[Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Laboratory Indicators in Patients with Solid Malignant Tumor-Associated Venous Thromboembolism].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical features and laboratory indicators in patients with solid malignant tumor-associated venous thromboembolism (Ta-VTE), and to study the risk factors for Ta-VTE. METHODS: The hospitalized patients with VTE in Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital from January to December 2020 were enrolled, and they were divided into Ta-VTE group and pure VTE group based on the presence or absence of solid malignant tumor. The differences in clinical data and laboratory indicators between the two groups were analyzed, and the indicators with significant differences were included in logistic regression model to analyze the risk factors of Ta-VTE. RESULTS: A total of 288 patients with VTE were included in this study, including 64 cases in Ta-VTE group and 224 cases in pure VTE group, respectively. There were significant differences in the following indexes between the two groups, including the hospitalization time (14.20±15.29 d vs 10.05±6.90 d, t=3.112, P =0.002), pain (35.94% vs 65.18%, χ2=17.554, P =0.000), recent surgery (75.00% vs 37.50%, χ2=28.196, P =0.000), D-dimer [2.8 (0.92, 7.55) µg/ml vs 5.69 (2.25, 13.91) µg/ml, Z=-2.710, P =0.007], PLR[198.59 (139.54, 312.16) vs 149.76 (114.08, 233.66), Z=-2.924, P =0.003] and TBIL[10.90 (7.63, 15.68) µmol/L vs 12.90 (9.33, 18.28) µmol/L, Z=-2.066, P =0.039]. There was no significant difference in the other indicators (P >0.05). The result of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that elevated PLR (OR =1.003, 95%CI : 1.000-1.006, P =0.027), recent surgery (OR =4.312, 95%CI : 2.093-8.885, P =0.000) and prolonged hospitalization (OR =1.037, 95%CI : 1.002-1.074, P =0.038）were independent risk factors for Ta-VTE. However, pain (OR =0.274, 95%CI : 0.133-0.564, P =0.000) was a protective factor. CONCLUSION: Elevated PLR level, recent surgery and prolonged hospital stay are independent risk factors for Ta-VTE patients, and rational use of these indicators is helpful for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of Ta-VTE patients.

Research on the Application and Mechanisms of Electroactive Microorganisms in Toxicants Monitoring: A Review.

A biological treatment is the core process for removing organic pollutants from industrial wastewater. However, industrial wastewater often contains large amounts of toxic and harmful pollutants, which can inhibit the activity of microorganisms in a treatment system, precipitate the deterioration of effluent quality, and threaten water ecological security from time to time. In most of the existing anaerobic biological treatment processes, toxic effects on microorganisms are determined according to the amounts of end-products of the biochemical reactions, and the evaluation results are relatively lacking. When microorganisms contact toxic substances, changes in biological metabolic activity precede the accumulation of reaction products. As sensitive units, electroactive microorganisms can generate electrical signals, a change in which can directly reflect the toxicity level. The applications of electroactive microorganisms for the toxicity monitoring of wastewater are very promising. Further attention needs to be paid to considering the appropriate evaluation index, the influence of the environment on test results, mechanisms, and other aspects. Therefore, we reviewed the literature regarding the above aspects in order to provide a research foundation for the practical application of electroactive microorganisms in toxicant monitoring.

Impact analysis of operating conditions on carbon dioxide reduction in microbial electrosynthesis: Insight into the substance utilization and microbial response.

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is facing a series of problems including low energy utilization and production efficiency of high value-added products, which seriously hinder its practical application. In this study, a more practical direct current power source was used and the anaerobic activated sludge from wastewater treatment plants was inoculated to construct the acetic acid-producing MES. The operating conditions of acetic acid production were further optimized and the specific mechanisms involving the substance utilization and microbial response were revealed. The optimum conditions were the potential of 3.0 V and pH 6.0. Under these conditions, highly electroactive biofilms formed and all kinds of substances were effectively utilized. In addition, dominant bacteria (Acetobacterium, Desulfovibrio, Sulfuricurvum, Sulfurospirillum, and Fusibacter) had high abundances. Under optimal conditions, acetic acid-forming characteristic genera (Acetobacterium) had the highest relative abundance (Biocathode-25.82 % and Suspension-17.24 %). This study provided references for the optimal operating conditions of MES and revealed the corresponding mechanisms.

Cumulative health risk in children and adolescents exposed to bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP).

Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been widely concerned owing to its widespread detection and endocrine disrupting effect. Nevertheless, systematic analysis and evaluation of the current status of DEHP contamination are still insufficient for children and adolescents. Dietary exposure and nondietary exposure to DEHP were investigated to estimate the total average daily dose (ADD). The top three contributors were dust exposure, edible oil and vegetable intake. Dietary intake contributed highly (70%) to daily exposure to DEHP. By analyzing the monitoring data on DEHP exposure, the cumulative health risks of DEHP were assessed for different age groups of children and adolescents in East China. The probability distributions of noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were determined by Monte Carlo simulation. The results showed that the risk level reduced with age. The predicted mean noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for all age groups exceeded the acceptable level, indicating that the general population would be at high risk by DEHP overexposure. Schoolchildren at ages 6∼<9 were more susceptible to DEHP exposure, with a 30% possibility of exceeding the safety limit Based on these results, gradual banning and restriction should be carried out to decrease DEHP contamination and potential health risks.

Effect of NaClO and ClO2 on the bacterial properties in a reclaimed water distribution system: efficiency and mechanisms.

Extensive application of reclaimed water alleviated water scarcity obviously. Bacterial proliferation in reclaimed water distribution systems (RWDSs) poses a threat to water safety. Disinfection is the most common method to control microbial growth. The present study investigated the efficiency and mechanisms of two widely used disinfectants: sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) on the bacterial community and cell integrity in effluents of RWDSs through high-throughput sequencing (Hiseq) and flow cytometry, respectively. Results showed that a low disinfectant dose (1 mg/L) did not change the bacterial community basically, while an intermediate disinfectant dose (2 mg/L) reduced the biodiversity significantly. However, some tolerant species survived and multiplied in high disinfectant environments (4 mg/L). Additionally, the effect of disinfection on bacterial properties varied between effluents and biofilm, with changes in the abundance, bacterial community, and biodiversity. Results of flow cytometry showed that NaClO disturbed live bacterial cells rapidly, while ClO2 caused greater damage, stripping the bacterial membrane and exposing the cytoplasm. This research will provide valuable information for assessing the disinfection efficiency, biological stability control, and microbial risk management of reclaimed water supply systems.

Study on electrochemical reduction mechanisms of iron oxides in pipe scale in drinking water distribution system.

Iron release from pipe scale is an important reason for water quality deterioration in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) globally. Disruption of pipe scale, release and transformation of iron compounds are hot topics in the field of water supply. The aim of this study is to determine whether and how ferric components in pipe scale be reduced under anoxic condition. In this study, new investigation approaches were applied, which include simplifying the complex scale into electrode pairs, developing novel simulating reactors and conducting tailored electrochemical assays. A galvanic cell reactor with anode of metallic iron (Fe0) and various cathode made of certain iron oxide (FeOx) was firstly developed to simulate the complex niche and components of pipe scale. Electrochemical methods were used to study the reduction characteristics of scale. The results proved that reduction of iron oxide scale did occur under anoxic condition. Electromotive forces between various electrodes match the Nernst Equation quite well. As main components in pipe scale, lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) was found to be the most reducible iron oxide but at low rate, while goethite (α-FeOOH) has weak reducibility but can be quickly reduced. As a result of electrochemical reactions, goethite in pipe scale was transformed into magnetite (Fe3O4). By these means, electrochemical reaction mechanisms of pipe scale disruption were revealed, which is helpful to restrain pipe corrosion and water deterioration in DWDS.

Integration of Zeolite Membrane Bioreactor With Granular Sludge-Based Anammox in High-Efficiency Nitrogen Removal From Iron Oxide Red Wastewater.

Acquisition of stable nitritation and efficient anammox play a crucial role in partial nitritation (PN) combined with anammox for nitrogen removal from ammonium-rich wastewater. Due to the limitation of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) enrichment and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) control in traditional membrane biological reactor (MBR), it can result in a lower nitrite production rate (NPR) and unstable PN, eventually reducing the nitrogen removal rate (NRR) via PN-anammox. In this study, we developed a zeolite membrane biological reactor (ZMBR) to enhance the PN of iron oxide red wastewater (IORW), in which the biofilm derived from the zeolite surface can provide free ammonia (FA)-containing microenvironment for AOB enrichment and NOB inhibition. The results showed that ZMBR can tolerate a higher influent nitrogen loading rate (NLR) of 2.78 kg/(m3⋅day) in comparison to the traditional MBR [2.02 kg/(m3⋅day)] and the NPR in ZMBR and traditional MBR were 1.39 and 0.96 kg/(m3⋅day), respectively. The mass concentration ratio of NO 2 - -N/ NH 4 + -N ranged from 1.05 to 1.33 in ZMBR, suggesting a suitable condition for nitrogen removal via anammox. Subsequently, the domesticated granular sludge obtained from a paper-making wastewater treatment was used as the carrier of anammox bacteria to remove nitrogen. After 93 days of operation, the NRR was observed to be 2.33 kg/(m3⋅day) and high-throughput sequencing indicated that the relatively higher abundance (45.0%) of Candidatus Kuenenia stuttgartiensis was detected in the granular sludge of the bottom part of the reactor, which can produce more proteins and lipids, suggesting a good settleability. Overall, this study provides a high-efficient method to control PN and domesticate anammox for nitrogen removal from IORW.

