Heavy Metal Contamination in Sediments from Wetlands Invaded by Spartina alterniflora in the Yellow River Delta.

Heavy metals are major pollutants that pose threats to wetland environments. In the present study, surface sediments from wetlands vegetated by invasive species Spartina alterniflora in the Yellow River Delta were collected and determined for the mass fractions of Co, Ni, As, Cd and Pb. Results showed mass fractions of Co, Ni, As, Cd and Pb in the sediments of the S. alterniflora communities ranged from 8.5 to 16.0, 13.9−27.9, 3.2−13.8, 0.08−0.24, and 17.6−37.5 mg/kg dw, respectively, generally presenting an order of Pb > Ni > Co > As > Cd. The levels of heavy metals in sediments in the S. alterniflora communities were higher than those in the wetland vegetated by the native plant species Suaeda heteroptera. Correlations among metal elements were highly significant, suggesting that they might have the same sources. Clay and TOC were important factors affecting the spatial distribution of metals. The Igeo values of the investigated elements in the sediments were frequently lower than 0, revealing the slight pollution status of these metals. Relatively slight values of Eri and RI suggested that the potential ecological risks caused by the 5 metals were low. Our findings could provide a better understanding of the correlation between metal pollution and bio-invasion in wetland ecosystems.

Effect of Electromyographic Biofeedback Therapy on Muscle Strength Recovery in Children with Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

GBS, as an immune-mediated acute inflammatory peripheral neuropathy (Tan and Halpin et al.), with the characteristics of acute onset and rapid progression, is mainly manifested with damages in nerve root and peripheral nerve. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of electromyographic biofeedback therapy on muscle strength recovery in children with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). A total of 62 GBS children patients admitted to our hospital from June 2014 to December 2018 were selected and divided into control group (n = 30) and experimental group (n = 32) according to the order of admission. The children patients in the control group received physical therapy combined with occupational therapy (PT + OT), while based on the treatment in the control group, the experimental group children patients were treated with electromyographic biofeedback therapy. After that, the recovery of nerve and muscle at different time points, muscle strength score, gross motor function measure (GMFM) score, and Barthel index (BI) score of the children patients before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the recovery of nerve and muscle of the children patients between the two groups at T 0 and T 1 (P > 0.05), and the recovery of nerve and muscle of the children patients in the experimental group was significantly better than that in the control group at T 2, T 3, and T 4 (P < 0.001); the muscle strength score, GMFM score, and BI score of the children patients in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group after treatment (P < 0.001). The application of electromyographic biofeedback therapy for the treatment of GBS can effectively relieve clinical symptoms, promote rapid recovery, and improve treatment efficacy in children patients, which is worthy of application and promotion.

Analysis of Risk Factors for Multiantibiotic-Resistant Infections Among Surgical Patients at a Children's Hospital.

BACKGROUND: To identify the potential risk factors for multiantibiotic-resistant infections and provide sufficient evidence for multiantibiotic resistance prevention and control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of all patients in pediatric orthopedics, pediatric heart surgery, and pediatric general surgery at a level 3, grade A children's hospital from January to December 2016. The clinical laboratory information monitoring system and the medical record system were used to collect patient information regarding age, surgery type, preoperative length of stay, admission season, incision type, preoperative infection, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative use of invasive equipment, duration of catheter drainage, and timepoint of intraoperative prophylactic antibiotics administration. We used logistic univariate and multivariate regression analysis to analyze the potential risk factors for multiantibiotic-resistant infections among pediatric surgical patients. SPSS 21.0 and Excel software packages were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: In total, 2,973 patients met the inclusion criteria: 1,247 patients in pediatric orthopedics, 1,089 patients in pediatric heart surgery, and 637 patients in pediatric general surgery. At the end of the study, 113 patients were multiantibiotic-resistant infection cases; the rate of multiantibiotic-resistant infections was 3.80%, and the detection rate was 84.79%. Multivariate analysis indicated that the multiantibiotic-resistant infection cases were influenced by age, department, admission season, incision type, preoperative infection, and duration of catheter drainage. CONCLUSIONS: Age, department, admission season, incision type, preoperative infection, and duration of catheter drainage may provide possible evidence for prevention and control strategies of multiantibiotic-resistant infections.

p16(INK4A) mediates age-related changes in mesenchymal stem cells derived from human dental pulp through the DNA damage and stress response.

