Integrating portable X-ray fluorescence site survey and ArcGIS models for rapid risk assessment and mitigation strategies at an abandoned arsenic mine site: a case study.

Australia's metalliferous abandoned mine sites (MAMSs), pose tangible threats to the environment and human health. To address these concerns, our study utilised state-of-the-art handheld XRF technology to conduct a real-time assessment of the Mole River arsenic mine site. The data revealed notably elevated levels of arsenic and manganese, with the southeast corner of the site identified as a contaminant hotspot. We used a tiered risk assessment approach to compare the detected contaminant concentrations to the Australian health investigation levels (tier 1). This led us to a broader examination of erosion vulnerabilities and the potential migration of contaminants (tier 2). Further, a hydrological assessment (tier 3) identified significant erosion in southern regions, indicating the potential for contaminants to be transported off-site through surface water runoff to Sam's Creek and Mole River. The proximity of a reservoir to these runoff pathways brought forth additional challenges, especially during heavy rainfall events. Subsequent laboratory analysis of water samples reinforced our findings, as they confirmed heightened arsenic concentrations in Mole River downstream, accentuating the potential risks to ecosystems and human health. By integrating the XRF contour map and erosion assessment with the RUSLE model, valuable insights are gained into critical hotspots with high contamination and erosion potential. By directing rehabilitation efforts towards critical hotspots, resources can be allocated more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Complete blood and urine paraprotein tests as response assessments in multiple myeloma patients treated with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone.

Background: This study assessed the effect of standardized efficacy markers on prognosis in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) during the induction phase of treatment with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone (BCD). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data in 197 newly diagnosed MM patients treated with BCD as front-line regimen at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2018. Results: There were 107 patients with International Staging System (ISS) III and 51 with paraprotein of light chain. Of these, 77 completed nine cycles of the BCD regimen. As the number of treatment cycles increased, the proportions of serum and urine immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) tests elevated from 40.39% to 62.22% and 16.75% to 37.78%, respectively. More than 90% of intact immunoglobulin chain MM patients were evaluated for blood M protein per cycle, but that of urinary M protein was less than 60%. The detection rate of urinary M protein in light chain MM was more than 70% per cycle. Patients with a very good partial response (VGPR) had longer progression-free survival (PFS) than those with uncertain VGPR (32 vs. 26 months, p = 0.0336). Of the 141 patients who completed at least four cycles without undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, those who were regularly assessed at every other cycle showed more favorable PFS than those who visited irregularly (27 vs. 22 months, p = 0.059). Conclusion: Urinary M protein detection rate is significantly lower than that in serum, leading to an overestimation of efficacy, premature reduction of treatment intensity, and shortened PFS. Precise response assessments are critical to treatment decisions and clinical diagnoses.

The validity and IRT psychometric analysis of Chinese version of Difficult Doctor-Patient Relationship Questionnaire (DDPRQ-10).

OBJECTIVE: The doctor-patient relationship (DPR) plays a crucial role in the Chinese healthcare system, functioning to improve medical quality and reduce medical costs. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Difficult Doctor-Patient Relationship Questionnaire (DDPRQ-10) among general hospital inpatients in China. METHODS: The research recruited 38 resident doctors responsible for 120 participants, and factor analyses were used to assess the construct validity of the scale. Convergent validity was evaluated by examining the correlation between DDPRQ-10 and depressive symptoms, burnout, and self-efficacy, using the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item (PHQ-9), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Both multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) and unidimensional item response theory (IRT) frameworks were used to estimate the parameters of each item. RESULTS: The Chinese version of DDPRQ-10 showed satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.931), and fitted in a modified two-factor model of positive feelings and negative feelings (χ2/df = 1.494, GFI = 0.925, RMSEA = 0.071, SRMR = 0.008, CFI = 0.985, NFI = 0.958, NNFI = 0.980, TLI = 0.980, IFI = 0.986). Significant correlations with PHQ-9 with DDPRQ-10 and both subscales were revealed (r = 0.293 ~ 0.333, p < .001), while DDPRQ-10 score also significantly correlated with doctors' MBI score (r = -0.467, p < .001). The MIRT model of full scale and IRT models of both subscales showed high discrimination of all items (a = 2.30 ~ 10.18), and the test information within the range of low-quality relationship was relatively high. CONCLUSION: The Chinese version of DDPRQ-10 displayed satisfactory reliability and validity and thus was appropriate for measuring the DPR in Chinese medical settings.

