Dissolution of g-C3N4 Using Zinc Chloride Molten Salt Hydrates for Nanobelt Fabrication and Photocatalytic H2O2 Production.

Graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a metal-free two-dimensional layered semiconductor material, holds great potential for energy conversion, environmental remediation, and sensing. However, the limited solubility of g-C3N4 in conventional solvents hinders its widespread application. Improving the dissolution of g-C3N4 in the liquid phase is highly desired but challenging. Herein, we report an innovative approach to dissolve g-C3N4 using ZnCl2 molten salt hydrates. The solubility of g-C3N4 in the solution reaches up to 200 mg mL-1. Density functional theory (DFT) results suggest that ZnCl+H2O is the key species that leads to charge redistribution on g-C3N4 surface and promotes the dissolution of carbon nitride in the solution. Furthermore, through dilution, the dissolved carbon nitride can be effectively recovered while maintaining its intrinsic chemical structure. The resultant regenerated C3N4 (r-C3N4) exhibits  nanobelt morphology and demonstrates a substantially improved photocatalytic activity in H2O2 production. The rate of H2O2 production over the r- C3N4 reaches 20,228 µmol g-1 h-1, which is 6.2 times higher than that of pristine g-C3N4. This green and efficient dissolution route of g-C3N4 offers an effective approach for its diverse applications.

Structure characterization and intestinal immune promotion effect of polysaccharide purified from Alhagi camelorum Fisch.

This study investigated the structure of acid Alhagi camelorum Fischa polysaccharide (aAP) and its impact on intestinal activity in mice. The results showed that aAP comprised of the fucose, arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, galacturonic acid, glucuronic acid with the molar ratio of 0.81:14.97:10.84:11.14:3.26:0.80:0.80:54.92:2.47 with the molecular weight (Mw) of 22.734 kDa. Additionally, the composition of aAP was assessed via FT-IR, methylation, and NMR analyses, indicating that the backbone of the aAP was consisted of →4)-α-D-GalpA-6-OMe-(1 â†’ 4)-α-GalpA-(1 â†’ and →4)-α-D-GalpA-6-OMe-(1 â†’ 2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→, as well as →4)-ß-D-Galp- and →5)-α-L-Araf- for the branched chain. Furthermore, ICR mice underwent intragastric administration of different concentrations of aAP for 7 consecutive days. The results showed that aAP enhanced the murine spleen and thymus indices, promoted the secretion of serum lgG antibody, intestinal lgA antibody and intestinal cytokines, improved the morphology of intestinal villi and crypts, enhanced quantity of intestinal IELs and IgA+ cells, and activated T lymphocytes and DC cells in MLNs. In summary, these findings suggest that the utilization of aAP could enhance the immune response of the murine intestinal mucosa.

Design of a recombinant asparaginyl ligase for site-specific modification using efficient recognition and nucleophile motifs.

Asparaginyl ligases have been extensively utilized as valuable tools for site-specific bioconjugation or surface-modification. However, the application is hindered by the laborious and poorly reproducible preparation processes, unstable activity and ambiguous substrate requirements. To address these limitations, this study employed a structure-based rational approach to obtain a high-yield and high-activity protein ligase called OaAEP1-C247A-aa55-351. It was observed that OaAEP1-C247A-aa55-351 exhibits appreciable catalytic activities across a wide pH range, and the addition of the Fe3+ metal ion effectively enhances the catalytic power. Importantly, this study provides insight into the recognition and nucleophile peptide profiles of OaAEP1-C247A-aa55-351. The ligase demonstrates a higher recognition ability for the "Asn-Ala-Leu" motif and an N-terminus "Arg-Leu" as nucleophiles, which significantly increases the reaction yield. Consequently, the catalytic activity of OaAEP1-C247A-aa55-351 with highly efficient recognition and nucleophile motif, "Asn-Ala-Leu" and "Arg-Leu" under the buffer containing Fe3+ is 70-fold and 2-fold higher than previously reported OaAEP1-C247A and the most efficient butelase-1, respectively. Thus, the designed OaAEP1-C247A-aa55-351, with its highly efficient recognition and alternative nucleophile options, holds promising potential for applications in protein engineering, chemo-enzymatic modification, and the development of drugs.

