Long-term health risk of climate change associated surface PM2.5 concentration variation: Multiple ACCMIP model data under different emission scenarios (RCP26, 45, 60, 85) and population scenarios (SSP1, SSP2, SSP3)

In this study, multiple models from Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Model Intercomparison Project (ACCMIP) are utilized to derive the global burden of disease of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer (LNC), and lower respiratory infection (LRI) derived from surface PM2.5 elevation. Various Representative Concentration Pathways and Shared Socio-economic Pathways scenarios are compared as well as various models to deduct the impact from various scenarios. The time series variation and seasonal variation are also illustrated in this study. Multi-model ensemble was conducted to reduce the deviation in model projection output. Projection shows increase in the population normalized relative risk for COPD, LNC, and LRI disease between 2030 and 2000 for developed countries and northern Africa for various population scenarios using the average value for different emission scenarios from GISS-E2-R model output. MIROC-CHEM actually predicts a much lower normalized PM concentration or relative risk level than GISS-E2-R model. Black carbon adjusted relative risk results show that LNC derived relative risk might be much more sensitive for black carbon compared with COPD or LRI. LAC region is more sensitive to black carbon surface pollution compared with other regions for LRI relative risk. Dust storms in the Saharan regions can be a major contribution to risk elevation in Saharan and adjacent regions. Australia dust storm in the central Australia can also be responsible to the exposure at coastal areas. The emission increase in East Asia since 1980s can be responsible to the widespread risk elevation in recent years

The Wood Properties of an Intergeneric Hybrid － Taxodiomeria peizhongii (Taxodium mucronatum × Cryptomeria fortunei)

Taxodiomeria peizhongii is an intergeneric hybrid between Taxodium mucronatum and Cryptomeria fortunei. By more than 30 years investigation, it is found that the hybrid is well suited for the site and climate of Shanghai area, and it will be one of the main landscape trees in near few years. So it is necessary to know its basic wood properties. In this research, we harvested 6 sample trees of Taxodiomeria peizhongii and studied the elementary wood properties. The results showed that its mean annual ring width was 7.0mm, mean basic density 0.32g/cm3, and the mean percentage of latewood 24.3%. The mean treacheid length of latewood was 3.1mm, and mean treacheid width 35.1μm. Compared with other usual coniferous trees, the values of these indices were at a medium level. The period of juvenile wood was about 15 years, and the fast growing period appeared in first 10 years. The basic density, altering less in radial growth, showed a significant minus relation with annual ring width. The percentage of latewood did not related to wood density.OtherShinshu University International Symposium 2010 : Sustainable Agriculture and Environment : Asian Networks II 　信州大学国際シンポジウム2010 : 持続的農業と環境 : アジアネットワークII ― アジアネットワークの発展をめざして―. 信州大学農学部, 2010, 65-70conference pape

Kwas zoledronowy stosowany przez dwa lata u Chinek z osteoporozą pomenopauzalną zwiększa gęstość mineralną tkanki kostnej i poprawia jakość życia związaną ze stanem zdrowia