Validation of Chinese version of the 5-item WHO well-being index in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

BACKGROUND: For better disease management and improved prognosis, early identification of co-morbid depression in diabetic patients is warranted. the WHO-5 well-being index (WHO-5) has been used to screen for depression in diabetic patients, and its Chinese version (WHO-5-C) has been validated. However, its psychometric properties remain to be further validated in the type 2 diabetes patient population. The aim of our study was to examine the reliability and validity of the WHO-5-C in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients from July 2014 to March 2015. All patients should complete the WHO-5-C, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the 20-item Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale (PAID-20), the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I), and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). Internal consistency of WHO-5 was revealed by Cronbach's alpha, and constructive validity by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Relationship with PHQ-9, HAM-D, and PAID-20 was examined for concurrent validity, and ROC analysis was performed for criterion validity. RESULTS: The WHO-5-C presented satisfactory reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88). CFA confirmed the unidimensional factor structure of WHO-5-C. The WHO-5-C had significant negative correlation with HAM-D (r = -0.610), PHQ-9 (r = -0.694) and PAID-20 (r = -0.466), confirming good concurrent validity. Using M.I.N.I as the gold standard, the cut-off value of WHO-5-C was 42, with a sensitivity of 0.83 and specificity of 0.75. CONCLUSION: The WHO-5-C holds satisfactory reliability and validity that is suitable for depression screening in type 2 diabetes patients as a short and convenient instrument.

From growth to sustainability: investigating N-shaped EKC and the role of energy productivity, technological advancement, and human capital in OECD economies.

Environmental degradation rates have been on a concerning upward trajectory in recent decades, directly threatening the well-being of global populations. Responding to this urgent matter, scholars have been driven to explore its nuances, particularly emphasizing lowering energy consumption and carbon emissions amidst the growing demands of growing economies. Achieving the targets outlined in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement has also become a priority for many countries. Therefore, this study scrutinizes the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, specifically focusing on the role of energy productivity, technological advancement, and human capital in fostering a sustainable environment across 35 OECD economies from 1990 to 2018. Utilizing three robust econometric techniques, Cross-Sectional Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL), Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), we have drawn insightful conclusions from our data. The analysis substantiates an N-shaped EKC hypothesis relationship between GDP and CO2 emissions, pointing towards an initially increasing, then decreasing, and finally an increasing again trend of emissions with GDP. Furthermore, the long-term projections underscore that energy productivity, technological progression, and human capital formation harm the environment. These findings culminate in a call for governments to orchestrate extensive plans and initiatives. This involves promoting green technologies, renewable energy-based ideas, and comprehensive education and awareness programs. These efforts should span all educational levels, highlighting climate change, sustainable practices, and the need for CO2 reduction, empowering societies to contribute to a sustainable future.

Improving Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Antibacterial Poly(Phenylene Sulfide) Nanocomposites Reinforced with Nano Zinc Oxide-Decorated Graphene.