Systematic qualitative analysis of terpenes in mastic (Pistacia lentiscus L.) extract and their fragmentations by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS.

INTRODUCTION: Mastic is a natural resin produced by Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae). The beneficial properties of this resin are attributed to its triterpenes and volatile compounds. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to screen and characterize the terpenes in mastic ethyl acetate extract (M-Ex). METHODS: An ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS) method was developed for the qualitative analysis of terpenes in M-Ex. We utilized in-house-isolated compounds as reference substance (Rs), including monoterpenes (A) with α-pinane structures, tetracyclic triterpene (B) containing tirucallane skeletons, and pentacyclic triterpene (C) belonging to olean, moronic, amyrone, and lupane types. Based on the mass spectrometric characteristics of the above compounds, and the difference in characteristic diagnostic fragment ions (DFIs) in isomeric compounds, the terpene compounds were further identified in M-Ex. RESULTS: Out of a total of 70 compounds, including monoterpenes and tetra-, and pentacyclic triterpenes, 20 were accurately determined by Rs, retention time (RT), and DFIs. Based on the cleavage patterns summarized from the above 20 compounds and with reference to the reported literature, another 50 compounds were putatively identified. Based on our discovery, six terpenic acids with A-seco-tirucallane types and one monoterpene dimer were identified for the first time in mastic. CONCLUSION: Our research serves not only as a foundation for the rapid identification and screening of terpene compounds in mastic but also as a supplementary basis for the identification of such compounds in other types of resins.

Family analysis and literature study of hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary hypophosphatemia rickets with hypercalciuria (HHRH) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterised by reduced renal phosphate reabsorption leading to hypophosphataemia, rickets and bone pain. Here, we present a case of HHRH in a Chinese boy. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 11-year-old female proband, who was admitted to our hospital with bilateral genuvarum deformity and short stature. Computed Tomography (CT) showed kidney stones, blood tests showed hypophosphatemia, For a clear diagnosis, we employed high-throughput sequencing technology to screen for variants. Our gene sequencing approach encompassed whole exome sequencing, detection of exon and intron junction regions, and examination of a 20 bp region of adjacent introns. Flanking sequences are defined as ±50 bp upstream and downstream of the 5' and 3' ends of the coding region.The raw sequence data were compared to the known gene sequence data in publicly available sequence data bases using Burrows-Wheeler Aligner software (BWA, 0.7.12-r1039), and the pathogenic variant sites were annotated using Annovar. Subsequently, the suspected pathogenic variants were classified according to ACMG's gene variation classification system. Simultaneously, unreported or clinically ambiguous pathogenic variants were predicted and annotated based on population databases. Any suspected pathogenic variants identified through this analysis were then validated using Sanger sequencing technology. At last, the proband and her affected sister carried pathogenic homozygous variant in the geneSLC34A3(exon 13, c.1402C > T; p.R468W). Their parents were both heterozygous carriers of the variant. Genetic testing revealed that the patient has anLRP5(exon 18, c.3917C > T; p.A1306V) variant of Uncertain significance, which is a rare homozygous variant. CONCLUSION: This case report aims to raise awareness of the presenting characteristics of HHRH. The paper describes a unique case involving variants in both theSLC34A3andLRP5genes, which are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. This combination of gene variants has not been previously reported in the literature. It is uncertain whether the presence of these two mutated genes in the same individual will result in more severe clinical symptoms. This report shows that an accurate diagnosis is critical, and with early diagnosis and correct treatment, patients will have a better prognosis.

MiR-134-3p targets HMOX1 to inhibit ferroptosis in granulosa cells of sheep follicles.

