this paper, with the aid of a lithium nitrate (LiNO₃) additive in a carbonate-based electrolyte, the Li anode shows low hysteresis for in excess of 1000 h at a current density of 0.5 mA cm^-2. At the same time, a Li-graphite dual-ion battery exhibits an outstanding cycling stability at 5C; after 1000 cycles, 81% of the capacity is retained. After calculation, the Li-graphite dual-ion battery shows a competitive specific energy density of 243 Wh kg^-1 at a power density of 234 W kg^-1. Moreover, the linear sweep voltammetry test was first performed to analyze the Li nucleation/growth mechanism and explain the effect of the LiNO₃ additive. The superior electrochemical properties of the Li-graphite dual-ion battery are ascribed to the formation of smooth Li composed of Li nanoparticles and a steady solid electrolyte interface film.

[Effects of Cyclical Temperature Fluctuations on Organic Carbon Mineralization in Purple Soil]

In the natural state, the soil temperature changes periodically throughout the day, but there is no unified opinion on whether the daily variation of soil temperature affects the mineralization of soil organic carbon. Therefore, the effect of cyclical temperature fluctuations on organic carbon mineralization of purple soil, widely distributed in southwest China, was studied by an incubation experiment in the laboratory. These soils were incubated at three constant temperatures (15, 20, and 25℃) with cyclically fluctuating temperatures (the range was within 15/25℃) and two moisture levels (70% water holding capacity (WHC) and submerged condition). In the entire incubation period (66 d), aerobic and submerged condition, variable temperature (15/25℃) cultivation of purple soil, SOC cumulative mineralization and the mineralization intensity had no obvious differences with constant temperature of 20℃. This indicated that the periodic variable temperature treatment (15/25℃) of SOC mineralization of purple soil with the same accumulated temperature of constant temperature processing (20℃). In addition, except for constant temperature of 15℃, the temperature processing of submerged condition of purple soil SOC cumulative mineralization was significantly higher than 70% WHC treatment (P<0.05). During the entire incubation period, soil microorganism carbon content could not reflect the SOC mineralization differences under constant temperature and cyclically fluctuating temperature. According to two-pool first-order model, the submerged condition can effectively increase the labile SOC pool size of purple soil, but the cyclically fluctuating temperature cannot effectively affect the labile SOC pool size of purple soil.

Bioaccumulation of endocrine disrupting compounds in fish with different feeding habits along the largest subtropical river, China

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are becoming an increasing concern regarding bioaccumulation in aquatic biota. However, the effects of regional pollution levels and specific feeding habits on the bioaccumulation of EDCs in fish are rarely reported. 4-Nonylphenol (4-NP), bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP), triclocarban (TCC) and triclosan (TCS) were determined in abiotic compartments [water, sediment, suspended particulate matter (SPM)] and fish with different feeding habits along the Pearl River, China. EDCs in abiotic compartments exhibited significant (p < 0.05) spatial variations, forming five zones clustered based on site-specific EDC concentrations. 4-NP was the dominant compound, contributing 58-98% of the EDCs in fish, followed by BPA (<41%), 4-t-OP (<13%), and TCC and TCS (<4.7%). The concentrations of 4-NP and 4-t-OP, BPA, and TCC and TCS were the highest in brackish carnivorous, planktivorous, and detritivorous fish, respectively. The bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) showed that 4-NP accumulated (BAF > 5000) in all fish except for suck-feeding detritivores, while 4-t-OP and TCC accumulated in filter-feeding planktivores. The concentration of 4-NP in carnivores was significantly higher than that in detritivores, indicating the potential biomagnification of 4-NP along food chains. EDCs in sediment and SPM and those in water were most positively correlated with those in detritivores and planktivores, respectively, suggesting the potential of fish with these two feeding habits to act as bioindicators of EDC pollutants.

Protective effects of enhanced minor ginsenosides in Lactobacillus fermentum KP-3-fermented ginseng in mice fed a high fat diet

Lactobacillus fermentum KP-3 was isolated from Korean pickle and used to ferment ginseng. The changes in the minor ginsenosides in the fermented ginseng were analyzed and the material was evaluated in high fat diet-fed mice. Total ginsenosides increased from 0.746 mg g-1 to 0.939 mg g-1 after fermentation, and the levels of minor ginsenosides (Rg2, Rg3, Rh1, Rh2, F2, and Ro) increased from 0.186 mg g-1 to 0.704 mg g-1. In an animal study, the serum TC and LDL levels in the HFD group were significantly higher than those of the control group. Compared with the HFD group, the probiotic-fermented ginseng significantly decreased the serum TC and LDL levels. In addition, the serum and liver ALT and AST levels were dramatically increased in the HFD group, but these increases were significantly inhibited by treatment with the probiotic-fermented ginseng. Furthermore, fermented ginseng reduced high fat diet-induced liver lipid accumulation. Overall, fermentation with L. fermentum KP-3 enhanced minor ginsenosides in ginseng and this probiotic-fermented ginseng ameliorated hyperlipidemia and liver injury induced by a high fat diet.

