Endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes as prognostic and immunogenic biomarkers in prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: The metastasis and aggressive nature of prostate cancer (PCa) has become a major malignancy related threat that concerns men's health. The efficacy of immune monotherapy against PCa is questionable due to its lymphocyte-suppressive nature. METHOD: Endoplasmic reticulum stress- (ERS-) and PCa-prognosis-related genes were obtained from the Molecular Signatures Database and the Cancer Genome Atlas database. The expression, prognosis and immune infiltration values of key genes were explored by "survival R package", "rms", "xCELL algorithm", and univariate-multivariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses. The "consensus cluster plus R package" was used for cluster analysis. RESULT: As ERS-related genes, ERLIN2 and CDK5RAP3 showed significant expressional, prognostic and clinic-pathologic values. They were defined as the key genes significantly correlated with immune infiltration and response. The nomogram was constructed with T-stage and primary treatment outcome, and the risk-prognostic model was constructed in the following way: Riskscore = (- 0.1918) * ERLIN2 + (0.5254) * CDK5RAP3. Subsequently, prognostic subgroups based on key genes classified the high-risk group as a pro-cancer subgroup that had lower mutation rates of critical genes (SPOP and MUC16), multiple low-expression immune-relevant molecules, and differences in macrophages (M1 and M2) expressions. Finally, ERLIN2 as an anti-oncogene and CDK5RAP3 as a pro-oncogene were further confirmed by cell phenotype assays and immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: We identified ERLIN2 and CDK5RAP3 as ERS-related genes with important prognostic and immunologic values, and classified patients between high- and low-risk subgroups, which provided new prognostic markers, immunotherapeutic targets, and basis for prognostic assessments.

Vehicle emissions of primary air pollutants from 2009 to 2019 and projection for the 14th Five-Year Plan period in Beijing, China.

Over the past decade, the emission standards and fuel standards in Beijing have been upgraded twice, and the vehicle structure has been improved by accelerating the elimination of 2.95 million old vehicles. Through the formulation and implementation of these policies, the emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in 2019 were 147.9, 25.3, 43.4, and 0.91 kton in Beijing, respectively. The emission factor method was adopted to better understand the emissions characteristics of primary air pollutants from combustion engine vehicles and to improve pollution control. In combination with the air quality improvement goals and the status of social and economic development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period in Beijing, different vehicle pollution control scenarios were established, and emissions reductions were projected. The results show that the emissions of four air pollutants (CO, VOCs, NOx, and PM2.5) from vehicles in Beijing decreased by an average of 68% in 2019, compared to their levels in 2009. The contribution of NOx emissions from diesel vehicles increased from 35% in 2009 to 56% in 2019, which indicated that clean and energy-saving diesel vehicle fleets should be further improved. Electric vehicle adoption could be an important measure to reduce pollutant emissions. With the further upgrading of vehicle structure and the adoption of electric vehicles, it is expected that the total emissions of the four vehicle pollutants can be reduced by 20%-41% by the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

[The application of multidimensional nursing intervention in postoperative patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the application effect of multidimensional nursing intervention in postoperative patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia in urology, and explore targeted nursing measures. METHODS: A total of 118 patients who underwent benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery at the Urology Department of Jintan First People's Hospital in Changzhou City from December 2022 to June 2023 were selected and divided into an experimental group of 59 and an intervention group of 59 according to different nursing measures. Collect IPSS, QoL, SDS, and SAS scores from patients to evaluate their quality of life and psychological changes during hospitalization. RESULTS: The postoperative SAS score of the experimental group patients (54.44 ±2.93) was lower than that of the control group (56.05±2.22), and the predischarge SAS score (46.19 ± 5.56) was lower than that of the control group (51.32 ± 1.48), with statistical significance (P<0.05). The SDS preoperative score (61.53 ± 6.40), postoperative score (54.75 ± 5.13),and pre discharge score (46.71 ± 4.32) of the experimental group patients were lower than preoperative score (67.76 ± 3.44), postoperative score (58.34 ± 3.03), and predischarge score (50.59 ± 2.58) of the control group with statistical significance (P<0.05). The preoperative IPSS score of the experimental group patients (27.97 ± 3.82) was lower than that of the control group (25.49 ± 4.00), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups after surgery and before discharge. The preoperative QoL score of the experimental group patients (91.90 ± 6.19) was lower than that of the control group (95.17 ± 5.56), and before discharge (105.15 ± 4.66) was higher than that of the control group (101.63 ± 5.66), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Multidimensional nursing measures for postoperative patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia can improve their quality of life, reduce psychological pressure, and benefit patients significantly, which is worth further promotion.

