[Long-term effect of cadmium exposure on residents' renal dysfunction: An epidemiologic study].

OBJECTIVE: To study long-term effect on renal function exposed to environmental cadmium. METHODS: Stratified random sampling and cluster sampling method of epidemiological investigations were carried out in northern Guangdong province between April, 2011 and August, 2012. A total of 167 residents who lived in high cadmium exposure area for more than 15 years, aged above 40 were selected in exposed group. Moreover, A total of 145 residents who had similar living and economic conditions and lived in local for more than 15 years, aged above 40 were selected in control group. We used health questionnaires and medical examinations in order to acquire their health status. Home-harvested rice and vegetables were collected using quartering method for detection of cadmium level. Urine specimens of residents were collected for detection of cadmium level and creatinine as well as renal dysfunction biomarkers, namely, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamidase (NAG), ß2-microglobulin (ß2-MG), and retinol binding protein(RBP), respectively. The analysis of spearman rank correlation and multiple regression were used to investigate the relationships between age, urinary cadmium levels and renal injury biomarkers. RESULTS: The cadmium levels in rice and vegetables of exposed group were 0.75 and 0.10 mg/kg, both were significantly higher than 0.07 and 0.01 mg/kg in the control group (Z values were -6.32 and -7.84, all P values < 0.001). The urinary cadmium level of exposed group was 8.29 µg/g · cr, which was higher than that of the control group 2.03 µg/g · cr with significant difference (Z value was -11.39, P < 0.001). After stratified the total population by age, the urinary cadmium level in 40-49 years, 50-59 years and ≥ 60 years subgroups were 7.22, 8.71, and 13.10 µg/g · cr, which both were significantly higher than 1.80, 2.04, and 2.05 µg/g · cr in the control group (Z values were -5.22, -7.41, and -7.14, all P values < 0.001). After stratified the total population by gender, the urinary cadmium level of male and female were 5.12 and 12.36 µg/g · cr, which both were significantly higher than 1.79 and 2.16 µg/g · cr in the control group (Z values were -7.68 and -9.03, all P values < 0.001). Comparing the differences of renal dysfunction biomarkers (NAG, ß2-MG, RBP) between two groups. The level of urinary ß2-MG and RBP of exposed group were 0.21 and 0.04 µg/g · cr, which were higher than 0.05 and 0.00 µg/g · cr of the control group with significant difference (Z value was -7.08 and -9.65, all P values < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis showed that NAG, ß2-MG and RBP were positively correlated with urinary cadmium and age, the correlation coefficients were 0.57, 0.49, 0.21 and 0.22, 0.26, 0.23 respectively (all P values < 0.001). After adjusting the effect of age, it was appeared that urinary cadmium levels contributed most to the alteration of NAG, ß2-MG and RBP, the standardized regression coefficients were 0.57, 0.49 and 0.20 (all P values < 0.001), and suggested that the cadmium body burden was one of the most important factors for renal dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Residents, who had cadmium contaminated rice and vegetables for a long time, would take the risk of increasing body burden of cadmium and urinary early biomarkers of renal tubular injury that referred to occurrence of renal dysfunction.

Identifying early urinary metabolic changes with long-term environmental exposure to cadmium by mass-spectrometry-based metabolomics.

Cadmium (Cd) is a common environmental pollutant, and urinary Cd (UCd) is generally used as a marker of exposure; however, our understanding on the related urinary metabolic changes caused by Cd exposure is still not clear. In this study, we applied a mass-spectrometry-based metabolomic approach to assess the urinary metabolic changes in human with long-term environmental Cd exposure, aimed to identify early biomarkers to assess Cd nephrotoxicity. Urine samples from 94 female never smokers aged 44-70 with UCd in the range of 0.20-68.67 µg/L were analyzed by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-ToF-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was found that metabolites related to amino acid metabolism (L-glutamine, L-cystine, L-tyrosine, N-methyl-L-histidine, L-histidinol, taurine, phenylacetylglutamine, hippurate, and pyroglutamic acid), galactose metabolism (D-galactose and myo-inositol), purine metabolism (xanthine, urea, and deoxyadenosine monophosphate), creatine pathway (creatine and creatinine), and steroid hormone biosynthesis (17-α-hydroxyprogesterone, tetrahydrocortisone, estrone, and corticosterone) were significantly higher among those with a UCd level higher than 5 µg/L. Moreover, we noticed that the level of N-methyl-L-histidine had already started to elevate among individuals with a UCd concentration of ≥2 µg/L. The overall findings illustrate that metabolomics offer a useful approach for revealing metabolic changes as a result of Cd exposure.