Introduction: Osteoporosis is characterised by decreased bone mass and weakened bones, with an increased risk of fractures. Osteoporotic fracture, the most serious complication of osteoporosis, is related not only to lower bone mineral density (BMD), but also falls. Osteoporosis and fractures are associated with a decreased health-related quality of life (HRQL). Zoledronic acid (ZOL) is an intravenous once-yearly bisphosphonate that has been shown to be effective and safe in improving BMD and reducing fracture risk in controlled clinical trials.Material and methods: In this self-controlled, prospective trial, 220 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (mean age 67 years) received a single infusion of ZOL 5 mg at baseline and month 12. BMD, HRQL and Fall Index (FI) were measured at baseline, and months 12 and 24 (before each use of ZOL). The main outcome measures were the changes in lumbar spine and hip BMD and the changes in HRQL, the Short Form-36 questionnaire (SF-36). Additional comparisons were based on the FI. LSD multiple comparisons were used in the comparisons of BMD, SF-36 domain scores and FI.Results: The patients had significantly higher L1-4, total hip, femoral neck and trochanter BMD (P < 0.05) with improved HRQL (P < 0.05) over two years of treatment of once-yearly ZOL 5mg. FI was reduced (P < 0.05) with oral daily elemental calcium and vitamin D in the treatment course.Conclusions: ZOL improves BMD and HRQL, especially in the physical aspects, over two years of treatment in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis, and can help improve balance ability. (Endokrynol Pol 2014; 65 (2): 96–104)Wstęp: Osteoporoza to schorzenie cechujące się obniżeniem masy kostnej i wytrzymałości mechanicznej kości z towarzyszącym zwiększeniem ryzyka złamań. Złamania osteoporotyczne, będące najpoważniejszym powikłaniem osteoporozy, wiążą się nie tylko z obniżoną gęstością mineralną tkanki kostnej (BMD, bone mineral density) ale też z upadkami. Z osteoporozą i złamaniami wiąże się obniżenie jakości życia związanej ze stanem zdrowia (HRQoL, health-related quality of life). Kwas zoledronowy (ZOL) to bisfosfonian w postaci dożylnej przeznaczony do podawania raz w roku, w przypadku którego w badaniach klinicznych z grupą kontrolną wykazano skuteczność i bezpieczeństwo w zwiększaniu BMD i zmniejszaniu ryzyka złamań.Materiał i metody: Autorzy przeprowadzili samodzielnie kontrolowane, prospektywne badanie z udziałem 220 znajdujących się w wieku pomenopauzalnym kobiet z osteoporozą (średnia wieku 67 lat), które otrzymały jednorazowo roztwór ZOL w dawce 5 mg na początku badania i 12 miesięcy później. Na początku badania, w 12. miesiącu i w 24. miesiącu badania (za każdym razem przed podaniem ZOL) oznaczano BMD, HRQoL i wskaźnik upadków (FI, fall index). Główne punkty końcowe obejmowały zmiany BMD w odcinku lędźwiowym kręgosłupa i BMD w okolicy biodra, a także zmiany HRQoL w kwestionariuszu SF-36. Dodatkowe porównania będą oparte na FI. W porównaniach wartości BMD, liczby punktów w poszczególnych domenach kwestionariusza SF-36 i wartości FI zastosowano metodę wielokrotnych porównań najmniejszej istotnej różnicy.Wyniki: U pacjentek stwierdzono znamiennie większe wartości BMD na poziomie L1–4, BMD w całkowitym obszarze biodra, BMD w obrębie szyjki kości udowej oraz BMD w obrębie krętarza (p < 0,05) oraz znamienną poprawę HRQoL (p < 0,05) w okresie 2 lat leczenia podawanym raz w roku ZOL w dawce 5 mg. Stwierdzono też zmniejszenie FI (p < 0,05) dzięki codziennemu przyjmowaniu wapnia i witaminy D w okresie leczenia.Wnioski: Stosowanie ZOL prowadzi do poprawy BMD i HRQoL, zwłaszcza w aspekcie fizycznym, w okresie 2 lat stosowania u kobiet z osteoporozą pomenopauzalną, i może przyczyniać się do poprawy zdolności utrzymania równowagi. (Endokrynol Pol 2014; 65 (2): 96–104

Based on Atmospheric Physics and Ecological Principle to Assess the Accuracies of Field CO2 /H2O Measurements From Infrared Gas Analyzers in Closed-Path Eddy-Covariance Systems

Field CO2 /H2O measurements from infrared gas analyzers in closed-path eddy-covariance systems have wide applications in earth sciences. Knowledge about exactness of these measurements is required to assess measurement applicability. Although the analyzers are specified with uncertainty components (zero drift, gain drift, cross-sensitivities, and precision), exactness for individual measurements is unavailable due to an absence of methodology to comprehend the components as an overall uncertainty. Adopting an advanced definition of accuracy as a range of all measurement uncertainty sources, the specified components are composited into a model formulated for studying analyzers’ CO2 /H2O accuracy equations. Based on atmospheric physics and environmental parameters, the analyzers are evaluated using the equations for CO2 accuracy (±0.78 µmolCO2 mol−1, relatively ±0.18%) and H2O accuracy (±0.15 mmolH2 O mol−1). Evaluation shows that precision and cross-sensitivity are minor uncertainties while zero and gain drifts are major uncertainties. Both drifts need adjusting through zero/span procedures during field maintenance. The equations provide rationales to guide and assess the procedures. H2O span needs more attentions under humid conditions. Under freezing conditions while H2O span is impractical, this span is fortunately unnecessary. Under the same conditions, H2O zero drift dominates H2O measurement uncertainty. Therefore, automatic zero becomes a more applicable and necessary tactic. In general cases of atmospheric CO2 background, automatic CO2 zero/ span procedures can narrow CO2 accuracy by 36% (±0.74 to ± 0.47 µmolCO2 mol−1). Automatic/manual H2 O zero/span procedures can narrow H2O accuracy by 27% (±0.15 to ±0.11 mmolH2O mol−1). While ensuring system specifications, the procedures guided by equations improve measurement accuracies

