ABSTRACT
CO poisoning in Pt-based anode catalysts significantly hampers the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) performance. Despite great advances in CO-tolerant catalysts, their effectiveness is often limited to fundamental three-electrode systems, which is inadequate for practical PEMFC applications. Herein, we present a straightforward thermal oxidation strategy for constructing a Ru oxide blocking layer on commercial PtRu/C through a one-step Ru-segregation-and-oxidation process. The resulting 0.7 nm thick Ru oxide layer effectively inhibits CO adsorption while maintaining hydrogen oxidation activity. PtRu@RuO2/C demonstrates exceptional CO tolerance, enduring 1% CO in rotating disk electrode tests, an â¼10-fold improvement compared to that of PtRu/C. Crucially, it retains high HOR activity and CO tolerance in PEMFC, with negligible polarization curve loss in the presence of 100 ppm CO. Notably, 85% HOR activity is retained after a 4 h stability test. This enhancement contributes to the Ru oxide layer decelerating CO adsorption kinetics, rather than promoting CO oxidation via the classic bifunctional mechanism.
ABSTRACT
To explore the value of the combined MR imaging features and clinical factors Nomogram model in predicting intractable postpartum hemorrhage (IPH) due to placenta accreta (PA). We conducted a retrospective study with 270 cases of PA patients admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to December 2022. The clinical data of these patients were analyzed, and they were divided into 2 groups: the IPH group and the non-IPH group based on the presence of IPH. The differences in data between the 2 groups were compared, and the risk factors for IPH were analyzed. A Nomogram model was constructed using independent high-risk factors, and the predictive value of this model for IPH was analyzed. The results of multivariable binary Logistic regression analysis showed higher number of cesareans, placenta previa, placenta accreta type (implantation, penetration), low signal strip on T2 weighted image (T2WI) were independent high-risk factor for IPH (Pâ <â .05). ROC analysis and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed the Nomogram predictive model constructed with the high-risk factor has good discrimination and calibration. Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that when the probability threshold for the Nomogram model's prediction was in the range from 0.125 to 0.99, IPH patients could obtain more net benefits, making it suitable for clinical application. The higher number of cesareans, placenta previa, placental accreta type (implantation, penetration), and low signal strip on T2WI are independent high-risk factor for IPH. The Nomogram predictive model constructed with the high-risk factor demonstrates good clinical efficacy in predicting the occurrence of IPH due to PA.
Subject(s)
Placenta Accreta , Placenta Previa , Postpartum Hemorrhage , Pregnancy , Humans , Female , Nomograms , Retrospective Studies , Placenta Accreta/diagnostic imaging , Placenta Accreta/epidemiology , Placenta , Placenta Previa/diagnostic imaging , Placenta Previa/epidemiology , Postpartum Hemorrhage/diagnostic imaging , Postpartum Hemorrhage/etiology , Risk Factors , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methodsABSTRACT
AIM: Women with twin pregnancies have an increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Assisted reproductive technology (ART) and pre-pregnancy smoking were both associated with GDM. However, the relationships between pre-pregnancy smoking and ART and GDM in twin pregnancies were unclear. Herein, this study aims to explore the roles of pre-pregnancy smoking and ART in GDM among women with twin pregnancies. METHODS: Data of women with twin pregnancies were extracted from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) database in 2016-2020 in this retrospective cohort study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the associations between pre-pregnancy smoking and ART and GDM in women with twin pregnancies. The evaluation index was odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis of age and BMI was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 19,860 (9.15%) women had GDM in our study. After adjusting for covariates, we found that receiving ART was associated with high odds of GDM [OR = 1.41, 95% CI (1.34-1.48)], while pre-pregnancy smoking combined with ART was associated with higher odds of GDM [OR = 1.66, 95% CI (1.14-2.42)]. In addition, these relationships were also found in women who aged ≥ 35 years old [OR = 1.98, 95% CI (1.14-3.44)] and with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 [OR = 1.69, 95% CI (1.11-2.55)]. CONCLUSION: Pre-pregnancy smoking may further increase the risk of GDM from ART in women with twin pregnancies. In clinical, women who are ready to receive ART treatment are recommend to quit smoking, which may reduce the risk of GDM and prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Subject(s)
Diabetes, Gestational , Pregnancy , Female , Humans , Adult , Male , Diabetes, Gestational/epidemiology , Diabetes, Gestational/etiology , Pregnancy, Twin , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Reproductive Techniques, Assisted/adverse effects , Pregnancy Outcome , Smoking/adverse effects , Smoking/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and placental growth factor (PlGF) serve key roles in the regulation of vascular development, revascularization and vasopermeability in the endometrium, decidua and trophoblasts. Furthermore, both VEGF and PlGF are modulators of embryonic vascular development. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the serum levels of VEGF and PlGF in female patients with early threatened abortion (TA) who experienced preterm delivery. The present case-control study included 130 pregnant patients with or without TA that were admitted to The Maternal and Childcare Hospital of Nantong University from January 2019 to January 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: i) Group A, which included 55 patients diagnosed with TA with slight vaginal bleeding and closed cervical internal os within the first 6-12 weeks of pregnancy; and ii) group B, which included 75 patients with healthy asymptomatic pregnancy. Blood samples were obtained from all patients and VEGF and PlGF levels were examined prior to treatment, and the chi-squared, Student's t-test and two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post hoc analysis were used to analyze statistical differences between the two patient groups. Results of the present study demonstrated that patients with TA had significantly lower levels of VEGF and PlGF, compared with the controls. In patients with or without TA, the levels of serum PlGF in the preterm delivery group were significantly decreased compared with patients that did not experience preterm delivery. However, there was no significant difference in the levels of VEGF between patients with or without preterm delivery. In addition, lower levels of PlGF, compared with those in patients without TA, may be associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery in patients without early TA.