Nano zinc oxide-decorated graphene (G-ZnO) was blended with polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) to improve its tensile, thermal, crystalline, and barrier properties. The properties of neat PPS and PPS/G-ZnO nanocomposites were characterized and compared using various tests, including tensile tests, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, evaluation of Escherichia coli inhibition, and barrier performance. The results demonstrated that G-ZnO played a crucial role in heterogeneous nucleation and reinforcement. When the concentration of G-ZnO was 0.3%, the tensile strength, elongation at break, thermostability, crystallinity, and water vapor permeability coefficients (WVPC) approached their maximum values, and the microscopic morphology changed from the original brittle fracture to a relatively tough fracture. In addition, when G-ZnO was added to PPS at a ratio of 0.3%, the tensile strength, elongation at break, and WVPC of PPS were increased by 129%, 150%, and 283%, respectively, compared to pure PPS. G-ZnO endowed the nanocomposites with antibacterial properties. The improvement in barrier performance can be attributed to three reasons: (1) the presence of G-ZnO extended the penetration path of molecules; (2) the coordination and hydrogen bonds between PPS polymer matrix and G-ZnO nanofiller narrowed the H2O transmission path; and (3) due to its more hydrophobic surface, water molecules were less likely to enter the interior of PPS/G-ZnO nanocomposites. This study provides valuable insights for developing high-performance PPS-based nanocomposites for various applications.

Development and psychometric validation of the hospitalized patients' expectations for treatment scale-patient version.

Objectives: A general expectation measurement of inpatients across wards is needed in the patient safety management systems of general hospitals. This study developed and psychometrically validated a new scale fulfilling the requirements above: the Hospitalized Patients' Expectations for Treatment Scale-Patient version (HOPE-P). Methods: A total of 35 experts and ten inpatients were interviewed during the formulation of the HOPE-P scale, which was initially designed with three dimensions: doctor-patient communication expectations, treatment outcome expectations, and disease management expectancy. We recruited 210 inpatients from a general hospital in China and explored the reliability, validity, and psychometric characteristics of the questionnaire. Item analysis, construct validity, internal consistency and 7-day test-retest reliability analysis were applied. Results: Exploratory and confirmatory analyses supported a 2-dimension (doctor-patient communication expectation and treatment outcome expectation) structure with satisfactory model fit parameters (root mean square residual (RMR) = 0.035, a root-mean-square-error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.072, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.984, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.970). Item analysis revealed an appropriate item design (r = 0.573-0.820). The scale exhibited good internal consistency, with Cronbach's α of 0.893, 0.761, and 0.919 for the overall scale, the doctor-patient communication expectation subscale, and the treatment outcome expectation subscale, respectively. The 7-day test-retest reliability was 0.782 (p < .001). Conclusion: Our results indicated that the HOPE-P is a reliable and valid assessment tool to measure the expectations of general hospital inpatients, with a strong capacity to recognize patients' expectations regarding doctor-patient communication and treatment outcomes.

The Chinese version of patient-doctor-relationship questionnaire (PDRQ-9): Factor structure, validation, and IRT psychometric analysis.

Objective: The patient-doctor relationship has been considered as a crucial concept in primary healthcare, while the medical reform launched by the Chinese government in 2009 has brought significant changes to the healthcare system, which made it urgent to introduce reliable measurement instruments for assessing today's doctor-patient relationship in China. This study examined the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Patient-Doctor-Relationship Questionnaire-9 item (PDRQ-9) scale among general hospital inpatients in China. Materials and methods: A total of 203 participants responded to the survey, of which 39 completed retest after 7 days. Factor analyses were used to test the construct validity of the scale. Convergent validity was evaluated by the correlation between PDRQ-9 and depressive symptoms measured using PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item). Both multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) and unidimensional item response theory (IRT) framework were used to estimate the parameters of each item. Results: The two-factor model of relationship quality and treatment quality was supported (χ2/df = 1.494, GFI = 0.925, RMSEA = 0.071, RMR = 0.008, CFI = 0.985, NFI = 0.958, NNFI = 0.980, TLI = 0.980, IFI = 0.986). The PDRQ-9 and both subscales showed significant correlation with PHQ-9 (r = -0.196∼-0.309) and good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.865∼0.933). ANCOVA analysis adjusted with age revealed significant difference in PDRQ-9 ratings between patients with or without significant depressive symptoms (P = 0.019). The 7-day test-retest reliability of the scale was 0.730. The MIRT model of full scale and IRT models of both subscales showed high discrimination of all items (a = 2.46∼38.46), and the test information within the range of low-quality relationship was relatively high. Conclusion: The Chinese version of PDRQ-9 is a valid and reliable rating scale, which can measure the doctor-patient relationship among Chinese patients.

