[Pollution Characteristics of Organochlorine Pesticides in Water and Sediments of Huixian Karst Wetland in Guilin].

Karst wetland plays an important role in the ecological environment; however, due to the existence of karst pipeline, pollutants can threaten the underground environment through the highly developed karst pipeline. Therefore, understanding the pollution characteristics of the karst surface environment is the premise of pollution ecological risk assessment and prevention. In this study, 24 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were analyzed to study the concentration, composition, source, and risk of OCPs in water and surface sediments in the Huixian Wetland of Guilin. The results showed that:the concentration of OCPs in water ranged from 3.17 ng·L-1 to 92.50 ng·L-1, and the concentration of OCPs in sediment ranged from 1.16 ng·g-1 to 219.52 ng·g-1, showing the main pollution characteristics of HCHs and DDTs. The concentration of OCPs in water was higher in the wet season than that in the dry season. The concentration of OCPs in sediments was higher in the dry season than that in the wet season. The isomer ratios revealed that OCPs in the study area were mainly derived from long-term degradation residues, and some sites had new input of lindane. Based on Monte Carlo simulation, the human health risk assessment of the study area showed that the 95% quantile carcinogenic risk of OCPs in water was greater than 1×10-6, with potential but acceptable health risk. The non-carcinogenic risk was lower than 1, which indicated that the level of OCPs residues in the water in the study area was not enough to cause non-carcinogenic risk to the human body.

[Concentration Characteristics, Source Analysis, and Potential Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in a Peak-cluster Depression Area, Southeast of Yunnan Province].

The pollution characteristics, sources, and ecological risk of heavy metals in farmland soils were studied in a peak-cluster depression area southeast of Yunnan Province. In total, 199 topsoil samples were collected using the grid method and contents of eight heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Hg) were determined. The geoaccumulation index and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used to evaluate soil pollution levels and potential ecological risks, respectively. The absolute principal component scores-multivariate linear regression (APCS-MLR) model and cluster analysis were used to identify the pollution sources and apportion the heavy metals in the soils. The results show that the mean content of Cd, Hg, Cr, Ni, and Zn was higher than their respective background values, exceeding them by up to 16.00, 7.29, 1.46, 1.45, and 2.39 times, respectively. No evidence of the occurrence of other metals was found. The average RI was 1039.3, which represents a high potential ecological risk, with Cd and Hg being the most crucial elements. The APCS-MLR model revealed that natural sources (PC1), traffic sources (PC2), fossil fuel combustion sources (PC3), and agricultural sources (PC4) were the four main contributors of soil heavy metals. The primary source of Cd, Cr, and Ni was PC1, while PC2 was the main source of Pb and Zn. PC3 and PC4 were the main sources of Cu and Hg with contribution rates of 77.86% and 70.37%, respectively. The main sources of As were PC1 (46.71%) and PC4 (49.46%).

Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes and Signaling Pathways in Acute Myocardial Infarction Based on Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common disease with high morbidity and mortality around the world. The aim of this research was to determine the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which may serve as potential therapeutic targets or new biomarkers in AMI. METHODS: From the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, three gene expression profiles (GSE775, GSE19322, and GSE97494) were downloaded. To identify the DEGs, integrated bioinformatics analysis and robust rank aggregation (RRA) method were applied. These DEGs were performed through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses by using Clusterprofiler package. In order to explore the correlation between these DEGs, the interaction network of protein-protein internet (PPI) was constructed using the STRING database. Utilizing the MCODE plug-in of Cytoscape, the module analysis was performed. Utilizing the cytoHubba plug-in, the hub genes were screened out. RESULTS: 57 DEGs in total were identified, including 2 down- and 55 upregulated genes. These DEGs were mainly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, chemokine signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and so on. The module analysis filtered out 18 key genes, including Cxcl5, Arg1, Cxcl1, Spp1, Selp, Ptx3, Tnfaip6, Mmp8, Serpine1, Ptgs2, Il6, Il1r2, Il1b, Ccl3, Ccr1, Hmox1, Cxcl2, and Ccl2. Ccr1 was the most fundamental gene in PPI network. 4 hub genes in total were identified, including Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Cxcl5, and Mmp8. CONCLUSION: This study may provide credible molecular biomarkers in terms of screening, diagnosis, and prognosis for AMI. Meanwhile, it also serves as a basis for exploring new therapeutic target for AMI.

[Distribution and Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in a Karst Groundwater System in a Strongly Industrial City].