Preventing intimal thickening of vein grafts in vein artery bypass using STAT-3 siRNA

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play a key role in neointimal formation which leads to restenosis of vein graft in venous bypass. STAT-3 is a transcription factor associated with cell proliferation. We hypothesized that silencing of STAT-3 by siRNA will inhibit proliferation of VSMCs and attenuate intimal thickening.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Rat VSMCs were isolated and cultured in vitro by applying tissue piece inoculation methods. VSMCs were transfected with STAT 3 siRNA using lipofectamine 2000. In vitro proliferation of VSMC was quantified by the MTT assay, while in vivo assessment was performed in a venous transplantation model. In vivo delivery of STAT-3 siRNA plasmid or scramble plasmid was performed by admixing with liposomes 2000 and transfected into the vein graft by bioprotein gel applied onto the adventitia. Rat jugular vein-carotid artery bypass was performed. On day 3 and7 after grafting, the vein grafts were extracted, and analyzed morphologically by haematoxylin eosin (H&E), and assessed by immunohistochemistry for expression of Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Western-blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression in vivo and in vitro. Cell apoptosis in vein grafts was detected by TUNEL assay.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>MTT assay shows that the proliferation of VSMCs in the STAT-3 siRNA treated group was inhibited. On day 7 after operation, a reduced number of Ki-67 and PCNA positive cells were observed in the neointima of the vein graft in the STAT-3 siRNA treated group as compared to the scramble control. The PCNA index in the control group (31.3 ± 4.7) was higher than that in the STAT-3 siRNA treated group (23.3 ± 2.8) (P < 0.05) on 7d. The neointima in the experimental group(0.45 ± 0.04 μm) was thinner than that in the control group(0.86 ± 0.05 μm) (P < 0.05).Compared with the control group, the protein and mRNA levels in the experimental group in vivo and in vitro decreased significantly. Down regulation of STAT-3 with siRNA resulted in a reduced expression of Bcl-2 and cyclin D1. However, apoptotic cells were not obviously found in all grafts on day 3 and 7 post surgery.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The STAT-3 siRNA can inhibit the proliferation of VSMCs in vivo and in vitro and attenuate neointimal formation.</p

RNAi-mediated CD40-CD154 interruption promotes tolerance in autoimmune arthritis

INTRODUCTION: We have previously demonstrated that ex vivo inhibition of costimulatory molecules on antigen-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) can be useful for induction of antigen-specific immune deviation and suppression of autoimmune arthritis in the collagen induced arthritis (CIA) model. The current study evaluated a practical method of immune modulation through temporary systemic inhibition of the costimulatory molecule CD40. METHODS: Mice with collagen II (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) were administered siRNA targeting the CD40 molecule. Therapeutic effects were evaluated by clinical symptoms, histopathology, Ag-specific T cell and B cell immune responses. RESULTS: Systemic administration of CD40-targeting siRNA can inhibit antigen-specific T cell response to collagen II, as well as prevent pathogenesis of disease in both a pre- and post-immunization manner in the CIA model. Disease amelioration was associated with suppression of Th1 cytokines, attenuation of antibody production, and upregulation of T regulatory cells. CONCLUSIONS: These studies support the feasibility of transient gene silencing at a systemic level as a mechanism of resetting autoreactive immunity

Prevention of hyperglycemia-induced myocardial apoptosis by gene silencing of Toll-like receptor-4