BACKGROUND: The intricate interplay of gene expression within ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the miRNA regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis during the process of follicle development in lamb GCs. METHODS: Employing transcriptome sequencing, we compared differentially expressed mRNAs (DE-mRNAs) and miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in GCs from lambs treated with follicle-stimulating hormone (FL) to untreated controls (CL). We further screened differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes and identified potential miRNA regulatory factors. The expression patterns of HMOX1 and miRNAs in GCs were validated using qRT‒PCR and Western blotting. Additionally, we investigated the regulatory effect of oar-miR-134-3p on HMOX1 and its function in ferroptosis through cell transfection and erastin treatment. RESULTS: We identified a total of 4,184 DE-mRNAs and 304 DE-miRNAs. The DE-mRNAs were mainly enriched in ferroptosis, insulin resistance, and the cell cycle. Specifically, we focused on the differential expression of ferroptosis-related genes. Notably, the ferroptosis-related genes HMOX1 and SLC3A2, modulated by DE-miRNAs, were markedly suppressed in FLs. Experimental validation revealed that HMOX1 was significantly downregulated in FL and large follicles, while oar-miR-134-3p was significantly upregulated compared to that in the CLs. HMOX1 expression was regulated by the targeting effect of oar-miR-134-3p. Functional assays further revealed that modulation of oar-miR-134-3p influenced HMOX1 expression and altered cellular responses to ferroptosis induction by erastin. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that oar-miR-134-3p and HMOX1 may be one of the pathways regulating ferroptosis in GCs. This finding provides new clues to understanding the development and regulatory process of follicles.

A novel TiO2-modified THPP-BCP composite optical waveguide sensor for the determination of ethylenediamine at ppb level.

Composite thin films OWG sensors show higher sensitivity than single film-based OWG sensors, making them particularly useful in the detection of trace gases. In this work, we developed a new tetra hydroxyphenyl porphyrin (THPP)-bromocresol purple (BCP)/TiO2 gel composite film-based OWG (THPP-BCP/TiO2-OWG) sensor for identifying ethylenediamine (EDA) gas. The fabricated sensor was characterized using ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The test result shows that the response of the THPP-BCP/TiO2-OWG composite film sensor to analytes was 3-4 times higher than that of the single film THPP-OWG sensor. The THPP-BCP/TiO2-OWG sensor exhibited excellent selectivity and remarkable response to EDA gas at a concentration of < 1 ppb at room temperature, with fast response (1 s) and recovery (3 s) times. The high refractive index TiO2 film contributes to OWG's sensitivity, while the THPP and BCP's sensitivity to bases further increased the sensor's response to EDA gas. The combination of THPP-BCP thin film and TiO2 gel film provides a powerful platform for OWG sensors that are highly sensitive, specific, and stable in the detection of trace gases.

LncRNA HOTAIR enhances RCC2 to accelerate cervical cancer progression by sponging miR-331-3p

Purpose Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been gradually regarded as influential indicators of various cancers. The present study aimed to identify the effects of lncRNA HOTAIR on cervical cancer progression. Methods RNA and protein expressions were quantified by RT-qPCR and western blot assays. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay was carried out to examine the intracellular location of HOTAIR. Cancer cell viability and mobility were detected by CCK-8, colony formation, transwell and wound healing assays. Binding relationships between miR-331-3p and HOTAIR/RCC2 were validated by luciferase reporter assay. Results RT-qPCR assays showed that HOTAIR levels were notably upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay suggested that HOTAIR was mostly located in the cytoplasm of cancer cells, indicating a sponging function. CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell and wound-healing assays indicated that knockdown of HOTAIR in HeLa and SiHa cells significantly reduced cell growth, migration and invasion. Subsequently, miR-331-3p was proven to be the target molecule of HOTAIR. In addition, results from Pearson's correlation analysis indicated negative correlation between HOTAIR and miR-331-3p in cervical cancer tissues. HOTAIR negatively modulated miR-331-3p expression. Ultimately, the target gene of miR-331-3p was verified to be RCC2, and miR-331-3p negatively modulated RCC2 expression. In addition, analysis on clinical cervical cancer tissues confirmed the negative correlation between miR-331-3p and RCC2. HOTAIR and RCC2 showed oncogenic functions in HeLa and SiHa cells, while miR-331-3p exerted the reverse effect. Conclusions HOTAIR plays a carcinogenic role in cervical cancer by targeting the miR-331-3p/RCC2 axis (AU)

