Stimulating thyroglobulin to TSH ratio predict long-term efficacy of 131I therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer after total thyroidectomy: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This study utilized the stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg) to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) ratio to predict the long-term efficacy of 131I therapy in patients with moderate-to-high-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 960 DTC patients with a median follow-up time of 30 months (6-92 months). The median age was 44 years. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy, lymph node dissection, and at least one 131I therapy. Patients were subjected to a final efficacy evaluation according to American Thyroid Association's 2015 guidelines. Patients were grouped according to their TSH levels before the initial 131I therapy and the final efficacy evaluation, and factors influencing TSH levels and final efficacy were analyzed. Construction of nomograms using independent risk factors affecting long-term outcomes. The cut-offs of sTg and sTg/TSH ratios were calculated for different long-term outcomes. Progression-free survival (PFS) of patients was analyzed by making Kaplan-Meier survival according to the cut-offs of sTg and sTg/TSH ratio. RESULTS: TSH (mU/L) levels were more concentrated at 60-90 in females (71.5%) and 30-60 in males (39.0%), while patients with younger age, more lymph node metastases, shorter time interval between surgery and the first 131I therapy, and lower dose of levothyroxine sodium taken prior to the first 131I therapy would have higher TSH levels (All P < 0.05).Patients who are male, have primary tumor involvement of the strap muscles, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and higher sTg and sTg/TSH are more likely to have poor long-term outcomes (All P < 0.05).The cut-offs of sTg and sTg/TSH for long-term efficacy were 7.515 and 0.095. STg, sTg/TSH, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis were shown to be independent risk factors for long-term efficacy. The mean PFSs were longer for patients who had sTg/TSH ≤ 0.095 and/or sTg≤7.515 ug/L. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with moderate-to-high-risk DTC, when sTg>7.515 ug/L and/or sTg/TSH > 0.095 before the first 131I therapy, patients are more likely to have a poor long-term efficacy after full 131I therapy. This means that this group of patients may require further surgical treatment or targeted drug therapy after 131I therapy.

Ocean current redistributed the currently using Organoamine Pesticides in Arctic summer water.

In a comprehensive study on the presence and distribution of Currently Using Organoamine Pesticides (CUOAPs) in the Arctic Ocean, this study collected and analyzed 36 surface seawater samples during the summer of 2021. The study detected 36 CUOAPs, 17 of these compounds at levels exceeding the Method Detection Limits (MDLs). Concentrations of CUOAPs ranged from 0.11 to 2.94 ng/L, exhibiting an average of 1.83 ± 0.83 ng/L. Spatial distribution analysis revealed lower CUOAP concentrations in the central Arctic Ocean, with Cycloate constituting the most abundant component (23.66 %). The investigation identified terrestrial inputs and long-range atmospheric transport as potential sources of CUOAPs in the Arctic Ocean region. The origins of individual CUOAPs appeared to be associated with application procedures and their propensity for co-occurrence at low latitudes. The study also examined the role of ocean currents in the transport and redistribution of CUOAPs in surface seawater across different regions. While ocean currents played a significant role, the influence of sea ice cover on CUOAP distribution was minimal. An ecological risk assessment analysis underscored the need for regional attention to the presence of CUOAPs in the Arctic Ocean.

Spatiotemporal variations, surface inventory, and cross regional impact of current-use organoamine pesticides in Chinese Marginal Seas.

Current-use Organoamine Pesticides (CUOAPs) are a growing concern as emerging pesticide pollutants that were initially discovered on a large scale in Chinese Marginal Seas (CMSs). The highest level was detected in the East China Sea in the late spring and decreased in the following order: East China Sea (early spring) > the South China Sea > the Bohai Sea. The crucial role played by the Yangtze and Yellow rivers as significant terrestrial sources were established. The fluctuations in the land application and riverine input led to variations in the source, distribution, and seasonal patterns of CUOAPs. Terrestrial-exported CUOAPs were transported and redistributed spatially by the surface ocean currents, resulting in significant regional disparities. The results displayed a pronounced terrestrial source signature and a cross-regional impact. By the ocean current transport, CMSs will likely become a secondary source region for the surrounding seas.

Organophosphorus pesticides in southeastern China marginal seas: Land-based export and ocean currents redistribution.