Comparison of intravitreal ganciclovir monotherapy and combination with foscarnet as initial therapy for cytomegalovirus retinitis

AIM

To compare the effectiveness between multiple intravitreal injections of ganciclovir alone and combined with foscarnet as initial treatment for patients with newly-onset cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR).

METHODS

The retrospective study observed 37 patients (58 eyes) who suffered from CMVR onset between 2013 and 2015. Among them, 35 eyes underwent 4 weekly intravitreal injections of 3.0 mg ganciclovir, and 23 eyes underwent 4 weekly injections of 3.0 mg ganciclovir combined with 2.4 mg foscarnet. Visual acuity, intraocular pressure and viral load of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in aqueous humor measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction were compared before and after each injection.

RESULTS

CMV-DNA copies in aqueous humor decreased remarkably in both groups. The average of CMV-DNA copies in patients' aqueous decreased from 38.3×10⁴ copies/mL at baseline to 2.2×10⁴ copies/mL after the 4^th injection in patients who were treated with ganciclovir monotherapy, and decreased from 76.9×10⁴ copies/mL to 11.3×10⁴ copies/mL after 4 continuous injections of ganciclovir combined with foscarnet. No significant difference was found in reduction of viral load, change of visual acuities or intraocular pressures between monotherapy or combined therapy.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study show that the initial effectiveness of treating CMVR after 4 weekly intravitreal injections is not significantly different from ganciclovir alone or combined with foscarnet. Continuous injection of ganciclovir alone is sufficient in treating immunosuppressive patients with newly-onset CMVR.

Tuning Electrochemical Properties of Li-Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes by Adjusting Co/Ni Ratios and Mechanism Investigation Using in situ X-ray Diffraction and Online Continuous Flow Differential Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry

Owing to high specific capacity of ∼250 mA h g^-1, lithium-rich layered oxide cathode materials (Li_{1+ x}Ni _yCo _zMn_{(3- x-2 y-3 z)/4}O₂) have been considered as one of the most promising candidates for the next-generation cathode materials of lithium ion batteries. However, the commercialization of this kind of cathode materials seriously restricted by voltage decay upon cycling though Li-rich materials with high cobalt content have been widely studied and show good capacity. This research successfully suppresses voltage decay upon cycling while maintaining high specific capacity with low Co/Ni ratio in Li-rich cathode materials. Online continuous flow differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS) and in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques have been applied to investigate the structure transformation of Li-rich layered oxide materials during charge-discharge process. The results of OEMS revealed that low Co/Ni ratio lithium-rich layered oxide cathode materials released no lattice oxygen at the first charge process, which will lead to the suppression of the voltage decay upon cycling. The in situ XRD results displayed the structure transition of lithium-rich layered oxide cathode materials during the charge-discharge process. The Li_1.13Ni_0.275Mn_0.580O₂ cathode material exhibited a high initial medium discharge voltage of 3.710 and a 3.586 V medium discharge voltage with the lower voltage decay of 0.124 V after 100 cycles.

[Spatio-Temporal Patterns and Environmental Risk of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in the Liuxi River]

