Dynamic Mechanism of Cerebral Venous Disruption: Longitudinal Evidence From a Community-Based Cohort.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the temporal and spatial patterns of structural brain injury related to deep medullary veins (DMVs) damage. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a longitudinal analysis of the population-based Shunyi cohort study. Baseline DMVs numbers were identified on susceptibility-weighted imaging. We assessed vertex-wise cortex maps and diffusion maps at both baseline and follow-up using FSL software and the longitudinal FreeSurfer analysis suite. We performed statistical analysis of global measurements and voxel/vertex-wise analysis to explore the relationship between DMVs number and brain structural measurements. A total of 977 participants were included in the baseline, of whom 544 completed the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (age 54.97±7.83 years, 32% men, mean interval 5.56±0.47 years). A lower number of DMVs was associated with a faster disruption of white matter microstructural integrity, presented by increased mean diffusivity and radial diffusion (ß=0.0001 and SE=0.0001 for both, P=0.04 and 0.03, respectively), in extensive deep white matter (threshold-free cluster enhancement P<0.05, adjusted for age and sex). Of particular interest, we found a bidirectional trend association between DMVs number and change in brain volumes. Specifically, participants with mild DMVs disruption showed greater cortical enlargement, whereas those with severe disruption exhibited more significant brain atrophy, primarily involving clusters in the frontal and parietal lobes (multiple comparison corrected P<0.05, adjusted for age, sex, and total intracranial volume). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings posed the dynamic pattern of brain parenchymal lesions related to DMVs injury, shedding light on the interactions and chronological roles of various pathological mechanisms.

Extracellular Vesicles Play a Central Role in Cerebral Venous Disease-Associated Brain Atrophy.

Cerebral venous abnormalities, distinct from traditional arterial diseases, have been linked to brain atrophy in a previous community-based cohort study, specifically in relation to the reduction of deep medullary veins (r-DMVs). To better understand the properties and biological functions of serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cerebral venous disease-associated brain atrophy, EVs are extracted from the serum of both participants with r-DMV and normal controls and analyzed their proteomic profiles using Tandem Mass Tag label quantitation analysis. Phenotypic experiments showed that EVs from individuals with r-DMVs are able to disrupt the normal functions of neurons, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, and induce A1 reactive astrocytes. Additionally, this study provided a comprehensive characterization of the proteomic profile of DMV EVs and found that the collagen hydroxyproline is upregulated, while complement C3 is downregulated in the r-DMV group, suggesting that r-DMV may not be a simple pathological phenomenon and highlighting the potential involvement of EVs in the progression of brain atrophy in r-DMVs which has implications for the development of future therapeutic strategies.

Electron-phonon coupling, bipolar effects, and thermoelectric performance of the CuSbS2 monolayer.

The thermoelectric performance of the CuSbS2 monolayer is determined using the relaxation times obtained from electron-phonon coupling calculations and the transport properties of phonons and electrons. Based on the fully relaxed structure, the lattice thermal conductivity and the electronic transport coefficients are evaluated by solving the Boltzmann transport equation for phonons and electrons under relaxation time approximation, respectively. The tendencies of the transport coefficients depending on the carrier concentrations and temperatures are studied to understand the thermoelectric performance. Based on the bipolar effect, the transport coefficients and intrinsic carrier concentrations, we determined the dimensionless figure of merit ZT in the 300-800 K range. The results demonstrate that the CuSbS2 monolayer should be an p-type semiconductor, and the maximum ZT of 1.36 is obtained, indicating that the monolayer is a good candidate for high-temperature thermoelectric devices. Substantial bipolar effects are observed, and the ones in the x-direction are stronger in comparison to those in the y-direction, which is responsible for the smaller ZT in the x-direction.

Simulation Study on the Optimisation of Replenishment of Landscape Water with Reclaimed Water Based on Transparency.