[Effect of transurethral thuliumlaser vapoenucleation of the prostate with low-power conventional pulse mode on sexual function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of a novel transurethral thulium laser vapoenucleation of the prostate with low-power conventional pulse mode (LP-ThuVEP) on sexual function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: 89 BPH patients admitted to Department of Urology, Jintan People's Hospital, Affiliated to Jiangsu University, from January 2022 to June 2023 were selected and randomly divided into the LP-ThuLEP group (45 cases) and the transurethral plasma kinetic resection of the prostate (TUPKRP) group (44 cases). Perioperative indicators were recorded, and the IPSS, Qmax, Qavg, PVR, and QoL of the two groups of patients before surgery and 3 months and 6 months after surgery were comparatively analyzed. The effect of surgery on male sexual function was evaluated through the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score and the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD) score. RESULTS: Compared with the TUPKRP group, the LP-ThuVEP group had no statistically significant difference in operation time (P>0.05), but there were statistical differences in bladder irrigation time and indwelling urinary catheter time (P<0.05) and significant statistical differences in the decrease in hemoglobin on the day of surgery and the disappearance time of gross hematuria induced by defecation after surgery (P<0.001). The perioperative complications of the two groups were comparable. Among the urinary tract symptom indicators, the LP-ThuVEP group had statistically significant differences in IPSS score, QoL score, and PVR compared with the TUPKRP group 3 months after surgery (P<0.05). In terms of male sexual function, there was a statistical difference in IIEF-5 scores between the two groups at 3 months and 6 months after surgery (P<0.05); Except that there was no statistical difference in the ejaculation-related satisfaction scores between the two groups at 3 months after surgery (P>0.05), there had all significant statistical differences in ejaculation function and satisfaction scores between and within the groups at 3 months and 6 months after surgery (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared with TUPKRP, the LP-ThuVEP can also effectively relieve urinary tract obstruction caused by BPH and has the advantages of less damage and faster recovery of erectile function and ejaculatory function of patients.

[Effect of auricular acupressure combined with 5α-reductase inhibitor on short-term quality of life of patients after transurethral plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of combined application of Semen vaccariae seeds auricular acupressure and 5α-reductase inhibitor (finasteride tablets) on postoperative quality of life of patients after transurethral plasmakinetic enucleation of the prostate (PKEP). METHODS: 120 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who were scheduled to undergo PKEP at the Department of Urology, Jintan People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University from January 2020 to December 2022, were randomly divided into 4 groups after voluntarily signing informed consent. Three days before the operation, 30 patients were given oryzanol tablets 5 mg orally once a night (placebo group), 31 patients were given Semen vaccariae seeds auricular acupressure (auricular acupressure group), 29 patients were given finasteride 5 mg orally once a night (finasteride group), and another 30 patients were given auricular acupressure combined with finasteride 5 mg orally once a night (combination therapy group). The above treatment was continued for 6 weeks after PKEP. The general data of the perioperative period and the 6-week postoperative follow-up results of the 4 groups were compared to observe the indicators such as the symptom score of nocturia, the self-rating depression scale, and the quality of life (QoL) after treatment among the groups. RESULTS: All patients who underwent PKEP completed the 6-week postoperative follow-up and no statistical difference in the relevant data of the 4 groups was found before the operation. After 2 and 4 weeks of follow-up, the nocturia symptom scores of the auricular acupressure group and the combination therapy group were better than those of the placebo group and the finasteride group. The depression symptom scores and QoL results showed that the auricular acupressure group, finasteride group, and combination therapy group were superior to the placebo group (P<0.05). After 6 weeks of follow-up, QoL in the combination therapy group was 1.65±0.55, which was significantly different from that in the other three groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined application of auricular acupressure and 5α-reductase inhibitor can significantly alleviate symptoms such as nocturia and depression and improve the quality of life in BPH patients after PKEP.