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and spatio-temporal distribution of 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP), 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), triclosan (TCS), estrone (E1), 17β-estradiol (E2), and bisphenol-A (BPA) as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the water of the Liuxi River and to evaluate the risks for estrogenic activity. The results showed that EDCs had been detected at the 14 monitoring sites and the total concentration ranged from 26.07 ng·L^-1 to 7109.5 ng·L^-1, with the highest contribution rate coming from 4-NP (78.62%), followed by BPA (11.91%), and the other four EDCs (≤ 4.92%). On a spatial and temporal scale, the EDC contents increased longitudinally from upstream to downstream, especially in the heavily-polluted Baiyun section where the water quality was lower than level Ⅴ. The EDC contents in the tributaries were much higher than those in the main channels. Influenced by the monsoon precipitation, the contents of 4-NP, 4-t-OP, and total EDCs in the rainy season were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those in the dry season, while the seasonal changes of E1 and E2 followed the opposite tendency. A Pearson correlation analysis showed that DO was significantly negatively correlated with all the EDCs, suggesting that the EDCs and reductive organic pollutants might coexist. As TN, TP, NH₄⁺-N, permanganate index, and EC were significantly positively correlated with E1, E2, BPA, and TCS but not obviously correlated with 4-NP (P>0.05), we presumed that the pollution source of E1, E2, BPA, and TCS might be the same with nitrogen and phosphorus nutrition, originating from the point source emission of the domestic sewage, industrial, and agricultural wastewater. In contrast, 4-NP and 4-t-OP more likely originated from the non-point source pollution from agriculture. RDA results showed that the variation of the EDCs contents by season was more obvious than that in space (RDA1 56.14%>RDA2 14.20%), which was much more influenced by 4-NP in the rainy season and by BPA in the dry season. As E1, E2, and TCS were positively correlated with the Cu, Zn, cyanide, and fecal coliform, these three target compounds could be used to indicate the multiple pollution components for water quality. Compared with the worldwide reported EDC contents in waters, 4-NP, BPA, and TCS contents in the middle and lower reaches of the Liuxi River were at higher levels, while E1, E2, and 4-t-OP were at the middle and lower levels. The risk assessment for estrogenic activity showed that the RQ values in the middle and lower reaches of the Liuxi River were all greater than 1, indicating that the downstream river sections were under high risk for estrogenic activity. As a result, appropriate precautions are needed to improve environmental management.

[Association between the time of sedentary behaviors and risk of type 2 diabetes]

Objective: To explore the relationship between the time of sedentary behaviors and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among rural adults in Henan Province. Methods: A total of 1 227 adults from Houzhai village in Zhengzhou City and Qiaomiao village in Jiaozuo City in Henan Province were randomly selected to participate in the survey; each of them finished a questionnaire and accepted physical examination and test of biochemical indicators. The participants were divided into case and control groups according to whether suffering from T2DM. A Pearson linear correlation and linear regression model analysis were used to investigate the relevance between the time of sedentary behaviors and fasting plasma glucose (FPG); meanwhile, a multi factor logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between the time of sedentary behaviors and T2DM. Results: The average FPG level among the participants was (5.4±2.5) mmol/L, and the average time of sedentary behaviors was (234.5±156.5) min per day. The prevalence rate of T2DM in subgroups whose time of sedentary behaviors were separately 0-<2.5, 2.5-<4.5, 4.5-<6.5 and ≥6.5 h/day were 15.8% (72/457), 19.3% (73/379), 16.7% (35/210) and 20.4% (37/181), respectively. There was a linear regression relationship between the time of sedentary behaviors(x) and FPG(y), the regression equation was: y=5.081+0.001x (t=3.01, P=0.003). Logistic regression model analysis showed that participants whose time of sedentary behaviors ≥6.5 h/day had significantly higher risk of T2DM than those whose time of sedentary behaviors between 0-2.4 h/day (OR=1.77, 95%CI: 1.11-2.81) after age and gender adjusted. However, the associations only exist in males and adults ≥50 years old according to sex and age stratification. It showed that participants with sedentary time ≥6.5 h/day had significantly higher risk of T2DM than those with sedentary time between 0-<2.5 h/d, with the corresponding OR (95%CI) at 2.34 (1.21-4.52) and 2.22 (1.19-4.16), respectively. Conclusion: The prolonged sedentary time is a risk factor of type 2 diabetes. After stratification by gender and age, the correlation only found in males and adults aged ≥50 years old.

[Removal Behavior of Ibuprofen and Diclofenac in Different Constructed Wetlands]

Ibuprofen and diclofenac, two commonly used pharmaceuticals, were studied to evaluate the removal behavior of acid pharmaceuticals in constructed wetlands (CWs) with different flow types, vegetation and seasons. It was shown that flow types influenced the results significantly. The average removal efficiency of ibuprofen in horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) and vertical subsurface flow (VSSF) CWs (69% and 60%, respectively) was significantly higher than that in surface flow (SF) CWs (26%). For diclofenac, SF CWs (58%) was significantly higher than HSSF and VSSF CWs (49% and 43%, respectively). In addition, the presence of plants improved the efficiency of ibuprofen, while it had no significant influence on the removal of diclofenac. Paired t-test found out that summer and autumn season variety had little impact on the removal. Furthermore, the removal of diclofenac and DO, as well as COD, showed very significant negative correlations. Opposite to diclofenac, the removal of ibuprofen had good positive correlations with dehydrogenase activities. The research indicated that aerobic biodegradation behavior mainly took place in ibuprofen, yet anaerobic biodegradation and photolysis behavior were expected for diclofenac.