ABSTRACT
Cervical cancer (CC) is a common malignant neoplasm in gynecology. There is increasing evidence to suggest that microRNAs (miRNAs) act as crucial regulators of CC. However, whether miR-10a-5p plays a role in CC is under investigation. The aim of this stuy was to assess the miR-10a-5p expression pattern in the development of CC and investigate its downstream target. MiR-10a-5p inhibition decreased CC cell proliferation and impaired CC cell invasion and migration but enhanced apoptosis. UBE2I was a direct target of miR-10a-5p. QRT-PCR results showed a down-regulation of UBE2I in CC cells, opposing miR-10a-5p. Besides, overexpression of miR-10a-5p down-regulated UBE2I. Functional rescue experiments further indicated the miR-10a-5p-UBE2I axis was linked to CC cell growth, apoptosis and metastasis. MiR-10a-5p upregulation promotes cervical cancer development by inhibiting UBE2I. These results also predict that miR-10a-5p may be a potential target for the clinical treatment of CC.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? As a widely researched cancer-related miRNA, the overexpression of miR-10a-5p has been verified in various cancers. It has been described in a meta-analysis report that there were 42 miRNAs up-regulated and 21 miRNAs down-regulated in different stages of cervical cancer tissue versus healthy tissue.What do the results of this study add? We verified that miR-10a-5p initiates and promotes tumor cell development by decreasing UBE2I abundance. This miR-10a-5p-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of UBE2I is involved in the tumorigenesis, invasion and migration of human cervical cancer.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? These findings provide mechanistic insights into how miR-10a-5p regulates cervical cancer hyper-proliferation and metastasis, as well as a new target for clinical treatment. Nevertheless, whether miR-10a-5p/UBE2I axis can be regulated by non-invasive methods need further exploration, which will be the focus of our future research.
Subject(s)
MicroRNAs , Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms , Female , Humans , Cell Line, Tumor , Down-Regulation , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , MicroRNAs/genetics , Signal Transduction/genetics , Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes/genetics , Up-Regulation , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/genetics , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
Herein, we report a method that uses antifungal tavaborole as a co-catalyst for direct α-C-H alkylation of structurally diverse alcohols through photoredox catalysis. The protocol features mild conditions, remarkable scope, and wide functional group tolerance, which allows for the construction of a wide array of highly functionalized alcohols, including homoserine derivatives and C-glycosyl amino acids. We also demonstrate the synthetic applications of this methodology to the late-stage functionalization of pharmaceuticals and natural products.
Subject(s)
Alcohols , Biological Products , Alcohols/chemistry , Homoserine , Antifungal Agents , Oxidation-Reduction , Catalysis , Alkylation , Amino Acids/chemistry , Pharmaceutical PreparationsABSTRACT
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is one of the two classic thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) diseases which could be induced by infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patient with acquired TTP induced by infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (hereafter, S. Typhimurium) isolate, S. Typhimurium_zhang, which was confirmed by serology and genetic taxonomy. The literature review identified 17 TMA-related genes encoding the candidate triggers, which were searched in the annotated genome sequence of S. Typhimurium_zhang. Anaerobic nitric oxide reductase flavorubredoxin (FlRd), encoded by norV which is related to another TMA, haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), was found in S. Typhimurium_zhang. Basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) analysis revealed that norV and FlRd in S. Typhimurium_zhang, as well as eight S. Typhimurium type strains, have high identity with HUS-related Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain TW14359. Similar results were obtained from the BLAST analysis of 73 S. enterica isolates for congenital TTP which was also previously reported to be triggered by S. enterica. Phylogenetic analysis and amino acid sequence alignment revealed that FlRd was functional and highly conservative on 69 Enterobacteriaceae, including S. Typimurium_zhang and TW14359. In brief, we found norV in the genome of a S. Typhimurium clinical isolate that induced TTP in an AIDS patient. FlRd, the protein encoded by norV, probably triggered the TTP and was highly conservative, functional, and widespread in S. enterica and Enterobacteriaceae. More in vitro and in vivo studies are required to confirm our findings and determine the underlying mechanism.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome , Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome , Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic , Salmonella enterica , Humans , Phylogeny , Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic/diagnosis , Salmonella enterica/genetics , Salmonella typhimurium/genetics , SerogroupABSTRACT