Construction of an RNA modification-related gene predictive model associated with prognosis and immunity in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related fatalities worldwide, and its progression is associated with RNA modifications. Here, using RNA modification-related genes (RNAMRGs), we aimed to construct a prognostic model for patients with GC. METHODS: Based on RNAMRGs, RNA modification scores (RNAMSs) were obtained for GC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas and were divided into high- and low-RNAMS groups. Differential analysis and weighted correlation network analysis were performed for the differential expressed genes (DEGs) to obtain the key genes. Next, univariate Cox regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to obtain the model. According to the model risk score, samples were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Enrichment analysis and immunoassays were performed for the DEGs in these groups. Four external datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus data base were used to test the accuracy of the predictive model. RESULTS: We identified SELP and CST2 as key DEGs, which were used to generate the predictive model. The high-risk group had a worse prognosis compared to the low-risk group (p < 0.05). Enrichment analysis and immunoassays revealed that 144 DEGs related to immune cell infiltration were associated with the Wnt signaling pathway and included hub genes such as ELN. Overall mutation levels, tumor mutation burden, and microsatellite instability were lower, but tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion scores were greater (p < 0.05) in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group. The validation results showed that the prediction model score can accurately predict the prognosis of GC patients. Finally, a nomogram was constructed using the risk score combined with the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with GC. CONCLUSION: This risk score from the prediction model related to the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy could accurately predict the overall survival of GC patients.

LncRNA HOTAIR enhances RCC2 to accelerate cervical cancer progression by sponging miR-331-3p.

PURPOSE: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been gradually regarded as influential indicators of various cancers. The present study aimed to identify the effects of lncRNA HOTAIR on cervical cancer progression. METHODS: RNA and protein expressions were quantified by RT-qPCR and western blot assays. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay was carried out to examine the intracellular location of HOTAIR. Cancer cell viability and mobility were detected by CCK-8, colony formation, transwell and wound healing assays. Binding relationships between miR-331-3p and HOTAIR/RCC2 were validated by luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: RT-qPCR assays showed that HOTAIR levels were notably upregulated in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay suggested that HOTAIR was mostly located in the cytoplasm of cancer cells, indicating a sponging function. CCK-8, colony formation, Transwell and wound-healing assays indicated that knockdown of HOTAIR in HeLa and SiHa cells significantly reduced cell growth, migration and invasion. Subsequently, miR-331-3p was proven to be the target molecule of HOTAIR. In addition, results from Pearson's correlation analysis indicated negative correlation between HOTAIR and miR-331-3p in cervical cancer tissues. HOTAIR negatively modulated miR-331-3p expression. Ultimately, the target gene of miR-331-3p was verified to be RCC2, and miR-331-3p negatively modulated RCC2 expression. In addition, analysis on clinical cervical cancer tissues confirmed the negative correlation between miR-331-3p and RCC2. HOTAIR and RCC2 showed oncogenic functions in HeLa and SiHa cells, while miR-331-3p exerted the reverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: HOTAIR plays a carcinogenic role in cervical cancer by targeting the miR-331-3p/RCC2 axis. Moreover, clinical cervical cancer tissues confirmed the negative correlation between miR-331-3p with lncRNA HOTAIR and RCC2. These data suggested an underlying therapeutic target for cervical cancer.

