Metabolomics identifying biomarkers of PM2.5 exposure for vulnerable population: based on a prospective cohort study

Long-term exposure to particular matter (PM), especially fine PM (< 2.5 μm in the aerodynamic diameter, PM_2.5), is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the association between long-term exposure to PM_2.5/PM₁₀ and the metabolic change in the plasma. Specifically, using metabolomics, we sought to identify the biomarkers for the vulnerable subgroup to PM_2.5 exposure. A total of 78 college student volunteers were recruited into this prospective cohort study. All participants received 8 rounds of physical examinations at twice quarterly. Air purifiers were placed in 40 of 78 participants’ dormitories for 14 days. Before and after intervention, physical examinations were performed and the peripheral blood was collected. Plasma metabolomics was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. During the follow-up, the average concentrations of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were 53 μg/m³ and 93 μg/m³, respectively. Totally, 42 and 120 differential metabolic features were detected for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 exposure, respectively. In total, 25 differential metabolites were identified for PM_2.5 exposure, most of which were phospholipids. No distinctive metabolites were found for PM₁₀ exposure. A total of 6 differential metabolites (lysoPC (P-20:0), lysoPC (P-18:1(9z)), lysoPC (20:1), lysoPC (O-16:0), choline, and found 1,3-diphenylprop-2-en-1-one) were characterized and confirmed for sensitive individuals. Importantly, we found LysoPC (P-20:0) and LysoPC (P-18:1(9z)) changed significantly before and after air purifier intervention. Our results indicated that the phospholipid catabolism was involved in long-term PM_2.5 exposure. LysoPC (P-20:0) and LysoPC (P-18:1(9z)) may be the biomarkers of PM_2.5 exposure.

     

Activated fly ash/slag blended cement

This paper presents the results of the preparation of an ecological cementing material from granulated blast-furnace slag (GBFS) and Class C fly ash (CCFA). The desulphurization gypsum, calcined at 600–800 °C for 0.5–1.5 h, works as the main ingredient of the activator in the cementing material. The optimized formulation of the cementing material was obtained with the aid of factorial design method: slag, 70%; CCFA, 18%; activator, 12%. The “partial super-fine grinding process” was adopted to improve the performance, i.e., 85% of the mixture is ground to Blaine fineness of 3500 cm²/g, 15% further ground to around 5000 cm²/g. The compressive strength of 28 days of the cement mortar is up to 49 MPa and flexural strength 8.4 MPa. The hydration products, investigated by SEM and X-ray diffraction, are mainly ettringite and C–S–H gel.     

基于鱼类名录的30年来东江干流(惠州段)鱼类多样性变化

为评价东江干流(惠州段)鱼类多样性,并监测其水质变化状况,根据该河段鱼类的调查资料及历史数据,编制了鱼类名录,并计算了鱼类平均分类差异指数和G-F多样性测度指数.结果显示,东江干流(惠州段)共记录近30多年来鱼类11目,29科,77属,94种,鲤形目鱼类占绝对优势;从物种水平看,研究的4个时间段鱼类物种多样性由大到小排序为 、 、 和 ;从科属水平看,鱼类物种多样性由1981~1983向2005~2007减小,再向2007~2010增加,最后向2011~2012减小.其中,1981~1983的多样性最高,2011~2012的多样性最低.平均分类差异指数与G-F多样性测度指数均适宜于东江干流(惠州段)鱼类物种多样性研究.     

艾比湖流域大气降尘重金属的污染和健康风险

为了解新疆典型绿洲盆地经济发展背景下大气降尘中重金属的污染状况及潜在健康风险,通过采集样品,测试了其中重金属Zn、Cr、Hg、As、Pb、Cd和Cu含量,然后结合富集因子(EF)、地累积指数(Igeo)和健康风险评估方法进行研究.结果表明:艾比湖流域年降尘通量平均值为298.23g/m2,各月降尘平均值为24.85g/m2,从年内分配来看,艾比湖流域冬半年(2013年8月~2014年2月)大气降尘通量明显大于夏半年 (2014年3~7月),富集系数计算表明,艾比湖流域大气降尘中重金属Cu、Cr和As,主要来自于流域自然地质背景;降尘中重金属Pb、Cd和Hg主要受人为污染因素的影响.地积累指数评价表明艾比湖流域大气降尘中重金属As、Cr、Cu和Zn的无污染等级在全年各月所占比例最大;重金属Pb、Cd和Hg轻污染等级较大,中度污染也占有一定比率.健康风险评价表明艾比湖流域大气降尘中重金属的致癌和非致癌风险概率均较低,不会对流域人体健康造成危害.