Itemized determination of As, Sb, Bi, Se, and Ge in graphite sample by HG-AFS with high-temperature microwave digestion.

In this paper, we optimized a method for fast and accurate determination of five impurity elements (As, Sb, Bi, Se, and Ge) in graphite samples to overcome the shortcomings of existing methods, such as complicated equipment, cumbersome process, multiple-time preparation, separate determination, and large error in results. Graphite samples were digested with HNO3-H2SO4-HClO4-HF in a high-temperature and high-pressure microwave digestion apparatus, and the elements were extracted and determined separately by AFS (atomic fluorescence spectrometry). There is no element loss during the processing and analysis of this method. The spike recoveries (As: 90.30%-102.3%, Sb: 90.73%-110.0%, Bi: 90.00%-99.67%, Se: 93.33%-110.0%, Ge: 92.26%-104.2%) and precision (RSD%; As: 1.34%-8.96%, Sb: 2.67%-7.10%, Bi: 1.83%-4.58%, Se: 0.36%-3.25%, Ge: 4.41%-8.65%) meet the requirements of the corresponding quality specifications. The method has some advantages (such as no elemental loss, fast testing, strong element targeting, and accurate results), and thus can achieve batch determination of graphite samples. The optimized method for graphite sample and final solution preparations can be used for diverse spectrometric technologies, and that for spectrometer conditions have reference value for HG-AFS instruments.

Bacteria-mediated resistance of neutrophil extracellular traps to enzymatic degradation drives the formation of dental calculi.

Dental calculi can cause gingival bleeding and periodontitis, yet the mechanism underlying the formation of such mineral build-ups, and in particular the role of the local microenvironment, are unclear. Here we show that the formation of dental calculi involves bacteria in local mature biofilms converting the DNA in neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) from being degradable by the enzyme DNase I to being degradation resistant, promoting the nucleation and growth of apatite. DNase I inhibited NET-induced mineralization in vitro and ex vivo, yet plasma DNases were ineffective at inhibiting ectopic mineralization in the oral cavity in rodents. The topical application of the DNA-intercalating agent chloroquine in rodents fed with a dental calculogenic diet reverted NET DNA to its degradable form, inhibiting the formation of calculi. Our findings may motivate therapeutic strategies for the reduction of the prevalence of the deposition of bacteria-driven calculi in the oral cavity.

Twelve New Species Reveal Cryptic Diversification in Foliicolous Lichens of Strigula s.lat. (Strigulales, Ascomycota).

We employed a molecular phylogenetic approach using five markers (ITS, nuSSU, nuLSU, TEF1-α, and RPB2) to assess potential cryptic speciation in foliicolous members of Strigula s.lat. (Strigulaceae), including the recently segregated genera Phylloporis, Puiggariella, Raciborskiella, Racoplaca, and Serusiauxiella, from tropical areas in Asia, with selected materials from the Neotropics as reference. On the basis of combined molecular and phenotypic datasets, two new species of Racoplaca and 10 new species of Strigula s.str. are described: Racoplaca macrospora sp. nov., R. maculatoides sp. nov., Strigula guangdongensis sp. nov., S. intermedia sp. nov., S. laevis sp. nov., S. microcarpa sp. nov., S. pseudoantillarum sp. nov., S. pseudosubtilissima sp. nov., S. pycnoradians sp. nov., S. sinoconcreta sp. nov., S. stenoloba sp. nov., and S. subtilissimoides sp. nov. In addition, we propose the new combination Phylloporis palmae comb. nov. (≡ =Manaustrum palmae) and we validate the earlier combination Racoplaca melanobapha comb. nov. (≡ Verrucaria melanobapha; Strigula melanobapha). Our data clearly indicate a considerable degree of cryptic diversification in foliicolous representatives of Strigula s.lat., particularly in the presumably widespread taxa Strigula antillarum, S. concreta, S. nitidula, and S. smaragdula. Given that these phylogenetic revisions are thus far limited to few regions, we predict that our findings only represent the proverbial tip of the iceberg in this group of lichenized fungi.

Two lichens differing in element concentrations have similar spatial patterns of element concentrations responding to road traffic and soil input.