A novel nomogram for the preoperative prediction of sentinel lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND OR PURPOSE: A practical noninvasive method to identify sentinel lymph node (SLN) status in breast cancer patients, who had a suspicious axillary lymph node (ALN) at ultrasound (US), but a negative clinical physical examination is needed. To predict SLN metastasis using a nomogram based on US and biopsy-based pathological features, this retrospective study investigated associations between clinicopathological features and SLN status. METHODS: Patients treated with SLN dissection at four centers were apportioned to training, internal, or external validation sets (n = 472, 175, and 81). Lymph node ultrasound and pathological characteristics were compared using chi-squared and t-tests. A nomogram predicting SLN metastasis was constructed using multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: In the training set, statistically significant factors associated with SLN+ were as follows: histology type (p < 0.001); progesterone receptor (PR: p = 0.003); Her-2 status (p = 0.049); and ALN-US shape (p = 0.034), corticomedullary demarcation (CMD: p < 0.001), and blood flow (p = 0.001). With multivariate analysis, five independent variables (histological type, PR status, ALN-US shape, CMD, and blood flow) were integrated into the nomogram (C-statistic 0.714 [95% CI: 0.688-0.740]) and validated internally (0.816 [95% CI: 0.784-0.849]) and externally (0.942 [95% CI: 0.918-0.966]), with good predictive accuracy and clinical applicability. CONCLUSION: This nomogram could be a direct and reliable tool for individual preoperative evaluation of SLN status, and therefore aids decisions concerning ALN dissection and adjuvant treatment.

Structure and Physical Properties of the Layered Titanium-Based Pnictide Oxides (EuF)2Ti2Pn2O (Pn = Sb, Bi).

We report two novel titanium-based pnictide oxide compounds (EuF)2Ti2Pn2O (Pn = Sb, Bi), which are synthesized by replacing Sr2+ in (SrF)2Ti2Pn2O [Liu, R. H. Structure and Physical Properties of the Layered Pnictide-Oxides: (SrF)2Ti2Pn2O (Pn = As, Sb) and (SmO)2Ti2Sb2O. Chem. Mater. 2010, 22, 1503-1508] with Eu2+ using a solid-state reaction. (EuF)2Ti2Sb2O exhibits an obvious anomaly in resistivity and heat capacity at T ∼ 195 K, which may arise from the spin-density wave/charge-density wave instability. Similar features are also observed in BaTi2Pn2O, (SrF)2Ti2Pn2O, and Na2Ti2Pn2O (Pn = As and Sb) [Liu, R. H. Structure and Physical Properties of the Layered Pnictide-Oxides: (SrF)2Ti2Pn2O (Pn = As, Sb) and (SmO)2Ti2Sb2O. Chem. Mater. 2010, 22, 1503-1508, Ozawa, T. C. Chemistry of layered d-metal pnictide oxides and their potential as candidates for new superconductors. Sci. Technol. Adv. Mater. 2008, 9, 033003, Wang, X. F. Structure and physical properties for a new layered pnictide-oxide: BaTi2As2O. J. Phys.: Condens. Matter. 2010, 22, 075702, and Xu, H. C. Electronic structure of the BaTi2As2O parent compound of the titanium-based oxypnictide superconductor. Phys. Rev. B 2014, 89, 155108]. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate an antiferromagnetic transition at T ∼ 2.5 K for (EuF)2Ti2Sb2O. In particular, the electronic specific heat coefficients of both (EuF)2Ti2Sb2O and (EuF)2Ti2Bi2O are significantly enhanced compared to those of (SrF)2Ti2Pn2O, Na2Ti2Pn2O, and BaTi2Pn2O,1,5,6 which may be due to a strong electron correlation effect in this system. Thus, (EuF)2Ti2Pn2O (Pn = Sb, Bi) may provide new platforms for studying density wave, magnetic ordering, and electron correlation effects.