Multi-pollutant emission characteristics of non-road construction equipment based on real-world measurement.

Non-road construction equipment (NRCE) has become a crucial contributor to urban air pollution. However, the current research on NRCE is still in its infancy, and the understanding of its pollutant emissions is not yet clear. In this study, multi-pollutant (CO, HC, NOx, PM2.5, and BC) and CO2 emissions from 12 excavators and 9 loaders under real-world conditions are investigated by using a synchronous platform based on portable emission measurement system (SP-PEMS). We find the instantaneous emission rates of multi-pollutant present significant variability under different operation modes, and pollutant emissions are significantly high under cold start. Generally, multi-pollutant emission factors (EFs) have been all effectively reduced with the tightening of emission standards except for CO and NOx. The BC and PM2.5 emissions are significantly affected by engine types, and those emitted by electronically-controlled fuel injection (EI) engines are at lower concentration levels compared with mechanical fuel injection (MI) engines. The mass ratios of BC/PM2.5 for EI engines are 2.05 times that for MI engines on average. Through comparison, we find the multi-pollutant EFs of NRCE reported by different studies and the Guide vary greatly, and those recommended by the Guide may be overestimated or underestimated to varying degrees. Finally, we recommend the multi-pollutant EFs of NRCE under different emission standards by combining the results of various studies, and which will provide scientific support for the accurately establish of emission inventory.

Characterization of air pollutant emissions from construction machinery in Beijing and evaluation of the effectiveness of control measures based on information code registration data.

Non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), mainly construction machinery, has a high emission intensity of air pollutants, significantly impacting urban air quality. Most previous estimates of NRMM emissions have employed a top-down approach mainly based on estimates of energy consumption, leading to large uncertainties. This study uses the information code registration data specified in the latest regulations to establish a bottom-up method for emission accounting to more precisely identify the characteristics of air pollutant emissions from construction machinery in Beijing in 2020. Moreover, the study evaluates the effectiveness of the implementation of the corresponding control measures in conjunction with the current situation of pollution control of NRMM in Beijing. The results show the following: (1) Based on the information code registration data, there are 37,000-based fuel construction machines, with excavators accounting for the largest proportion (56%), loaders and forklifts also accounting for large proportions (19% and 15%, respectively), representing the main types of construction machinery. (2) Information code registration data better reflect the actual situation of construction machinery emissions than the top-down method; the emissions of the main air pollutants NOx, PM2.5, and VOCs amount to 12,000 tons, 600 tons, and 1000 tons, respectively, which are overestimated to some extent by the top-down method. (3) Loaders and excavators have a large contribution to emissions, accounting for 80-91% of these three pollutants emissions; there is a large quantity of machinery classified into the China III standard, accounting for 64-68% of these pollutants emissions; the designation of low emission zones banning the use of high-emission machinery plays a positive role in pollution reduction, but high-emission machinery is still used in these regions, which requires further attention. (4) In the future, the scope of these regions banning high-emission machinery and the types of controlled machinery should be further expanded, and the supervision and enforcement should be strengthened, Furthermore, the structural adjustment and energy conservation of construction machinery should be promoted, and measures such as electrification should be implemented for part of the light construction machinery to continue to reduce pollutant emissions.

Ten-year emission characteristics of atmospheric pollutants from incineration of sacrificial offerings in China.