Review on corrosion and corrosion scale formation upon unlined cast iron pipes in drinking water distribution systems.

The qualified finished water from water treatment plants (WTPs) may become discolored and deteriorated during transportation in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs), which affected tap water quality seriously. This water stability problem often occurs due to pipe corrosion and the destabilization of corrosion scales. This paper provides a comprehensive review of pipe corrosion in DWDSs, including corrosion process, corrosion scale formation, influencing factors and monitoring technologies utilized in DWDSs. In terms of corrosion process, corrosion occurrence, development mechanisms, currently applied assays, and indices used to determine the corrosion possibility are summarized, as well as the chemical and bacterial influences. In terms of scale formation, explanations for the nature of corrosion and scale formation mechanisms are discussed and its typical multilayered structure is illustrated. Furthermore, the influences of water quality and microbial activity on scale transformation are comprehensively discussed. Corrosion-related bacteria at the genus level and their associated corrosion mechanism are also summarized. This review helps deepen the current understanding of pipe corrosion and scale formation in DWDSs, providing guidance for water supply utilities to ensure effective measures to maintain water quality stability and guarantee drinking water safety.

Spatial distribution characteristics and health risk assessment of heavy metals in surface sediment of the Hai River and its tributaries in Tianjin, China.

To assess the spatial distribution characteristics and health risk of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Pb, and Cr) in surface sediment of the Hai River and its tributaries in Tianjin, China, 32 surface sediment samples were collected. All the heavy metals mainly occurred in residue, except Cd. Cd primarily existed in the exchangeable fraction and posed a high risk to the aquatic environment. The mean values of pollution index followed a decreasing trend of Cu > Cd > Ni > Pb > Cr > Zn. The results of health risk assessment showed that the heavy metals were not a threat to local residents and Cr and Pb were the main contributors to the health risk. The carcinogenic risk posed by Cr was two orders of magnitude higher than that posed by Cd. A self-organizing map divided the 32 sites into three clusters and more attention should be paid to cluster 3. The results will be conducive to understanding the heavy metal pollution patterns and implementing effective and accurate management programs.

Irisin in atherosclerosis.

Irisin, a novel exercise-induced myokine, has been shown to play important roles in increasing white adipose tissue browning, regulating energy metabolism and improving insulin resistance. Growing evidence suggests a direct role for irisin in preventing atherosclerosis (AS) by inhibiting oxidative stress, improving dyslipidemia, facilitating anti-inflammation, reducing cellular damage and recovering endothelial function. In addition, some studies have noted that serum irisin levels play an essential role in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) risk prediction, highlighting that irisin has the potential to be a useful predictive marker and therapeutic target of AS, especially in monitoring therapeutic efficacy. This review summarizes the understanding of irisin-mediated regulation in essential biological pathways and functions in atherosclerosis and prompts further exploitation of the biological properties of irisin in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Early period corrosion and scaling characteristics of ductile iron pipe for ground water supply with sodium hypochlorite disinfection.

The corrosion and scaling phenomenon have crucial impact on drinking water distribution systems (DWDS), which might lead to pipe blockage or leakage, colored water and other chemical stability issues. In this study, a simulating pipe system with continuous water flow was prepared to investigate the characteristics of corrosion and scaling on ductile iron pipe transporting ground water with sodium-hypochlorite (NaOCl) disinfection. Electrochemical assays, such as polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectra were applied to monitor the corrosion and scaling process. Results showed the morphology and components of scale were closely related with the electrochemical analysis results. The corrosion current density decreased continuously as corrosion and scaling proceeded. The process could be divided into three stages. During Stage I (0-20 days), the corrosion current intensity of low NaOCl dosage experiments (1, 2 mg/L) were higher than those of high NaOCl dosage experiments (5, 10 mg/L). The difference could be explained by different oxidation potentials, pH and CaCO3 deposition. During Stage II (20-80 days), higher proportions of Fe3O4 in scale in experiments with no or low NaOCl dosages restrained the corrosion process and presented smaller corrosion current. Subsequently, the ductile iron surface became passivated and the difference of various NaOCl dosages affecting corrosion and scaling process turned to be negligible during Stage III (80-90 days). A negative linear relationship between the proportion of stable scale component and the corrosion current density was established. Besides the direct corrosion reaction with iron substrate, NaOCl dosing was accompanied by an increase in pH and calcium carbonate precipitation potential values, which affected the early period corrosion and scaling phenomenon greatly.

Ambient PM2.5 caused depressive-like responses through Nrf2/NLRP3 signaling pathway modulating inflammation.

