Response and driving factors of soil enzyme activity related to acid rain: a meta-analysis.

As a global pollution, acid rain can significantly alter soil physicochemical and biochemical processes, but our knowledge of how acid rain affects soil enzyme activity is still limited. To quantify the overall magnitude and direction of the response of soil enzyme activity to acid rain, we conducted a linear mixed model-based meta-analysis of 40 articles. Our analysis revealed that acid rain decreased enzyme activity by an average of 4.87%. Soil dehydrogenase and protease activities were particularly sensitive to acid rain, with significant inhibitions observed. The effect of acid rain was moderated by acid rain intensity (i.e., H+ addition rate, total H+ added, and acid rain pH) and soil fraction (i.e., rhizosphere and bulk soil). Structural equation modelling further revealed that acid rain suppressed soil microbial biomass by acidifying the soil and that the reduction in microbial biomass directly led to the inhibition of enzyme activity in bulk soil. However, the enzyme activity in the rhizosphere soil was not affected by acid rain due to the rhizosphere effect, which was also not impacted by the decreased soil pH induced by acid rain in rhizosphere. Our study gives an insight into how bulk soil enzyme activity is impacted by acid rain and highlights the need to incorporate rhizosphere processes into acid rain-terrestrial ecosystem models.

Effects of exogenous organic matter addition on agricultural soil microbial communities and relevant enzyme activities in southern China.

Soil microbial community composition plays a key role in the decomposition of organic matter, while the quality of exogenous organic matter (EOM: rice straw, roots and pig manure) can influence soil chemical and biological properties. However, the evidences of the effect of combination of crop residues and pig manure on the changes in soil microbial community and enzymes activities are scarce. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the potential effect of EOM by analyzing soil properties, enzyme activities and microbial communities. The experiment consisted of eight treatments: CK (control), S (1% (w/w) rice straw), R (1% (w/w) rice root), SR (1% (w/w) rice straw + 1% (w/w) rice root), and added 1% (w/w) pig manure to CK, S, R and SR, respectively. Results showed that the straw treatment significantly increased the microbial biomass (carbon and nitrogen) and total carbon and nitrogen contents, cellulase and ß-1,4-glucosidase activities, bacteria (i.e., gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria) PLFAs contents relative to CK regardless of whether pig manure was added. Moreover, the interaction between crop residues (e.g., straw and roots) and pig manure significantly influenced the contents of microbial biomass nitrogen and microbial biomass phosphorus, and the ratio of gram-positive bacteria to gram-negative bacteria. Redundance analysis confirmed that pH, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen and dissolve organic carbon contents were significantly associated with soil microbial community under crop residues without pig manure addition. Furthermore, the experiment results showed that pig manure application not only provided more abundant nutrients (C, N and P) but also induced higher microbial and enzymatic activity compared with no pig manure addition. Our findings suggest that the combination of above-ground straw and pig manure is a better option for improving the functions of soil ecosystem.

Spatiotemporal characterization of heavy metal and antibiotics in the Pearl River Basin and pollutants removal assessment using invasive species-derived biochars.

Rivers play essential roles in human civilization, while anthropogenic activities have deteriorated their resilience and functionalities. Combating contamination is one of the priorities for building the river's resilience and providing safe water and habitats for livelihoods, wildlife preservation, and food production. We collected 174 water and sediment samples from the upstream to the estuary of the Pearl River (PR), characterized the heavy metal and antibiotics contamination levels, and analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution by compiling historical datasets extracted from published research papers and governmental documents. We also assessed the feasibility of removing PR water heavy metals and antibiotics using biochars derived from two invasive plants, Bidens pilosa L. and Lantana camara. According to our findings, heavy metals and antibiotics in water and sediment increased towards the downstream region of the Pearl River Delta (PRD). The water and sediment samples obtained from the Dongguan and Shenzhen regions exhibited the most elevated levels of heavy metals, whereas the samples from the Huizhou region demonstrated the highest levels of antibiotics. Compared with previously published PRD sediment heavy metals (1976-2011) and antibiotics contamination data (2006-2017), we found that some heavy metals and all measured antibiotics contents in sediment substantially reduced (80-100%). Cu, Zn, Cr, and As significantly polluted the sediment in PRD. Shenzhen had the highest Index of geo-accumulation (Igeo) for Cu, Zn, and Cr, while Zhaoqing had the highest Igeo for As. The dominant antibiotics were Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin, Oxytetracycline, and Tetracycline. Invasive plant-derived biochars showed high antibiotic removal capacity but failed to reduce most PR water heavy metals since these invasive plants are potential heavy metal hyperaccumulators. The spatial distribution of heavy metal and antibiotics concentration/content in water and sediment samples is primarily affected by anthropogenic activities such as industrialization, aquaculture, pharmaceutical, and agricultural practice. Our study provides insights into the extensive freshwater watersheds' decontamination and green policymaking.