Reemergent local outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have occurred in China, yet few Chinese response strategies and its evaluation have been reported. This study presents a preliminary assessment of Chinese strategy in controlling reemergent local outbreaks of COVID-19. Time course of accumulative and daily new cases and time-varying reproductive numbers (Rt) of outbreak areas were presented. The asymptomatic rate, days required to control the outbreaks, seeding time (ST), and doubling time (DT) of areas with over 96 reemergent cases were calculated. National and local year-on-year growth rates of gross domestic product (GDP) were presented. Accumulative numbers of 30, 8, 11, 430, 15, 139, 1,067, 382, 42, and 94 confirmed reemergent COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in Hulun Buir, Shanghai, Tianjin, Kashgar, Qingdao, Dalian, Urumchi, Beijing, Jilin, and Harbin, respectively. Among them, maximum rate of asymptomatic infections was 81.9%. Time required to control the local outbreaks in the areas given above varied from 29 to 51 days. After activation of outbreak responses, the late-stage DTs of Kashgar, Urumchi, Beijing, and Dalian were apparently lengthened compared to the early-stage DTs. Although the year-on-year GDP growth rate of Urumchi was slightly affected, the GDP growth rate of Dalian, Beijing, Jilin, and Harbin kept rising during the reemergence. Moreover, the year-on-year GDP growth rate of Mainland China turned positive regardless of the reemergent local outbreaks. In general, the Chinese strategy to maintain the status of no or minimal transmission was effective in balancing the control of COVID-19 reemergent local outbreak and the recovery of economy.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Beijing , China/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Humans , SARS-CoV-2ABSTRACT
Chronic disseminated candidiasis (CDC) is a severe complication with high morbidity and mortality in patients with hematological malignancies who have undergone chemotherapy. Blood or sterile liver biopsy cultures are negative due to recurrent empirical antifungal therapy. With the escalating resistance to azole-based antifungal drugs in infection by Candida species, pathogen identification is becoming increasingly important for determining definitive diagnosis and treatment strategy. In this case report, we present, for the first time, diagnostic confirmation of a culture-negative CDC case with Candida tropicalis infection using a combination of metagenomics next-generation sequencing and calcofluor white staining.
ABSTRACT
The taxonomy of the genus Neisseria remains confusing, particularly regarding Neisseria mucosa and Neisseria sicca. In 2012, ribosomal multi-locus sequence typing reclassified both as N. mucosa, but data concerning 17 N. sicca strains remain available in GenBank. The continuous progress of high-throughput sequencing has facilitated ready accessibility of whole-genome data, promoting vigorous development of average nucleotide identity (ANI) and high-resolution phylogenetic analysis. Here, we report that a Neisseria isolate, which caused native-valve endocarditis and multiple embolic brain infarcts in a patient with congenital heart disease, was misidentified as N. sicca by VITEK MS. This isolate was reclassified as N. mucosa by ANI blast (ANIb) and by phylogenetic analysis using whole-genome data yielded by the PacBio Sequel and Illumina NovaSeq PE150 platforms. The confusion evident in the GenBank and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) databases suggests that N. mucosa (n = 13) and N. sicca (n = 16) in GenBank should be reclassified using ANIb and high-resolution phylogenetic analysis. The whole-genome data of 30 strains (including the clinical isolate) were compared with the data of 27 type Neisseria strains (including one N. sicca and two N. mucosa type strains) as a genomic index. In total, 25 (8 originally identified as N. mucosa and 17 originally identified as N. sicca) and 7 (1 originally identified as N. sicca and 6 originally identified as N. mucosa) strains were reclassified into the N. mucosa and Neisseria subflava groups, respectively; 1 residual N. mucosa strain was reclassified as Neisseria meningitidis. In conclusion, a combination of ANIb and robust phylogenetic analysis reclassified strains originally identified as N. mucosa and N. sicca into (principally) the N. mucosa group and the N. subflava group. The misclassified N. sicca and N. mucosa strains in the GenBank and MALDI-TOF MS databases were supposed to be corrected. Updated genomic classification strategy for originally identified N. mucosa and N. sicca strains was recommended to be adopted in GenBank.
ABSTRACT
A composite of FeOOH nanocubes anchored on carbon ribbons has been synthesized and used as a cathode material for Li/O2 batteries. Fe2+ ion-exchanged resin serves as a precursor for both FeOOH nanocubes and carbon ribbons, which are formed simultaneously. The as-prepared FeOOH cubes are proposed to have a core-shell structure, with FeOOH as the shell and Prussian blue as the core, based on information from XPS, TEM, and EDS mapping. As a cathode material for Li/O2 batteries, FeOOH delivers a specific capacity of 14816â mA h g-1 cathode with a cycling stability of 67 cycles over 400â h. The high performance is related to the low overpotential of the oxygen reduction/evolution reaction on FeOOH. The cube structure, the supporting carbon ribbons, and the -OOH moieties all contribute to the low overpotential. The discharge product Li2 O2 can be efficiently decomposed in the FeOOH cathode after a charging process, leading to higher cycling stability. Its high activity and stability make FeOOH a good candidate for use in non-aqueous Li/O2 batteries.