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human dental pulp (DP-MSCs) are characterized by self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation, which play important roles in regenerative medicine. Autologous transfers, as non-immunogenic, constitute the safest approach in cellular transplantations. However, their use may be limited by age-related changes. In the study, we compared DP-MSCs isolated from human in five age groups: 5-12 y, 12-20 y, 20-35 y, 35-50 y, and >50 y. We tested the effect of age on proliferation, differentiation, senescence-associated ß-galactosidase (SA-ß-gal), cell cycle and programmed cell death. DP-MSCs showed characteristics of senescence as a function of age. Meanwhile, the expression of p16(INK4A) and γ-H2A.X significantly increased with age, whereas heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) was decreased in the senescent DP-MSCs. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining showed the number of ROS-stained cells and the DCFH fluorescent level were higher in the aged group. Further we examined the senescence of DP-MSCs after modulating p16(INK4A) signaling. The results indicated the dysfunction of DP-MSCs was reversed by p16(INK4A) siRNA. In summary, our study indicated p16(INK4A) pathway may play a critical role in DP-MSCs age-related changes and the DNA damage response (DDR) and stress response may be the main mediators of DP-MSCs senescence induced by excessive activation of p16(INK4A) signaling.

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells downregulate inflammatory responses by shifting the Treg/Th17 profile in experimental colitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and mechanisms of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) on immune responses in murine colitis. METHODS: Mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis were injected intraperitoneally with hUC-MSCs or human bone marrow-derived MSCs. The cytokine levels from lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) and colon tissue were measured using ELISA. Treg and Th17 cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. The proliferation of LPMCs was assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8. RESULTS: hUC-MSCs ameliorate DSS-induced colitis via the downregulation of colon inflammatory responses. Furthermore, hUC-MSCs adjusted modulation of Treg/Th17 cells in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. hUC-MSCs also inhibited LPMCs in vitro. CONCLUSION: hUC-MSCs may be an alternative source of stem cells and are worthy of study in long-term clinical trials.

Age-dependent impaired neurogenic differentiation capacity of dental stem cell is associated with Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

Two kinds of dental stem cells (DSCs), dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and stem cells from human-exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), have been identified as novel populations of mesenchymal stem cells that can be induced to differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and neuron-like cells in vitro. As we know, both of them originate from the neural crest, but have distinct characteristics and functions in vitro and in vivo. The regeneration potential of DSCs declines with advanced age; however, the mechanism of the impaired potential in DSCs has not been fully explored. In this study, we investigated whether declined neurogenic differentiation capacity is associated with an altered expression of Wnt signaling-related proteins in vitro. We compared stem cells isolated from human dental pulp in two age groups: the exfoliated deciduous teeth (5-12 years), and the third permanent teeth (45-50 years). We found that the expression levels of neuron markers, such as ßIII-tubulin, microtubule-associated protein 2(MAP2), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and Nestin were lower in the DPSCs group compared with that in the SHED group; however, in supplementation with human recombinant Wnt1 in the medium, the DPSCs were prone to neural differentiation and expressed higher levels of neurogenic markers. In summary, our study demonstrated that Wnt/ß-catenin signaling may play a vital role in the age-dependent neural differentiation of DSCs. Therefore, DSCs may provide an ideal source of stem cells that can further extend their therapeutic application in nerve injury and neurodegenerative diseases.

TNF-α triggers osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells via the NF-κB signalling pathway.

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) characterised by self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation, including chondrocytes, adipocytes, neural cells and osteoblasts, which make it an attractive choice for tissue engineering purposes. Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) had the positive effect on the mineralisation of bone marrow MSCs and stromal cells derived from human adipose tissue. However, the effect of TNF-α on DPSCs is unclear. We found that TNF-α activated the NF-κB pathway during the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs. TNF-α also increased mineralisation and the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and collagen type I (COL I) during this process. PDTC, an NF-κB inhibitor, blocked the osteogenic differentiation induced by TNF-α. No effect of TNF-α on proliferation of DPSCs or cell cycle was detected. In summary, TNF-α promotes mineralisation and mineralisation-related gene expression through the NF-κB signalling pathway in DPSCs, which may provide a foundation for autologous transplantation of DPSCs.

[Expression of nuclear factor-kappaB and its inhibitor in alveolar macrophages of patients with neonatal hyaline membrane disease].