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) have raised an increasing public concern due to their harmful impacts. To explore the occurrence and distribution of OPPs in southeastern China marginal seas (SCMS), a sampling campaign was carried out from East China Sea (ECS) to South China Sea (SCS). A total of 33 OPPs are quantified with the ΣOPPs concentrations ranging from 4.73 to 14.15 ng/L. Higher ΣOPPs concentrations in the surface seawater from the estuaries of Yangtze River, Minjiang River, and Pearl River than those at other sampling sites indicates that riverine emissions are the principal sources of OPPs in SCMS. Different compositions of OPPs in ECS and SCS highlight the different priority of use categories for OPPs in China coastal region. In addition, the vertical diffusion and upwelling ocean currents play critical roles in the redistribution of OPPs in SCMS. For the first time, the ΣOPPs mass inventories in surface seawater of ECS and SCS are estimated at 8.51 and 11.26 t, respectively. Although the current ecological risk of OPPs is at low level in surface seawater of SCMS, the long-term use and bio-accumulative potential point to the necessity for the normalized monitoring of OPPs in China.

Higher adjuvant radioactive iodine therapy dosage helps intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma patients achieve better therapeutic effect.

Objective: This retrospective study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect of varying dosages of adjuvant radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy on intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. Methods: This retrospective study involved a total of 427 intermediate-risk PTC patients, out of which 202 received a 3.7GBq dosage of RAI, and 225 received a 5.55GBq dosage. The evaluation involved assessing the therapeutic outcomes, number of treatment cycles, and successful remnant ablation rates in both dose groups, six months post-adjuvant RAI therapy. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors linked with excellent response (ER). Following this, prognostic nomograms were constructed to provide a visual representation of the prediction models. Calibration curves, the concordance index (C-index), and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were employed to evaluate the predictive performance of these nomograms. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was applied to assess the models' goodness-of-fit. Additionally, the clinical utility of the prognostic nomograms was appraised through decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: The high-dose (HD) group exhibited significantly higher proportions of ER, single treatment cycles, and successful remnant ablation rates (p<0.05). Being male, receiving a 3.7GBq dose, having an N1b stage, an sTg level ≥10ng/ml, or an sTg/TSH ratio ≥0.11 were independent risk factors for Non-ER. Two prognostic nomograms, "sTg Nomogram" and "sTg/TSH Nomogram", were established. The ranking of factors contributing to ER, in descending order, included the sTg or sTg/TSH ratio, N stage, therapy dosage, sex, and soft tissue invasion. The "sTg/TSH Nomogram" demonstrated a higher C-index compared to the "sTg Nomogram". The calibration curves indicated excellent calibration for both nomograms. DCA demonstrated that the net benefit of the "sTg/TSH Nomogram" was higher than that of the "sTg Nomogram". Conclusion: Higher initial RAI therapy doses can improve therapeutic efficacy for intermediate-risk PTC patients. The developed nomograms, particularly the "sTg/TSH Nomogram", could assist clinicians in optimal therapeutic decision-making.

Occurrence, seasonal variations, and eco-risk of currently using organochlorine pesticides in surface seawater of the East China Sea and Western Pacific Ocean.

We studied 19 targets currently using organochlorine pesticides (CUOCPs) from 98 samples in the Western Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea collected in 2019, 2020, and 2021. The samples were analyzed using a novel High-throat/High-volume Solid-Phase Extraction method. Eighteen individual CUOCPs were above the method detection limits. The levels of ∑19CUOCPs ranged from 0.13 to 17.80 ng/L, with an average of 3.13 ± 14.67 ng/L. Dicofol was the main pollutant in the Western Pacific Ocean, while Pyridaben dominated the East China Sea. In the summer, land-source input was the primary source in the Western Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. Historical residues were the main source in the East China Sea in spring. In the summer, the ecological risk assessment results indicated a relatively low risk to the Western Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea.

Application of Hi-throat/Hi-volume SPE technique in assessing organophosphorus pesticides and their degradation products in surface water from Tai Lake, east China.

