Investigation of the linkage between TNF-alfa rs1800629 polymorphism and preeclampsia risk: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is a serious medical condition that significantly affects expectant mothers. Growing research showed an inconsistent association between TNF-alfa rs1800629 polymorphism and preeclampsia. The current meta-analysis was aimed at examining the potential impact of rs1800629 variant on preeclampsia. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and other databases were searched extensively to locate and select articles up to October 30, 2023. The PRISMA 2020 recommendations were followed to perform this study. Data analysis was done by using Comprehensive Meta analysis (v 3). RESULTS: We have included 32 articles containing 35 studies with 3,883 patients and 5,821 controls for qualitative and quantitative data analysis. We found a strong relationship between rs1800629 variant with the increased preeclampsia risk in co-dominant model 1 (OR = 1.33, p = 0.019), co-dominant model 2 (OR = 1.43, p = 0.014), dominant model (OR = 1.25, p = 0.044), over-dominant model (OR = 1.31, p = 0.021), and allelic model (OR = 1.24, p = 0.018). This study also revealed a significantly higher risk among the Asian population in the dominant (OR = 2.31, p = 0.036) and allelic model (OR = 2.02, p = 0.028). For the Caucasian population, an increased association between the rs1800629 variant and preeclampsia risk was reported in co-dominant model 1 (OR = 1.37, p = 0.011), co-dominant model 2 (OR = 1.77, p = 0.007), dominant model (OR = 1.32, p = 0.030), recessive (OR = 1.50, p = 0.047), over-dominant (OR = 1.34, p = 0.009), and allelic model (OR = 1.32, p = 0.004). Though our study showed the protective link of the TNF-alfa polymorphism to the preeclampsia risk among the Black population, no significant outcomes were observed in any genetic models (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall, the present meta-analysis explored a consistent linkage of the TNF-alfa rs1800629 variant to the preeclampsia risk in different ethnic groups. Additional research is required to confirm the precise relationship between the rs1800629 variant and preeclampsia risk.

Poly[(2-methacryloyloxy)Ethyl]Trimethylammonium Chloride Supported Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles as an Active Electrocatalyst for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

To combat with energy crisis considering clean energy, oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial to implement electrolytic hydrogen fuel production in real life. Here, straightforward chemical synthesis pathways are followed to prepare cobalt tetraoxide nanoparticles (Co3 O4 NPs) in an alkaline OER process using poly[(2-methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (Co3 O4 NPs@PMTC) as support to prevent aggregation. In material characterization, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirms the crystallinity of the synthesized Co3 O4 NPs@PMTC, and Raman spectroscopy indicates that the Co3 O4 NPs contain cubic close-packed oxides. The morphological analysis reveals the wrinkle-like disruption which is distributed evenly owing to the folded nanosheet arrays. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicates the presence of a significant number of cobalt atoms in the Co3 O4 NPs, and elemental mapping analysis demonstrates the composition of the NPs. At a current density of 10 mA cm-2 , oxygen is emitted at 1.67 V delivering an overpotential of 440 mV. This unique structure of Co3 O4 NPs@PMTC provides beneficial functions that are responsible for a large number of active sites and the rapid release of oxygen gas with long-term stability. Through kinetic study, we found a Tafel slope of 48.9 mV dec-1 which proves the catalytic behavior of Co3 O4 NPs@PMTC is promising toward the OER process.

Link of BIN1, CLU, and IDE Gene Polymorphisms with the Susceptibility of Alzheimer's Disease: Evidence from a Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disorder. The association of BIN1, CLU, and IDE genetic polymorphisms with AD risk have been evaluated overtimes that produced conflicting outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We performed this meta-analysis to investigate the contribution of BIN1 (rs744373 and rs7561528), CLU (rs11136000 and rs9331888), and IDE (rs1887922) polymorphisms to AD risk. METHODS: From a systemic literature search up to July 15, 2021, we included 25 studies with rs744373, 16 studies with rs7561528, 37 studies with rs11136000, 16 studies with rs9331888, and 4 studies with rs1887922. To analyze the correlation, we constructed seven genetic models that used odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals. We used RevMan 5.4 for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Our study suggests that BIN1 rs744373 is associated with a significantly increased risk of AD in five genetic models (OR>1). Again, CLU rs11136000 showed reduced association in all genetic models (OR<1). CLU rs9331888 revealed an increased association in two models (OR>1). The IDE rs1887922 showed significantly increased risk in four models (OR>1). From subgroup analysis, a significantly increased risk of AD was observed in Caucasians and Asians for BIN1 rs744373. Again, BIN1 rs7561528 showed a significantly enhanced risk of AD only in Caucasians. CLU rs11136000 showed significantly reduced risk in Caucasians but rs9331888 showed increased risk in the same ethnicity. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis confirms the association of BIN1 rs744373, CLU rs9331888, and IDE rs1887922 polymorphisms with an increased risk of AD, especially in Caucasians. Again, CLU rs11136000 is associated with reduced AD risk in the overall population and Caucasians.