Steel Slag Accelerated Carbonation Curing for High-Carbonation Precast Concrete Development.

Steel slag as an alkaline industrial solid waste, possesses the inherent capacity to engage in carbonation reactions with carbon dioxide (CO2). Capitalizing on this property, the current research undertakes a systematic investigation into the fabrication of high-carbonation precast concrete (HCPC). This is achieved by substituting a portion of the cementitious materials with steel slag during the carbonation curing process. The study examines the influence of varying water-binder ratios, silica fume dosages, steel slag dosages, and sand content on the compressive strength of HCPC. Findings indicate that adjusting the water-binder ratio to 0.18, adding 8% silica fume, and a sand volume ratio of 40% can significantly enhance the compressive strength of HCPC, which can reach up to 104.9 MPa. Additionally, the robust frost resistance of HCPC is substantiated by appearance damage analysis, mass loss rate, and compressive strength loss rate, after 50 freeze-thaw cycles the mass loss, and the compressive strength loss rate can meet the specification requirements. The study also corroborates the high-temperature stability of HCPC. This study optimized the preparation of HCPC and provided a feasibility for its application in precast concrete.

Development of Calcium Carbonate-Based Coatings by the Carbonation of Gamma-C2S (γ-C2S).

A calcium carbonate (CaCO3)-based coating with gamma-C2S (γ-C2S) as the main carbonatable binder is proposed to protect the metal substrate against corrosion in this paper. Here, the morphology and phase assemblage of the coatings are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the corrosion resistance of the coating is evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results show that the carbonated coating has excellent properties in terms of ultraviolet (UV) aging resistance, salt fog resistance, and electrochemical corrosion resistance. The porosity of deposited coating on steel substrates decreases by 47.1% after carbonation due to the compacted calcium carbonate formation, which is recognized as a self-compacting process during carbonation. The coating also exhibits rapid strength development within the first 2 h of carbonation; both the CO2 uptake efficiency and degree of carbonation (DOC) can reach more than 95% of the total CO2 uptake efficiency and final DOC values. This study provides a novel insight to extend the category of inorganic coating with additional benefits of CO2 solidification.

Saturation power dependence of amide proton transfer image contrasts in human brain tumors and strokes at 3 T.

Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging is capable of detecting mobile cellular proteins and peptides in tumor and monitoring pH effects in stroke, through the saturation transfer between irradiated amide protons and water protons. In this work, four healthy subjects, eight brain tumor patients (four with high-grade glioma, one with lung cancer metastasis, and three with meningioma), and four stroke patients (average 4.3 ± 2.5 days after the onset of the stroke) were scanned at 3 T, using different radiofrequency saturation powers. The APT effect was quantified using the magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) asymmetry at 3.5 ppm with respect to the water resonance. At a saturation power of 2 µT, the measured APT-MRI signal of the normal brain tissue was almost zero, due to the contamination of the negative conventional magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry. This irradiation power caused an optimal hyperintense APT-MRI signal in the tumor and an optimal hypointense signal in the stroke, compared to the normal brain tissue. The results suggest that the saturation power of 2 µT is ideal for APT imaging of these two pathologies at 3 T with the existing clinical hardware.

MR imaging of high-grade brain tumors using endogenous protein and peptide-based contrast.

Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging is a novel MRI technique, in which the amide protons of endogenous proteins and peptides are irradiated to accomplish indirect detection using the bulk water signal. In this paper, the APT approach was added to a standard brain MRI protocol at 3T, and twelve patients with high-grade gliomas confirmed by histopathology were scanned. It is shown that all tumors, including one with minor gadolinium enhancement, showed heterogeneous hyperintensity on the APT images. The average APT signal intensities of the viable tumor cores were significantly higher than those of peritumoral edema and normal-appearing white matter (P<0.001). The average APT signal intensities were significantly lower in the necrotic regions than in the viable tumor cores (P=0.004). The APT signal intensities of the cystic cavities were similar to those of the viable tumor cores (P>0.2). The initial results show that APT imaging at the protein and peptide level may enhance non-invasive identification of tissue heterogeneity in high-grade brain tumors.