Two epiphytic lichens (Xanthoria alfredii, XAa; X. ulophyllodes, XAu) and soil were sampled at three sites with varied distances to a road in a semiarid sandland in Inner Mongolia, China and analyzed for concentrations of 42 elements to assess the contribution of soil input and road traffic to lichen element burdens, and to compare element concentration differences between the two lichens. The study showed that multielement patterns, Fe:Ti and rare earth element ratios were similar between the lichen and soil samples. Enrichment factors (EFs) showed that ten elements (Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, K, P, Pb, S, Sb, and Zn) were enriched in the lichens relative to the local soil. Concentrations of most elements were higher in XAu than in XAa regardless of sites, and increased with proximity to the road regardless of lichen species. These results suggested that lichen element compositions were highly affected by soil input and road traffic. The narrow-lobed sorediate species were more efficient in particulate entrapment than the broad-lobed nonsorediate species. XAa and XAu are good bioaccumulators for road pollution in desert and have similar spatial patterns of element concentrations for most elements as response to road traffic emissions and soil input.

[Dexamethasone Blocks Adriamycin-induced Podocytes'Mobility via Impacting Nephrin Expression].

OBJECTIVE: To explore how dexamethasone (Dex) directly restores kidney podocyte function in adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephrotic model and the effects of Dex on the motility of podocytes, to analyze whether nephrin is a key signal molecule in the process. METHODS: The cultured podocytes were divided into three growps: ADR treated group, ADR+Dex group, blank control group. The analyses of podocytes function were performed using scrape-wound, Transwell migration assays and FITC-BSA. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to test the expression of nephrin. Male SD rats were used to generate ADR-induced nephrology model, and randomly divided into three groups: ADR group, ADR+Dex group and normal group. At 7 d, 14 d, 21 d and 28 d after ADR injection, 24 h urine protein was measured as well. Podocyte foot process effacement was observed under transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Podocytes' motility, permeability of a monolayer of podocytes incubated with FITC-BSA, the expression of nephrin were higher in ADR group than those in blank control group (P<0.05); on the contrary, the indexes above in Dex+ADR group were decreased when compared with ADR group (P<0.05). 24 h urine protein increased significantly at day 14 (vs. normal group P<0.001) and peaked at day 28 in ADR rats (vs. normal group P<0.001), whereas decreased at day 14, 21 and 28 in Dex+ADR group (vs. ADR group, P<0.001). The FWP of ADR-treated rats was greater than normal group and Dex+ADR group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Dex impacts the expression of nephrin, relieves the enhanced motility induced by ADR and decreases urine protein level.

Elemental compositions of lichens from Duolun County, Inner Mongolia, China: Origin, road effect and species difference.

To assess the response of lichen elemental compositions to road traffic and species difference in the context of high dust input and anthropogenic emissions, two foliose epiphytic lichens (Phaeophyscia hirtuosa, PHh; Candelaria fibrosa, CAf) were sampled near a road adjacent to Dolon Nor Town (Duolun County, Inner Mongolia, China). Twenty elements (Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn) in lichen and surface soil samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The results demonstrate that lichen elemental compositions are highly influenced by both their natural environment and anthropogenic input. Windblown dust associated with sand dunes and degraded/desertified steppes represents the predominant source of lichen elements. Road traffic can enhance the lichen elemental burden by increasing the number of soil particles. Anthropogenic emissions from the town and road traffic have also led to the enrichment of Cd and Zn in lichens. PHh was higher than CAf in concentrations of 14 terrigenous metals. Both lichens are applicable to biomonitoring of atmospheric element deposition and, in most cases, yield comparable results.

Determination of Elemental Concentrations in Lichens Using ICP-AES/MS.

Lichens are good biomonitors for air pollution because of their high enrichment capability of atmospheric chemical elements. To monitor atmospheric element deposition using lichens, it is important to obtain information on the multi-element concentrations in lichen thalli. Because of serious air pollution, elemental concentrations in thalli of lichens from North China (especially Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shanxi and Henan province) are often higher than those from other regions, therefore highlighting the necessity to optimize ICP-AES/MS (Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectrometry) for analyzing lichen element content. Based on the high elemental concentrations in the lichen samples, and the differences in the sensitivity and detection limits between ICP-MS and ICP-AES, we propose a protocol for analyzing 31 elements in lichens using ICP-AES/MS. Twenty-two elements (Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, K, La, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Tb, Th, Tl, V and Zn) can be identified by using microwave digestion- ICP-MS, and 9 elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, S and Ti) by using ashing-alkali fusion digestion- ICP-AES.

P53 inhibitor pifithrin-α prevents the renal tubular epithelial cells against injury.