YBX1 Promotes MSC Osteogenic Differentiation by Activating the PI3K/AKT Pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Bone metabolism has an essential role in bone disease, but its specific mechanism remains unclear. Y-Box Binding Protein 1 (YBX1) is a gene with broad nucleic acid binding properties, which encodes a highly conserved cold shock domain protein. Previous studies have shown that YBX1 is closely related to cell differentiation. However, the function of YBX1 in osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was unclear. METHODS: To explore the effect and specific mechanism of YBX1 in osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, we used PCR, Western blot, Alizarin red Staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays, and siRNA knockdown in our research. We found that YBX1 gradually increased during the process of osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. YBX1 siRNA could negatively regulate the MSCs osteogenic differentiation. Mechanistic studies revealed that YBX1 knockdown could inhibit PI3K/AKT pathway. Furthermore, the specific agonist (SC79) of PI3K/AKT pathway could restore the impaired MSCs osteogenic differentiation which was mediated by YBX1 knockdown. Taken together, we concluded that YBX1 could positively regulate the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: These results helped us further understand the mechanism of osteogenesis and revealed that YBX1 might be a selectable target in the bone repair field. CONCLUSION: Our study provides a new target and theoretical basis for the treatment of bone diseases.

A novel application of B-ultrasonography at various head positions in the diagnosis of untypical uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema (UGH) syndrome: A case report.

RATIONALE: Uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema (UGH) syndrome could be identified by conventional ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and B-ultrasonography, but failed in some untypical cases. We introduced a novel application of B-ultrasonography in diagnosis of UGH syndrome in a rare case. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 60-year-old woman was referred for distending pain with blurred vision for more than 1 month in the right eye after cataract surgery. DIAGNOSES: B-ultrasound scanner and UBM demonstrated the Intraocular Lens (IOL) was centered in the bag. No chafing in all directions was detected between IOL and iris/ciliary body. The proposed diagnoses were iridocyclitis and secondary glaucoma of the right eye. INTERVENTIONS: The symptoms were not improved after antiinflammation and intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering treatment for 1 month. B-ultrasonography was applied in horizontal, sitting, and head-down positions. The results demonstrated movements of IOLs when position changed. The IOLs were in contact with the iris pigment epithelium in sitting position and head-down positions but not in horizontal position. The dynamic interactions between IOLs and iris/ciliary body implied a diagnosis of UGH syndrome. The IOLs were then extracted. OUTCOMES: Two weeks after the IOLs explantation, the IOP significantly reduced to a normal level in both eyes. Ten-month follow-up showed that the IOP was maintained at a normal level. LESSONS: The chronically intermittent chafing between IOL and iris in specific head positions would also lead to UGH syndrome. Dynamic application of B-ultrasonography in various head positions could be useful in the diagnosis of an untypical UGH syndrome.

Global Teleophthalmology With the Smartphone for Microscopic Ocular Surgery.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the feasibility and quality of real-time video transferring in global teleophthalmology using two smartphones during microscopic ocular surgery. METHODS: An iPhone 4S (Apple) was adapted into a surgical microscope in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China to capture video during microscopic ocular surgery. An iPhone 5 (Apple), an iPad2 (Apple), and a desktop computer were used as the receptor on the other side of the globe (Miami, FL). A standard resolution test card and the three surgeries of human eyes were captured. During the global video teleconferencing, the real-time video was transferred through Skype from Hangzhou to Miami. A standard resolution test card and the surgery of human eyes were captured. The real-time image resolutions captured and displayed on both phones at different places were measured. Real-time vocal communications concurrent between two parties took place during video conferencing when the ocular surgery was performed in Hangzhou. RESULTS: The video sequences were transferred in real time between the two cities while two parties conversed smoothly without any difficulty. The viewer in Miami clearly visualized the surgical procedure performed in Hangzhou without lagging and distortion. The spatial resolution observed on the video in real time was similar for both phones. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that global video teleophthalmology for microscopic ocular surgery is feasible using two smartphones. The simple, portable, and affordable add-on attachment to the surgical microscope transfers high-quality video for real-time global teleophthalmology.