Water-scarce cities have fewer surface water (SW) resources available for ecological use, causing landscape water to deteriorate due to water shortage and fail to perform their intended landscape functions. As a result, many cities use reclaimed water (RW) to replenish them. However, this could cause concern among the people, as RW usually has higher nutrient concentrations, which may stimulate algae growth and deteriorate the aesthetic senses of the receiving water bodies. In order to assess the feasibility of using RW for this purpose, this study used Xingqing Lake in Northwest China as insight into the effect of RW replenishment on the visual landscape quality of urban landscape water. Water transparency (measured by SD) is used as an intuitive indicator to reflect the comprehensive influence of suspended solids and algae growth on the water's aesthetic quality. Scenario analyses were carried out after calibrating and validating one-year data in MIKE 3 software with both SD and algae growth calculations, and the results showed that the low concentration of suspended matter in RW could compensate for the decrease in SD due to algal blooms caused by high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, and the effect on SD is especially pronounced under conditions that are not conducive to algal growth, such as good flow conditions and low temperature. In addition, to meet a SD ≥ 70 mm, the total water inflow required can be significantly reduced with the optimal application of RW. It is also indicated that partial or complete utilization of RW to replace SW for replenishing the landscape water could be feasible from the viewpoint of landscape quality, at least for the landscape water investigated in this study. This can provide a method for the improvement to urban water management practices by using RW for replenishment in water-scarce cities.

Progress of newborn screening in China / 浙江大学学报·医学版

Newborn screening (NBS) plays a significant role in reducing the risk of birth defects. NBS in China began in the early 1980s. Under the protection of laws and regulations and the leadership of the national health administration, approved screening centers in public hospitals took the responsibility for publicity, screening, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and management of birth defects. As of 2022, 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) have carried out NBS for phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, and hearing loss, 23 provinces have carried out screening for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (with a screening rate of 89.24%), and 24 provinces have carried out screening for congenital adrenal cortical hyperplasia (91.45% screening rate). Over the past four decades, screening techniques have evolved from bacterial inhibition, fluorescence analysis, and tandem mass spectrometry for the detection of biochemical markers to genetic testing, which has greatly contributed to the expansion of the types of diseases screened for. The combined use of metabolomics and genomics is currently being explored. Effective management and rigorous quality control of NBS are prerequisites for improving the quality and ensuring the accuracy of screening. The Quality Management System for Newborn Screening System Network (QMS-NBS), established by the National Center for Clinical Laboratories, covers all screening centers and related blood collection agencies. The operation of the QMS-NBS allows the quality and performance of screening to be transparent and measurable, ensuring the quality and efficiency of screening. This article provides an overview of the history of NBS, especially the evolution of policies for the NBS in China, the construction of screening institutions, the number of newborns screened, the incidence rates of screened diseases, the changes in screening technology, the expansion of new diseases screened for, and the quality control of NBS. Overall, the progress in NBS in China has not only benefited from the development and standardization at the technological level, but also benefited from the construction of policies, regulations and ethics.

Pt-N Co-Modified TiO2 Nanotube Electrode Photoelectrocatalytic Degradation of Oxytetracycline in Simulated Wastewater.

Using photodeposition and plasma, Pt-N co-modified TiO2 nanotube electrodes were created. Several techniques, such as SEM, XRD, UV-VIS-DRS, XPS, and PL, were used to analyze the electrode shape, crystalline structure, light absorption range, elemental composition, and photogenerated carrier recombination efficiency. Using the electrochemical workstation, EIS and I-t were utilized to examine the electrochemical characteristics. The results indicated that the diameter of the TiO2 nanotube tubes was around 90 nm, and that the photodeposition duration affected the amount of Pt particles deposited. The deposited Pt particles efficiently reduced the photogenerated carrier complexation rate of the N-TiO2 nanotube electrode, contributing to the separation of electron-hole pairs and light utilization. Electrochemical studies indicated that Pt-N co-modified TiO2 increased the electrode's oxidation and electrical conductivity, as well as its photoelectrocatalytic capacity. Oxytetracycline degradation in simulated wastewater by a Pt-N co-modified TiO2 nanotube electrode revealed the exceptional PEC activity, and the oxytetracycline degradation processes followed primary kinetics. •O2- and •OH played a significant role in the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of oxytetracycline, resulting in a novel method for oxytetracycline degradation.