Effects of chelates (EDTA, EDDS, NTA) on phytoavailability of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) using ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.).

This paper summarises a study of the application of the synthetic chelate ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and the natural chelates ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid (EDDS) and nitrilotriacetate (NTA) to enhance ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) uptake of the heavy metal(oid)s (HMs) (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) from contaminated soils in mining sites. The study compares the effects of these chelates (EDTA, EDDS and NTA) on the phytoavailability of HMs (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) using ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) through the single addition and sequential addition methods. The results show that application of EDTA, EDDS and NTA significantly increases ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.)'s shoot uptake of some HMs when compared with no EDTA, EDDS or NTA application, particularly through sequential chelate treatment (EDTA 0.5:1+0.5:1; NTA 0.5:1+0.5:1; EDDS 0.5:1+0.5:1). EDTA 0.5:1+0.5:1 was more effective at increasing the concentration of Pb in shoots than were the other chelates (EDDS and NTA) and controls. Moreover, the concentrations of Zn in the shoots of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) in Hich Village significantly increased with the application of split dose (0.5:1+0.5:1). The plants displayed symptoms of toxicity including yellow and necrotic leaves at the end of the experiment. The selected chelates (EDTA, EDDS and NTA) led to a significant decrease in plant biomass (yield) 28 days after transfer with a maximum decrease in EDTA treatment (0.5:1+0.5:1) soils. This decrease was 3.43-fold in Ha Thuong, 3-fold in Hich Village and 1.59-fold in Trai Cau, respectively, relative to the control. HM concentration and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in pore water provided an explanation for why fresh weight was significantly reduced with application of chelates in sequential dose (EDTA 0.5:1+0.5:1 and NTA 0.5:1+0.5:1).

Magnetic responsive mesoporous alginate/ß-cyclodextrin polymer beads enhance selectivity and adsorption of heavy metal ions.

Mesoporous (~7-8 nm) biopolymer hydrogel beads (HNTs-FeNPs@Alg/ß-CD) were synthesised via ionic polymerisation route to separate heavy metal ions. The adsorption capacity of HNTs-FeNPs@Alg/ß-CD was higher than that of raw halloysite nano tubes (HNTs), iron nanoparticles (FeNPs), and bare alginate beads. FeNPs induce the magnetic properties of adsorbent and metal-based functional groups in and around the hydrogel beads. The mesoporous surface of the adsorbent permits access of heavy metal ions onto the polymer beads to interact with internal active sites and the mesoporous polymer network. Maximum adsorption capacities of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni) were 21.09 mg/g, 15.54 mg/g, 2.47 mg/g, and 2.68 mg/g, respectively. HNTs-FeNPs@Alg/ß-CD was able to adsorb heavy metals efficiently (75-99%) under environment-relevant concentrations (200 µg/L) from mixed metal contaminants. The adsorption and selectivity trends of heavy metals were Pb > Cu > Cd > Ni, despite electrostatic binding strength of Cd > Cu > Pb > Ni and covalent binding strength of Pb > Ni > Cu > Cd. It demonstrated that not only chemosorption but also physisorption acts as the sorption mechanism. The reduction in surface area, porosity, and pore volume of the expended adsorbent, along with sorption study results, confirmed that pore filling and intra-particle diffusion played a considerable role in removing heavy metals.

Bacterial community profile of the crude oil-contaminated saline soil in the Yellow River Delta Natural Reserve, China.