Global teleophthalmology with iPhones for real-time slitlamp eye examination.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the image resolutions in global teleophthalmology using 2 smartphones. METHODS: A standard resolution test card and two human eyes (one eye wearing a contact lens) were imaged with an iPhone 4S adapted for slitlamp biomicroscopy in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China. An iPhone 5 was used as a receptor on the other side of the world (Miami, FL). The real-time images and still images were transferred through Skype from Hangzhou to Miami during slitlamp eye examination. The real-time resolutions captured and displayed on the both phones at different places were measured. There was vocal communication concurrent between two parties during image transference and the examination by the slitlamp biomicroscopy performed in Hangzhou. RESULTS: The real-time and still images were transferred between two cities while two operators talked with each other smoothly and without difficulty. The viewer in Miami was able to instruct the operator in Hangzhou to thoroughly examine the eye using the slitlamp microscopy with different magnification settings and illumination settings. The resolution of the still images recorded in the iPhone in Hangzhou was higher than that of the real-time images on the screen. The main features of the eye were recognizable in real-time. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that global teleophthalmology is feasible using two smartphones. The system is simple, portable, and affordable, and the image quality in still and real-time images is acceptable for real-time teleophthalmology.

Whole eye axial biometry during accommodation using ultra-long scan depth optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To investigate changes of whole eye axial biometry during accommodation using ultra-long scan depth optical coherence tomography (UL-OCT). DESIGN: Prospective, observational case series. METHODS: Twenty-one adult subjects were enrolled. Using UL-OCT, the left eye of each subject was imaged with relaxed diopters (0 D) and accommodative stimuli (+6 D). Full eye biometry included central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness, vitreous length, and axial length (AL). RESULTS: During accommodation (+6 D), the axial biometry of the whole eye changed significantly. Compared to the rest state, ACD at the accommodative state decreased significantly from 3.128 ± 0.305 mm to 2.961 ± 0.298 mm (paired t test, P < .001). The lens thickness increased significantly from 3.723 ± 0.237 mm to 3.963 ± 0.234 mm (P < .001). The vitreous length decreased significantly from 17.129 ± 0.864 mm to 17.057 ± 0.848 mm (P < .001). AL was 24.519 ± 0.917 mm at the rest state and increased to 24.545 ± 0.915 mm with +6 D accommodation stimulus. The elongated AL of 26.1 ± 13.4 µm between the rest and accommodative states was significant (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: During accommodation, whole eye axial biometry changed, including a decrease in ACD and vitreous length and an increase in lens thickness and AL. UL-OCT provides an alternative method that is suitable for full eye biometry during accommodation.

Axial biometry of the entire eye using ultra-long scan depth optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To assess the repeatability of axial biometry of the entire eye using ultra-long scan depth optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to investigate the agreement with IOLMaster measurements (Carl Zeiss Meditec). DESIGN: Prospective, observational case series. METHODS: There were 37 adult subjects enrolled in group 1 and 12 adult subjects enrolled in group 2. Using ultra-long scan depth OCT, the left eyes of these groups were measured in 2 separate sessions. The images were processed by a manual method and custom-developed automatic software. A model eye was imaged for verification. The subjects in group 2 were imaged using ultra-long scan depth OCT and using the IOLMaster for axial length measurement comparison. RESULTS: All measured parameters of the model eye matched the geometric parameters. In group 1, there were no significant differences in all measured parameters using automatic and manual segmentation methods (P > .05, paired t test). The percentage of coefficient of repeatability of segments ranged from 0.3% to 3.9%. The corresponding interclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.946 to 0.999. The correlation between the results using automatic and manual segmentation methods appeared to be strong (R(2) = 0.999; P < .05). In group 2, the axial length of the eye measured by the IOLMaster matched the results obtained by ultra-long scan depth OCT with the automatic method (R1(2) = 0.987; P < .05) and the manual method (R2(2) = 0.988; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Automatic axial biometry using ultra-long scan depth OCT successfully measured each segment of the entire eye with good repeatability. With further development of automatic segmentation, ultra-long scan depth OCT seems to be a promising tool in the axial biometry of the entire eye.

Resolution of slit-lamp microscopy photography using various cameras.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the resolutions of slit-lamp microscopy photography using various cameras. DESIGN: Evaluation of diagnostic test or technology. PARTICIPANTS: Healthy subjects were imaged with these adapted cameras through slit-lamp microscopy. METHODS: A total of 8 cameras, including 6 custom-mounted slit-lamp cameras and 2 commercial slit-lamp cameras, were tested with standard slit-lamp microscopy devices for imaging of the eye. Various magnifications were used during imaging. A standard resolution test plate was used to test the resolutions at different magnifications. These outcomes were compared with commercial slit-lamp cameras. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main measurements included the display spatial resolutions, image spatial resolutions, and ocular resolutions. The outcome also includes the relationships between resolution and the pixel density of the displays and images. RESULTS: All cameras were successfully adapted to the slit-lamp microscopy, and high-quality ocular images were obtained. Differences in the display spatial resolutions were found among cameras [analysis of variance (ANOVA), P<0.05]. Higher display resolutions were found with cameras using the high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) compared with others, including cameras in smart phones. The display resolutions of smart phone displays were greater than cameras with video graphics array displays. The display spatial resolutions were found as a function of display pixel density (r>0.95, P<0.05) and magnification (r>0.85, P<0.05). Different image spatial resolutions were found among cameras (ANOVA, P<0.05) as a function of image pixel density (r>0.98, P<0.05) and magnification (r>0.85, P<0.05). The commercial slitlamp with a single lens reflex camera yielded the highest image spatial resolution. However, the ocular resolution through binocular viewing of the slit-lamp microscopy was found to have the highest resolution compared with the display and image spatial resolutions of all of the cameras. CONCLUSIONS: Several cameras can be adapted with slit-lamp microscopy for ophthalmic imaging, yielding various display and image spatial resolutions. However, the resolution seemed to not be as good as ocular viewing through the slit-lamp biomicroscope.

