Spatial dynamics and risk assessment of phosphorus in the river sediment continuum (Qinhuai River basin, China).

This study investigated the concentration and fractionation of phosphorus (P) using sequential P extraction and their influencing factors by introducing the PLS-SEM model (partial least squares structural equation model) along this continuum from the Qinhuai River. The results showed that the average concentrations of inorganic P (IP) occurred in the following order: urban sediment (1499.1 mg/kg) > suburban sediment (846.1-911.9 mg/kg) > rural sediment (661.1 mg/kg) > natural sediment (179.9 mg/kg), and makes up to 53.9-87.1% of total P (TP). The same as the pattern of IP, OP nearly increased dramatically with increasing the urbanization gradient. This spatial heterogenicity of P along a river was attributed mainly to land use patterns and environmental factors (relative contribution affecting the P fractions: sediment nutrients > metals > grain size). In addition, the highest values of TP (2876.5 mg/kg), BAP (biologically active P, avg, 675.7 mg/kg), and PPI (P pollution index, ≥ 2.0) were found in urban sediments among four regions, indicating a higher environmental risk of P release, which may increase the risk of eutrophication in overlying water bodies. Collectively, this work improves the understanding of the spatial dynamics of P in the natural-rural-urban river sediment continuum, highlights the need to control P pollution in urban sediments, and provides a scientific basis for the future usage and disposal of P in sediments.

Analysis of risk factors for postoperative acute cerebral infarction in patients with type B aortic dissection.

OBJECTIVE: To study risk factors of postoperative acute cerebral infarction (PACI) in patients with type B aortic dissection (TB-AD). METHODS: The data of 36 patients with TB-AD and PACI undergoing endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) from Mar 2018 and Mar 2021 were collected as the PACI group retrospectively. The data of 114 TB-AD patients without PACI were collected as the control group retrospectively. The medical history, surgery-related indicators, general data, imaging data and laboratory test results (D-dimer (D-D), preoperative serum creatinine and preoperative white blood cell count) were compared. Then, logistic regression was applied to analyze risk factors for PACI in TB-AD patients. RESULTS: The surgery time, blood loss and hospital stay of patients in the PACI group were determined to be obviously higher/longer when comparing to those in the control group. Aortic arch radius of curvature and length of proximal anchoring zone showed no significant difference between the two groups. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that D-D level after surgery was positively related to white blood cell count and serum creatinine level in TB-AD patients. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that operation time, emergency surgery, preoperative D-D and preoperative serum creatinine level were independent risk factors for PACI after EVAR in the patients with TB-AD (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There are many independent risk factors for PACI after EVAR in patients with TB-AD, and preoperative D-D level and serum creatinine level should be given attention.

The potential function of SP1 and CPPED1 in restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVES: Impacts of molecular pathways have been discussed recently on restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Hence, this study aimed to explore the impact of calcineurin-like phosphoesterase domain containing 1 (CPPED1) and specificity protein 1 (SP1) on restenosis after PCI. METHODS: A carotid balloon injury rat model was established, followed by western blot analysis of SP1 and CPPED1 expression in carotid artery (CA) tissues. After SP1 and CPPED1 were overexpressed, the neointimal hyperplasia and luminal stenosis were assessed. In addition, EPC underwent hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) treatment to construct an endothelial injury cell model. Then, cell proliferation, apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Ca2+ concentration were detected with cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, Chloromethyl-2'7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (CM-H2DCFDA) penetrant, and Fluo-4 AM staining, respectively. The binding relationship between SP1 and CPPED1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. RESULTS: SP1 and CPPED1 were lowly expressed in the model rats with carotid balloon injury. Mechanistically, SP1 bound to the promoter region of CPPED1 to activate CPPED1 expression. Overexpressing SP1 or CPPED1 lowered neointimal formation and restenosis rate, thus promoting the recovery of carotid balloon injury in rats. Meanwhile, SP1 and CPPED1 upregulation reduced ROS levels, Ca2+ concentration, and apoptosis of EPCs, accompanied by accelerated EPC viability. CONCLUSIONS: SP1 or CPPED1 overexpression reduced neointimal formation and restenosis rate in carotid balloon injury.