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Apoptosis is an early event involved in cardiomyopathy associated with diabetes mellitus. Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling triggers cell apoptosis through multiple mechanisms. Up-regulation of TLR4 expression has been shown in diabetic mice. This study aimed to delineate the role of TLR4 in myocardial apoptosis, and to block this process through gene silencing of TLR4 in the myocardia of diabetic mice.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Diabetes was induced in C57/BL6 mice by the injection of streptozotocin. Diabetic mice were treated with 50 μg of TLR4 siRNA or scrambled siRNA as control. Myocardial apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assay.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After 7 days of hyperglycemia, the level of TLR4 mRNA in myocardial tissue was significantly elevated. Treatment of TLR4 siRNA knocked down gene expression as well as diminished its elevation in diabetic mice. Apoptosis was evident in cardiac tissues of diabetic mice as detected by a TUNEL assay. In contrast, treatment with TLR4 siRNA minimized apoptosis in myocardial tissues. Mechanistically, caspase-3 activation was significantly inhibited in mice that were treated with TLR4 siRNA, but not in mice treated with control siRNA. Additionally, gene silencing of TLR4 resulted in suppression of apoptotic cascades, such as Fas and caspase-3 gene expression. TLR4 deficiency resulted in inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NADPH oxidase activity, suggesting suppression of hyperglycemia-induced apoptosis by TLR4 is associated with attenuation of oxidative stress to the cardiomyocytes.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In summary, we present novel evidence that TLR4 plays a critical role in cardiac apoptosis. This is the first demonstration of the prevention of cardiac apoptosis in diabetic mice through silencing of the TLR4 gene.</p

Expression of the melC Operon in Several Streptomyces Strains Is Positively Regulated by AdpA, an AraC Family Transcriptional Regulator Involved in Morphological Development in Streptomyces coelicolor

Dark brown haloes of melanin around colonies are an easily visualized phenotype displayed by many Streptomyces strains harboring plasmid pIJ702 carrying the melC operon of Streptomyces antibioticus IMRU3270. Spontaneous melanin-negative mutants of pIJ702 occur with a frequency of ca. 1%, and often mutation occurs in the melC operon, which removes the BglII site as part of an inverted repeat. Other melanin-negative mutations seem to occur spontaneously in Streptomyces lividans, resulting in white colonies from which intact, melanin-producing pIJ702 can be isolated by introduction into a new host. S. lividans ZX66 was found to be such a mutant and to have a secondary mutation influencing expression of the melC operon on the chromosome. A 3.3-kb DNA fragment was isolated from its progenitor strain, JT46, and a gene able to restore melC operon expression was found to encode a member of an AraC family of transcriptional regulators, which was equivalent to AdpA(c) in Streptomyces coelicolor and therefore was designated AdpA(l). Lack of melC operon expression was correlated with a single A-to-C transversion, which altered a single key amino acid residue from Thr to Pro. The transcription of the melC operon was found to be greatly reduced in the adpA mutant background. The counterpart gene (adpA(a)) in the S. antibioticus strain in which the melC operon carried on pIJ702 originated was also isolated and was found to have an identical regulatory role. Thus, we concluded that the melC operon is under general direct positive control by AdpA family proteins, perhaps at the transcriptional level and certainly at the translational level via bldA, in Streptomyces

Measurement of DNA mismatch repair activity in live cells

Loss of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) function leads to the development and progression of certain cancers. Currently, assays for DNA MMR activity involve the use of cell extracts and are technically challenging and costly. Here, we report a rapid, less labor-intensive method that can quantitatively measure MMR activity in live cells. A G–G or T–G mismatch was introduced into the ATG start codon of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene. Repair of the G–G or T–G mismatch to G–C or T–A, respectively, in the heteroduplex plasmid generates a functional EGFP gene expression. The heteroduplex plasmid and a similarly constructed homoduplex plasmid were transfected in parallel into the same cell line and the number of green cells counted by flow cytometry. Relative EGFP expression was calculated as the total fluorescence intensity of cells transfected with the heteroduplex construct divided by that of cells transfected with the homoduplex construct. We have tested several cell lines from both MMR-deficient and MMR-proficient groups using this method, including a colon carcinoma cell line HCT116 with defective hMLH1 gene and a derivative complemented by transient transfection with hMLH1 cDNA. Results show that MMR-proficient cells have significantly higher EGFP expression than MMR-deficient cells, and that transient expression of hMLH1 alone can elevate MMR activity in HCT116 cells. This method is potentially useful in comparing and monitoring MMR activity in live cells under various growth conditions

Acoustic Nonlinearity of Liquid Containing Encapsulated Microbubbles

Abstract An approach to describe the acoustic nonlinearity of the liquid containing encapsulated microbubbles is presented. The nonlinear wave equation for such liquid is derived and the second harmonic generation, the attenuation of fundamental harmonic and equivalent acoustic nonlinearity parameter (B/A) e are studied. Numerical calculations for a contrast agent, Albunex ® , show that there is a good agreement between our theory and Wu&apos;s experiment