The incineration of sacrificial offerings is a significant widely practiced custom that is also a kind of neglected air pollution source in China. Our results showed that the emission factors of particulate matter, SO2, CO, NOx, and VOCs emitted from the incineration of sacrificial offerings with purification systems were reduced by 95%, 19%, 9%, 82%, and 42%, respectively, compared with those without a purification system, revealing a significant effect of the flue gas purification system on reducing particulate matter and gaseous pollutants. The emission level of air pollutants from the incineration of sacrificial offerings remained stable before 2013 and then showed a remarkable decrease after the implementation of China´s Air Pollution Prevention Action Plan in 2013. The emissions of TSP (total suspended particulate), PM10, PM2.5, and NOx in 2009 were 8222, 6106, 5656 and 15,878 ton, respectively, obviously higher than 3434, 2551, 2305 and 8579 ton in 2019. Such trend was affected by both the quantity of incineration and the installation rate of purification systems after the Emission Standard of Air Pollutants for Crematory (GB 13801-2015) issued in China. Distinct spatial distribution of atmospheric pollutants from incineration of sacrificial offerings was found with higher in the east and south of China than the west and north of China, which is proportional to the regional economy and population. The maximum ground-level concentration typically occurred at 0.12-0.2 km from the pollution source, posing potential health risks to people entering and exiting funeral and burial sites and nearby residents.

Long-term characterization of roadside air pollutants in urban Beijing and associated public health implications.

Road traffic constitutes a major source of air pollutants in urban Beijing, which are responsible for substantial premature mortality. A series of policies and regulations has led to appreciable traffic emission reductions in recent decades. To shed light on long-term (2014-2020) roadside air pollution and assess the efficacy of traffic control measures and their effects on public health, this study quantitatively evaluated changes in the concentrations of six key air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO and O3) measured at 5 roadside and 12 urban background monitoring stations in Beijing. We found that the annual mean concentrations of these air pollutants were remarkably reduced by 47%-71% from 2014 to 2020, while the concurrent ozone concentration increased by 17.4%. In addition, we observed reductions in the roadside increments in PM2.5, NO2, SO2 and CO of 54.8%, 29.8%, 20.6%, and 59.1%, respectively, indicating the high effectiveness of new vehicle standard (China V and VI) implementation in Beijing. The premature deaths due to traffic emissions were estimated to be 8379 and 1908 cases in 2014 and 2020, respectively. The impact of NO2 from road traffic relative to PM2.5 on premature mortality was comparable to that of traffic-related PM2.5 emissions. The public health effect of SO2 originating from traffic was markedly lower than that of PM2.5. The results indicated that a reduction in traffic-related NO2 could likely yield the greatest benefits for public health.

Development of a Chemiluminescence Assay for Total N-Terminal Propeptide of Type I Collagen and Its Evaluation in Lung Transplantation.

Serum P1NP, one of the important biomarkers for bone turnover, is commonly used for the prediction of bone fracture and the prognosis of osteoporosis after therapy. We developed a P1NP chemiluminescence assay and evaluated changes in bone metabolism markers in lung transplant patients. The screened 2 P1NP antibodies with constructed antigens and α-1 chain antigens expressed by the Corynebacterium glutamate expression system were applied into assay development. The assay performance was evaluated to examine the reliability. A normal Q-Q plot was used to establish male reference interval. Changes of bone metabolism markers before and after lung transplantation in 19 patients were evaluated. The linear factor R of P1NP reagent was greater than 0.99. The limit of detection was 3.32 ng/ml. The precision of the three batches of P1NP reagents was lower than 8%. Method comparison with Roche P1NP reagent showed that the correlation coefficient R 2 was 0.91. In the monitoring of bone mass in a short time, bone metabolism markers can better indicate the change of bone mass, while the traditional bone mineral density detection is lagging behind the bone metabolism markers. P1NP and ß-CrossLap to bone mass change in patients after lung transplantation, and P1NP and ß-CrossLap are very good clinical markers for bone mass monitoring.

