Changes in serum inflammatory factors after hip arthroplasty and analysis of risk factors for prosthesis loosening.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship of serum levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α with prosthesis loosening after hip arthroplasty, and to establish a predictive model for prosthesis loosening. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 501 patients who underwent hip arthroplasty in Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital from January 2020 to August 2022. Based on radiological diagnosis, the patients were divided into a prosthesis loosening group and a non-loosening group. Clinical data including postoperative serum levels of inflammatory cytokines were collected. Univariant analysis, Lasso regression, decision tree, and random forest models were used to screen feature variables. Based on the screening results, a nomogram model for predicting the risk of prosthesis loosening was established and then validated using ROC curve, and calibration curve, and other methods. RESULTS: There were 50 cases in the loosening group and 451 cases in the non-loosening group. Postoperative levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α were found to be significantly higher in the loosening group (P<0.0001). Univariant analysis showed that osteoporosis and postoperative infection were risk factors for prosthesis loosening (P<0.001). The machine learning algorithm identified osteoporosis, postoperative infection, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α as 5 relevant variables. The predictive model based on these 5 variables exhibited an area under the ROC curve of 0.763. The calibration curve and DCA curve verified the accuracy and practicality of the model. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly elevated in patients with postoperative prosthesis loosening. Osteoporosis, postoperative infection, and inflammatory cytokines are independent risk factors for prosthesis loosening. The predictive model we established through machine learning can effectively determine the risk of prosthesis loosening. Monitoring inflammatory cytokines and postoperative infections, combined with prevention of osteoporosis, can help reduce the risk of prosthesis loosening.

[Content, Distribution, Source Analysis, and Risk Assessment of PAHs in Arable Soils of Taiyuan].

PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) accumulated in arable soils have significant impacts on farmland quality and human health, which has attracted wide attention from scientists and the public. A total of 22 arable soil samples were collected from Taiyuan, an old industrial city, including three districts (industrial zones, hilly areas, and sewage irrigation area), and the contents of 21 PAHs were detected using the GC-MS method. The sources of PAHs in soils were analyzed using the diagnostic ratios (DRs) method and positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, and the soil health risks were analyzed using the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) model. The results indicated that the average concentrations of Σ21PAHs and Σ16PAHs in arable soils of Taiyuan were 934.6 ng·g-1 and 787.7 ng·g-1, respectively, which were lower than the soil pollution risk screening value of agricultural land stipulated in GB 15168-2018. 3-5 rings PAHs were the dominant components, accounting for~90% of the Σ21PAHs. Approximately 60% of sites in industrial zones, 13% in hilly areas, and 33% in the sewage irrigation area had high PAHs contents larger than 1000 ng·g-1. The spatial distribution of PAHs showed that more severe PAHs pollution in the soil occurred in industrial areas than that in the other two districts. The DRs suggested that the combustion of coals, bio-masses, and traffic emissions were the dominant sources for PAHs pollution in arable soils in Taiyuan. The simulation results of the PMF model indicated that the sources and contribution rates of PAHs in cultivated soils were coal and biomass burning sources (59%), traffic sources (22%), and coking sources (19%). The risk assessment confirmed that the arable soils in Taiyuan had high potential carcinogenic risks; thus, more attention should be paid to the PAHs pollutions in arable soils.

Three-dimensional aneurysm wall enhancement in fusiform intracranial aneurysms is associated with aneurysmal symptoms.