The injury and repair of renal tubular epithelial cells play an important role in the pathological process of acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to clarify the role of cell cycle change in renal tubular epithelial cell injury and repair in vivo and in vitro. Sprague-Dawley rats received bilateral renal pedicle clamping for 45 min (ischemia) followed by reperfusion. Pifithrin-α, a p53 inhibitor, was administered at 24 h before renal ischemia and 3 and 14 days after reperfusion. Results showed the tubular epithelial cells in M phase increased significantly at 2 h to 72 h after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), while pifithrin-α decreased them. Renal I/R caused renal tubular epithelial damage in rats, which was improved by pifithrin-α. The α-SMA mRNA expression was up-regulated significantly after I/R, while it was down-regulated by pifithrin-α.NRK-52E cells were cultured in vitro, cell damage was induced by addition of TNF-α, and then cells were treated with pifithrin-α. Cells treated with TNF-α alone in G2/M phase increased significantly, but they were reduced in the presence of pifithrin-α. In NRK-52E cells treated with pifithrin-α for 6 h, NGAL mRNA expression was significantly lower than in cells without pifithrin-α treatment. After NRK-52E cells were treated with pifithrin-α for 24 h, α-SMA and FN mRNA expression was significantly lower than in cells without the treatment. In summary, pifithrin-α can facilitate the progression of renal tubular epithelial cells through G2/M phase, protecting them against injury.

Lichen elemental composition distinguishes anthropogenic emissions from dust storm inputs and differs among species: Evidence from Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China.

To test the applicability of lichens in the biomonitoring of atmospheric elemental deposition in a typical steppe zone of Inner Mongolia, China, six foliose lichens (Physcia aipolia, PA; P. tribacia, PT; Xanthoria elegans, XE; X. mandschurica, XM; Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis, XPC; and Xp. tinctina, XPT) were sampled from the Xilin River Basin, Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China. Twenty-five elements (Al, Ba, Cd, Ce, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, K, La, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Tb, Th, Ti, Tl, V and Zn) in the lichens were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results show that Cd, Pb and Zn were mainly atmospheric in origin, whereas the other elements were predominantly of crustal origin. Compared with other studies, our data were higher in crustal element concentrations and lower in atmospheric element concentrations, matching with the frequent, severe dust storms and road traffic in the area. The elemental concentrations in lichens are both species- and element-specific, highlighting the importance of species selection for biomonitoring air pollution using lichens. We recommend PT, XE, XM and XPT for monitoring atmospheric deposition of crustal elements; XPC and XPT for Cd and Pb; PA for Cd and Zn; and PT for Cd.

[Development of Determination Method of Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics in Sludge Based on Solid Phase Extraction and HPLC-Fluorescence Detection Analysis].

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs), as the common pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), are widespread in the environment. FQs contained in wastewater would be ultimately enriched in sludge, posing a potential threat to the consequent sludge utilization. To optimize the analytical method applicable to the determination of FQs in sludge, the authors selected ofloxacin (OFL), norfioxacin (NOR), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and lomefloxacin (LOM) as the target FQs, and established a method which was based on cell lysis, FQs extraction with triethylamine/methanol/water solution, Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and HPLC-Fluorescence Detection (FLD) determination. After the investigation, phosphoric acid-triethylamine was decided to be the buffer salt, and methanol was chosen as the organic mobile phase. The gradient fluorescence scanning strategy was proved to be necessary for the optimal detection as well. Furthermore, by the designed orthogonal experiments, the effects of the extraction materials, pH, and the eluents on the efficiency of SPE extraction were evaluated, by which the optimal extraction conditions were determined. As a result, FQs in liquid samples could be analyzed by utilizing HLB extraction cartridge, and the recovery rates of the four FQs were in the range of 82%-103%. As for solid samples, the recovery rates of the four FQs contained reached up to 71%-101%. Finally, the adsorptivity of the sludge from the different tanks ( anaerobic, anoxic and oxic tanks) was investigated, showing gradual decrease in the adsorption capacity, but all adsorbed over 90% of the EQs. This conclusion also confirmed that 50% removal of FQs in the domestic wastewater treatment plant was realized by sludge adsorption.

Use of the lichen Xanthoria mandschurica in monitoring atmospheric elemental deposition in the Taihang Mountains, Hebei, China.

Air pollution is a major concern in China. Lichens are a useful biomonitor for atmospheric elemental deposition but have rarely been used in North China. The aim of this study was to investigate the atmospheric depositions of 30 trace elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Tb, Th, Ti, Tl, V and Zn) in a region of the Taihang Mountains, Hebei Province, China using lichens as biomonitors. Epilithic foliose lichen Xanthoria mandschurica was sampled from 21 sites and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results show that 1) eight elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, P, Pb, Sb and Zn) are of atmospheric origin and are highly influenced by the atmospheric transportation from the North China Plain, as well as local mining activities, while 2) the remaining 22 elements are primarily of crustal origin, the concentration of which has been enhanced by local mining and quarrying activities. These results clearly validate the applicability of lichens in biomonitoring of atmospheric elemental deposition and demonstrate the spatial pattern for air pollution in the region.