Crude oil contamination greatly influence soil bacterial community. Proliferative microbes in the crude oil-contaminated soil are closely related to the living conditions. Oil wells in the Yellow River Delta Natural Reserve (YRDNR) region is an ideal site for investigating the bacterial community of crude oil-contaminated saline soil. In the present study, 18 soil samples were collected from the depths of 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm around the oil wells in the YRDNR. The bacterial community profile was analyzed through high-throughput sequencing to trace the oil-degrading aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The results indicated that C15-C28 and C29-C38 were the main fractions of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) in the sampled soil. These TPH fractions had a significant negative effect on bacterial biodiversity (Shannon, Simpson, and Chao1 indices), which led to the proliferation of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria. A comprehensive analysis between the environmental factors and soil microbial community structure showed that Streptococcus, Bacillus, Sphingomonas, and Arthrobacter were the aerobic hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria; unidentified Rhodobacteraceae and Porticoccus were considered to be the possible facultative anaerobic bacteria with hydrocarbon biodegradation ability; Acidithiobacillus, SAR324 clade, and Nitrosarchaeum were predicted to be the anaerobic hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in the sub-surface soil. Furthermore, large amount of carbon sources derived from TPH was found to cause depletion of bioavailable nitrogen in the soil. The bacteria associated with nitrogen transformation, such as Solirubrobacter, Candidatus Udaeobacter, Lysinibacillus, Bradyrhizobium, Sphingomonas, Mycobacterium, and Acidithiobacillus, were highly abundant; these bacteria may possess the ability to increase nitrogen availability in the crude oil-contaminated soil. The bacterial community functions were significantly different between the surface and the sub-surface soil, and the dissolved oxygen concentration in soil was considered to be potential influencing factor. Our results could provide useful information for the bioremediation of crude oil-contaminated saline soil.

Major advances in the treatment of multiple myeloma in American Society of Hematology annual meeting 2020.

Treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has advanced dramatically in the past two decades. However, under the conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, treatment strategies have been modified accordingly. Numerous novel agents, updated trials, and major advances in myeloma have been reported in the American Society of Hematology 2020 annual meeting, either for transplant-eligible or ineligible patients. Hot topics such as the significance of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), development of novel agents, and chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cells have been widely discussed. The triplet regimen bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRd) is recommended as the standard first-line treatment, and the addition of a fourth drug improves efficacy and survival. The value of ASCT remains undoubtful, even in the era of quadruplet induction. Dual-drug maintenance, including proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs, overcomes unfavorable outcomes in high-risk patients. For relapsed/refractory myeloma (RRMM) patients, novel agents such as selinexor and venetoclax are superior. CAR-T cells and other cell-surface-targeted therapies also appear promising.

11C-acetate positron emission tomography is more precise than 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in evaluating tumor burden and predicting disease risk of multiple myeloma.

The optimal method of tumor burden evaluation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) is yet to be determined. This study aimed to compare the value of 11C-acetate positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) (AC-PET and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT (FDG-PET) in the assessment of tumor burden in NDMM. This study evaluated 64 NDMM patients between February 2015 and July 2018. AC-PET and FDG-PET were used to assess myeloma lesions. The clinical data, imaging results, and their correlations were analyzed. Diffuse bone marrow uptake in AC-PET was significantly correlated with biomarkers for tumor burden, including serum hemoglobin (P = 0.020), M protein (P = 0.054), the percentage of bone marrow plasma cells (P < 0.001), and the Durie-Salmon stage of the disease (P = 0.007). The maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) of focal lesions and high diffuse bone marrow uptake in AC-PET showed stronger correlations with high-risk disease (P = 0.017, P = 0.013) than those in FDG-PET. Moreover, the presence of diffuse bone marrow uptake, more than ten focal lesions, and an SUVmax of focal lesions of > 6.0 in AC-PET, but not in FDG-PET, predicted a higher probability of disease progression and shorter progression-free survival (P < 0.05). AC-PET outperformed FDG-PET in tumor burden evaluation and disease progression prediction in NDMM.