Background and purpose: Aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) in high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) is a potential biomarker for evaluating unstable aneurysms. Fusiform intracranial aneurysms (FIAs) frequently have a complex and curved structure. We aimed to develop a new three-dimensional (3D) aneurysmal wall enhancement (AWE) characterization method to enable comprehensive FIA evaluation and to investigate the ability of 3D-AWE to predict symptomatic FIA. Methods: We prospectively recruited patients with unruptured FIAs and received 3 T HR-MRI imaging from September 2017 to January 2019. 3D models of aneurysms and parent arteries were generated. Boundaries of the FIA were determined using 3D vessel diameter measurements. Dmax was the greatest diameter in the cross-section, while Lmax was the length of the centerline of the aneurysm. Signal intensity of the FIA was normalized to the pituitary stalk and then mapped onto the 3D model, then the average enhancement (3D-AWEavg), maximum enhancement (3D-AWEmax), enhancement area (AWEarea), and enhancement ratio (AWEratio) were calculated as AWE indicators, and the surface area of the entire aneurysm (Aarea) was also calculated. Areas with high AWE were defined as those with a value >0.9 times the signal intensity of the pituitary stalk. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictors of aneurysm-related symptoms. FIA subtypes were defined as fusiform, dolichoectasia, and transitional. Differences between the three FIA subtypes were also examined. Results: Forty-seven patients with 47 FIAs were included. Mean patient age was 55 ± 12.62 years and 74.5% were male. Twenty-nine patients (38.3%) were symptomatic. After adjusting for baseline differences in age, hypertension, Lmax, and FIA subtype, the multivariate logistics regression models showed that 3D-AWEavg (odds ratio [OR], 4.029; p = 0.019), 3D-AWEmax (OR, 3.437; p = 0.022), AWEarea (OR, 1.019; p = 0.008), and AWEratio (OR, 2.490; p = 0.045) were independent predictors of aneurysm-related symptoms. Dmax and Aarea were larger and 3D-AWEavg, 3D-AWEmax, AWEarea, and AWEratio were higher with the transitional subtype than the other two subtypes. Conclusion: The new 3D AWE method, which enables the use of numerous new metrics, can predict symptomatic FIAs. Different 3D-AWE between the three FIA subtypes may be helpful in understanding the pathophysiology of FIAs.

Systemic immune-inflammation index is associated with aneurysmal wall enhancement in unruptured intracranial fusiform aneurysms.

Introduction: Inflammation plays a key role in the progression of intracranial aneurysms. Aneurysmal wall enhancement (AWE) correlates well with inflammatory processes in the aneurysmal wall. Understanding the potential associations between blood inflammatory indices and AWE may aid in the further understanding of intracranial aneurysm pathophysiology. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 122 patients with intracranial fusiform aneurysms (IFAs) who underwent both high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and blood laboratory tests. AWE was defined as a contrast ratio of the signal intensity of the aneurysmal wall to that of the pituitary stalk ≥ 0.90. The systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index (neutrophils × platelets/lymphocytes) was calculated from laboratory data and dichotomized based on whether or not the IFA had AWE. Aneurysmal symptoms were defined as sentinel headache or oculomotor nerve palsy. Multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to determine how well the SII index was able to predict AWE and aneurysmal symptoms. Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to explore the potential associations between variables. Results: This study included 95 patients, of whom 24 (25.3%) presented with AWE. After adjusting for baseline differences in neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios, leukocytes, and neutrophils in the multivariable logistic regression analysis, smoking history (P = 0.002), aneurysmal symptoms (P = 0.047), maximum diameter (P = 0.048), and SII index (P = 0.022) all predicted AWE. The SII index (P = 0.038) was the only independent predictor of aneurysmal symptoms. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the SII index was able to accurately distinguish IFAs with AWE (area under the curve = 0.746) and aneurysmal symptoms (area under the curve = 0.739). Discussion: An early elevation in the SII index can independently predict AWE in IFAs and is a potential new biomarker for predicting IFA instability.

Aneurysm wall enhancement, atherosclerotic proteins, and aneurysm size may be related in unruptured intracranial fusiform aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the associations between aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE), atherosclerotic protein levels, and aneurysm size in unruptured intracranial fusiform aneurysms (IFAs). METHODS: Patients with IFAs underwent high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) and atherosclerotic protein examinations from May 2015 to December 2021 were collected. A CRstalk (signal intensity [SI] of IFA wall/SI of pituitary stalk) > 0.60 was considered to indicate AWE. Atherosclerotic protein data was obtained from the peripheral blood. Aneurysmal characteristics included the maximal diameter of the cross-section (Dmax), location, type of IFA, presence of mural thrombus, and mural clots. Statistical analyses were performed with univariate analysis, logistic regression analysis, and Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Seventy-one IFAs from 71 patients were included in the study. Multivariate analysis revealed statin use (OR = 0.189, p = 0.026) and apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) level (OR = 6.019, p = 0.026) were the independent predictors of AWE in IFAs. In addition, statin use (OR = 0.813, p = 0.036) and Apo-B level (OR = 1.610, p = 0.003) were also the independent predictors of CRstalk. Additionally, we found that CRstalk and AWE were significantly positively associated with Dmax (rs = 0.409 and 0.349, respectively; p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There may be correlations between AWE, atherosclerotic protein levels, and aneurysm size in patients with IFAs. Apo-B and statin use were independent predictors of AWE in IFAs, which have the potential to be new therapeutic targets for IFAs. KEY POINTS: • There may be correlations between aneurysm wall enhancement, atherosclerotic protein levels in the peripheral blood, and aneurysm size in patients with intracranial fusiform aneurysms. • Apolipoprotein B and statin use were independent predictors of aneurysm wall enhancement in intracranial fusiform aneurysms.