Characterization of a TIR-NBS-LRR gene associated with downy mildew resistance in grape

Grapevine downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, is a devastating disease that results in considerable economic losses as well as environmental damage through the repeated application of fungicides. The nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat gene family functions in plant immunoactivity against various pathogens and pests. In this study, the 5' and 3' ends of the resistance gene homology fragment RGA5 were obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The 4282-base pair full-length cDNA was obtained using gene-specific primers, and the corresponding 1335-amino acid protein sequence contained characteristic nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat domains of plant resistance proteins, including the toll-interleukin receptor type region. Expression of RGA5 during P. viticola infection and abiotic stress was investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that treatment with P. viticola and 4 abiotic stimuli (salicyclic acid, methyl-jasmonate, abscisic acid, H2O2) significantly induced RGA5 within 12 days of inoculation. Therefore, RGA5 may play a critical role in protecting grapevines against P. viticola via signaling pathways involving these molecules.

Platinum nanoparticles on porphyrin functionalized graphene nanosheets as a superior catalyst for methanol electrooxidation

A novel nanostructured catalyst of platinum nanoparticles supported on 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridinio)porphyrin tetra(p-toluenesulfonate) (TMPyP) functionalized graphene (TMPyP-graphene) is synthesized by the hydrothermal polyol process. The as-synthesized nanocomposites are characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical tests. It has been found that Pt nanoparticles of ca. 3.4 nm are uniformly dispersed on the surface of TMPyP-graphene, and hold a high electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) of 126.2 m(2) g(-1). The results demonstrate that the Pt/TMPyP-graphene catalyst exhibits a much higher electrocatalytic activity and stability than the Pt/graphene and commercial Pt/C catalysts for methanol oxidation, which is of significant importance in improving the efficiency of Pt-based electrocatalysts for DMFCs applications.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to study the ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to stimulate liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats.

METHODS

MSCs were isolated from bone marrow and cultured in vitro. Their characteristics were analyzed by flow cytometry. After 70% partial hepatectomy, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: a control group that was injected with saline, animals that received bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) by tail vein injection (the BM-MSC-TV group) and animals that received BM-MSCs by portal vein injection (the BM-MSC-PV group). The injected BM-MSCs were traced by labeling with 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, and cell proliferations were determined by immunohistochemical staining with Ki-67 and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine.

RESULTS

After the third passage, the cultured BM-MSCs had a fibroblast-like morphology and expressed high levels of stem cell markers CD29 and CD90. The levels of albumin rose significantly in the BM-MSC-TV and BM-MSC-PV groups compared with the control group. The number of 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole-positive liver cells in the BM-MSC-PV group was significantly higher than in the BM-MSC-TV group. The levels of Ki-67 and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine were significantly higher in the BM-MSC-TV and the BM-MSC-PV groups than in the controls.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results indicate that BM-MSC injections enhance liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats.

Bis{1-[(1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)methyl]-1H-imidazole-κN3}bis(3,5-dicarboxybenzoato-κ2O1,O1′)nickel(II) octahydrate

In the title complex, [Ni(C₉H₅O₆)₂(C₁₁H₁₀N₄)₂]·8H₂O, the Ni^II ion exhibits site symmetry 2. It has a distorted octa­hedral coordination defined by two N atoms from two symmetry-related 1-[(1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)meth­yl]-1H-imidazole ligands and four O atoms from two symmetry-related 3,5-dicarb­oxy­benzoate anions. In the crystal, the complex mol­ecules and solvent water mol­ecules are linked via O—H⋯O, O—H⋯N and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional structure. There are also a number of C—H⋯O inter­actions present.

Up-regulation of thy-1 promotes invasion and metastasis of hepatocarcinomas

Increasing evidence has revealed that thy-1 was a potential stem cell marker of liver cancer, but no data have been shown on how thy-1 regulates the pathophysiology of liver cancer, such as proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration. We previously demonstrated that thy-1 was expressed in about 1% of hepg2 cells, thy-1+ hepg2 cells, but not thy-1-, demonstrating high tumorigenesis on inoculation 0.5x10⁵ cells per BACA/LA mouse after 2 months. In the present study, our results showed that higher expression of thy-1 occurs in 72% (36/50 cases) of neoplastic hepatic tissues as compared to 40% (20/50 cases) of control tissues, and the expression of thy-1 is higher in poorly differentiated liver tumors than in the well-differentiated ones. In addition, thy-1 expression was detected in 85% of blood samples from liver cancer patients, but none in normal subjects or patients with cirrhosis or hepatitis. There was a significant negative correlation between thy-1 expression and E-cadherin expression (a marker of invasion and migraton), but not between thy-1 expression and AFP expression in all the liver cancer and blood samples. We further investigated the relationship between thy-1 and E- cadherin in liver cancer hepg2 cell line which was transfected with pReceiver-M29/thy-1 eukaryotic expression vector followed by aspirin treatment. Lower expression of E- cadherin but higher expressions of thy-1 were detected in hepg2 cells transfected with pReceiver-M29/thy-1. Taken together, our study suggested that thy-1 probably regulates liver cancer invasion and migration.

