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We investigated the distribution of 17 individual per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in 42 surface water samples collected from the East and South China Seas (7.0–36.0°N, 110.0°N–123.0°E). Concentrations of 7 individual PFASs, including perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPA), perfluorohexanoate (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA), were quantified in the East China Sea, but only concentrations of PFOA and FOSA were quantified in the South China Sea. The total concentrations of the 17 PFASs ranged from 181 to 2658 pg/L in the East China Sea and from 62 to 494 pg/L in the South China Sea. We also show that river fluxes and ocean currents had a strong influence on the distribution of PFASs in the East China Sea. Using ArcGIS 10.1, we show how ocean currents control the spatial distribution of PFOA in the central South China Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in marine sediments sampled from Prydz Bay, East Antarctica. Total PAH concentrations ranged from 12.95 to 30.93 ng/g, with a mean of 17.99 ± 5.57 ng/g. Two- and three-ring PAHs were the most abundant compounds found at the majority of the sampling stations of Prydz Bay. Long-range atmospheric transportation was found to play an important role in determining the spatial distribution of PAHs in the sediments sampled here. However, transport by ocean currents and release from melting glaciers were also found to influence PAH distributions in the sediments of East Antarctica. The vertical migration of PAHs in sediments showed a decreasing trend with depth, with higher concentrations in the relatively shallow-water regions (<500 m) found on the Fram and Four Ladies banks compared with those of the intermediate-depth (500–1000 m) and deep-water regions (>1000 m) of the Amery Basin and associated Canyons, respectively. A Pearson correlation analysis between PAH concentrations and sediment parameters demonstrated that PAHs has poor correlations with grain size, but has positive correlation with total organic carbon, indicated complex processing during transfer to remote environments. The results of qualitative and quantitative analyses indicate that the PAHs sampled here were derived mainly from a mixture of biomass combustion, traffic emissions, and petrogenic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, no pharmacotherapy is routinely used for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Recently, combined noradrenergic plus antimuscarinic agents have been evaluated for the treatment of OSA in several trials. This systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines investigated the efficacy and safety of this combination drug regimen for the treatment of OSA. Seven databases were systematically screened for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying combined noradrenergic plus antimuscarinic agents for OSA to April 2022. Nine RCTs were identified for systematic review and five for meta-analysis. There were significant differences between OSA patients taking noradrenergic plus antimuscarinic agents and placebo with respect to sleep apnea-hypopnea index [mean difference (MD) −11.27 events/h, 95%CI (−21.69, −0.84) events/h; P = 0.03]; nadir oxygen saturation [MD 5.06%, 95% CI (2.57, 7.55)%; P < 0.0001], and arousal index [MD -8.17 events/h, 95% CI (−15.01, −1.33) events/h; P = 0.02] but not sleep efficiency. Our systematic review revealed that drug therapy modestly improved loop gain and upper airway collapsibility but decreased arousal threshold. A combination of noradrenergic and antimuscarinic agents administered orally before bedtime on one night significantly reduced OSA severity and improved OSA upper airway function. The long-term efficacy and safety of drug combinations in OSA patients now require further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to meet the goals of GHG reduction and sustainability in industry development, strategies are needed that are reducing GHG emissions without compromising other economic, environmental and social priorities. In this paper, existing low carbon and sustainability requirements and evaluation methods are comparatively analyzed based on an in-depth literature review. Based on this analysis, multi-attributive assessment is selected as the methodological basis of our envisaged assessment framework; modified indicators and classified values are designed accordingly. The building sector in China is analyzed as a case study. Eleven main building energy saving technologies are assessed. The results show that under the sustainability criterion, the priority order of the assessed technologies is as follows: geothermal heat pump; solar thermal; solar PV; air conditioning energy saving; central heating system energy saving; building enclosure; lighting energy conservation; electric water heater energy saving, washing machine energy saving, refrigerator energy saving (these three have equal priority), and cooking appliance energy saving. The GHG and sustainability properties of