Method for persistent topological features extraction of schizophrenia patients' electroencephalography signal based on persistent homology.

With the development of network science and graph theory, brain network research has unique advantages in explaining those mental diseases, the neural mechanism of which is unclear. Additionally, it can provide a new perspective in revealing the pathophysiological mechanism of brain diseases from the system level. The selection of threshold plays an important role in brain networks construction. There are no generally accepted criteria for determining the proper threshold. Therefore, based on the topological data analysis of persistent homology theory, this study developed a multi-scale brain network modeling analysis method, which enables us to quantify various persistent topological features at different scales in a coherent manner. In this method, the Vietoris-Rips filtering algorithm is used to extract dynamic persistent topological features by gradually increasing the threshold in the range of full-scale distances. Subsequently, the persistent topological features are visualized using barcodes and persistence diagrams. Finally, the stability of persistent topological features is analyzed by calculating the Bottleneck distances and Wasserstein distances between the persistence diagrams. Experimental results show that compared with the existing methods, this method can extract the topological features of brain networks more accurately and improves the accuracy of diagnostic and classification. This work not only lays a foundation for exploring the higher-order topology of brain functional networks in schizophrenia patients, but also enhances the modeling ability of complex brain systems to better understand, analyze, and predict their dynamic behaviors.

Influence of leaf morphological characteristics on the dynamic changes of particulate matter retention and grain size distributions.

ABSTRACTPlant leaves can retain atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and thus alleviate air pollution. Herein, four plant species (Cerasus. serrulata, H. syriacus, H. tuberosus, and E. japonicus) from the central part of Shanxi Province, China, were investigated to analyse the dynamic changes in their PM retention capacity and grain size over five periods. The relationship between leaf morphological characteristics (leaf size and leaf surface microstructure) and dynamic changes were discussed in PM retention, revealing the influence of leaf morphological characteristics on the amount of PM retention and its composition. The results showed that amount and grain sizes of the retained PM differed significantly among the various studied species; however, the trends in PM retention of different species in the time series were the same. The grain size distributions of PM from the four species displayed a bimodal distribution, in which the main peak distribution range was 5-60 µm and the secondary peak distribution range was 0.4-1 µm. Leaves of smaller sizes and those with rough surfaces had a high PM retention capacity. Leaves with deep grooves are conductive to retaining PM2.5 and PM2.5-10, while leaves with hair are conductive to retaining PM>10. Therefore, the morphological characteristics of leaves should be considered when selecting the use of plant species to alleviate air pollution.Highlights Dynamics of PM retention capacity and grain size distributions of four plant species were analysed.Grain size distributions of PM retained on leaves had a bimodal distribution.Small leaves with grooves or hair are conductive to PM retention.Grooves are conductive to fine PM retention while hairs are conductive to coarse PM retention.

Role of the Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score in the Management of Decompressive Craniectomy for Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score (SEBES) is a radiographic marker for early brain injury after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We evaluated the role of the SEBES in performing decompressive craniectomy (DC) for poor-grade aSAH. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all cases of poor-grade (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies [WFNS] grade IV and V) aSAH in adults who underwent microsurgery at our center between April 2017 and March 2021. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and surgical data were obtained. The study endpoints of DC rate, complications, and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score >3) were compared between the traditional surgery and SEBES-informed groups. A survival analysis was performed to estimate 180-day survival and hazard ratios for death. RESULTS: The study included 116 patients (mean age, 60.8 ± 9.5 years, DCs [n = 63, 54.3%]). In the univariate analysis, age, intracranial pressure, midline shift, pupil changes, SEBES grade III-IV, traditional group, and WFNS grade Ⅴ were associated with DC. DC (46.4% vs. 67.4%) and in-hospital mortality rates (9.6% vs. 25.6%) were significantly lower in the SEBES-informed group. At day 180 after admission, modified Rankin Scale scores did not significantly differ between the 2 groups, but 180-day survival was significantly higher in the SEBES-informed group (78.1% vs. 53.5%). In the multivariable analysis, age, pupil changes, being in the traditional group, and delayed cerebral ischemia were independently associated with 180-day postadmission mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The SEBES provides good imaging support for preoperative and intraoperative intracranial pressure management in poor-grade aSAH, allowing for improved DC-related decision-making and better 180-day survival.