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) are among the most commonly used pesticides worldwide. However, these compounds pose a serious threat to aquatic environments. Here, thirty-seven pesticides and eight degradation products were determined in surface water samples from Tai Lake, East China, using a high-volume solid phase extraction technique (Hi-throat/Hi-volume SPE). Surface water was pumped in-situ through a portable sampler, and OPPs in the water retained on the Hi-volume SPE adsorption column, finally extracted for analysis. This technique efficiently reduced the detection limits to below 0.3 ng/L. In total, 40 out of 45 OPP congeners were detected, which far exceeded the amount of OPPs in previous studies. The total concentration of OPPs ranged between 101.4 and 1530 ng/L (median: 378.9 ng/L). Parathion exhibited the highest concentration (median: 112.0 ng/L), followed by paraoxon-methyl (median: 90.3 ng/L), as well as carbophenothion, fenthion, and mevinphos. Agricultural areas were more polluted than residential and industrial regions. However, degradation products persisted in residential and industrial waters. The ecological risks of OPPs in these areas were estimated based on the risk quotient index (RQ). Parathion, fenthion, carbophenothion, and tolclofos-methyl occurred at high-risk levels, and the levels of degradation products were also non-trivial. Our findings thus indicated that OPP degradation products pose a potential threat to natural environments and should therefore be closely monitored.

Application of Hi-throat/Hi-volume SPE technique in analyzing occurrence, influencing factors and human health risk of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in drinking water of China.

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are typical industrial additives widely applied in various industrial and household products, but they may pollute drinking water. In the present study, the occurrence of OPEs in drinking water was analyzed. For this purpose, 25 drinking water samples were collected from households in 25 cities in China. The concentrations of OPEs were accurately determined according to a high-throughput organic analysis testing combined with high-volume solid phase extraction (Hi-throat/Hi-volume SPE) technique. Through this technique, nine OPEs were detected, with spiked recoveries from 77% to 101%, and their total concentrations (ΣOPEs) ranging from 46.8 to 251 (average 126) ng L-1. The detection frequencies of the selected OPEs determined via Hi-throat/Hi-volume SPE were 88.0%-100%, which are much higher than those previously reported. The limit of detections of the OPEs was low at < 0.01 ng L-1, which could be mainly attributed to the high volume of accumulated drinking water (>20 L). OPEs in drinking water presented a decreasing trend from cities in coastal provinces to inland cities of China. Redundancy analysis showed that the concentrations of OPEs in drinking water were significantly influenced by economic-demographic influencing factors. The non-carcinogenic and lifetime carcinogenic risks (non-CR and CR) of the analyzed OPEs in drinking water were negligible for urban residents in China.

Distribution of eight organophosphorus pesticides and their oxides in surface water of the East China Sea based on high volume solid phase extraction method.

In this study, we reported the occurrence of eight organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in the East China Sea. Forty samples were collected and analysed with a high volume solid phase extraction method (Hi-throat/Hi-volume SPE) in the early summer of 2020. All the target OPPs were detected in the surface water at one or more stations in the East China Sea, and the concentrations of ΣOPPs were in the range 0.0775-3.09 ng/L (mean: 0.862 ± 0.624 ng/L). Terbufos sulfone and fenthion were the main pollutants in this area, probably resulting from pesticide use in China and other countries. The off-shore input from coastal regions was suggested to be a major source of OPP pollution in the East China Sea, and the movement of ocean currents played an important role in their transportation because around 0.86 t OPPs passed through the Tsushima Strait from the East China Sea each month. An ecological risk assessment showed that these OPPs presented a high risk to species in the East China Sea, whereas they posed no health risk to humans under both the median and high exposure scenario.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in benthos of the northern Bering Sea Shelf and Chukchi Sea Shelf.

Eighteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in benthos collected onboard the 'Snow Dragon' in the Northern Bering Sea Shelf and Chukchi Sea Shelf during the 6th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition (CHINARE 2014). Σ18PAHs for all biota samples ranged from 34.2 to 128.1 ng/g dry weight (dw), with the highest concentration observed in fish muscle (Boreogadus saida) samples close to St. Lawrence Island. The PAH composition pattern was dominated by the presence of lighter 3 ring (57%) and 2 ring (28%) PAHs, indicating oil-related or petrogenic sources as important origins of PAH contamination. Concentrations of alkyl-PAHs (1-methylnaphthalene and 2-methylnaphthalene) were lower than their parent PAH (naphthalene) in all biological tissue, and their percentage also decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared with those in the corresponding sediment. There were no significant relationships between PAH concentrations and trophic levels, which is possibly due to the combined results of the complex benthic foodweb in the subarctic/Arctic shelf region, as well as a low assimilation/effective metabolism for PAHs. According to toxic potency evaluation results from TCDD toxic equivalents (TEQs) and BaP-equivalent (BaPE) values, whelk (Neptunea heros) and starfish (Ctenodiscus crispatus) are two macroinvertebrate species showing relatively higher dioxin-like toxicity and carcinogenic risk.