To understand the spatiotemporal variation characteristics and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in karst groundwater in a strongly industrial city, the authors collected 23 groundwater samples in the water and dry period in Liuzhou using component spectra of 16 types of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in combination with the physical and chemical properties and analyzed the spatiotemporal variation characteristics and sources of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in karst groundwater in heavy industrial city. The results show that the average concentration of ∑PAHs in the groundwater in the wet period has an order of Liubei District > Liudong District > Liuxi District > Jila Underground River and the concentration proportion of PAHs decreases with the increase of the molecular weight, while the order in the dry period is Jila Underground River > Liubei District > Liuxi District > Liudong District. The PAHs in the groundwater during the dry season have a high pollution level, while a low pollution level is observed in the wet season. The main sources of PAHs are organic matter burns at high temperature such as fossil fuel, which are produced by human activities such as industrial processes, transportation, heating, and cooking.

[Distribution Characteristics of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Environmental Media in Nanning City].

In order to understand the contamination characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different environmental media, the authors collected samples of air, atmospheric dry and wet depositions, soil and groundwater in winter and summer in Nanning, using component spectra of 16 kinds of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, combining with the physical and chemical properties, analyzed concentration, composition and distribution characteristics of the PAHs in different environment media, the results showed that PAHs with 2 to 3 rings were dominant in the air and atmospheric dry and wet depositions, and ∑ PAHs in winter were higher than in summer because of the seasonal differences. And PAHs with 2 to 3 rings were dominant in soil, too. Distribution difference of soil particle diameter was the main reason for the PAHs distribution characteristics in different horizons. And species of PAHs in groundwater were fewer, with lower concentrations, which showed that soil vadose zone could entrap more PAHs. The mass fraction of 16 kinds of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different environmental media presented a decreasing trend from low rings to high rings, and the distribution characteristics of PAHs with 2 to 3 rings and 5 to 6 rings in different environmental media in two areas in winter and summer had good consistency, but also had certain differences because of the physical and chemical properties of PAHs, hydro-geological conditions, urban pollution, weather conditions, etc.

[Atmospheric deposition of PAHs in Dashiwei Karst Tiankeng Group in Leye, Guangxi].

In order to understand atmospheric deposition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons impact on ecological environment of Dashiwei Karst Tiankeng Group in Leye County, Guangxi (National Geological Park), the dry and wet deposition samples around Dashiwei Tiankeng were collected by season for a year, and were analyzed utilizing GC-MS for 16 EPA PAHs. The results showed that PAH depositional fluxes ranged from 132.36-1 655.27 ng x (m2 x d)(-1), with an average value of 855.00 ng x (m2 x d)(-1). Weight of PAHs which deposited into Dashiwei Tiankeng was 51.98 g x a(-1), and the dominant PAH compounds are benzo[b] fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[a] pryene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, anthracene, phenanthrene and naphthalene. Spatial distribution of PAHs around Dashiwei Tiankeng was: the east valley entrance > the south valley entrance > the north valley entrance > the west peak; seasonal variability of PAH depositional fluxes was: spring > summer > autumn > winter. Deposition fluxes of PAHs were 4.6 times higher in spring and summer than those in autumn and winter. The dominant PAH compounds were 4-6 rings PAHs in spring and summer, but the dominant PAH compounds were 2-3 rings PAHs in autumn and winter. PAH depositional fluxes in this study area were closely related with precipitation, wind direction, temperature, wind speed and location of pollution sources. PAHs increased in spring and summer in Dashiwei Karst Tiankeng Group, this could be transported by atmospheric movement from higher air temperature and lower elevation areas where industry developed in Guangxi.

[Environmental factors on distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils from Dashiwei karst giant doline (Tiankeng) in Guangxi, China].

With typical Dashiwei karst great doline (Tiankeng) located in Leye county, Guangxi in China as study area, the soil samples of different karst topography were collected and analyzed utilizing GC-MS for the 16 PAHs. Environmental factors were observed by weather instrument. The results showed that the total PAHs concentration in soils of the ground (the positive landform) of Dashiwei great doline ranged from 75.20 ng x g(-1) to 373.79 ng x g(-1), with an average of 120.70 ng x g(-1). In Dashwei great doline (the negative landform), the total PAHs concentration in soils of cliff ranged from 19.88 ng x g(-1) to 330.79 ng x g(-1), with an average of 131.86 ng x g(-1); the concentration of the bottom section ranged from 127.48 ng x g(-1) to 661.62 ng x g(-1), with an average of 395.22 ng x g(-1); and the concentration of the underground river ranged from 1132.11 ng x g(-1) to 1 749.95 ng x g(-1), with an average of 1412.39 ng x g(-1). The PAHs compounds were mainly 4-6 rings PAH. The primary sources of PAHs were pyrogenic sources. The pollution approaches were mainly atmospheric transportation and deposition. As a whole, the spatial distribution of PAHs in soils in Dashiwei doline gradually increased from the surface-the cliff-the bottom-the underground river with the increase of temperature and relative humidity. Accumulation and differentiation of PAHs in a vertical way were showed by "coal trap effect". Environmental factors influencing the distribution of PAHs in soils were majorly temperature, followed by humidity, wind direction and wind speed, and in some parts multi environmental factors worked together. The effect of the environmental factors was bigger in summer than in winter. Monitoring of PAHs discovered that the total PAHs concentration in soils of the bottom was 3.5 times higher in 2007 than in 2006. As a consequence, this study suggested that the accumulation and differentiation of karst doline was related with these important environmental factors.