Quantification of aneurysm wall enhancement in intracranial fusiform aneurysms and related predictors based on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging: a validation study.

Background: Aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) in high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) has emerged as a new imaging biomarker of intracranial aneurysm instability. Objective: To determine a standard method of AWE quantification for predicting fusiform intracranial aneurysms (FIAs) stability by comparing the sensitivity of each parameter in identifying symptomatic FIAs. The predictors of AWE and FIA types were also identified. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed consecutive fusiform aneurysm patients who underwent HR-MRI from two centers. The aneurysm-to-pituitary stalk contrast ratio (CRstalk), aneurysm enhancement ratio, and aneurysm enhancement index were extracted, and their sensitivities in discriminating aneurysm symptoms were compared using the receiver-operating characteristic curve. Morphological parameters of fusiform aneurysm were extracted based on 3D vessel model. Uni- and multivariate analyses of related predictors for AWE, CRstalk, and FIA types were performed, respectively. Results: Overall, 117 patients (mean age, 53.3 ± 11.7 years; male, 75.2%) with 117 FIAs underwent HR-MRI were included. CRstalk with the maximum signal intensity (CRstalk-max) had the highest sensitivity in identifying symptomatic FIAs with an area under the curve value (0.697) and a cut-off value of 0.90. The independent predictors of AWE were aneurysm symptoms [(odds ratio) OR = 3.754, p = 0.003], aspirin use (OR = 0.248, p = 0.037), and the maximum diameter of the cross-section (OR = 1.171, p = 0.043). The independent predictors of CRstalk-max were aneurysm symptoms (OR = 1.289, p = 0.003) and posterior circulation aneurysm (OR = 1.314, p = 0.001). Transitional-type showed higher rates of hypertension and mural thrombus over both dolichoectatic- and fusiform-type FIAs. Conclusion: CRstalk-max may be the most reliable parameter to quantify AWE to distinguish symptomatic FIAs. It also has the potential to identify unstable FIAs. Several factors contribute to the complex pathophysiology of FIAs and need further validation in a larger cohort.

Substantial transition to clean household energy mix in rural China.

The household energy mix has significant impacts on human health and climate, as it contributes greatly to many health- and climate-relevant air pollutants. Compared to the well-established urban energy statistical system, the rural household energy statistical system is incomplete and is often associated with high biases. Via a nationwide investigation, this study revealed high contributions to energy supply from coal and biomass fuels in the rural household energy sector, while electricity comprised ∼20%. Stacking (the use of multiple sources of energy) is significant, and the average number of energy types was 2.8 per household. Compared to 2012, the consumption of biomass and coals in 2017 decreased by 45% and 12%, respectively, while the gas consumption amount increased by 204%. Increased gas and decreased coal consumptions were mainly in cooking, while decreased biomass was in both cooking (41%) and heating (59%). The time-sharing fraction of electricity and gases (E&G) for daily cooking grew, reaching 69% in 2017, but for space heating, traditional solid fuels were still dominant, with the national average shared fraction of E&G being only 20%. The non-uniform spatial distribution and the non-linear increase in the fraction of E&G indicated challenges to achieving universal access to modern cooking energy by 2030, particularly in less-developed rural and mountainous areas. In some non-typical heating zones, the increased share of E&G for heating was significant and largely driven by income growth, but in typical heating zones, the time-sharing fraction was <5% and was not significantly increased, except in areas with policy intervention. The intervention policy not only led to dramatic increases in the clean energy fraction for heating but also accelerated the clean cooking transition. Higher income, higher education, younger age, less energy/stove stacking and smaller family size positively impacted the clean energy transition.