N-[2-(2-Chloro-phen-yl)-2-hydroxy-ethyl]propan-2-aminium hemioxalate.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(11)H(17)ClNO(+)·0.5C(2)O(4) (2-), consists of one N-[2-(2-chloro-phen-yl)-2-hydroxy-ethyl]propan-2-ammonium cation and one-half of a centrosymmetric oxalate anion. In the cation, the C/C/N plane of the ethyl-ammonium group is almost perpendicular to the benzene ring, with a dihedral angle of 88.72 (17)°. In the crystal structure, the two components are connected by O-H⋯O and N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a supra-molecular tape along the a axis. Between the tapes, a C-H⋯O inter-action is observed.

[Determination of three formulations of pilocarpine in rabbit ocular aqueous by RP-HPLC].

OBJECTIVE: To develop an RP-HPLC method for assay of pilocarpine in rabbit ocular aqueous humor. METHODS: The RP-HPLC method was performed on a column of ODS-C(18) with the mobile phase consisting of 0.5% of triethylamine (TEA) of phosphate solutions (10 mmol/L, pH 2.5) and acetonitrile (98/2,v/v). The detection wavelength was 215 nm and flow rate was 1.0 ml/min. Ninety albino rabbits were divided into 3 groups (30 in each):group 1 received 50 microl of eye drops containing 1% generic pilocarpine, group 21% mixture pilocarpine solution consisting of aqueous sample and liposome and group 31% liposome pilocarpine, respectively. The aqueous humor was withdrawn at 5, 10, 30, 40, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 and 360 min. Pilocarpine was extracted from aqueous humor with dichloromethane. RESULT: The linear calibration curve was obtained in the concentration range of 0.1 - 20 microg/ml. The average recovery was (68.1+/-2.7)% (n=9). Inter-day and intra-day RSD were 4.33% and 2.87%, respectively. In three formations 1% liposome pilocarpine was the best for the areas under curve and measurable amounts. CONCLUSION: The RP-HPLC method is simple and reliable for pilocarpine measurement in ocular aqueous. Liposome formulation can significantly increase the bioavailability of pilocarpine in ocular aqueous.

[Action of miosis of 1% pilocarpine liposome in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the action of miosis of 1% pilocarpine liposome with 1% pilocarpine solution in rabbits. METHODS: 18 white rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups. Test group received 1% pilocarpine liposome, positive control group received 1% pilocarpine solution, negative control group received liposome. Each eye drop instilled into left eye of rabbits and sterile saline solution instilled into right eye as control. The pupil diameter was measured at time intervals of beginning, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 hours. RESULTS: The mean pupil diameter change of 3 groups in both eyes was not significant (P > 0.05) at beginning. The strongest action of miosis took place 0.25 h in positive control group and 0.5 h in test group after instillation. The dilation of pupil in both groups took place 1 h and 3 h, and the restoration of pupil in both groups took place at 5 h and 7 h. The mean pupil diameter of negative control group was not significant in seven hours. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that 1% pilocarpine liposome improves the bioavailability and prolong the duration of its action.

[Peripheral iridoplasty with doubled-frequency Nd:YAG laser as treatment for angle-closure glaucoma]

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects and safety of doubled-frequency Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridoplasty(LPI) for angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) with relieving the pupillary block. METHODS: Thirty-seven eyes of 29 patients of ACG with mean intraocular pressure (IOP) of (33.5+/-9.3)mmHg, were treated by LPI. In the follow-up of 5 approximate, equals 35 months, the IOP, angle and complications from LPI were examined. RESULTS: The mean IOP of the patients was reduced to (17.2+/-5.3)mmHg (P<0.0001). Thirty-three eyes of 25 patients, who had negative of dark room provocative test, maintained the angle opened without adjunctive antiglaucoma treatment. Four eyes of 4 patients continued to developed angle closure and had a high IOP. CONCLUSION: Peripheral iridoplasty doubled frequency Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective method for treatment of ACG.