3-T navigator parallel-imaging coronary MR angiography: targeted-volume versus whole-heart acquisition.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare whole-heart acquisition with targeted-volume acquisition in 3-T navigator coronary MR angiography with parallel imaging. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The right and left coronary arteries of 20 subjects were imaged with axial whole-heart acquisition and two oblique targeted-volume acquisitions. RESULTS: Both whole-heart and targeted-volume acquisitions were completed with similar navigator efficiencies ( approximately 50%) and depicted similar coronary artery diameters ( approximately 3 mm) (p >or= 0.06). The lengths of the coronary arteries were not significantly different (p = 0.07-0.45) for the whole-heart and targeted-volume approaches. Depiction of the sharper coronary arteries (p

An in-situ synthesis of Ag/AgCl/TiO2/hierarchical porous magnesian material and its photocatalytic performance.

The absorption ability and photocatalytic activity of photocatalytic materials play important roles in improving the pollutants removal effects. Herein, we reported a new kind of photocatalytic material, which was synthesized by simultaneously designing hierarchical porous magnesian (PM) substrate and TiO2 catalyst modification. Particularly, PM substrate could be facilely prepared by controlling its crystal phase (Phase 5, Mg3Cl(OH)5 · 4H2O), while Ag/AgCl particles modification of TiO2 could be achieved by in situ ion exchange between Ag(+) and above crystal Phase. Physiochemical analysis shows that Ag/AgCl/TiO2/PM material has higher visible and ultraviolet light absorption response, and excellent gas absorption performance compared to other controls. These suggested that Ag/AgCl/TiO2/PM material could produce more efficient photocatalytic effects. Its photocatalytic reaction rate was 5.21 and 30.57 times higher than that of TiO2/PM and TiO2/imporous magnesian substrate, respectively. Thus, this material and its intergration synthesis method could provide a novel strategy for high-efficiency application and modification of TiO2 photocatalyst in engineering filed.

A fluorescence study of tetraphenylporphyrinatozinc(II)/imidazolyl-linked porphyrinatoiron(III) systems.

The fluorescence spectra of porphyrinatozinc(II)/iron(III) systems which consisted of tetraphenylporphyrinatozinc(II) and three kinds of imidazolyl-linked porphyrinatoiron(III) have been studied. An efficient fluorescence quenching of tetraphenylporphyrinatozinc(II) in the system was observed. Addition of a stronger organic base, such as piperdine, to the system can displace imidazolyl-linked porphyrinatoiron(III) and the fluorescence of the system restored partly. All these indicate the formation of porphyrinatozinc(II)/iron(III) supramolecular complex and coordination bonding formed by the coordination of imidazolyl group in imidazolyl-linked porphyrinatoiron(III) to Zn(II) in tetraphenyl-porphyrinatozinc(II) is the driving force of the supramolecular self-assembly. The association constants of the supramolecular complexes were calculated from the fluorescence spectroscopic titration data, and the differences among the association constants of the supramolecular complexes are discussed on the basis of the conformations which are dependent on the length of alkoxy chain linking imidazolyl group to porphyrinatoiron(III).

[Coordination bonding driving supramolecular self-assembly of tetraphenylporphyrinatozinc (II) with imidazolyl tailed porphyrinatoiron (III) studied by fluorescence spectra and 1H NMR].

Coordination bonding driving supramolecular self-assembly of Zn(TPP) with Fe(p-ImEPTPP)Cl was investigated by fluorescence spectra and 1H NMR. The results indicate that an obvious fluorescence quenching observed from Zn(TPP) by addition of Fe (p-ImEPTPP)Cl is due to the coordination of the terminal imidazolyl group of Fe(p-ImEQTPP)Cl to Zn2+ of Zn(TPP). The change of fluorescence spectra of Zn(TPP)/Fe(p-ImEPTPP)Cl system by adding some Lewis bases, such as piperidine, imidazole and pyridine, as well as 1H NMR further supported this coordination.

Three-dimensional turbo-spin-echo amide proton transfer MR imaging at 3-Tesla and its application to high-grade human brain tumors.