Rejuvenation of iron oxides enhances carbon sequestration by the 'iron gate' and 'enzyme latch' mechanisms in a rice-wheat cropping system.

The 'enzyme latch' theory believes that oxygen constraints on phenol oxidase can restrain the activity of hydrolytic enzymes responsible for decomposition, while the 'iron (Fe) gate' theory suggests that Fe oxidation can decrease phenol oxidase activity and enhance Fe-lignin complexation under oxygen exposure. The objective of this study was to explore the roles of the 'enzyme latch' and 'Fe gate' mechanisms in regulating soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in a rice-wheat cropping system subjected to six fertilization treatments: control (CT), chemical fertilizer (CF), CF plus manure (CFM), CF plus straw (CFS), CF plus manure and straw (CFMS), and CF plus organic-inorganic compound fertilizer (OICF). Soil samples were collected after the rice and wheat harvests and wet sieved into large macroaggregates, small macroaggregates, microaggregates, and silt and clay particles. Variations in amorphous and free Fe oxides, Fe-bound organic carbon and phenol oxidase activity were examined. After nine years, compared with the initial soil, the activation degree of free Fe oxides increased by 1.3- to 1.6-fold and the topsoil SOC stock increased by 13-61% across all treatments. Amorphous Fe oxide content, phenol oxidase activity and aggregate mean-weight diameter were higher after the wheat harvest than after the rice harvest. Amorphous Fe oxide content was positively correlated with Fe-bound organic carbon content (P < 0.001) but negatively correlated with phenol oxidase activity (P < 0.001). Therefore, seasonal alternation of wetting and drying can progressively drive the rejuvenation of Fe oxides and simultaneously affect the activity of phenol oxidase. Oxidative precipitation of amorphous Fe oxides promoted the formation of organo-Fe complexes and macroaggregates, while flooding of the paddies decreased the activity of phenol oxidase, thereby resulting in year-round hindered decomposition. Organic fertilization strengthened the roles of the 'Fe gate' and 'enzyme latch' mechanisms, and thus accelerated SOC sequestration in the rice-wheat cropping system.

LINC01534/miR-135b-5p/PTPRT axis regulates inflammatory response in loosening total hip replacement via modulating NF-κB signaling pathway.

Aseptic loosening after total hip replacement brings adverse health outcomes and increased risk for complications. The resorptive activity of inflammatory cells activated by the presence of wear-generated debris plays a critical role in debris-induced osteolysis. Previous studies indicate that the abnormally expressed LINC01534 plays a critical role in inflammatory responses. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the functional role and underlying mechanism of LINC01534 in debris-induced osteolysis. We first confirmed that LINC01534 was highly expressed in hip cartilage tissues from aseptic loosening patients. By using an IL-1ß-induced inflammation model mimicking debris-induced osteolysis, we demonstrated that LINC01534 promoted IL-1ß-induced inflammatory response in hip chondrocytes. Knockdown of LINC01534 inhibited the expression of inflammatory IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in hip chondrocytes. Our results showed that LINC01534 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-135b-5p in hip chondrocytes. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that CCHC-Type Zinc Finger Nucleic Acid Binding Protein (PTPRT) is a downstream target of miR-135b-5p. Knockdown of PTPRT attenuated the IL-1ß-induced inflammatory responses in hip chondrocytes. In addition, we revealed that inhibition of miR-135b-5p or overexpression of PTPRT could antagonize the effects of LINC01534 knockdown on inflammation attenuation in hip chondrocytes. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that LINC01534/miR-135b-5p/PTPRT axis regulated the NF-κB signaling pathway in hip chondrocytes. Taken together, our findings suggest that LINC01534/miR-135b-5p/PTPRT axis might be a valuable therapeutic target for the treatment of debris-induced osteolysis.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of the cold resistance of the sterile rice line 33S.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important species for food production worldwide. Low temperature is a major abiotic factor that affects rice germination and reproduction. Here, the underlying regulatory mechanism in seedlings of a TGMS variety (33S) and a cold-sensitive variety (Nipponbare) was investigated by comparative transcriptome. There were 795 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified only in cold-treated 33S, suggesting that 33S had a unique cold-resistance system. Functional and enrichment analysis of these DEGs revealed that, in 33S, several metabolic pathways, such as photosynthesis, amino acid metabolism, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, were significantly repressed. Moreover, pathways related to growth and development, including starch and sucrose metabolism, and DNA biosynthesis and damage response/repair, were significantly enhanced. The expression of genes related to nutrient reserve activity were significantly up-regulated in 33S. Finally, three NAC and several ERF transcription factors were predicted to be important in this transcriptional reprogramming. This present work provides valuable information for future investigations of low-temperature response mechanisms and genetic improvement of cold-tolerant rice seedlings.