Mesoporous Biopolymer Architecture Enhanced the Adsorption and Selectivity of Aqueous Heavy-Metal Ions.

Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) and ball-milled biochar (BC) incorporated biocompatible mesoporous adsorbents (HNT-BC@Alg) were synthesized for adsorption of aqueous heavy-metal ions. HNT-BC@Alg outperformed the BC, HNT, and BC@Alg in removing cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb). Mesoporous structure (∼7.19 to 7.56 nm) of HNT-BC@Alg was developed containing an abundance of functional groups induced from encapsulated BC and tubular HNT, which allowed heavy metals to infiltrate and interact with the adsorbents. Siloxane groups from HNT, oxygen-containing functional groups from BC, and hydroxyl and carboxyl groups from alginate polymer play a significant role in the adsorption of heavy-metal ions. The removal percentage of heavy metals was recorded as Pb (∼99.97 to 99.05%) > Cu (∼95.01 to 90.53%) > Cd (∼92.5 to 55.25%) > Ni (∼80.85 to 50.6%), even in the presence of 0.01/0.001 M of CaCl2 and Na2SO4 as background electrolytes and charged organic molecule under an environmentally relevant concentration (200 µg/L). The maximum adsorption capacities of Ni, Cd, Cu, and Pb were calculated as 2.85 ± 0.08, 6.96 ± 0.31, 16.87 ± 1.50, and 26.49 ± 2.04 mg/g, respectively. HNT-BC@Alg has fast sorption kinetics and maximum adsorption capacity within a short contact time (∼2 h). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) elemental mapping exhibited that adsorbed heavy metals co-distributed with Ca, Si, and Al. The reduction of surface area, pore volume, and pore area of HNT-BC@Alg (after sorption of heavy metals) confirms that mesoporous surface (2-18 nm) supports diffusion, infiltration, and interaction. However, a lower range of mesoporous diameter of the adsorbent is more suitable for the adsorption of heavy-metal ions. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetic models, demonstrating the monolayer formation of heavy-metal ions through both the physical sorption and chemical sorption, including pore filling, ion exchange, and electrostatic interaction.

Environment-friendly dual-network hydrogel dust suppressant based on xanthan gum, polyvinyl alcohol and acrylic acid.

Hydrogen bonding interactions among poly vinyl alcohol (PVA), xanthan gum (XG) and acrylic acid (AA) molecules have been utilized to prepare an environment-friendly interpenetrating double-network hydrogel dust suppressant (PVA-XG-PAA/SDBS) with the aim of enhancing the poor mechanical performance of current hydrogel dust suppressants. A single factor test was used to determine the optimal formulation conditions for the PVA-XG-PAA/SDBS, and the viscosity, surface tension, compression strength, wind resistance, water retention and biodegradability of the samples were measured. The results showed that the hydrogel with optimal usage contained 1.5 g, 0.1 g, and 6 g of PVA, XG and AA, respectively and the optimal reaction temperature was 55 °C. Under the optimal conditions, the viscosity was 45 mPa s, the surface tension was 30 mN/m, the compression strength of the dust suppressant-solidified coal pillar reached 126 kPa, and the degradation rate at the 8th cycle (40 days) after being buried in soil was 34%. Compared with a conventional hydrogel dust suppressant, like poly acrylic acid (PAA), and the dust suppressant sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), the PVA-XG-PAA/SDBS showed better water retention, wind erosion resistance, and dust-solidifying properties. On the basis of these remarkable properties, the PVA-XG-PAA/SDBS is applicable for dust prevention during coal mining, transport, and storage, which enhances the dust suppression efficiency obviously and has significant meaning to the sustainable development of the coal mining industry while protecting the environment.

ENSO modulates wildfire activity in China.