Deep medullary veins are associated with widespread brain structural abnormalities.

Our aim is to investigate the association of cerebral deep medullary veins (DMVs) with white matter microstructural integrity and regional brain atrophy in MRI. In a community-based cohort of 979 participants (mean age 55.4 years), DMVs were identified on susceptibility-weighted imaging. Brain structural measurements including gray matter and hippocampus volumes, as well as diffusion tensor metrics, were evaluated. The mean (SD)number of DMVs was 19.0 (1.7). A fewer number of DMVs was related to lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean diffusivity in multiple voxels on the white matter skeleton (threshold-free cluster enhancement corrected p < 0.05, adjusted for age and sex). Also, fewer DMVs were significantly related to a lower gray matter fraction and a hippocampal fraction (0.10 and 0.11 per DMV, respectively; SE, 0.03 for both; p < 0.001 for both). A significant correlation between DMVs' reduction and cortical atrophy was observed in the bilateral occipital lobes, temporal lobes, hippocampus, and frontal lobes (p < 0.001, adjusted for age, sex, and total intracranial volume). Our results provided evidence that cerebral small venules disease play a role in brain parenchymal lesions and neurodegenerative processes.

Novel Thermal Diffusion Temperature Engineering Leading to High Thermoelectric Performance in Bi2 Te3 -Based Flexible Thin-Films.

Flexible Bi2 Te3 -based thermoelectric devices can function as power generators for powering wearable electronics or chip-sensors for internet-of-things. However, the unsatisfied performance of n-type Bi2 Te3 flexible thin films significantly limits their wide application. In this study, a novel thermal diffusion method is employed to fabricate n-type Te-embedded Bi2 Te3 flexible thin films on flexible polyimide substrates, where Te embeddings can be achieved by tuning the thermal diffusion temperature and correspondingly result in an energy filtering effect at the Bi2 Te3 /Te interfaces. The energy filtering effect can lead to a high Seebeck coefficient ≈160 µV K-1 as well as high carrier mobility of ≈200 cm2 V-1 s-1 at room-temperature. Consequently, an ultrahigh room-temperature power factor of 14.65 µW cm-1 K-2 can be observed in the Te-embedded Bi2 Te3 flexible thin films prepared at the diffusion temperature of 623 K. A thermoelectric sensor is also assembled through integrating the n-type Bi2 Te3 flexible thin films with p-type Sb2 Te3 counterparts, which can fast reflect finger-touch status and demonstrate the applicability of as-prepared Te-embedded Bi2 Te3 flexible thin films. This study indicates that the thermal diffusion method is an effective way to fabricate high-performance and applicable flexible Te-embedded Bi2 Te3 -based thin films.

Immunoreactivity and a new staining method of monocarboxylate transporter 1 located in endothelial cells of cerebral vessels of human brain in distinguishing cerebral venules from arterioles.

Distinguishing brain venules from arterioles with arteriolosclerosis is less reliable using traditional staining methods. We aimed to immunohistochemically assess the monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1), a specific marker of venous endothelium found in rodent studies, in different caliber vessels in human brains. Both largeand small-caliber cerebral vessels were dissected from four autopsy donors. Immunoreactivity for MCT1 was examined in all autopsied human brain tissues, and then each vessel was identified by neuropathologists using hematoxylin and eosin stain, the Verhoeff's Van Gieson stain, immunohistochemical stain with antibodies for α-smooth muscle actin and MCT1 in sequence. A total of 61 cerebral vessels, including 29 arteries and 32 veins were assessed. Immunoreactivity for MCT1 was observed in the endothelial cells of various caliber veins as well as the capillaries, whereas that was immunenegative in the endothelium of arteries. The different labeling patterns for MCT1 could aid in distinguishing various caliber veins from arteries, whereas assessment using the vessel shape, the internal elastic lamina, and the pattern of smooth muscle fibers failed to make the distinction between small-caliber veins and sclerotic arterioles. In conclusion, MCT1 immunohistochemical staining is a sensitive and reliable method to distinguish cerebral veins from arteries.