Establishment and application of detection methods of dicamba in drinking water / 环境与职业医学

Background Dicamba is widely used in agricultural production in China, but it is extremely soluble in water and can be harmful to human health when it enters the body via water drinking. It is necessary to establish an accurate, sensitive, and rapid detection method to determine the residues of dicamba in domestic drinking water. Objective To establish two methods for the determination of dicamba residues in drinking water by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) respectively. Methods The conditions of the proposed method using HPLC-MS/MS included CAPCELL PAK ST chromatographic column, ammonium formate water solution and methanol as the mobile phase, and isocratic elution. The system was operated under multiple reaction monitoring mode and electrospray negative ionization mode. Trimethylsilylated diazomethane was used as a derivatizing agent for GC-MS/MS, and an external standard curve was used to evaluate the system. The residues of dicamba in seven water samples of tap water or secondary water supply from six regions in Chengdu were detected by the established systems to evaluate their applicability and to understand the status quo of dicamba residues in drinking water. Results For the HPLC-MS/MS, the linear range of dicamba was 1.00-100 μg·L−1, the regression equation was \begin{document}$\hat Y $\end{document}=1250.9X+2681.5, the correlation coefficient was 0.9988, the relative standard deviations were 1.23%-26.3%, the limit of detection was 0.95 μg·L−1, and the spiked recoveries were 91.8%-111%. For the GC-MS/MS, the linear range of dicamba was 0.200-10.0 μg·L−1, the regression equation was \begin{document}$\hat Y $\end{document}=190597X+40911, the correlation coefficient was 0.9993, the relative standard deviations were 0.64%-3.90%, the limit of detection was 0.18 μg·L−1, and the spiked recoveries were 97.3%-105%. No dicamba residue was identified in the seven water samples of tap water or secondary water supply from six regions in Chengdu by the proposed methods. Conclusion The two detection methods established in this study are sensitive and rapid, meet the requirements from the detection of dicamba residues in drinking water, and provide an experimental basis for subsequent research on the detection of dicamba residues. In the future, it is necessary to continue to pay attention to the pollution of dicamba in drinking water in Chengdu.

Integration of three machine learning algorithms identifies characteristic RNA binding proteins linked with diagnosis, immunity and pyroptosis of IgA nephropathy.

Objective: RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are essential for most post-transcriptional regulatory events, which exert critical roles in nearly all aspects of cell biology. Here, characteristic RBPs of IgA nephropathy were determined with multiple machine learning algorithms. Methods: Our study included three gene expression datasets of IgA nephropathy (GSE37460, GSE73953, GSE93798). Differential expression of RBPs between IgA nephropathy and normal samples was analyzed via limma, and hub RBPs were determined through MCODE. Afterwards, three machine learning algorithms (LASSO, SVM-RFE, random forest) were integrated to determine characteristic RBPs, which were verified in the Nephroseq database. Immune cell infiltrations were estimated through CIBERSORT. Utilizing ConsensusClusterPlus, IgA nephropathy were classified based on hub RBPs. The potential upstream miRNAs were predicted. Results: Among 388 RBPs with differential expression, 43 hub RBPs were determined. After integration of three machine learning algorithms, three characteristic RBPs were finally identified (DDX27, RCL1, and TFB2M). All of them were down-regulated in IgA nephropathy than normal specimens, with the excellent diagnostic efficacy. Additionally, they were significantly linked to immune cell infiltrations, immune checkpoints, and pyroptosis-relevant genes. Based on hub RBPs, IgA nephropathy was stably classified as two subtypes (cluster 1 and 2). Cluster 1 exhibited the relatively high expression of pyroptosis-relevant genes and characteristic RBPs. MiR-501-3p, miR-760, miR-502-3p, miR-1224-5p, and miR-107 were potential upstream miRNAs of hub RBPs. Conclusion: Collectively, our findings determine three characteristic RBPs in IgA nephropathy and two RBPs-based subtypes, and thus provide a certain basis for further research on the diagnosis and pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy.

Severe secondary hyperparathyroidism in a chronic kidney disease patient treated with Radiofrequency ablation: One case report.