Caragana fabr. promotes revegetation and soil rehabilitation in saline-alkali wasteland

To determine how plantations of Caragana microphylla shrubs affect saline-alkali soil amelioration and revegetation, we investigated the vegetation and sampled soils from saline-alkali wasteland (SAW), perennial Caragana forestland (PCF), Caragana forest after fire disturbance (CFF). Results showed that with the development of Caragana Fabr., highly dominant species of Poaceae family, including Elymus dahuricus, Thermopsis lanceolata, Stipa tianschanica, died out in PCF. Moreover, Papilionaceaefamily, including Lespedeza indica, Oxytropis psammocharis, and Astragalus scaberrimus, was established both in PCF and CFF. Phytoremediation of saline-alkali wasteland (SAW) was achieved by plantation, resulting in the reduced soil pH, sodium adsorption ratio, exchangeable sodium percentage, salinity, and Na+ concentration around Caragana shrubs. Greater amounts of soil organic, total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium were observed in PCF topsoil than in SAW topsoil The concentration of mineralized N in PCF soil was significantly lower than that in SAW soil at all sampled depths, indicating that Caragana shrubs were just using N and therefore less measured in soils. Fire disturbance resulted in decreased soil pH and salinity, but increased organic content, total nitrogen, and ammonium nitrogen. The improved soil parameters and self-recovery of shrubs indicated that Caragana shrubs were well established after burning event.

Correlation between β-catenin expression and recurrence and metastasis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma in patients after surgery

AIM: To examine the expression of β-catenin in hepatocellular carcinoma and to analyze its correlation with recurrence and metastasis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma in patients after surgery.

METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of β-catenin in tumor samples and matched tumor-adjacent tissue samples taken form patients who had recurrence and/or metastasis within one year after surgery for primary hepatocellular carcinoma and those had no recurrence or metastasis. The correlation between β-catenin expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of primary hepatocellular carcinoma was analyzed.

RESULTS: β-catenin was mainly distributed on the membrane of cells in tumor-adjacent tissue. The rate of aberrant expression of β-catenin was significantly higher in tumor tissue than in tumor-adjacent tissue (60% vs 15%, χ² = 17.28, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the expression of β-catenin in tumor-adjacent normal tissue between patients with and without cirrhosis (χ² = 0.388, P = 0.533). The rate of aberrant expression of β-catenin was significantly higher in primary hepatocellular carcinoma with recurrence and/or metastasis than in that without recurrence or metastasis (80.0% vs 40%, χ² = 6.667, P = 0.010). Aberrant expression of β-catenin was not correlated with age, liver cirrhosis, tumor size or differentiation, but was associated with the recurrence and metastasis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

CONCLUSION: Aberrant expression of β-catenin is associated with the development, recurrence metastasis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma and may be used as a useful prognostic parameter to predict overall survival.

Surface display of domain III of Japanese encephalitis virus E protein on Salmonella typhimurium by using an ice nucleation protein

A bacterial cell surface display technique based on an ice nucleation protein has been employed for the development of live vaccine against viral infection. Due to its ubiquitous ability to invade host cells, Salmonella typhimurium might be a good candidate for displaying viral antigens. We demonstrated the surface display of domain III of Japanese encephalitis virus E protein and the enhanced green fluorescent protein on S. typhimurium BRD509 using the ice nucleation protein. The effects of the motif in the ice nucleation protein on the effective display of integral protein were also investigated. The results showed that display motifs in the protein can target integral foreign protein on the surface of S. typhimurium BRD509. Moreover, recombinant strains with surface displayed viral proteins retained their invasiveness, suggesting that the recombinant S. typhimurium can be used as live vaccine vector for eliciting complete immunogenicity. The data may yield better understanding of the mechanism by which ice nucleation protein displays foreign proteins in the Salmonella strain.

Cortex Dictamni extract induces apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells via STAT1 and attenuates liver fibrosis in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In traditional Chinese medicines, Cortex Dictamni is prescribed for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory diseases such as acute rheumatoid arthritis, skin inflammation and jaundice.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to investigate the effect of ethanol extract of Cortex Dictamni on treatment of hepatic fibrosis and its possible mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The in vivo effect of Cortex Dictamni extract (CDE) was evaluated by measuring histological changes and collagen content in CCl(4)-indcued hepatic fibrosis mice. Viability, apoptosis and protein expression of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were analyzed by MTT, Annexin V staining and Western blot respectively.