Factors Associated with the Acceptance and Willingness of COVID-19 Vaccination among Chinese Healthcare Workers

BackgroundThe COVID-19 vaccines have been developed in a wide range of countries. This study aims to examine factors influencing vaccination rate and willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 among Chinese healthcare workers (HCWs). MethodsFrom 3rd February to 18th February, 2021, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted among HCWs to investigate factors associated with the acceptance and willingness of COVID-19 vaccination. Socio-demographic characteristics and the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among Chinese HCWs were evaluated. ResultsA total of 2156 HCWs from 21 provinces in China responded to this survey (response rate: 98.99%)), among whom 1433 (66.5%) were vaccinated at least one dose. Higher vaccination rates were associated with older age (40-50 years vs. less than 30 years, OR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.02-2.58; >50 years vs. 30 years, OR=1.90, 95%CI: 1.02-3.52), working as a clinician (OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.05-2.27), having no personal religion (OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.06-1.71), working in a fever clinic (OR=4.50, 95%CI:1.54-13.17) or higher hospital level (Municipal vs. County, OR=2.01, 95%CI: 1.28-3.16; Provincial vs. County, OR=2.01, 95%CI: 1.25-3.22) and having knowledge training of vaccine (OR=1.67, 95%CI:1.27-2.22), family history for influenza vaccination (OR=1.89, 95%CI:1.49-2.35) and strong familiarity with the vaccine (OR=1.43, 95%CI:1.05-1.95) (All P<0.05). Strong willingness for vaccination was related to having a working in midwestern China (OR=1.89, 95%CI:1.24-2.89), considerable knowledge of the vaccine (familiar vs. not familiar, OR=1.67, 95%CI: 1.17-2.39; strongly familiar vs. not familiar, OR=2.47, 95%CI: 1.36-4.49), knowledge training of vaccine (OR=1.61, 95%CI: 1.05-2.48) and strong confidence in the vaccine (OR=3.84, 95%CI: 2.09-7.07). ConclusionPersonal characteristics, working environments, familiarity and confidence in the vaccine were related to vaccination rates and willingness to get vaccinated among healthcare workers. Results of this study could provide evidence for the government to improve vaccine coverage by addressing vaccine hesitancy in the COVID-19 pandemic and future public health emergencies.

Brain deep medullary veins on 3-T MRI in a population-based cohort.

Our aim is to investigate whether vascular risk factors are associated with cerebral deep medullary veins (DMVs) and whether DMVs are associated with MRI markers of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) or risk of stroke. In a community-based cohort of 1056 participants (mean age 55.7 years), DMVs were identified on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) and counted in periventricular regions. Neuroimaging markers including lacunes, whiter matter hyperintensity (WMH), microbleeds, enlarged perivascular space, and brain atrophy were evaluated. The number of DMVs decreased with age (p = 0.007). After adjusting for age and sex, the number of DMVs was not associated with traditional vascular risk factors. Fewer DMVs was associated with increase of WMH and lacunes, but the association vanished after adjustment for vascular risk factors. However, fewer DMVs were independently associated with brain atrophy (p < 0.001). DMVs were not associated with three-year risk of stroke. Our results suggest that DMV is significantly different from other MRI markers of CSVD regarding risk factors, association with other CSVD markers, and risk of stroke. Nonetheless, the significant association between DMV and brain atrophy suggested the potential role of venules in age-related neurodegenerative process, which deserves further investigation.

A novel index for assessing the water quality of urban landscape lakes based on water transparency.