Vehicular Emissions Enhanced Ammonia Concentrations in Winter Mornings: Insights from Diurnal Nitrogen Isotopic Signatures.

A general feature in the diurnal cycle of atmospheric ammonia (NH3) concentrations is a morning spike that typically occurs around 07:00 to 10:00 (LST). Current hypotheses to explain this morning's NH3 increase remain elusive, and there is still no consensus whether traffic emissions are among the major sources of urban NH3. Here, we confirmed that the NH3 morning pulse in urban Beijing is a universal feature, with an annual occurrence frequency of 73.0% and a rapid growth rate (>20%) in winter. The stable nitrogen isotopic composition of NH3 (δ15N-NH3) in winter also exhibited a significant diurnal variation with an obvious morning peak at 07:00 to 10:00 (-18.6‰, mass-weighted mean), higher than other times of the day (-26.3‰). This diurnal pattern suggests that a large fraction of NH3 in the morning originated from nonagricultural sources, for example, power plants, vehicles, and coal combustion that tend to have higher δ15N-NH3 emission signatures relative to agricultural emissions. In particular, the contribution from vehicular emissions increased from 18% (00:00 to 07:00) to 40% (07:00 to 10:00), while the contribution of fertilizer sources to NH3 was reduced from 15.8% at 00:00 to 07:00 to 5.2% at 07:00 to 10:00. We concluded that NH3 concentrations in winter mornings in urban Beijing were indeed enhanced by vehicle emissions, which should be considered in air pollution regulations.

Prognostic role of tripartite motif containing 24 in various human solid malignant neoplasms: An updated meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Currently, clinical studies of tripartite motif containing 24 (TRIM24) on human solid malignant neoplasms were developing, but the prognosis value of TRIM24 continues to be controversial. The aim of our study is to explore the prognostic effect of TRIM24 in various human solid malignant neoplasms. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive research for eligible studies which evaluated the prognostic roles of TRIM24 in cancer patients based on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for various malignances were extracted from eligible studies. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies with 1909 patients were enrolled in this analysis. Combined analyses showed that high expression of TRIM24 significantly predicted poorer overall survival both in univariate analysis (HR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.21-2.15, P = .001) and multivariate analysis (HR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.10-4.38, P = .026). In stratified analyses, high TRIM24 expression level predicted even worse overall survival in hormone-related cancers (HR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.28-2.86, P = .001). Although, expression of TRIM24 failed to show a significant relation with progression-free survival/disease-free survival/recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.42, 95% CI 0.93-2.16, P = .106), high expression predicted significant worse progression-free survival/disease-free survival/recurrence-free survival in hormone-related cancer (HR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.12-2.59, P = .013). CONCLUSION: TRIM24 could serve as a new biomarker for patients with solid malignancies and could be a potential therapeutic target for patients especially for patients with hormone-related malignancies.

Characteristics and control measures of odor emissions from crematoriums in Beijing, China.

The promulgation and implementation of the national and Beijing municipal standards for air pollutants emitted from crematoriums has effectively alleviated the problem of "black smoke" in crematoriums, but noticeable odor in crematoriums remains. We determined the level of odor emissions in crematoriums by monitoring the odor concentrations of cremators, incinerators, and cremation workshops in five crematoriums in Beijing. Subsequently, we analyzed the major contributing factors to the odor level and proposed control measures. A high odor concentration in crematoriums was observed; two different mechanisms were proposed to explain this finding. First, poor ventilation conditions in workshops and inadequate airtightness of equipment resulted in dimensionless concentrations of unorganized odor emissions in the workshops ranging from 97 to 732, with an average of 504, which is much higher than the standard level of 20. Second, the postprocessing facilities used in cremation sites produce poor odor removal, which, coupled with fuel usage and unregulated operations, led to high concentrations of organized odor emissions ranging from 231 to 1303 (910 on average) for cremators and incinerators. The odor emissions of cremators and incinerators meet the Integrated Emission Standards of Air Pollutants (DB11-501-2017), which are suitable for industries containing industrial kilns but not for crematoriums. The odor emissions in crematoriums are lower than those emitted from industries, such as fiber manufacturing and activated carbon processing. However, the unique geographical locations of crematoriums, high population density, and high exposure risk to local residents necessitate strengthening the management and control of odor emissions from crematoriums. To further address the problem of odor emissions from crematoriums in Beijing, further clarification and tightening of industry standards for the concentration limits of organized and unorganized odor emissions is recommended. Crematoriums will thus be prompted to increase odor control in workshops and adopt and improve deodorization facilities, including the installation and application of treatment facilities, such as adsorption and biological control.