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a global health problem with a high incidence (1) and a steadily increasing prevalence (2). Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common and serious complication of chronic renal failure (CRF) in dialysis patients (3). It is mainly manifested as parathyroid hyperplasia caused by abnormal calcium and phosphorus metabolism and active vitamin D resistance, resulting in excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which leads to complications such as bone deformity, osteoarthralgia, pruritus, ectopic calcification, and cardiovascular calcification in CKD patients, significantly reducing the quality of life in CKD patients (4, 5). In patients with chronic kidney disease, secondary parathyroid gland hyperplasia needs to be treated as early as possible (6). Currently, there are a variety of treatment options, including vitamin D receptor agonists, xenacax hydrochloride, parathyroidectomy and ablation techniques, etc. (7, 8). Medical treatment is the main choice among these treatments, but it is invalid in patients with severe hyperparathyroidism. So, parathyroidectomy is suggested to do in those patients (9). However, many dialysis patients who have severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction cannot tolerate the trauma caused by surgery as the concept of minimally invasive surgery has been gradually introduced into all fields of surgery and medical treatment. Traditional surgery is no longer the only option. Radiofrequency ablation has been widely applied due to its advantages of less trauma, simple operation, and good repeatability. It has been reported to achieve good effects in treating secondary hyperparathyroidism patients (8). This case reports that one severe secondary hyperparathyroidism patient gets good therapeutic results from parathyroid radiofrequency ablation.

KIF14 affects cell cycle arrest and cell viability in cervical cancer by regulating the p27Kip1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a kind of malignant gynecological tumor. The first choice for treating cervical cancer is still a combination of surgery and chemoradiotherapy, but the 5-year survival rate remains poor. Therefore, researchers are trying to find new ways to diagnose and treat cervical cancer early. METHODS: The expression level of KIF14 in cells and tissues was determined via qRT-PCR. The ability of the cells to proliferate, migrate, and invade was examined using CCK-8 assay kits, colony formation assays, and Transwell chambers. The expression levels of Cyclin D1, Cyclin B1, p21, and p27 were also detected using western blot assays. RESULTS: The results suggested that p27 is a key regulatory factor in the KIF14-mediated regulation of the cell cycle. In addition, KIF14 knockdown promotes malignancy in cervical cancer cells by inhibiting p27 degradation, resulting in cell cycle arrest. CONCLUSIONS: KIF14 is an oncogene in cervical cancer, and knocking down KIF14 causes cell cycle arrest by inhibiting p27 degradation, thus affecting cell viability, proliferation, and migration. These results provide a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer.

First detection of the occurrence and study of the genetic diversity of novel putative kirkoviruses in donkey in China.

The first representative of a seemingly novel virus family has been found during the metagenomic examination of a diseased and dead horse in the USA [Li et al. in J Gen Virol 96:2721-2733, 2015]. These authors have suggested the need for the establishment of a new family with the tentative name Kirkoviridae; however, the suggested name is not official yet. Soon after the discovery, similar, relatively large CRESS-DNA viruses have been detected in various animals in China and elsewhere. Besides the two main genes (rep and cap), characteristic for members of the family Circoviridae, the tentative kirkoviruses have considerably larger genomes of approximately 4000 nucleotides. Accordingly, these viruses possess three four additional ORFs coding for proteins of unknown function. This has been described previously. In the present manuscript, the authors report the sequence of kirkovirus-like viruses, detected by PCR in donkey excretes in China. From 73 samples, 8 were found positive. From three of these newly detected viruses, the full genomic sequence was determined, whereas from the other five only one gene, namely the replication-associated (Rep) protein was sequenced.

Exploring optical and electrical gas detection based on zinc-tetra-phenyl-porphyrin sensitizer.