Assessment of the aesthetic and recreational value of urban landscape lakes (ULLs) is often required but there has not been a water quality index specifically applicable for such a purpose. Under a consideration that water transparency in terms of Secchi Depth (SD), to a large extent, determines the landscape effect, a study was conducted to identify the major parameters that strongly influence SD and to develop a novel water quality index. By theoretical analyses, it was found that SD is mainly influenced by the contents of chlorophyll a, inorganic suspended solids and organic detritus in water, which collectively relate to eight independent water quality, hydraulic, and environmental parameters, including SS, DO, COD, NH4+-N, NO3--N, TP, HRT, and water temperature T. A composite index was then proposed in the form of WQIULL = ∏i=1nqiwi (n = 8). Using the data of field survey of 166 ULLs in China, the cumulative probability distribution curve of each sub-index qi was characterized. Sensitive analysis was conducted for the determination of the sub-index weight (wi) for each qi under the consideration of two typical scenarios of ULL replenishment by stream water (traditional source) and reclaimed water (alternative source) regarding the variation of parameter on SD. With all wi (i = 1 to 8) thus determined, WQIULL was calculated for each of the ULLs surveyed. All the calculated values of WQIULL showed a good correlative relationship with the SD values practically measured (R2 = 0.8948), indicating that the novel water quality index developed could effectively indicate the satisfactory degree of the lake water quality in terms of water landscape. Further by comparing the dimensionless WQIULL (ranging between 0 and 100) with the practically acceptable SD based on experiences in China, the method for classification of ULLs by WQIULL calculation was formulated.

Role of divalent metals Cu2+ and Zn2+ in Microcystis aeruginosa proliferation and production of toxic microcystins.

Cu2+ and Zn2+, two ubiquitous metals in water environments, can widely trigger algae blooms at favourable environmental conditions. This paper elucidates the roles of Cu2+ and Zn2+ in the proliferation of Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) and synthesis of Microcystins (MCs). Findings indicate significant influences of increasing Cu2+ and Zn2+ concentrations on cell proliferation at limited available phosphorus concentrations of less than 0.1 mg/L. By contrast, Cu2+ and Zn2+ notably affected MCs production at all the inoculated phosphorus concentrations. The critical concentrations of 1 µg/L and 5 µg/L for Cu2+ and Zn2+, respectively, are determined to trigger rapid cell proliferation and MCs production. Furthermore, the impacts of Cu2+ and Zn2+ on nitrogen absorption and, subsequently, on amino acids (AAs) formation in cells, is likely key in MCs synthesis. The two AAs Alanine (Ala) and glutamic acid (Glu) demonstrate the most notable variations with the concentrations of Cu2+ & Zn2+.

Long Term Perinatal Deltamethrin Exposure Alters Electrophysiological Properties of Embryonic Ventricular Cardiomyocyte.

Increased use of pyrethroids and the exposure to pyrethroids for pregnant women and children have raised the concerns over the potential effect of pyrethroids on developmental cardiotoxicity and other abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether long term perinatal deltamethrin exposure altered embryonic cardiac electrophysiology in mice. Pregnant mice were administered with 0 or 3 mg/kg of deltamethrin by gavage daily from gestational day (gd) 10.5 to gd 17. 5. Whole cell patch-clamp technique was used in electrophysiological study, and real time RT-PCR was applied to analyze the molecular changes for the electrophysiological properties. Deltamethrin exposure resulted in increased mortality of pregnant mice and decreased viability of embryos. Moreover, deltamethrin slowed the maximum depolarization velocity (Vmax), prolonged the action potential duration (APD) and depolarized the maximum diastolic potential (MDP) of embryonic cardiomyocytes. Additionally, perinatal deltamethrin exposure decreased the mRNA expression of Na+ channel regulatory subunit Navß1, inward rectifier K+ channel subunit Kir2.1, and delayed rectifier K+ channel subunit MERG while the L-type Ca2+ channel subunit, Cav1.2 expression was increased. On the contrary, deltamethrin administration did not significantly alter the regulation of ß-adrenergic or muscarinic receptor on embryonic cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, deltamethrin exposure at perinatal stage significantly alters mRNA expression of embryonic cardiac ion channels and therefore influences embryonic cardiac electrophysiological properties. This highlights the need to understand the persistent effects of pyrethroid exposure on cardiac function during embryonic development due to potential for cardiac arrhythmogenicity.