[Transport and differentiation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in air from Dashiwei karst Sinkholes in Guangxi, China].

The typical karst Dashiwei Sinkholes located in Leye County, Guangxi were chosen as the study object. The air samples from the opening of Dashiwei Sinkholes to the underground river profiles were collected by polyurethane foam passive samplers (PUF-PAS), and the meteorological parameters were observed. The 16 PAHs were analyzed using GC-MS. The results showed that the total PAHs concentration in air in Dashiwei Sinkholes ranged from 33.76 ng x d(-1) to 150.86 ng x d(-1), with an average of 80.36 ng x d(-1). The mean concentrations in the cliff, the bottom and the underground river profiles were 67.17, 85.36 and 101.67 ng x d(-1), respectively. The 2-3 rings PAHs (including phenanthrene, anthracene, napnthalene and fluorene) accounted for 87.97% of the total of PAHs. The transport and accumulation processes of PAHs in air in Dashiwei Sinkholes were: the ground to the cliff section to the bottom section and then to the underground river, and the total PAHs concentrations showed an obvious increasing tendency with the decrease in altitude or increase in the length of the underground river. Low molecular weight PAHs compounds (including phenanthrene, anthracene, flourene and fluoranthene) in air went through differentiation at the bottom of the west peak, the bottom of the sinkhole and the underground river. The primary sources of PAHs were pyrogenic sources with atmosphere transport. Ambient temperature was the predominating factor influencing the transport and accumulation of gas phase PAHs in Dashiwei Sinkholes, following by wind speed, wind direction and relative humidity. Relative humidity and the temperature were the predominating factors influencing the differentiation, following by wind speed and wind direction. As a whole, a "cold trapping effect" of POPs was showed obviously in Dashiwei Sinkholes.

[Contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water in underground river of Dashiwei Tiankeng group in karst area, Guangxi].

In order to understand the composition, sources and contamination characteristics of PAHs in water from underground river of Dashiwei Tiankeng group in typical karst area located in Leye County, Guangxi. The water samples were collected from different sections to analyze 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using GC-MS. The results showed that concentration of Sigma PAHs (the total PAHs) in water ranges from 54.7 ng/L to 192.0 ng/L, with an average concentration of 102.3 ng/L. The predominant PAHs in water are 2-3 ring PAHs, accounting for 65.1% of PAHs. The distribution of PAHs in water sampled along the underground river indicates that the mean concentration of PAHs in upstream area is higher than that of downstream because of wastewater discharge. Meanwhile, the underground river has some adsorption effect to 4-6 ring PAHs. The concentration of Sigma PAHs at Dashiwei Tiankeng section increases 93.8% attribute to the release of PAHs coming from Karst environmental medium and/or atmospheric transmission in underground river system. However, the concentration of Sigma PAHs at the confluence section of the tributary of Dashiwei Tiankeng is 47.3% less than that of the first upstream section duo to dilution. The concentration of Sigma PAHs at Bailang outlet section is 128.3% and 17.8% higher than that of flow-in section and Dashiwei Tiankeng section respectively. The ratios of specific PAHs indicate that the PAH sources in Leye County and Dashiwei Tiankeng areas mainly come from both petroleum and its combustion. However, the petroleum origin comes from anthropogenic inputs in town and the natural inputs in Dashiwei Tiankeng. The PAH sources in rural areas are mainly originating from the combustion of grass, wood and coal. Comparison to other areas in the world, the Sigma PAHs residual levels in underground river water in Dashiwei Tiankeng group is at the low level. In six sections, concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in surface water exceed the state quality standards.

[Arbovirus investigation in some regions of Shanxi province in 2007].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate arboviruses in some regions of Shanxi province, isolation and identification for arbovirus activity from mosquitoes was conducted. METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected from these area in 2007 and then used for virus isolation by cell culture. The virus isolates were identified by molecular biology and the sequences were analyzed by bioinformatics. RESULTS: Ten Banna virus (strains SX0765, SX0766, SX0767, SX0771, SX0789, SX0790, SX0793, SX0794, SX0795, SX0796) were isolated, and two Liaoning virus were also isolated from isolates SX0771, SX0794. Phylogenetic tree of the Banna virus isolates showed that ten strains are located in a distinct branch from all of the other Chinese Banna virus isolates. The homology is between 89.7% and 94.1%. CONCLUSION: Ten Banna virus and two Liaoning virus were isolated during this arbovirus investigation in Shanxi province. New Banna virus isolates showed a distinct phylogenetic relationship with the other Chinese Banna virus strains.