We developed optical waveguide (OWG), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis), and electrically operated gas sensors utilizing zinc-tetra-phenyl-porphyrin (ZnTPP) as sensitizer. Strikingly, ZnTPP thin-film/K+-exchanged glass OWG sensing element exhibits a superior signal-to-noise ratio of 109.6 upon 1 ppm NO2 gas injection, which is 29.5 and 3.8 times larger than that of UV-vis (absorbance at wavelength of 438 nm) and ZnTPP electrical sensing elements prepared on an alumina ceramic tube, respectively. Further results on Fourier infrared spectra and UV-vis spectra, confirm a strong chemical adsorption of NO2 gas on ZnTPP. Therefore, our studies highlight the selection of suitable detection technique for analyte sensing with ZnTPP.

At what age should the Uyghur minority initiate cervical cancer screening if screened using careHPV.

BACKGROUND: The careHPV test as a primary screening method for cervical cancer has been proven to be the best option for Uyghur women in Xinjiang in a previous study. In this research, we aim to discuss the appropriate age for Uyghur women in Xinjiang to be screened for cervical cancer using careHPV. METHODS: Eleven thousand women aged 20-69 years old (mean age 38.93 ± 9.74) from South Xinjiang were screened using careHPV and liquid-based cytology, and the positive results were referred for colposcopy and cervical biopsy. A questionnaire regarding basic social characteristics, sexual practices, and reproductive history was administered to each woman. The age-specific prevalence of HPV positivity, cytology abnormality, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2+ in ≥25, ≥30, and ≥35 age groups were analyzed, and the diagnostic value of careHPV in the three age groups was evaluated. The chi-squared test was used to compare the differences between age groups. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were calculated. RESULTS: The women were mostly married (76.3%) and delivered at 15-19 years of age (61.4%). The HPV infection rate was 9.15% and detection rates of CIN2+ and invasive cervical cancer were 1.53% (1530/100,000) and 0.25% (250/100,000), respectively. The first peak of HPV(+) appeared at the age of 30-34, while CIN2+ appeared at 35-39. CareHPV performed similarly well in the three age groups. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of our study, Uyghur women in Xinjiang should be recommended to initiate cervical cancer screening at the age of 30 years when screened using careHPV.

Plasma-Activated Saline Promotes Antibiotic Treatment of Systemic Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection.

Systemic infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are life-threatening due to their strong multidrug resistance, especially since the biofilms formed by MRSA are more difficult to inactivate by antibiotics, causing long term recurrence of infection. Plasma-activated saline (PAS), a derived form of cold atmospheric-pressure plasma, can effectively inactivate bacteria and cancer cells and has been applied to sterilization and cancer treatment. Previous studies have demonstrated that the pretreatment of MRSA with PAS could promote the action of antibiotics. Here, the PAS was used as an antibiotic adjuvant to promote the inactivation of MRSA biofilms by rifampicin and vancomycin, and the combined treatment reduced approximately 6.0-log10 MRSA cells in biofilms. The plasma-activated saline and rifampicin synergistically and effectively reduced the systemic infection in the murine model. The histochemical analysis and the blood hematological and biochemical test demonstrated that the combined treatment with plasma-activated saline and rifampicin improved the blood hematological and biochemical parameters of infected mice by reducing the infection. Therefore, PAS based on plasma technology represents a new strategy for the treatment of infectious disease caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria and alleviating antibiotic resistance.

Low-Temperature Gas Plasma Combined with Antibiotics for the Reduction of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Both In Vitro and In Vivo.

Biofilm infections in wounds seriously delay the healing process, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of wound infections. In addition to inactivating micro-organisms, low-temperature gas plasma can restore the sensitivity of pathogenic microbes to antibiotics. However, the combined treatment has not been applied to infectious diseases. In this study, low-temperature gas plasma treatment promoted the effects of different antibiotics on the reduction of S. aureus biofilms in vitro. Low-temperature gas plasma combined with rifampicin also effectively reduced the S. aureus cells in biofilms in the murine wound infection model. The blood and histochemical analysis demonstrated the biosafety of the combined treatment. Our findings demonstrated that low-temperature gas plasma combined with antibiotics is a promising therapeutic strategy for wound infections.