RESULTS

CDE alleviated CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice and showed a much stronger inhibition of cell viability in activated HSC cell line HSC-T6 than that in normal hepatocyte L02 cells. Furthermore, CDE induced apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells associated with increased expressions of cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3. Interestingly, CDE activated STAT1 in HSC-T6 cells and the effect of CDE on apoptosis of HSC-T6 cells could be neutralized using JAK/STAT1 signaling inhibitor AG490.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that CDE possesses anti-fibrosis activity with selectively induction of activated HSC apoptosis via activating STAT1, which might be a novel strategy for hepatic fibrosis therapy.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells as a treatment for acute liver failure

Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are a kind of multipotent stem cells that have the capacity to undergo self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation. In an appropriate microenvironment, BM-MSCs can differentiate into bone, cartilage, fat, nerve, liver or other cells. Based on this characteristic, BM-MSCs might be used as new seed cells for orthotopic liver transplantation and bioartificial liver support system. This paper reviews the recent advances in research on the use of BM-MSCs as a treatment for acute liver failure.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor promotes liver regeneration in mice

AIM: To investigate the effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on liver regeneration after major hepatectomy in mice.

METHODS: Mice were subjected to 70% hepatectomy and randomly divided into three groups: control group (intraperitoneally injected with normal saline 24 h after hepatectomy, once a day for 5 d), G-CSF pretreatment group [intraperitoneally injected with recombinant human G-CSF (rhG-CSF) at 150 μg/kg body weight daily for 5 d and underwent hepatectomy 24 h later], and G-CSF treatment group (intraperitoneally injected with rhG-CSF 24 h after hepatectomy, at 150 μg/kg body weight daily for 5 d). Serum and hepatic tissue samples were harvested seven days after hepatectomy. Liver function parameters were measured using an automated biochemical analyzer. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells.

RESULTS: The percentages of PCNA- and BrdU-positive cells in the G- CSF pretreatment and treatment groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (PCNA: 74.08% ± 8.86% and 68.91% ± 9.64% vs 57.36% ± 13.37%, respectively; both P < 0.05). Inflammatory response was noted in 27% (3/11) of mice in the G-CSF pretreatment group. Serum ALT and AST levels were significantly higher in the G-CSF pretreatment group than in the other two groups (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: G-CSF promotes liver regeneration after major hepatectomy in mice, but G-CSF pretreatment induces infammatory response.

Isolation and characterization of a Vibrio vulnificus mutant deficient in both extracellular metalloprotease and cytolysin

We isolated a Vibrio vulnificus mutant that was deficient in both metalloprotease and cytolysin by allelic exchange. The virulence of this mutant in mice and its cytotoxicity for HEp-2 cells were comparable to those of the wild-type strain, indicating that neither factor was essential for these properties. The cytolysin, but not the protease, seemed to be important for causing damage in the alimentary tract of the mice.

Differences in gene expression in muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a comparison of Italian and American patients

OBJECTIVE

To seek differences in gene expression in the primary muscle-invasive bladder cancers of two cohorts of patients having different survival rates. An Italian group treated by transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) and neo-adjuvant chemotherapy using methotrexate, vinblastine, adriamycin and cisplatin (M-VAC) followed by TURBT, partial cystectomy or radical cystectomy (75% 3-year survival) was compared to an American cohort treated by radical cystectomy (51% 3-year survival).

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the protein expression levels of three genes that act at the G1/S cell cycle checkpoint, p53, p21/waf-1/cip1 (a downstream effector gene in the p53 pathway) and Rb, plus a major inhibitor of apoptosis, Bcl-2.

RESULTS

For the bladder cancers of the Italian patient cohort, there was a significantly higher rate of p53 immunopositivity (93 vs. 63%, p = 0.002) and a significantly lower rate of Rb loss (25 vs. 54%, p = 0.009). In bivariate analysis, 72% of Italian tumors were immunopositive for both p53 and p21 (p53+/p21+) vs. 49% for the American tumors. The subset of Italian patients with p53+/p21+ tumors were more frequently disease-free (stage pT0) following chemotherapy and were less likely to fail therapy than those with p53+/p21- tumors (p = 0.0357). Loss of Rb staining was associated with a decreased 5-year survival in the Italian, but not in the American patients.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) Significant differences in the expression of the p53, p21 and Rb genes were found between the 2 groups of patients. (2) Italian patients with p53+/p21+ tumors had significantly lower recurrence rates after TURBT and chemotherapy than those having p53+/p21- tumors. (3) Absence of p21 immunopositivity in the Italian tumors may identify alterations in the p53 pathway that predict poor outcome.