Emission Variations of Primary Air Pollutants from Highway Vehicles and Implications during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Beijing, China.

According to the traffic flow variation from January 2019 to August 2020, emissions of primary air pollutants from highway vehicles were calculated based on the emission factor method, which integrated the actual structure of on-road vehicles. The characteristics of on-highway traffic flow and pollution emissions were compared during various progression stages of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The results showed that the average daily traffic volume decreased by 38.2% in 2020, with a decrease of 62% during the strict lockdown due to the impact of COVID-19. The daily emissions of primary atmospheric pollutants decreased by 29.2% in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. As for the structure of on-highway vehicle types, the small and medium-sized passenger vehicles predominated, which accounted for 76.3% of traffic, while trucks and large passenger vehicles accounted for 19.7% and 4.0%, but contributed 58.4% and 33.9% of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, respectively. According to the simulation results of the ADMS model, the average concentrations of NOx were reduced by 12.0 µg/m3 compared with the same period in 2019. As for the implication for future pollution control, it is necessary to further optimize the structure of on-highway and the road traffic vehicle types and increase the proportions of new-energy vehicles and vehicles with high emission standards.

Energy consumption and pollutant emission of diesel-fired combustion from 2009 to 2018 in Beijing, China.

Diesel-fired combustion is one of the main sources of air pollution in the world. In this study, to better understand the energy consumption and main air pollutant emissions of diesel-fired combustion, a practical investigation and historical data analyses were conducted to determine the variations and driving forces of diesel consumption, the distribution of diesel consumption, and the contribution of emissions among various industries. Based on the results of this study, future control measures can be proposed for diesel-fired combustion. The results show that economic development led to an increase in the total volume of passengers and freight transportation, and the number of diesel vehicles increased from 0.16 million in 2009 to 0.25 million in 2018. However, diesel consumption in Beijing decreased from 2.4 Mt in 2009 to 1.8 Mt in 2018 due to the dominant driving forces, such as structural optimization of the diesel vehicle fleet and stricter limit standards for single-vehicle fuel consumption. The use of diesel vehicles in the logistics and transportation industries and the use of diesel-fired machinery in the construction industry were the two main sources of diesel consumption, accounting for 55% and 23% of the total, respectively. The main air pollutant emissions from diesel-fired combustion from 2009 to 2018 first increased and then decreased, while the NOX emissions peaked at 74,800 tons in 2014, which was affected by the structural optimization of the vehicle fleet and the elimination of old diesel trucks. The emissions finally decreased to 54,000 tons in 2018, which was approximately 89% of the amount in 2009. However, the continuously increasing contribution of diesel combustion to the total emissions requires more attention. The electrification of diesel vehicles and the structural upgrading of diesel vehicles have played important roles in mitigating the emissions of diesel combustion. Our study suggests that consumption control targets should be set, reduction plans for key industries such as the logistics and transportation, construction, and tourism industries should be developed, and low-emission zones should be created to promote the elimination and updating of low-emission diesel vehicles and machinery.