Selective retention of particulate matter by nine plant species in central Shanxi Province, China.

Plant leaves can accumulate particulate matter (PM) from the air, thus mitigating air pollution. Nine plant species from the central part of Shanxi Province, China, were investigated to characterize differences in their PM retention capacity and the grain sizes of the collected PM. Styphnolobium japonicum, Syringa oblata, and Cerasus serrulata demonstrated strong retention capacity for PM particles of diverse size fractions. Philadelphus incanus, Viburnum opulus, and Yulania biondii had relatively weak retention capacity for overall and fine PM. Generally, species with smaller leaves and roughness surfaces, waxy leaves, or leaves with hair had strong PM retention capacity. Leaves with suitable groove widths better retained fine PM. Foliar dust observed on leaves presented multimodal distribution curves, including bimodal, trimodal, and four-peak distributions, which differed from the trimodal distribution of natural dustfall. The different PM retention capacities of the nine investigated species and the differing grain sizes between foliar dust and atmospheric dustfall indicated that plant leaves could selectively retain PM. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the use of the plant to mitigate particulate air pollution.

Inhalation exposure to size-segregated fine particles and particulate PAHs for the population burning biomass fuels in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau area.

Indoor biomass burning produces large amounts of small particles and hazardous contaminants leading to severe air pollution and potentially high health risks associated with inhalation exposure. Personal samplers provide more accurate estimates of inhalation exposure. In this study, inhalation exposure to size-segregated particles and particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for the biomass user was studied by deploying personal samplers. The study found that daily PM2.5 inhalation exposure level was as high as 121 ± 96 µg/m3, and over 84% was finer PM1.0. For PAHs, the exposure level was 113 ± 188 ng/m3, with over 77% in PM1.0. High molecular weight PAHs with larger toxic potentials enriched in smaller particles resulting in much high risks associated with PAHs inhalation exposure. Indoor exposure contributed to ~80% of the total inhalation exposure as a result of high indoor air pollution and longer residence spent indoor. The highest exposure risk was found for the male smoker who conducted cooking activities at home.

QTL mapping and candidate gene analysis of cadmium accumulation in polished rice by genome-wide association study.

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in rice is a serious threat to food safety and human health. Breeding rice varieties with low Cd accumulation is one of the most effective approaches to reducing health risks from Cd-polluted rice. However, the genetic basis of Cd accumulation in grains, especially in indica rice varieties, has not been fully elucidated. The evaluation of Cd-accumulation capacity was conducted among 338 diverse rice accessions grown in Cd-contaminated soils with different Cd contents. Thirteen rice lines with relatively low Cd accumulation, including six indica rice lines, were identified. Then, 35 QTLs significantly associated with Cd accumulation were identified through sequencing-based SNP discovery and a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in the two experimental years, and only qCd8-1 was detected in both years. Among of them, nine QTLs were co-localized with identified genes or QTLs. A novel QTL, qCd1-3, with the lowest P value was selected for further LD decay analysis and candidate gene prediction. We found differential expression of OsABCB24 between high-Cd-accumulative and low-Cd-accumulative accessions, suggesting it may be a candidate gene for qCd1-3 associated with low Cd accumulation. These results may be helpful for further exploiting novel functional genes related to Cd accumulation and developing rice variety with low Cd accumulation through marker-assisted breeding.

Structural equation modeling of PAHs in surrounding environmental media and field yellow carrot in vegetable bases from Northern China: In comparison with field cabbage.