Experimental measurements of dosimetric parameters on the transverse axis of a new 125I source

Permanent prostate implant using 125I or 103Pd sources is a common treatment choice in the management of early prostate cancer. As sources of new designs are developed and marketed for application in permanent prostate implants, it is of paramount importance that their dosimetric characteristics are carefully determined, in order to maintain a high accuracy of patient treatment. This report presents the results of experimental measurements of the dosimetric parameters performed for a newly available 125I seed source, the model MED3631-A/M source (IoGold), manufactured by North American Scientific, Inc. The measurements were performed in a large scanning water phantom, using a diode detector. The positioning of the source and the diode detector was achieved by a computer-controlled positioning mechanism in the scanning water phantom. The dose rate constant in water for the new 125I source was measured in comparison with an existing 125I source of similar design and verified using thermoluminescent dosimetry (TLD) measurement. The radial dose function values for the source were measured using the diode detector. The measurement technique and the results are compared with the dose distribution parameters for the 125I sources discussed in the AAPM TG43 report and elsewhere [Med. Phys. 26, 570-573 (1999)]. For the dose rate constant in water of the new source, it is recommended that a value of 0.950 cGy/U-hr be used based on the NIST 1985 air-kerma strength calibration standard, or 1.060 cGy/U-hr based on the 1999 NIST air-kerma strength standard. The measured radial dose function values for the MED3631-A/M source agree closely with those of the model 6702 source. It is therefore recommended that the radial dose function values for the model 6702 125I source, as recommended by the AAPM TG43 report, be adopted for the new source as well.

Monte Carlo calculations and experimental measurements of dosimetry parameters of a new 103Pd source

Permanent prostate implantation using 125I (iodine) or 103Pd (palladium) sources is a popular treatment option in the management of early prostate cancer. As sources of new designs are developed and marketed for application in permanent prostate implantations, their dosimetric characteristics must be carefully determined in order to maintain the accuracy of patient treatment. This report presents the results of experimental measurements and Monte Carlo calculations of the dosimetric parameters performed for a newly available 103Pd seed source. The measurements were performed in a large scanning water phantom using a diode detector. The positioning of the source and detector was achieved by a computer-controlled positioning mechanism in the scanning water phantom. The dose rate constant in water for the new 103Pd source was determined from measurements with the diode detector calibrated with 125I sources of known air-kerma strength. The radial dose function values for the source were measured using the diode detector. Monte Carlo photon transport calculations were then used to calculate the dosimetric parameters of dose rate constant, radial dose function, and anisotropy function using an accurate geometric model of the source. The measured dose rate constant of 0.693 cGy/U-hr compares well with the Monte Carlo calculated value of 0.677 cGy/U-hr. These results are further compared with data on existing 103Pd sources.

Dosimetric characterization of a new design 103 palladium brachytherapy source

Low-energy gamma emitting isotopes encapsulated for permanent implant are in routine use in the treatment of prostate cancer. New source designs require full dosimetric analysis and calibration standardization before responsible clinical application. The results of one such experimental measurement and analysis are here reported for a new design of 103palladium source, model MED3633 (North American Scientific, Inc.). By AAMP Task Group #43 recommendations, the reference material for brachytherapy dosimetry is liquid water. The dose measurements were made using standard methods employing thermoluminescent dosimeters in a water equivalent plastic phantom. Precision machined bores in the phantom located dosimeters and source(s) in a reproducible fixed geometry providing for transverse-axis and angular dose profiles over a range of distances from 0.17 to 7 cm. The data were analyzed in terms of parameters recommended by AAPM TG43. The dose-rate constant, lambda, was evaluated with reference to a 60 cobalt standard, accounting for response variation with isotope energy spectrum. The radial dose function, g(r), the anisotropy function, F(r, theta), the anisotropy factor, phi,un(r), and the point-source approximation anisotropy constant, phi(un), were derived from one- and two-dimensional dose distribution data measured in the phantom, accounting for finite dosimeter volume and with attention to interchip effects. The results are compared to TG43 and other existing data for 103Pd sources. The new source is comparable to the model 200 103Pd source design, demonstrating equivalent radial dose function, g(r). The dose surrounding a MED3633 source may be slightly more isotropic than for the model 200 source. The air-kerma strength of the MED3633 source used in this study was provided by the manufacturer and is traceable to the NIST 1999 standard. The evaluated dose-rate constant, lambda, with NIST traceable strength calibration is lower than that of the model 200 source, with that manufacturer's strength calibration.