Preparation of Sulfur-doped Carbon for Supercapacitor Applications: A Review.

Electrochemical capacitors, also known as supercapacitors (SCs), have lately played an important role in energy storage and conversion systems due to their specific characteristics such as high strength, durability, and environmental friendliness. A wide range of materials is used as electrodes for SC applications because the electrochemical efficiency is primarily determined by the electrode materials used. Carbonaceous materials with unique surface, chemical, electrochemical, and electronic characteristics have become attractive for energy storage research, but they cannot meet the rising need for high specific energy and specific power. Besides, heteroatom-doped carbon materials have shown pseudocapacitance characteristics and improved specific energy, specific power, and conductivity. This makes them more adaptable in SC application. Among different heteroatom doping of carbon, S-doped carbon has gained considerable attention in SC applications due to its unpaired electrons and easily polarizable nature. S-doped carbon materials-based SCs have demonstrated enhanced surface wettability, improved conductivity, and induced pseudocapacitance effect, thereby delivering improved specific energy and specific power. Many reports on S-doped carbon for SC applications have been published, but there is no specific Review on the preparation of S-doped carbon for SC applications. This Review focuses on recent developments in the field of SC electrodes made from S-doped carbon materials. Herein, the preparation methods and applications of S-doped carbon for SCs were summarized following a brief discussion of different electrochemical characterization techniques of SCs. Finally, the challenges of S-doped carbon materials and their potential prospects were discussed to give crucial insights into the favorable factors for future innovations of SC electrodes. This Review aims to provide insight for further research on the preparation of S-doped carbon for electrochemical energy storage applications.

Pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a sterile inflammatory disease, is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. However, recent evidence indicates that pyroptosis, a new term for pro-inflammatory cell death featured by gasdermin D (GSDMD)-stimulated plasma membrane pore generation, cell expansion and rapid lysis with the extensive secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, including interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and -18 (IL-18) may be involved in DN. Caspase-1-induced canonical and caspase-4/5/11-induced non-canonical inflammasome-signaling pathways are mainly believed to participate in pyroptosis-mediated cell death. Further research has uncovered that activation of the caspase-3/8 signaling pathway may also activate pyroptosis. Accumulating evidence has shown that NLRP3 inflammasome activation plays a critical role in promoting the pathogenesis of DN. In addition, current studies have suggested that pyroptosis-induced cell death promotes several diabetic complications that include DN. Our present study briefs the cellular mechanisms of pyroptosis-related signaling pathways and their impact on the promotion of DN. In this review, several investigational compounds suppressing pyroptosis-mediated cell death are explored as promising therapeutics in DN.

Impact of interleukin-32 germ-line rs28372698 and intronic rs12934561 polymorphisms on cancer development: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-32 has high susceptibility to develop cancer. But no previous meta-analysis was done to provide firm evidence. This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the association of IL-32 gene polymorphisms (rs28372698 and rs12934561) with cancer. METHOD: Eligible studies were selected using authentic databases searching from January 2013 to January 2021. Demographic data and genotypic information were extracted and organized from the selected studies. Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4 was used to perform data analysis and data arrangement for meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of seven studies with 3395 patients and 3781 controls were included in this study. IL-32 rs28372698 polymorphism implied that mutant allele (TT) carriers had a significantly higher risk of cancer (OR = 1.43, p = 0.032). Codominant 3, recessive and allele models also showed 1.36-, 1.38- and 1.11-fold increased risk, respectively (p < 0.05). Besides, the Asian population showed a significantly increased risk in codominant 2 (OR = 1.74), codominant 3 (OR = 1.78), recessive (OR = 1.76) and allele model (OR = 1.16). IL-32 rs12934561 showed significantly reduced cancer risk in codominant 1 (OR = 0.66. p = 0.035), codominant 2 (OR = 0.76, p = 0.007), and dominant model (OR = 0.72, p = 0.012). After subgroup analysis, an association of rs12934561 was found in Asians (codominant 1: OR = 0.54, p = 7.28 × 10-8; codominant 2: OR = 1.40, p = 0.019; codominant 3: OR = 0.76, p = 0.0006; dominant model: OR = 0.64, p = 1.12 × 10-5; overdominant model: OR = 0.64, p = 3.92 × 10-7) but not in Caucasians. After stratifying with the control source, a significant (p < 0.05) association of rs28372698 and rs12934561 was found with cancer in population-based controls. No publication bias was found, and the outcome of this meta-analysis was not influenced by any individual study confirmed from sensitivity analysis. Moreover, trial sequential analysis (TSA) established a link between rs28372698 and rs12934561 polymorphisms and cancer. CONCLUSION: The outcome of this meta-analysis revealed that IL-32 rs28372698 and rs12934561 polymorphisms are associated with cancer. Moreover, the Asian dynasty had a significant association compared to Caucasians.