PM2.5 pollution has been associated with numerous adverse effects including cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic diseases as well as emotional disorders. However, the potential mechanism has not known clearly. Twenty-four rats were divided into 3 groups and exposed to various airs: filtered air (FA), unfiltered air (UA) and concentrated PM2.5 air (CA), respectively. Thirty wild type (WT) and 30 Nrf2 knockout (KO) mice were divided into 2 groups and exposed to FA and UA, respectively. The changes of neurobehavioral function, neurotransmitter secretion, toxic elements deposition, oxidative stress and the inflammation in prefrontal cortex were investigated during 9-12 weeks with/without PM2.5 exposure. Results showed that CA rats and KO-UA mice emerged obviously depressive-like responses. Li, Be, Al, Cr, Co, Ni, Se, Cd, Ba, Ti and Pb could deposit in the prefrontal cortex of rats after PM2.5 exposure. The neurotransmitters were significantly disorder in prefrontal cortex of CA rats. The NLRP3 signaling pathway was more activated in Nrf2-/- than WT mice after PM2.5 exposure for 9 weeks. Nrf2/ NLRP3 signaling pathway modulating the inflammation might play an important role in the depression induced by ambient PM2.5.

Effects of chlorination/chlorine dioxide disinfection on biofilm bacterial community and corrosion process in a reclaimed water distribution system.

In this work, reclaimed water treated with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) or chlorine dioxide (ClO2) at 1, 2, and 4 mg/L was operated successively for 30 days respectively, in annular reactors with new cast iron coupons, corresponding to stages I (days 0-30), II (days 31-60), and III (days 61-90). The Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing platform was used to analyze the bacterial community composition, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses were conducted to characterize corrosion scales, and the weight loss method was served to determine the general corrosion rate. Results reveal the precise disinfection effect on biofilm bacteria to be dose dependent and species specific. In stage I, disinfection caused a reduction in the number of operational taxonomic units, but, had little effect on biofilm composition. In stage II, NaClO and ClO2 induced a reduction of Proteobacteria proportion, but increased the dominance of Firmicutes; the diminished Proteobacteria in NaClO test mainly included Gammaproteobacteria, while, that in ClO2 test mainly included the Gammaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria. In stage III, Firmicutes presented a certain resistance to NaClO and ClO2 as the accumulation of corrosion scales. Results also indicated that disinfection enhanced the corrosion process, and the promoting effect of ClO2 was more pronounced than that of NaClO. Moreover, this promoting effect was more obvious in stage I than that in the latter two stages. The strong oxidization effect associated with disinfection in stage I was the dominant factor promoting corrosion, whereas, the bacterial community also played a crucial role in stages II and III.

Distinct microbially induced concrete corrosion at the tidal region of reinforced concrete sewers.

Microbially induced concrete corrosion (MICC) is a major deterioration affecting sewers worldwide. MICC is not uniform on sewer inner walls and often occurs at hot spots such as crown and tidal regions, which are critical to determine sewer service life. Especially, concrete corrosion in tidal regions is complicated due to the fluctuation of wastewater levels and the hydraulic scouring effects. The traditional methodology of corrosion monitoring also limits the study of the tidal corrosion. In this study, by using a combination of various advanced mineral analytical techniques and culture-independent 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, the development of corrosion, the formation of corrosion products and the variation of microbial communities in tidal regions were investigated systematically. The physical-chemical characteristics in tidal regions varied with the distance from the wastewater surface. Above the wastewater, more severe corrosion was detected with a closer distance to wastewater, producing gypsum as the major corrosion products. The microbial succession in tidal regions occurred, with the coexistence of conventional autotrophic SOB and acidophilic heterotrophic bacteria initially, and shifting to the predominant colonization of Mycobacterium when pH reached around 1. The heterotrophic bacteria, i.e. Mycobacterium and Bacillus, were likely responsible for the observed corrosion due to the potential capability in generating sulfuric acid. The applications of advanced mineral and microbial analytical techniques were demonstrated effective in improving the understanding of concrete sewer corrosion.

Effects of dissolved oxygen and nutrient loading on phosphorus fluxes at the sediment-water interface in the Hai River Estuary, China.

The effects of dissolved oxygen and nutrient loading on the concentrations and species of phosphorus at the sediment-water interface were evaluated under laboratory conditions. The results showed that the redox potential was significantly correlated with the total phosphorus, total dissolved phosphorus, total nitrogen, ammonium and nitrate nitrogen levels in an aerobic setting, but no significant correlations were observed under anaerobic conditions. The dynamic equilibrium between the overlying water and sediment tended to balance out over time, and the concentration gradient reduced, when the nutrient loading was changed. The greatest variation was observed in the level of iron/aluminum-bound phosphorus, while the calcium-bound phosphorus and organic phosphorus contents showed relatively minor changes. This study not only illustrates the phosphorus transfer mechanism between sediment and water, but can also contribute to the management and protection of Bohai Bay.