PURPOSE: Amide proton transfer (APT) imaging is able to extend the achievable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast to the protein level. In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of applying a turbo-spin-echo (TSE)-based, three-dimensional (3D) APT sequence into routine clinical practice for patients with brain tumors. PROCEDURES: Experiments were performed on a Philips 3-Tesla (3-T) MRI scanner using an eight-channel phased-array coil for reception. A fast 3D APT sequence with a TSE acquisition was proposed (saturation power, 2 µT; saturation time, 500 ms; 8 slices). The gradient echo (GRE)-based field-mapping technique or water-saturation-shift-referencing (WASSR) technique was used to acquire B(0) maps to correct for B(0)-induced artifacts in APT images. The test was performed on a box of homogenous protein solution, four healthy volunteers, and eight patients with high-grade gliomas. RESULTS: The experimental data from a homogenous, protein-containing phantom and healthy volunteers show that the sequence produced a uniform contrast across all slices. The average MTR(asym)(3.5 ppm) values with GRE B(0)-corrected 3D APT imaging and WASSR-corrected 3D APT imaging were both comparable to the values obtained using the undemanding single-slice acquisition. The average APT image intensity was consistently higher in the tumor core than in the peripheral edema and in the contralateral normal-appearing white matter (both P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: 3D APT imaging of brain tumors can be performed in about 5 min at 3-T using a routine, commercial eight-channel SENSE coil.

In vivo measurement of brain GABA concentrations by magnetic resonance spectroscopy in smelters occupationally exposed to manganese.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to excessive levels of manganese (Mn) is known to induce psychiatric and motor disorders, including parkinsonian symptoms. Therefore, finding a reliable means for early detection of Mn neurotoxicity is desirable. OBJECTIVES: Our goal was to determine whether in vivo brain levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), N-acetylaspartate (NAA), and other brain metabolites in male smelters were altered as a consequence of Mn exposure. METHODS: We used T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize Mn deposition in the brain. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to quantify concentrations of NAA, glutamate, and other brain metabolites in globus pallidus, putamen, thalamus, and frontal cortex from a well-established cohort of 10 male Mn-exposed smelters and 10 male age-matched control subjects. We used the MEGA-PRESS MRS sequence to determine GABA levels in a region encompassing the thalamus and adjacent parts of the basal ganglia [GABA-VOI (volume of interest)]. RESULTS: Seven of 10 exposed subjects showed clear T1-hyperintense signals in the globus pallidus indicating Mn accumulation. We found a significant increase (82%; p = 0.014) in the ratio of GABA to total creatine (GABA/tCr) in the GABA-VOI of Mn-exposed subjects, as well as a distinct decrease (9%; p = 0.04) of NAA/tCr in frontal cortex that strongly correlated with cumulative Mn exposure (R = -0.93; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated elevated GABA levels in the thalamus and adjacent basal ganglia and decreased NAA levels in the frontal cortex, indicating neuronal dysfunction in a brain area not primarily targeted by Mn. Therefore, the noninvasive in vivo MRS measurement of GABA and NAA may prove to be a powerful tool for detecting presymptomatic effects of Mn neurotoxicity.

Experimental evaluation of dual acceptance window weighting function for right coronary MR angiography at 3.0T.

To shorten scanning time and increase the feasibility of experimental results, we performed right coronary artery magnetic resonance angiography (CMRA) at 3.0 T using dual acceptance window weighting function in 25 normal subjects. We examined these subjects using conventional navigator with fixed gating window and 6 dual acceptance window weighted gating (DAWG) sequences with different central weighted ratio (CWR). Compared with the conventional navigator sequence, DAWG sequences with CWRs of 20% and 25% increased the scanning efficiency by 30% and 26% respectively (P<.05), while maintaining good image quality; further the corresponding scanning time decreased from 2.12-1.64 and 1.69 min, respectively (P<.05). However, CWRs less than 15% caused image degradation to some extent. The coronary artery lengths and diameters did not show statistically significant differences between the two techniques (P>.05). Briefly, to avoid the problems caused by low navigator efficiency and to maintain comparable image quality, the weighted gating parameters of 3 mm width central acceptance window and 15 mm width outer acceptance window with CWR between 20% and 25% are recommended for right CMRA at 3 T.