The expression of response gene to complement 32 on renal ischemia reperfusion injury in rat.

To investigate the expression of response gene to complement 32 (RGC32) in rat with acute kidney injury (AKI) and to explore the role of RGC32 in renal injury and repair induced by ischemia reperfusion. Rats were randomly divided into two groups, including sham operation group (n = 48) and acute ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) group (n = 48). Rats were sacrificed following reperfusion 2 h, 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 1 week (w), 2 w, and 4 w. The distribution and expression of RGC32 in renal tissue were observed by means of immunohistochemistry. The mean density of the images detected by Image-Pro Plus 6 was designated as the representative RGC32 expression levels. Meanwhile, RGC32 mRNA expression was measured by qPCR. RGC32 mainly expressed in cytoplasm of proximal tubular epithelial cells. However, RGC32 did not express in renal interstitium and vessels. The expression levels of RGC32 measured by immunohistochemistry at different reperfusion time were 0.0168 ± 0.0029, 0.0156 ± 0.0021, 0.0065 ± 0.0013, 0.0075 ± 0.0013, 0.0096 ± 0.0014, 0.0132 ± 0.0016, 0.0169 ± 0.0014, 0.0179 ± 0.0022, respectively. Compared with the sham group, the level of RGC32 expression in IRI group was significant lower at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h after IRI (p < 0.05). The expression levels of RGC32 mRNA at different reperfusion time measured by qPCR were corroborated the immunohistochemistry finding. The in vitro experiments show the expression of α-SMA and extracellular matrix expression increased signification when the RGC32 was silenced. Our data showed that the RGC32 expression in AKI rat decreased significantly reduces with different reperfusion time and performs a time-dependent manner. RGC32 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AKI following IRI and repair in rat.

[Photocatalytic Degradation Kinetics and Mechanism of Monoazo Dye Acid Yellow 17 by UV/TiO2 in Aqueous Solution].

In order to explore the removal methods, transformation, environmental fate, effect and potential risk of dyes in environmental water, monoazo dye acid yellow 17 (AY17) was selected as model compound to investigate the degradation possibility in different advance oxidation processes (AOPs), and the degradation efficiencies followed the order of UV/H2O2

Optimization of ICP-AES and ICP-MS Techniques for the Determination of Major, Minor and Micro Elements in Lichens.

Lichens are one of the best materials for air quality biomonitoring, and they have been widely used in atmospheric element deposition monitoring in many regions. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) are two efficient techniques widely used in quantifying and quantifying plant elements. However, elemental levels in lichens from some regions in China are much higher than in other plants, and their variation is highly dependent on space, time, species and elements. Although atmospheric pollution monitoring is urgently needed in China in recent decades, little studies have been performed on biomonitoring in the country. Therefore, the methodological studies on the determination of lichen elements in China are needed to accelerate future biomonitoring studies with lichens. Two techniques such as ICP-MS and ICP-AES were used to determine elements in four reference materials, as GBW10014 (cabbage), GBW10015 (spinach), GBW10052 (green tea) and IAEA-336 (lichen), with an attempt to reveal the effects of different digestions, sampling size, spectral lines, isotopes and internal standard elements on measured results. ICP-AES after dry ashing-alkali fusion digestion and ICP-MS after microwave digestion were optimized for lichen element determination. In the optimized techniques, good linear relationship (r>0.999 0), low detection limit, high analytic accuracy and precision were obtained. The optimized techniques were applied to lichen samples collected from Taihang Mountains of China and Ardley Island of Antarctica. The results show that all lichen samples from Taihang Mountains were much higher in elemental concentration with the contribution of atmospheric deposition higher than those from Antarctica. These results suggest the applicability of the techniques in determining lichen elements, and provide evidences and technique supports for air pollution biomonitoring in China.

Response gene to complement 32 regulates the G2/M phase checkpoint during renal tubular epithelial cell repair.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of RGC-32 (response gene to complement 32) on cell cycle progression in renal tubular epithelial cell injury. METHODS: NRK-52E cells with overexpressed or silenced RGC-32 were constructed via transient transfection with RGC-32 expression plasmid and RGC-32 siRNA plasmid, and the cell cycle distribution was determined. The expression levels of fibrosis factors, including smooth muscle action (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN) and E-cadherin, were assessed in cells with silenced RGC-32. RESULTS: The cells were injured via TNF-α treatment, and the injury was detectable by the enhanced expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). RGC-32 expression also increased significantly. The number of cells at G2/M phase increased dramatically in RGC-32 silenced cells, indicating that RGC-32 silencing induced G2/M arrest. In addition, after treatment with TNF-α, the NRK-52E cells with silenced RGC-32 showed significantly increased expression of α-SMA and FN, but decreased expression of E-cadherin. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that RGC-32 probably has an important impact on the repair process of renal tubular epithelial cells in vitro by regulating the G2/M phase checkpoint, cell fibrosis and cell adhesion. However, the exact mechanism needs to be further elucidated.