Electrochemical Sensing Platforms of Dihydroxybenzene: Part†2 - Nanomaterials Excluding Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene.

The high surface-to-volume ratio and desirable chemical, thermal, and catalytic properties of nanomaterials have made them promising electrode materials for sensing applications. As such, different nanomaterials and their nanocomposite-based individual and/or simultaneous detection of dihydroxybenzene (DHB) have been reported in recent years. Due to the low degradation rate and high toxicity of DHB isomers, the development of innovative and robust sensors for their simultaneous detection has received considerable attention. In this review, applications of different nanomaterials (with the exception of carbon nanotubes, graphene, and their derivatives) for individual and/or simultaneous detection of DHB are briefly discussed. The focal point is on the characteristic features of the modified electrodes that improve their electrocatalytic activities toward DHB. Real sample analysis and electrolyte media are also summarized. This review includes studies published from 2011 to 2020.

Enhanced Oxygen Evolution via Electrochemical Water Oxidation using Conducting Polymer and Nanoparticle Composites.

Nano-Co3 O4 was used for electrocatalytic water oxidation due to its promising features of better performance and low cost. An enhanced electrochemical water oxidation performance of the nanoparticles can be achieved by mixing them with other types of highly conductive nano/micro-structured materials. Conductive polymers would be one of the candidates to achieve this goal. Here, we report our recently developed nano-Co3 O4 and polypyrrole composites for enhanced electrochemical water oxidation. We chose polypyrrole as a support of nano-Co3 O4 to obtain highly active sites of nano-Co3 O4 with high conductivity. Morphological and chemical characterization of the prepared materials were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). After immobilizing them individually on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate, their electrocatalytic properties toward water oxidation were investigated. The optimum composite materials showed significantly higher electrocatalytic properties compared to that of pure nano-Co3 O4 and polypyrrole. Electrochemical impedance studies indicated that the composite materials possess significantly less electron transfer resistance toward water oxidation reaction compared to that of only polypyrrole or nano-Co3 O4 , while the higher double-layer capacitance and polarization resistance values obtained from fitting of the impedance data represent the faster electrode kinetics in the composite electrocatalyst. Due to the synergetic effect, the optimum nano-Co3 O4 and polypyrrole composites could be represent a novel and promising material for water oxidation.

Association study of IL10 gene polymorphisms (rs1800872 and rs1800896) with cervical cancer in the Bangladeshi women.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical cancer is one of the most destructive diseases among females worldwide, especially in developing countries. Interleukin-10 (IL10) is a multifunctional cytokine, and polymorphisms in the IL10 gene have been identified in multiple malignancies. However, no prior studies were conducted to determine the association of IL10 polymorphisms (rs1800872 and rs1800896) with cervical cancer patients in Bangladesh. METHODS: This case-control study was carried out on 240 cervical cancer patients and 204 healthy volunteers. Genotyping was performed using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR). RESULTS: In the case of rs1800872, CA and AA genotypes significantly increased the risk of cervical cancer (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.01-2.49, p = 0.043; OR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.53-4.93, p = 0.0007, respectively) but the significance did not exist for CA genotype after Bonferroni correction (p < 0.025). An increased risk was also observed for the dominant model, recessive model, and allele model (A vs. C) of rs1800872 (dominant model: OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.18-2.80, p = 0.006; recessive model: OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.22-3.29, p = 0.006; allele model: OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.19-2.03, p = 0.001) which remained significant after the correction of Bonferroni. For rs1800896, only GG genotype and recessive model showed increased risk for cervical cancer (GG vs. AA: OR = 3.48, 95% CI = 1.46-8.31, p = 0.005; recessive model: OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.52-8.38, p = 0.003). These associations were statistically significant, and the significance existed after Bonferroni correction. Haplotype analysis revealed that AA haplotype significantly increased the risk (OR = 1.56, p = 0.001) whereas, CA haplotype significantly lowered the risk (OR = 0.42, p = 2.42x10-8), and both rs1800872 and rs1800896 are strongly in linkage disequilibrium (D'=1, r2 = 0.333). Moreover, the IL10 mRNA level was found up-regulated in silico in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues compared to healthy tissues (p = 1.11x10-16). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that rs1800872 and rs1800896 polymorphisms of IL10 gene are associated with cervical cancer in Bangladeshi females.