Correlation between Serum Bone Turnover Markers and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Chinese Patients with Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes is a growing global public health concern with many significant disease complications. Multiple studies show that bone turnover markers (BTMs) are decreased in diabetes patients, indicating impaired bone metabolism in diabetes patients. A recent study also showed that in diabetes patients, BTMs are correlated with urine albumin to creatinine ratio, an indicator of nephropathy. However, whether BTMs are correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in diabetes remains unknown. This retrospective study accessed correlations between serum BTMs and eGFR in Chinese patients with diabetes and compare levels of BTMs and eGFR between diabetic patients and healthy individuals. METHODS: This study analyzed data from 221 diabetic patients (include type1 and type 2 diabetes) and 155 healthy individuals. Serum BTM levels and eGFR were compared between diabetic patients and healthy individuals. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess correlations between BTMs and eGFR. Multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for gender and age was performed to measure odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of BTMs on diabetes. RESULTS: Patients with diabetes had significant lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels (15.07 ± 6.20 ng/mL) than healthy group (17.89 ± 6.41 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). For patients with diabetes, eGFR was negatively correlated with osteocalcin (OC) (r = -0.434, P < 0.05), procollagen type 1 intact N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) (r = -0.350, P < 0.05), and ß-carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (ß-CTX) (r = -0.179, P < 0.05) levels. For healthy people, eGFR was negatively correlated with 25(OH)D (r = -0.290, P < 0.05) levels. Multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and gender (mean age of diabetes was 64.9 years and the percentage of female was 66.9%, mean age of healthy people was 48.4 years and the percentage of female was 37.4%) showed that 25(OH)D (OR = 0.909, 95%CI = 0.862 - 0.959, P < 0.05) was protective factors for diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: In the stage of diabetic nephropathy, bone turnover may accelerate. It is important to detect BTMs in the stage of diabetic nephropathy.

Temporal variation characteristics and source apportionment of metal elements in PM2.5 in urban Beijing during 2018-2019.

To explore high-resolution temporal variation characteristics of atmospheric metal elements concentration and more accurate pollution sources apportionment, online monitoring of metal elements in PM2.5 with 1-h time resolution was conducted in Beijing from August 22, 2018 to August 21, 2019. Concentration of 18 elements varied between detection limit (ranging from 0.1 to 100 ng/m3) and nearly 25 µg/m3. Si, Fe, Ca, K and Al represented major elements and accounted for 93.47% of total concentration during the study period. Compared with previous studies, airborne metal pollution in Beijing has improved significantly which thanks to strict comprehensive control measures under the Clean Air Action Plan since 2013. Almost all elements present higher concentrations on weekdays than weekends, while concentrations of elements associated with dust sources during holidays are higher than those in working days after the morning peak, and there is almost no concentration difference in the evening peak period. Soil and dust, vehicle non-exhaust emissions, biomass, industrial processes and fuel combustion were apportioned as main sources of atmospheric metal pollution, accounting for 63.6%, 18.4%, 16.8%, 1.0% and 0.18%, respectively. Furthermore, main occurrence season of metal pollution is judged by characteristic radar chart of varied metal elements proposed for the first time in this study, for example, fuel combustion type pollution mainly occurs in winter and spring. Results of 72-h backward trajectory analysis of air masses showed that, except for local emissions, atmospheric metal pollution in Beijing is also affected by regional transport from Inner Mongolia, Hebei, the Bohai Sea and Heilongjiang.

A Chemiluminescent Immunoassay for Osteocalcin in Human Serum and a Solution to the "Hook Effect".

A chemiluminescent immunoassay for human serum osteocalcin, or bone Gla protein, was established using a double-antibody sandwich model. Examination of the hook effect revealed that it was significantly reduced, and no hook effect was observed at an osteocalcin concentration of 4000 ng/mL. The established method showed good analytical performance and thermal stability. The limit of detection was 0.03 ng/mL. The intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) was 3.22%-5.64%, the interassay CV was 4.42%-7.25%, and the recovery rate was 93.22%-107.99%. Cross-reactivity (CR) was not observed with bovine, rat, mouse, rabbit, or porcine samples. The developed method showed a good correlation with the N-MID product from Roche. In total, 1069 clinical patient samples were measured using the reagent kit developed in this study.