gga-miR-9* inhibits IFN production in antiviral innate immunity by targeting interferon regulatory factor 2 to promote IBDV replication.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that contribute to the repertoire of host-pathogen interactions during viral infections. In the current study, miRNA analysis showed that a panel of microRNAs, including gga-miR-9*, were markedly upregulated in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens upon infection with infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV); however, the biological function of gga-miR-9* during viral infection remains unknown. Using a TCID50 assay, it was found that ectopic expression of gga-miR-9* significantly promoted IBDV replication. In turn, gga-miR-9* negatively regulated IBDV-triggered type I IFN production, thus promoting IBDV replication in DF-1 cells. Bioinformatics analysis indicates that the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of interferon regulatory factor 2 (IRF2) has two putative binding sites for gga-miR-9*. Targeting of IRF2 3'UTR by gga-miR-9* was determined by luciferase assay. Functional overexpression of gga-miR-9*, using gga-miR-9* mimics, inhibited IRF2 mRNA and protein expression. Transfection of the gga-miR-9* inhibitor abolished the suppression of IRF2 protein expression. Furthermore, IRF2 knockdown mediated the enhancing effect of gga-miR-9* on the type I IFN-mediated antiviral response. These findings indicate that inducible gga-miR-9* feedback negatively regulates the host antiviral innate immune response by suppressing type I IFN production via targeting IRF2.

Progesterone regulation of glutathione S-transferase Mu2 expression in mouse uterine luminal epithelium during preimplantation period.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differential expression and regulation of Gstm2 in mouse uterus during early pregnancy. DESIGN: Experimental animal study. SETTING: University research laboratory. ANIMAL(S): Sexually mature female Kunming white strain mice. INTERVENTION(S): Delayed and activated implantation, pseudopregnancy, hormonal treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The expression of Gstm2 mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULT(S): By in situ hybridization, there were a low level of Gstm2 expression in luminal epithelium on day 3 and a strong level in the luminal epithelium on day 4 during early pregnancy. The expression pattern of Gstm2 in the pseudopregnant uterus was similar to that during early pregnancy. By RT-PCR, Gstm2 was strongly detected in the uteri on days 3 and 4 of pregnancy and pseudopregnancy. Gstm2 expression was strongly detected in the luminal epithelium under delayed implantation, but not seen after delayed implantation was activated by estrogen. In the ovariectomized mouse uterus, Gstm2 expression was strongly up-regulated by progesterone via progesterone receptor. CONCLUSION(S): The results showed that Gstm2 was highly expressed in the uterine luminal epithelium during preimplantation period and up-regulated by progesterone.

[Progress in spectral characteristics of biological soil crust of arid or semiarid region].

The Biological Soil Crusts (BSC) (also known as organic or microphytic crust) can be formed by different combinations of microphytic communities including mosses, lichens, liverworts, algae, fungi, cyanobacteria (= blue-green algae or Cyanophyta), as well as bacteria. Large areas of sand fields in arid and semi-arid regions are covered by BSC. Remote sensing distinction should be made between physical and biogenical crust formations. It was reviewed the advances of domestic and overseas studies of BSC spectral characteristics, as well as spectral reflectance measurement in situ of our workgruop. When the BSC is wet, it turns green, a notable change in the reflectance curve occurs. The wet BSC's spectral reflectance curve is similar to those of the higher plants and therefore may lead to misinterpretation of the vegetation dynamics and to overestimation of ecosystem productivity. This spectral feature produces a much higher NDVI value for the wet moss BSC than for the dry moss BSC (0.65 vs. 0.30 units, respectively), a higher NDVI value for the wet algae BSC than for the dry algae BSC (0.30 vs. 0.15 units, respectively). The "maximum value composite" (MVC) technique is used to eliminate the effect of clouds and haze from vegetation maps. Misinterpretation of the vegetation dynamics could be more severe due to the MVC technique used to compose the global vegetation maps in the study of vegetation dynamics. But relatively limited research has been conducted to investigate the spectral characteristics of BSC change with different moisture conditions and under different seasons. More research works could be considered in spectral characteristics of BSC. The researches would be useful for detecing and mapping BSC, from remote sensing imagery. It also is to the advantage to employ Vegetation Index wisely.