technologies are discussed by comparing the indicator scores of the two aspects. The designed evaluation method can be used in regional cases if data resources are available; and for other sectors after indicator modification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The spatial distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) were investigated in coastal waters collected onboard research vessel Snow Dragon from the East to South China Sea in 2010. All samples were prepared by solid-phase extraction and analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography/negative electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/(−)ESI-MS/MS). Concentrations of 9 PFCs, including C4 and C8 (PFBS, PFOS) perfluoroalkyl sulfonate (PFSAs), C5–C9 and C13 (PFPA, PFHxA, PFHpA, PFOA, PFNA, PFTriDA) perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), and N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamide (EtFOSA) were quantified. The ΣPFC concentrations ranged from 133 pg/L to 3320 pg/L, with PFOA (37.5–1541 pg/L), PFBS (23.0–941 pg/L) and PFHpA (0–422 pg/L) as dominant compounds. Concentrations of PFCs were greater in coastal waters along Shanghai, Ningbo, Taizhou, Xiamen and along coastal cities of the Guangdong province compared to less populated areas along the east Chinese coast. Additionally, the comparison with other seawater PFC measurements showed lower levels in this study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plants cultivated on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau grow in an extremely cold environment and thus are exposed to cold stress. To assess the metabolic processes during cold exposure of Tibetan hulless barley (Hordeum distichon L.), metabolic analyses were conducted on one tolerant (XiLa) and one sensitive (ZangQing) cultivar exposed to six temperatures (24 °C, 12 °C, 5 °C, 0 °C, −5 °C, −8 °C) for 24 h. In total, 770 metabolites were identified, including amino acids and derivatives, carbohydrates, flavonoids, lipids, nucleotides and derivatives, and phenolamides. In principal component analysis, the samples were clearly grouped according to the cultivar, suggesting that the two cultivars have differential responses to cold stress. In cold-grown plants, eight metabolites, including monoacylglycerol (MAG, 18:2), MAG (18:3), deoxyadenosine, 6-methylmercaptopurine, and coniferin, were significantly altered in XiLa, but not in ZangQing when compared to the levels in control plants, and thus, these compounds can be considered as potential biomarkers of exposure to cold stress in hulless barley. Furthermore, differentially altered metabolites between seedlings exposed to −8 °C and those maintained at 24 °C were significantly enriched in glutathione metabolism. The findings of this study will be useful for the development of cultivars with cold stress tolerance. Image 1 • We investigated metabolic processes during cold exposure of Tibetan hulless barley. • Sensitive and tolerant cultivars have differential responses to cold stress. • Monoacylglycerol, deoxyadenosine, and coniferin are candidate biomarkers. • Cold-accumulated metabolites were mainly related to glutathione metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a well-controlled three-stage process was proposed for high ammonium removal from synthetic wastewater using selected promising microalgal strain UMN266. Three trophic modes (photoautotrophy, heterotrophy, and mixotrophy), two N sufficiency conditions (N sufficient and N deprived), two inoculum modes (photoautotrophic and heterotrophic), and different NH 4 + -N concentrations were compared to investigate the effect of trophic mode conversion and N deprivation on high NH 4 + -N removal by UMN266. Results showed that photoautotrophic inoculum with trophic mode conversion from heterotrophy to photoautotrophy and N deprivation in Stage 2 turned was the optimum plan for NH 4 + -N removal, and average removal rates were 12.4 and 19.1 mg/L/d with initial NH 4 + -N of 80 and 160 mg/L in Stage 3. Mechanism investigations based on algal biomass carbon (C) and N content, cellular composition, and starch content confirmed the above optimum plan and potential of UMN266 as bioethanol feedstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of renewable energy technologies (RETs) such as biogas, improved cooking stoves (ICSs), micro hydro (MH) and solar power (SP) in helping rural communities in Nepal to adapt to climate change. The analysis considers the energy efficiency of different RETs as well as their socio-economic and environmental impacts. The efficient use of biomass in new technology, such as biogas and ICSs for cooking, has increased energy security and reduced the negative effects of traditional biomass usage. MH and SP systems are replacing candles and kerosene lamps, and are the most promising RET models for electricity generation in rural Nepal. The improved illumination from these technologies also produces better education, health, environments, and social harmony in rural communities. This study uses the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning model (LEAP) model to develop a plan for long-term RETs use in Nepal, and specifically focuses on household energy use in rural areas. It assesses the role of biogas and ICSs in rural communities and climate change adaptation in Nepal, along with the potential role of MH and SP technologies. According to the LEAP analysis, the planned implementation of MH for 20-year long-term will result in the reduction of 2.553 million tons of CO2 emissions. Similarly SP, biogas, and ICSs will result in a reduction in CO2 emissions of 5.214 million tons, 35.880 million tons, and 7.452 million tons, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) often remain low despite high disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Sera from 96 patients with renal biopsy-proven active lupus nephritis, 24 of 96 patients in remission, and 49 patients with SLE with negative urinalysis (nonrenal SLE) was collected. Immunoglobulin G autoantibodies against monomeric CRP (mCRP) were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with purified human CRP. Associations with clinical features, pathological data, and laboratory findings were investigated. The prevalence of mCRP autoantibodies in active lupus nephritis (57/96, 59.4%) was significantly higher than that in patients with SLE without clinical evidence of kidney involvement (20/49, 40.8%, p = 0.034). For the 13 patients with positive mCRP autoantibodies and sequential sera, their positive mCRP autoantibodies in active phase turned negative in remission (13/13, 100%). Patients with mCRP autoantibodies had significantly higher SLEDAI scores than patients without mCRP autoantibodies (18.3 ± 5.2 vs 15.8 ± 4.0, p = 0.013), who were more likely to experience acute renal failure (14/55 vs 2/33, p = 0.022), oral ulcer (15/57 vs 3/39, p = 0.022), and delayed activated partial thromboplastin time (18/52 vs 2/38, p = 0.001). Positive correlations between levels of mCRP autoantibodies and semiquantitative scores of renal histologic features were first observed in lupus nephritis as follows: interstitial inflammation (r = 0.328), tubular atrophy(r = 0.276), interstitial fibrosis (r = 0.211), and chronicity index score (r = 0.243). Autoantibodies against mCRP are prevalent in patients with lupus nephritis and are associated with disease activity and renal tubulointerstitial lesions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Weekly PM2.5 samples were collected in Shanghai, China at two sites, Tongji University and Hainan Road. Sampling started in March 1999 and was conducted for 1 year. The ambient mass concentration and chemical composition of the PM2.5 were determined. Chemical analyses included elemental composition, water-soluble ions, and organic and elemental carbon. Weekly PM2.5 mass concentrations ranged from 21 to 147 μg/m3, with annual average concentrations of 57.9 and 61.4 μg/m3 at the two sites, respectively. Seasonal variation of PM2.5 concentrations was significant, with the highest concentrations observed from mid-November through December and the lowest from June through September. Ammonium sulfate and nitrate accounted for 41.6% of the PM2.5 mass with sulfate alone accounting for 23.4% of the PM2.5 mass. Carbonaceous material accounted for 41.4% of the PM2.5 mass, with 73% of that mass being organic, as defined by the TOR analysis method. Crustal components averaged 9.6% of the PM2.5 mass. Potassium, which was 95% water soluble, accounted for 2.7% of the PM2.5 mass. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Etching of wool scales by protease exposed the hydrophilic proteins. • The hydrophilic wool surface facilitated the formation of uniform SA films. • High color performance images were achieved by protease-SA combined treatment. • Protease-SA treatment is environmentally friendly and efficient. Usually, it is difficult to achieve high performance images on original wool fabrics due to the presence of scales on the fiber surfaces. Herein, we developed a novel and environmental combined process with a protease enzyme and sodium alginate for wool fabric inkjet printing using reactive dyes. The results indicate that the protease and SA combined treatment of wool fabrics produced high color performance of printed fabrics with the deepest, brightest and finest color effect. FESEM, XPS and wettability analysis reveal that most of the wool scales were eliminated by the protease and the SA formed uniform and compact films on the newly created fiber surfaces with more hydrophilicity of 70.1° contact angle and 3.5 s wetting time. The protease-SA treated wool fabrics exhibit satisfactory washing and rubbing fastness and acceptable strengths. This process has the advantages of zero AOX emission, low strength loss and satisfactory color fastness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selected organochlorine pesticides (OCs) and halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) were analyzed in surficial fjord sediments collected down the length of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard in the Norwegian high