During a harvest period, a set of field samples, including ambient air (gaseous and particulate phases), dust fall, surface soil and peel-surrounding soil, and yellow carrot tissues (leaf, peel, and core), were collected in a vegetable bases near a large coking manufacturer in Shanxi Province, Northern China. Based on the determinations of the concentrations and compositions of 15 USEPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the statistical results determined by a factor analysis (FA), combined with the isomeric ratios of paired species and the local emission inventory, indicated that coal combustion and vehicular exhaust served as the main emission sources of PAHs in the local environment and in yellow carrot tissues and that the coking industry was a secondary source. In terms of the transport pathways of PAHs in the surrounding media and yellow carrot tissues, the simulation results of a structural equation model (SEM) showed that the PAHs in ambient air were closely associated with those in dust fall, and these in turn had a positive correlation with the PAHs in surface soil, due to air-soil exchange. Furthermore, the PAHs in yellow carrot leaf were mainly derived from those in dust fall via leaf surface absorption, while peel uptake played a dominant role in the accumulation of PAHs in the edible core of yellow carrot. This was different from the case of cabbage, which was characterized by the prevailing contribution from leaf surface absorption. The current study supplied additional evidence to explore the transport pathways of PAHs from environmental media to tissues of different vegetables (leafy vegetables and root vegetables). CAPSULE: A combination of structural equation modeling with factor analysis was employed to quantitatively identify the dominant transport pathways of PAHs among multiple surrounding media and the different tissues of yellow carrot.

Structural equation modeling of PAHs in ambient air, dust fall, soil, and cabbage in vegetable bases of Northern China.

A series of field samples including ambient air (gaseous and particulate phases), dust fall, surface soil, rhizosphere soil and cabbage tissues (leaf, root and core), were collected in vegetable bases near a large coking manufacturer in Shanxi Province, Northern China, during a harvest season. A factor analysis was employed to apportion the emission sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and the statistical results indicated coal combustion was the dominant emission source that accounted for different environmental media and cabbage tissues, while road traffic, biomass burning and the coking industry contributed to a lesser extent. A structural equation model was first developed to quantitatively explore the transport pathways of PAHs from surrounding media to cabbage tissues. The modeling results showed that PAHs in ambient air were positively associated with those in dust fall, and a close relationship was also true for PAHs in dust fall and in surface soil due to air-soil exchange process. Furthermore, PAHs in surface soil were correlated with those in rhizosphere soil and in the cabbage leaf with the path coefficients of 0.83 and 0.39, respectively. PAHs in the cabbage leaf may dominantly contribute to the accumulation of PAHs in the edible part of cabbages.

Exogenous melatonin in the treatment of pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Melatonin is an important hormone for regulating mammalian circadian biology and cellular homeostasis. Recent evidence has shown that melatonin exerts anti-nociception effects in both animals and humans. However, according to clinical trials, the anti-nociception effects of melatonin are still controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the anti-nociception effects of melatonin premedication. The primary outcome was the effects of melatonin on pain intensity. The secondary outcomes included the number of patients with analgesic requirements, total analgesic consumption, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. In total, 19 studies were included in the current meta-analysis. The pooling data show that melatonin significantly decreased the pain intensity, as evidenced by the pain scores. Moreover, melatonin administration also reduced the proportion of patients with analgesic requirements and BDNF levels. However, the effects of melatonin on total analgesic consumption still require further confirmation. Collectively, the current meta-analysis supports the use of melatonin for anti-nociception.

PLD1 overexpression promotes invasion and migration and function as a risk factor for Chinese glioma patients.

Glioma is a lethal disease with few effective therapeutic options. Recently, insights into cancer biology had suggested that abnormal lipid metabolism was a risk factor for various human malignancies, including glioma. As a key enzyme implicated in lipid metabolism, PLD1 was overexpression in multiple human cancers, and it was stated to be responsible for aggressive phenotypes, such as angiogenesis and chemoresistance. However, there was still much to know about its expression and function in glioma. In the present study, we showed that PLD1 was overexpression in clinical samples of glioma. In addition, the correlation assay revealed that PLD1 overexpression was correlated with poor differentiation (p = 0.04), and it was responsible for a poor prognosis for the patients (p = 0.009). Furthermore, we showed in COX regression assay that PLD1 was a risk factor for glioma (p = 0.018, HR = 0.461, 95% CI = 0.243-0.887). Consistently, we found that PLD1 was overexpression in glioma cell lines, and it could facilitate the proliferation and migration. Taken together, our study suggested that PLD1 was pro-tumoral in glioma, and that further studies were urgently needed so as to define whether it was a novel therapeutic target for the disease.