Protective effect and mechanism of Schisandra chinensis extract on oxidative stress in diabetic nephropathy mice / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the protective effect of Schisandra chinensis extract on oxidative stress in db/db mice, and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods: Ten male 9-week-old db/m mice and ten homologous male db/db mice of the same age were randomly divided into normal control group (C + V group), S. chinensis extract control group (C + SE group), model group (DN + V group), and S. chinensis extract-treated group (DN + SE group), with five mice in each group. The S. chinensis extract control group and S. chinensis extract-treated group were respectively ig administrated with 5 mg/(kg•d) of S. chinensis extract for 6 weeks. The body weight, blood glucose and 24 h urine micro-albumin were recorded at 0, 3, and 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, the mice were sacrificed and their kidney tissue specimens were collected. The oxidative stress index of malondialdehyde (MDA) were examined by lipid peroxidation kit. The pathological changes of kidney tissues were observed by PAS staining. The expression of antioxidant factor Nrf2 and HO-1 protein of kidney tissue was detected by Western Blotting. The expression of Nrf2 and its downstream target genes of kidney tissue were detected by qRT-PCR. Results: Compared with the normal control group, the body weight, blood glucose and 24h urine micro-albumin of the model group were significantly increased and the MDA content were increased. Therefore, the renal tissue pathological damage aggravated, and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, as well as its downstream target genes were all down- regulated. (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). S. chinensis extract reduced blood glucose, 24 h urine micro-albumin and MDA level in diabetic nephropathy mice, improved renal pathological damage, and up-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 and its downstream target gene expression. (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). Conclusion: S. chinensis extract has protective effect on oxidative stress injury in db/db mice, and its mechanism may be related to up-regulation of antioxidant factor Nrf2 and its downstream genes.

Large Vessel Disease Modifies the Relationship Between Kidney Injury and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.

Background: Recent studies have shown that renal disease is associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), independent of traditional vascular risk factors. Although large artery lesions might be involved in the cerebrorenal association, evidence has been lacking. Methods: A total of 928 participants from a population-based cohort study were included. Kidney injury measurements included urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). CSVD was assessed on MRI by white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), lacunes, brain parenchymal fraction (BPF), cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and perivascular space. Carotid plaques and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were used to assess large artery atherosclerosis and stiffness. Multivariable linear and logistic regression and additional interaction models were used for statistical analysis. Results: Individuals with elevated ACR had higher prevalence of lacunes and more WMHV (p = 0.001 and 0.000, respectively), those with decreased eGFR had smaller brain volume, higher prevalence of lacunes and deep CMBs (p = 0.009, p = 0.017) and p = 0.010 respectively). Interaction analysis revealed that carotid plaque and baPWV significantly enhanced the association between eGFR and BPF (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively), that is, the association of eGFR with BPF was only significant among participants with carotid plaque and higher baPWV. In addition, carotid plaque enhanced the association between ACR and WMHV (p = 0.034) and baPWV enhanced the association between ACR and the presence of lacunes (p = 0.027). Modifying effect of large vessel disease markers on the association between kidney injury measurements and CMBs was not significant. Conclusion: Evaluation of subclinical CVSD in individuals with kidney injury is warranted, especially in those with combined large artery disease.

Increased Soluble CD137 Levels and CD4+ T-Cell-Associated Expression of CD137 in Acute Atherothrombotic Stroke.

As a proinflammatory cytokine, CD137 (4-1BB, TNFRSF9) is present in membrane-bound and soluble forms. Increased expression of CD137 was recently found in T cells in human atherosclerotic plaques. However, the exact role of CD137 in ischemic stroke is not clear. In this study we analyzed the protein levels of soluble CD137 (sCD137) and the expression of CD137 on CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood of patients with acute atherothrombotic stroke by using the cytometry beads array (CBA) and flow cytometry. Within 24 hours of onset, the stroke patients showed elevated levels of sCD137 (2.7 pg/ml) and CD137 expression on CD4+ T cells (4.9 ± 3.2%) compared with normal controls (1.1 pg/ml, P < 0.01; 1.3 ± 1.0%, P < 0.01). Alterations in CD137 expression may enhance ischemia-induced inflammatory responses via bidirectional signaling and, consequently, aggravate brain injury in early stages of this disorder.