Report on the dosimetry of a new design 125Iodine brachytherapy source

Dosimetric measurements were performed to characterize a new 125I source that is a variant design of an existing source, designated as MED3631-A/S, and that has application in interstitial brachytherapy. The new source, designated as MED3631-A/M, has centralized radio-opaque markers. In the original MED3631-A/S source, the radio-opaque markers are separated. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed in phantom to measure transverse axis and angular dose profiles over a range of distances from 0.5 to 7 cm. The data were analyzed in terms of parameters recommended by AAPM Task Group No. 43. Tabular data evaluated in liquid water are provided for the dose-rate constant, lambda, radial dose function, g(r), the anisotropy function, F(r,theta), the anisotropy factor, phi(an)(r), the point-source approximation anisotropy constant, phi(an). The dose-rate constant was determined by an absolute method using a Cobalt-60 reference and by relative measurements using calibrated 125I source(s). Values of the dose-rate constant are provided for both the 1985 and 1999 NIST air-kerma strength standards. The new source is comparable to both the MED3631-A/S and the model 6702 125I source designs, demonstrating equivalent radial dose function, g(r). Differences in the value of the dose-rate constant, lambda, and the anisotropy of the dose distributions in phantom are discussed in light of the improved isotropy of the new design, the MED3631-A/M source, and the uncertainty involved in the dose measurement using a Cobalt-60 reference.

Inhibition of aflatoxin-producing fungi by Welsh onion extracts

Welsh onion ethanol extracts were tested for their inhibitory activity against the growth and aflatoxin production of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. The survival of spores of A. flavus and A. parasiticus depended on both the extract concentration and the exposure time of the spores to the Welsh onion extracts. The mycelial growth of two tested fungi cultured on yeast extract-sucrose broth was completely inhibited in the presence of the Welsh onion ethanol extract at a concentration of 10 mg/ml during 30 days of incubation at 25 degrees C. The extracts added to the cultures also inhibited aflatoxin production at a concentration of 10 mg/ml or permitted only a small amount of aflatoxin production with extract concentration of 5 mg/ml after 2 weeks of incubation. Welsh onion ethanol extracts showed more pronounced inhibitory effects against the two tested aflatoxin-producing fungi than did the same added levels of the preservatives sorbate and propionate at pH values near 6.5.

Evaluation of a new brachytherapy iodine-125 source by AAPM TG43 formalism

Dosimetric measurements were performed to characterize a new 125I source that is similar in design to existing sources and that has application in interstitial brachytherapy. Thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed in phantom to measure transverse-axis and angular dose profiles over a range of distances from 0.5 to 7 cm. The data were analyzed in terms of parameters recommended by AAPM Task Group #43. Tabular data evaluated in liquid water are provided for the dose-rate constant, lambda, radial dose function, g(r), the anisotropy function, F(r, theta), the anisotropy factor, phi an(r), the point-source approximation anisotropy constant, phi an, and the point-source average dose rate times the square of distance for unit air kerma strength, r2D(r). The new source is compared to the model 6702 125I source design, demonstrating similar dose-rate constant, lambda, and radial dose function, g(r). Differences in the anisotropy of the dose distributions are discussed. Finally, a comparison of the radial dose distribution is made between liquid water and tissue equivalent materials.

Cross-sectional assessment of renal function in the inhabitants of a cadmium-polluted area

To understand the development of cadmium (Cd)-induced renal tubular dysfunction, cross-sectional assessment of renal function in the inhabitants of the Cd-polluted Jinzu River basin in Toyama, Japan, was carried out. Sixty-seven men and 78 women, aged 56 to 71 years whose urinary beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) exceeded 1,000 micrograms/g creatinine, were examined and divided into five groups according to their values of fractional excretion of beta 2-m (FE beta 2-m). Comparisons were made between six groups including the inhabitants of a non-polluted area as a reference group. Significantly increased values of fractional excretion of urate (FEUA), calcium (FECa), sodium (FENa), and chloride (FECl), serum creatinine and beta 2-m, and urinary protein were detected even in the subjects with FE beta 2-m level below 1 percent compared with the reference group. Fractional phosphate reabsorption (percent TRP) was significantly decreased in the subjects with FE beta 2-m level above 10 percent. Creatinine clearance (CCr) decreased with increase in FE beta 2-m, and the subjects with FE beta 2-m above 30 percent showed significantly decreased CCr values compared to those with FE beta 2-m below 30 percent. In summary, FEUA, FECa, FENa, and FECl, as well as low-molecular-weight proteins such as beta 2-m, are increased in the early stage of Cd-induced renal tubular dysfunction. Although percent TRP was maintained by the decreased CCr, there was a marked decrease in percent TRP in subjects with progressive stage showing FE beta 2-m level above 10 percent. No sex difference in renal tubular dysfunction was found in this cross-sectional study.