Arctic. Hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCHs) was found to be the most abundant OC in the sediment, followed by BDE-209 > chlordane > α-endosulfan > Dechlorane Plus ( anti -DP)> trifluralin concentration ranges were high over the relatively small study area of the fjord (e.g. ∑HCH: 7.2–100 pg g − 1 dry weight (dw)), with concentrations broadly similar to, or lower than, measurements conducted in other parts of the Arctic. Concentrations of legacy OCs, including both HCH isomers and chlordane showed a decreasing trend from the outer, seaward end of the fjord to the inner, glacier end of the fjord. Conversely, sediment concentrations of α- and β-endosulfan (0.1–12.5 pg g − 1 dw) increased from the outer fjord to the inner fjord. This contrasting pattern may be attributed to the influence of historical vs. contemporary sources of these chemicals to the fjord area, whereby the North Atlantic/West Spitzbergen oceanic current dominates the transport and input of the legacy OCs, whereas atmospheric deposition and meltwater runoff from the glaciers influence the inner fjord sediments for endosulfan. Interestingly, BDE-209 and Dechlorane Plus did not reveal any clear spatial trend. It is plausible that both glacial runoff and oceanic current end members are playing a role in introducing these chemicals to the fjord sediments. The relatively low fractional abundance of the syn -DP isomer ( f syn ), however, indicates the long-range transport of this chemical to this Arctic site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial distributions of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were investigated in surface waters in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces of eastern China during 2011. A total of 39 samples of surface waters, including 29 rivers, 6 lakes and 4 reservoirs were collected. High performance liquid chromatography/negative electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/(−)ESI-MS/MS) was used to identify and quantify PFASs. Concentrations of PFAS were greater in Shanghai than that in Zhejiang Province. Concentrations of the sum of PFASs (∑PFASs) in Shanghai and Kunshan ranged from 39 to 212 ng L −1 , while in Zhejiang Province, concentrations of ∑PFASs ranged from 0.68 to 146 ng L −1 . Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the prevalent PFAS in Shanghai. In contrast, PFOA and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) were the prevalent PFASs in Zhejiang Province. Concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) ranged from <0.07 to 9.7 ng L −1 . Annual mass of ∑PFASs transported by rivers that flow into the East China Sea were calculated to be more than 4000 kg PFASs. Correlation analyses between concentrations of individual PFASs showed the correlation between PFHxA and PFOA was positive, while the correlation between PFHxA and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) was negative in Shanghai, which indicated that PFHxA and PFOA have common sources. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to identify important components or factors that explain different compounds, and results showed that PFHxA and FOSA dominated factor loadings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial diversity was investigated in soil samples collected from 13 sites around the Great Wall Station, Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica, using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of 16S rRNA genes. The classes α-, β-, and λ-Proteobacteria, as well as the phylum Actinobacteria, were found to be the dominant bacteria in the soils around the Great Wall Station. Although the selected samples were not contaminated by oil, a relationship between soil parameters, microbial biodiversity, and human impact was still seen. Sample sites in human impacted areas showed lower bacterial biodiversity (average H ′ = 2.65) when compared to non-impacted sites (average H ′ = 3.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between soil bacterial diversity and total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen, or total phosphorus contents of the soil. Canonical correlation analysis showed that TOC content was the most important factor determining bacterial community profiles among the measured soil parameters. In conclusion, microbial biodiversity and community characteristics within relatively small scales (1.5 km) were determined as a function of local environment parameters and anthropogenic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Neutral polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in high-volume air samples collected on board the research vessel Snow Dragon during the 4th Chinese National Arctic Expedition from the Japan Sea to the Arctic Ocean in 2010. Four volatile and semi-volatile PFASs (fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), fluorotelomer acids (FTAs), perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (FASAs), and sulfonamidoethanols (FASEs)) were analyzed respectively in the gas and particle phases. FTOHs were the dominant PFASs in the gas phase (61–358pgm−3), followed by FTAs (5.2–47.9pgm−3), FASEs (1.9–15.0pgm−3), and FASAs (0.5–2.1pgm−3). In the particle phase, the dominant PFAS class was FTOHs (1.0–9.9pgm−3). The particle-associated fraction followed the general trend of FASEs>FASAs>FTOHs. Compared with other atmospheric PFAS measurements, the ranges of concentrations of ∑FTOH in this study were similar to those reported from Toronto, north America (urban), the northeast Atlantic Ocean, and northern Germany. Significant correlations between FASEs in the gas phase and ambient air temperature indicate that cold surfaces such as sea-ice, snowpack, and surface seawater influence atmospheric FASEs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A shallow moss constructed wetland (SMCW) was constructed using a specific type of moss (Bryum muehlenbeckii) and ornithogenic soil collected from polar regions to enhance nitrogen treatment performance at cold temperatures. At different temperatures (20°C, 12°C, and 5°C), the first-order kinetics constants (K v) of 0.247–0.227d−1, 0.277–0.411d−1, 0.216–0.313d−1, and 0.379–0.394d−1, respectively. The temperature variation constants, θ, for ammonia oxidation and TN removal reaction rates were both 1.024, lower than in control wetland (CW). The highest dissolved oxygen (DO) was found around moss roots, ant it was also noticeably higher than that in the control wetlands. Ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) concentration ranged from 0.32×107 to 8.54×107 cellsg−1 with the maximum value in the shallow anterior half of the wetland. The dominant AOB community in SMCW was totally different from control wetland, including Nitrosococcus mobilis, Nitrosomonas eutropha, and Nitrosomonas marina. The capability of the moss wetland to maintain the nitrification rate at low temperatures may be attributed to the cold-adapted AOB community inoculated from ornithogenic soil and better oxygen transfer to moss roots. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Intermittent hypoxia (IH) worsened the fibrosis of BLM treated mice. • IH increased the levels of oxidative stress and inflammation as the progress of pulmonary fibrosis. • The IH deteriorated the fibrosis of BLM-induced mice with ROS/HIF-1a related oxidative stress and inflammation involved. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been increasingly recognized as a risk factor for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The intermittent hypoxia (IH) and re-oxygenation of OSA contribute to poor outcomes of IPF, however, the potential mechanism remains unknown. Here, C57BL/6J mice were administered intratracheal injection of Bleomycin (BLM) or saline and then exposed to IH (alternating cycles of FiO 2 21% for 60S and FiO 2 10% for 30 s, 40 cycles/hour, 8 h/day) to mimic OSA or intermittent air (IA) for 4 days, 8 days or 21 days. This study found that pulmonary fibrosis in BLM + IH treated mice was more severe than that in BLM + IA group at day 8 and 21, but not observed at day 4. Besides, the expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α),which are related to hypoxia reduced oxidative stress and inflammation, were higher in BLM + IH treated mice than BLM + IA mice, and IH increased these indexes in BLM treated mice from day 4 to day 21. Interestingly, a positive linear correlation between the HIF-1α expression and hydroxyproline (HYP) content was observed. We further found some inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were increased significantly from day 4 to 21, and there was a positive correlation between inflammation and ROS expression. Our results demonstrated that IH aggravated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and ROS/HIF-1α related oxidative stress and inflammation involved. The increase of ROS/HIF-1α related oxidative stress and inflammation may be a potential mechanism of moderate-to-severe OSA in potentiating pulmonary fibrosis of IPF, which warrants further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB)-containing biomass produced by Alcaligenes eutrophus was disrupted by surfactant–chelate aqueous solution, and its kinetics was investigated. Under conditions of temperature 30–60 °C, surfactant concentration 0.0016–0.0028 g/g, chelate concentration 0.0012–0.0021 g/g, pH 13, biomass size 97–450 μm and time 0–15 min, biomass breakage was a two-stage process with very fast zero order surface reaction in the first 1 min and followed by a chemical reagent diffusion-controlled reaction in the ensuing 9 min. Both stages were affected by temperature, time and biomass size, but the second phase was also affected by chemical reagent concentration. The established models could be applied not only to predict biomass disruption, but also to improve the quality of recovered PHB. According to the obtained kinetic data, when PHB-containing biomass was disrupted first at 60 °C for 1 min and then at 40 °C for 9 min, the molecular weight of PHB was increased whereas its purity and recovery rate were not decreased compared with a constant temperature of 50 °C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]