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory reaction and injury in immature lungs are associated with activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) to trigger proinflammatory cytokine release, but the mechanism thereof is not fully understood. The present study was conducted to understand possible relationship between expression of NF-kappaB and its inhibitor and severity and outcome of neonates with hyaline membrane disease (HMD). METHODS: Serial samples of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were obtained during mechanical ventilation from 31 preterm infants with HMD. These infants were divided into two groups: survivors group [n = 22, birth weight (1500 +/- 320) g and gestational age (31.2 +/- 1.8) weeks] and nonsurvivors group [birth weight (1340 +/- 280) g, gestational age (30.8 +/- 2.1) weeks]. Nineteen preterm infants [birth weight (1470 +/- 280) g, gestational age (30.6 +/- 1.9) weeks] without respiratory disorders were enrolled as control subjects. Alveolar macrophages (AM) were isolated by differential adherence. AM was cultured and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 1 hr. Then, nuclear extracts of AM were analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) for NF-kappaB expression. NF-kappaB inhibitor (IkappaB-alpha protein) in cytoplasmic extracts was detected by using Western blotting and IL-1beta and IL-8 in BALF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: NF-kappaB complexes were observed by EMSA, they were characterized by competition with cold oligonucleotide and p65-specific antibodies. The addition of an excess of cold oligonucleotide, corresponding to the NF-kappaB binding site, turned off the signal of the band, showing that the band was specific. An excess of an irrelevant oligonucleotide (corresponding to the SP-1) did not show any effect. The addition of an anti-p65 antibody caused the supershift of the two upper bands. After EMSA, the NF-kappaB complexes were quantified by using a ImageQuant software. NF-kappaB expression in AM at 24 hrs was higher in all the patients with HMD as compared with control subjects (survives/control, 34.1 vs 11.4 RDU, P < 0.01; nonsurvivors/control, 55.2 vs 11.4 RDU, P < 0.01). The NF-kappaB expression in AM at 72 hrs was higher than that in control subjects but not for nonsurvivors (survivors/control, 47.8 vs 25.6 RDU, P < 0.01; nonsurvivors/control, 21.8 vs 25.6, P > 0.05). The NF-kappaB expression in AM from nonsurvivors was depressed at 72 hrs as compared to 24 hrs (21.8 vs 55.2, P < 0.01), whereas the NF-kappaB expression in AM from survivors was still higher at 72 hrs than that at 24 hrs (47.8 vs 34.1, t = 4.43, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Altered NF-kappaB activation in AM of BALF of neonates with HMD was observed, and it may be mediated by decreased IkappaB synthesis, increased IkappaB degradation, or both. In HMD nonsurvivors NF-kappaB translocation was hampered upon LPS activation.

[Significance of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and procalcitonin in diagnosis of neonatal septicemia].

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal septicemia is a critical disease in neonatal period. Its incidence among live births is between 1 per thousand and 8 per thousand. Mortality of neonatal septicemia may be as high as 50% for infants who are not treated. The early signs of septicemia in the newborn are generally nonspecific. Blood culture and the other clinical diagnostic measures are not sufficiently sensitive. The present study aimed at evaluating potential use of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in diagnosis of septicemia. METHODS: The experimental group consisted of 50 newborns with septicemia who were treated in Hebei Provincial Children's Hospital from April 1, 2002 to December 30, 2002. Thirty of the 50 cases had positive blood culture. The control group included 35 healthy newborns. Fasting blood samples were taken for bacterial cultures and sICAM-1, CRP, PCT determination. PCT and CRP contents were determined immediately after the specimens were collected. Analyses of sICAM-1 were done after inclusion of the last patient. Serum was separated from each specimen and stored at -20 degrees C within 2 hours. The analyses of sICAM-1 were performed by ELISA technique. CRP was analyzed by immunoturbidimetry assay (ITA). Immunochromatographic test was performed for detection of PCT from 200 ul serum. SPSS 10.0 was used to process the data. P values < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple comparison, chi-square test, paired-samples T test, linear correlation, Spearman correlation analysis, ROC curve were used for statistical analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, accuracy, Youden's index for sICAM-1, PCT, CRP and WBC count were calculated. These values were compared with each other. RESULTS: (1) The content of sICAM-1 in control group varied widely from 79 to 1252 ng/ml. Comparison of the data indicated that there was significant difference among the three groups in the content of sICAM-1, CRP and PCT (P < 0.05), but not in WBC count. These markers are considered positive if sICAM-1 >or= 300 ng/ml, CRP >or= 8 mg/l, PCT >or= 2 ng/ml. Their sensitivity was higher than WBC (P < 0.05). Among these indices, PCT has the highest specificity (94.3%), positive predictive (95.6%), negative predictive (82.5%), accuracy (89.4%), and Youden's index (80.3%). (2) No significant difference was found in sICAM-1 between pre- and post-treatment (P > 0.05); however, there was significant difference in CRP and PCT. (3) sICAM-1 was in direct proportion to CRP (r = 0.339,P < 0.01). PCT is correlated with sICAM-1, CRP (the spearman correlation coefficient 0.569, 0.482, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Different individual is in different immune status; The level of sICAM-1 is related with neonatal septicemia. sICAM-1 concentration may be used as a diagnostic tool with high sensitivity (85%) and moderate specificity (54.3%) in neonates suspected of infection. The sensitivity and specificity of CRP (>or= 8 mg/l) were accordingly 87.5% and 54.3%. WBC count had low sensitivity for diagnosis (30.0%); Among these indices, PCT had the highest specificity (94.3%), positive predictive (95.6%), negative predictive (82.5%) Values, accuracy (89.4%), Youden's index (80.3%); No correlation was found between sICAM-1 concentration and their ages in day accordingly. CRP, PCT may be used to estimate the effect of therapy. The correlation of the infectious indices indicates that the body may mobilize many organs at the same time to resist the invasion of organism.