3D Flower-Like FeWO4/CeO2 Hierarchical Architectures on rGO for Durable and High-Performance Microalgae Biophotovoltaic Fuel Cells.

A facile chemical reduction approach is adopted for the synthesis of iron tungstate (FeWO4)/ceria (CeO2)-decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite. Surface morphological studies of rGO/FeWO4/CeO2 composite reveal the formation of hierarchical FeWO4 flower-like microstructures on rGO sheets, in which the CeO2 nanoparticles are decorated over the FeWO4 microstructures. The distinct anodic peaks observed for the cyclic voltammograms of studied electrodes under light/dark regimes validate the electroactive proteins present in the microalgae. With the cumulative endeavors of three-dimensional FeWO4 microstructures, phase effect between rGO sheet and FeWO4/CeO2, highly exposed surface area, and light harvesting property of CeO2 nanoparticles, the relevant rGO/FeWO4/CeO2 nanocomposite demonstrates high power and stable biophotovoltaic energy generation compared with those of previous reports. Thus, these findings construct a distinct horizon to tailor a ternary nanocomposite with high electrochemical activity for the construction of cost-efficient and environmentally benign fuel cells.

Host-Guest Extraction of Heavy Metal Ions with p-t-Butylcalix[8]arene from Ammonia or Amine Solutions.

The capacities of the p-t-butylcalix[8]arene (abbreviated as H8L) host to extract toxic divalent heavy metal ions and silver from aqueous solution phases containing ammonia or ethylene diamine to an organic phase (nitrobenzene, dichloromethane, or chloroform) were carried out. When the metal ions were extracted from an aqueous ammonia solution, the metal ion selectivity for extraction was found to decrease in the order Cd2+> Ni2+> Cu2+> Ag+> Co2+> Zn2+. When the aqueous phase contained ethylene diamine, excellent extraction efficiencies of 97% and 90% were observed for the heavy metal ions Cu2+ and Cd2+, respectively. Under the same conditions the extraction of octahedral type metal ions, namely, Co2+ and Ni2+, was suppressed. The extraction of transition metal cations by H8L in ammonia and/or amine was found to be pH dependent. Detailed analysis of extraction behavior was investigated by slope analysis, the continuous variation method, and by loading tests.

A sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone)/polyoxometalate-graphene oxide composite: a highly ion selective membrane for all vanadium redox flow batteries.

A highly ion-selective membrane for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRBs) consisting of sulfonated poly(arylene ether ketone) (SPAEK) and polyoxometalate coupled with a graphene oxide was designed and fabricated. The SPAEK/PW-mGO composite membrane showed an effectively low self-discharge rate and excellent Coulombic efficiency (98.73%) in VRBs.

Gold nanoparticle-modified graphite pencil electrode for the high-sensitivity detection of hydrazine.

A novel gold nanoparticle-modified graphite pencil electrode (AuNP-GPE) is prepared just by immersing a bare GPE in AuNP solution, followed by heating for 15 min. The bare and modified GPEs are characterized by FE-SEM imaging and cyclic voltammetry. The AuNP-GPEs showed excellent electrocatalytic activities with respect to hydrazine oxidation, with good reproducibility. To reduce the quantification and detection limits, and increase the hydrazine sensitivity, the pH and square wave voltammetry parameters are optimized. A square wave voltammetry study as a function of the hydrazine concentration showed that the AuNP-GPE detector's quantification limit was 100 nmol L(-1) hydrazine, much lower than the value obtained using amperometry (10 µmol L(-1)). The limits of detection (at 3σ) for hydrazine sensing at AuNP-GPEs using square wave voltammetry and amperometry were 42 nmol L(-1) and 3.07 µmol L(-1). Finally, the modified electrode was used to determine the hydrazine concentration in drinking water, and satisfactory results are obtained. This simple, rapid, low-cost method for fabricating a modified electrode is an attractive approach to the development of new sensors.