China is a key region for understanding fire activity and the drivers of its variability under strict fire suppression policies. Here, we present a detailed fire occurrence dataset for China, the Wildfire Atlas of China (WFAC; 2005-2018), based on continuous monitoring from multiple satellites and calibrated against field observations. We find that wildfires across China mostly occur in the winter season from January to April and those fire occurrences generally show a decreasing trend after reaching a peak in 2007. Most wildfires (84%) occur in subtropical China, with two distinct clusters in its southwestern and southeastern parts. In southeastern China, wildfires are mainly promoted by low precipitation and high diurnal temperature ranges, the combination of which dries out plant tissue and fuel. In southwestern China, wildfires are mainly promoted by warm conditions that enhance evaporation from litter and dormant plant tissues. We further find a fire occurrence dipole between southwestern and southeastern China that is modulated by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

The combination of C-Myc rearrangement and 1q21 gain is associated with poor prognosis in multiple myeloma.

The prognostic value of chromosomal 1q21 gain in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) remains controversial. Add-on Myc aberrations may further worsen the outcome. To investigate whether specific genes located at the 1q21 region, such as myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1), are involved in NDMM progression, we examined bone marrow cytogenetic abnormalities in 153 patients with NDMM by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Their response to treatment and survival was also analyzed. C-Myc and Mcl-1 expressions in bone marrow samples were analyzed by RT-PCR. The expression of Mcl-1 was evaluated in bone marrow sections by immunohistochemistry. MM cell lines were transfected with Mcl-1 siRNA. 1q21 gain was present in 55/153 (35.9%) patients and strongly associated with Myc rearrangement (31/153, 20.3%, P = 0.004). A positive correlation was observed between Myc and Mcl-1 mRNA levels in bone marrow cells from 47 patients (r = 0.57, P < 0.001). The combination of 1q21 gain and Myc rearrangement was associated with poorer overall survival than Myc rearrangement alone (16.8 vs. 27.9 months, P = 0.077) or 1q21 gain alone (16.8 vs. 60.7 months, P < 0.01). High Mcl-1 protein expression in bone marrow plasma cells was associated with Myc rearrangement. Mcl-1 silencing by siRNA inhibited Myc protein expression in three myeloma cell lines. Treatment with the small-molecule Mcl-1 inhibitor, UMI-77, produced similar results. Overall, the combination of Myc rearrangement and 1q21 gain was associated with particularly poor prognosis in patients with MM. Furthermore, our data are consistent with Mcl-1-dependent Myc protein activation.

Metagenomics analysis identifies nitrogen metabolic pathway in bioremediation of diesel contaminated soil.

Nitrogen amendment is known to effectively enhance the bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil, but the nitrogen metabolism in this process is not well understood. To unravel the nitrogen metabolic pathway(s) of diesel contaminated soil, six types of nitrogen sources were added to the diesel contaminated soil. Changes in microbial community and soil enzyme genes were investigated by metagenomics analysis and chemical analysis through a 30-day incubation study. The results showed that ammonium based nitrogen sources significantly accelerated the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) (79-81%) compared to the control treatment (38%) and other non-ammonium based nitrogen amendments (43-57%). Different types of nitrogen sources could dramatically change the microbial community structure and soil enzyme gene abundance. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were identified as the two dominant phyla in the remediation of diesel contaminated soil. Metagenomics analysis revealed that the preferred metabolic pathway of nitrogen was from ammonium to glutamate via glutamine, and the enzymes governing this transformation were glutamine synthetase and glutamate synthetase; while in nitrate based amendment, the conversion from nitrite to ammonium was restrained by the low abundance of nitrite reductase enzyme and therefore retarded the TPH degradation rate. It is concluded that during the process of nitrogen enhanced bioremediation, the most efficient nitrogen cycling direction was from ammonium to glutamine, then to glutamate, and finally joined with carbon metabolism after transforming to 2-oxoglutarate.