Occurrence of seventy-nine SVOCs in tapwater of China based on high throughput organic analysis testing combined with high volume solid phase extraction.

Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are ubiquitous and toxic environmental pollutants, and have recently attracted much research attention. However, their occurrence in tapwater and the associated potential health risks have not been thoroughly studied. This work examined 26 household tapwater samples collected in 26 Chinese cities during August and September 2019. Concentrations of 79 SVOCs, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polychlorobenzenes (CBs), were determined using an emerging method of high throughput organic analysis testing combined with high volume solid phase extraction (Hi-throat/Hi-volume SPE). Total concentrations of PAHs, PCBs, OCPs, and CBs were in the ranges 8.70-103 ng L-1 (average 42.1 ng L-1), 61.6-434 pg L-1 (average 274 pg L-1), 13.1-266 pg L-1 (average 59.8 pg L-1), and 3.5-83.0 pg L-1 (average 13.8 pg L-1), respectively. PAHs were the dominant SVOCs, with concentrations 10-100 times those of PCBs, OCPs, and CBs. All the studied SVOCs had concentrations deemed acceptable by Chinese national tapwater standards. These measured SVOCs displayed little spatial variation across China, but were significantly correlated with the size of the economy and population of each city. The human non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with the studied SVOCs in Chinese tapwater are negligible.

The TuMYB46L-TuACO3 module regulates ethylene biosynthesis in einkorn wheat defense to powdery mildew.

Powdery mildew disease, elicited by the obligate fungal pathogen Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici (Bgt), causes widespread yield losses in global wheat crop. However, the molecular mechanisms governing wheat defense to Bgt are still not well understood. Here we found that TuACO3, encoding the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) oxidase functioning in ethylene (ET) biosynthesis, was induced by Bgt infection of the einkorn wheat Triticum urartu, which was accompanied by increased ET content. Silencing TuACO3 decreased ET production and compromised wheat defense to Bgt, whereas both processes were enhanced in the transgenic wheat overexpressing TuACO3. TuMYB46L, phylogenetically related to Arabidopsis MYB transcription factor AtMYB46, was found to bind to the TuACO3 promoter region in yeast-one-hybrid and EMSA experiments. TuMYB46L expression decreased rapidly following Bgt infection. Silencing TuMYB46L promoted ET content and Bgt defense, but the reverse was observed when TuMYB46L was overexpressed. Hence, decreased expression of TuMYB46L permits elevated function of TuACO3 in ET biosynthesis in Bgt-infected wheat. The TuMYB46L-TuACO3 module regulates ET biosynthesis to promote einkorn wheat defense against Bgt. Furthermore, we found four chitinase genes acting downstream of the TuMYB46L-TuACO3 module. Collectively, our data shed a new light on the molecular mechanisms underlying wheat defense to Bgt.

Comparative transcriptional analysis of asexual and sexual morphs reveals possible mechanisms in reproductive polyphenism of the cotton aphid.

Aphids, the destructive insect pests in the agriculture, horticulture and forestry, are capable of reproducing asexually and sexually upon environmental change. However, the molecular basis of aphid reproductive mode switch remains an enigma. Here we report a comparative analysis of differential gene expression profiling among parthenogenetic females, gynoparae and sexual females of the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii, using the RNA-seq approach with next-generation sequencing platforms, followed by RT-qPCR. At the cutoff criteria of fold change ≥2 and P<0.01, we identified 741 up- and 879 down-regulated genes in gynoparae versus parthenogenetic females, 2,101 up- and 2,210 down-regulated genes in sexual females compared to gynoparae, and 1,614 up- and 2,238 down-regulated genes in sexual females relative to parthenogenetic females. Gene ontology category and KEGG pathway analysis suggest the involvement of differentially expressed genes in multiple cellular signaling pathways into the reproductive mode transition, including phototransduction, cuticle composition, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and endocrine regulation. This study forms a basis for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the shift from asexual to sexual reproduction in the cotton aphid. It also provides valuable resources for future studies on this host-alternating aphid species, and the insight into the understanding of reproductive mode plasticity in different aphid species.