On the risks from sediment and overlying water by replenishing urban landscape ponds with reclaimed wastewater.

The extensive use of reclaimed wastewater (RW) as a source of urban landscape pond replenishment, stimulated by the lack of surface water (SW) resources, has raised public concern. Greater attention should be paid to pond sediments, which act as 'sinks' and 'sources' of contaminants to the overlying pond water. Three ponds replenished with RW (RW ponds) in three Chinese cities were chosen to investigate 22 indices of sediment quality in four categories: eutrophication, heavy metal, ecotoxicity and pathogens risk. RW ponds were compared with other ponds of similar characteristics in the same cities that were replenished with SW (SW ponds). Our results show a strong impact of RW to the eutrophication and pathogenic risks, which are represented by organic matter, water content, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and phosphorus fractions, and pathogens. In particular, total phosphorus concentrations in the RW pond sediments were, on average, 50% higher than those of SW ponds. Moreover, the content of phosphorus, extracted by bicarbonate/dithionite (normally represented by BD-P) and NaOH (NaOH-P), were 2.0- and 2.83-times higher in RW ponds, respectively. For pathogens, the concentrations of norovirus and rotavirus in RW pond sediments were, on average, 0.52 and 0.30- log times those of SW ponds. The duration of RW replenishment was proved to have a marked impact on the eutrophication and pathogens risks from sediments. The continued use of RW for replenishment increases the eutrophication risk, and the pathogens risk, especially by viral pathogens, becomes greater.

Clinical and laboratory characteristics of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the clinical and laboratory characteristics of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical characteristics and laboratory results were retrospectively analyzed in 10 children with newly diagnosed JMML. They were compared with those of 28 children with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and 44 children with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the children with CML or MDS, the children with JMML had significantly higher rates of skin rashes, ecchymosis, and lymphadenectasis, a significantly lower serum cholinesterase (ChE) level, and a significantly higher fetal hemoglobin level (P<0.05). The white blood cell count of children with JMML was significantly higher than that of children with MDS, but significantly lower than that of children with CML (P<0.05). In addition, the myeloid/erythroid ratio and rate of dyshaematopoiesis were significantly lower in children with JMML than those in children with CML or MDS. The children with JMML had a significantly higher expression of mature monocyte marker CD14 than those with CML or MDS (P<0.05). The levels of myeloid markers CD33, CD11b, CD13, and CD15 in children with JMML were significantly higher than those in children with MDS, but significantly lower than those in children with CML (P<0.05). The levels of CD2 and CD7 in children with JMML were higher than those in children with CML, but lower than those in children with MDS (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Skin rashes, ecchymosis, lymphadenectasis, and ChE reduction are more common in children with JMML than in those with CML or MDS, while dyshaematopoiesis is less common. In addition, CD14 level increases significantly in children with JMML.</p>

Insight into the risk of replenishing urban landscape ponds with reclaimed wastewater.

Increasing use of reclaimed wastewater (RW) for replenishing urban landscape ponds has aroused public concern about the water quality. Three ponds replenished with RW in three cities in China were chosen to investigate 22 indexes of water quality in five categories. This was achieved by comparing three pairs of ponds in the three different cities, where one pond in each pair was replenished with RW and the other with surface water (SW). The nutrients condition, heavy metal concentration and ecotoxicity did not differ significantly between RW- and SW-replenished ponds. By contrast, significant differences were observed in algal growth and pathogen risk. RW ponds presented a Cyanophyta-Chlorophyta-Bacillariophyta type with high algal diversity while SW ponds presented a Cyanophyta type with low diversity. Regrowth of bacterial pathogens and especially survival of viral pathogens in RW, was the main driver behind the higher risk for RW ponds compared with SW ones. The duration of RW replenishment was proved to have a marked impact on the algal growth and pathogen risk. With continued RW replenishment, non-dominant algal species subjected to decrease while dominant species were enhanced resulting in the biomass increasing but diversity declining, and the risk posed by viral pathogens might become greater.