Simultaneous effervescence-assisted microextraction and magnetic adsorbent generation for rapid and cost-effective organochlorine pesticides analysis.

This study introduced an innovative magnetic effervescence-assisted microextraction method, streamlining the preparation of effervescent tablets through a one-pot method that blends a CO2 donor (Na2CO3) and an H+ donor (NaH2PO4) with bare magnetic particles (Fe3O4) and an adsorbent (hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes), followed by pressing. During the extraction process, the bare magnetic particles and adsorbent undergo in-situ self-assembly to create a magnetic adsorbent. The effervescence generates bubbles that enhance effective extraction and magnetism facilitates the easy separation of the magnetic adsorbent from the sample solution, completing the process within 4 min. Applied to organochlorine pesticide analysis in fruit juices and herbal extracts, the method exhibits excellent linearity (R2 > 0.993), sensitivity (detection limits: 0.010-0.125 ng/mL), accuracy (recoveries: 85.8-99.9%), and precision (RSDs < 9.7%) with GC-ECD. Overall, this approach stands out for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for on-site analysis, owing to its operational ease and independence from specialized equipment.

Determination of vitamin D metabolites in various biological samples through an improved chemical derivatization assisted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach.

Vitamin D (VD) metabolites are involved in a variety of important metabolic processes and physiological effects in organisms. Profiling of VD metabolites favors a deep understanding of the physiological role of VD. However, VD metabolites are difficult to detect due to their high chemical structural rigidity, structural similarity, and low sensitivities under liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Herein, we present a chemical derivatization assisted LC-MS/MS strategy for the detection of VDs, in which 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (PTAD) is employed to derivatize the conjugated diene of VD metabolites and provides sensitizing reporters for MS detection. After PTAD derivatization, the sensitivities of seven VD metabolites increased by 24-276 folds, with the limits of detection ranging from 3 to 20 pg mL-1. Using this method, we achieved a sensitive and accurate quantification of 7 VD metabolites (vitamin D2, vitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D2, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and 1,24,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3) of the VD metabolic pathway in different trace biological samples, including human serum, mouse tissues (namely liver, kidney, lung, and spleen), and cells. We believe that the present method can provide a promising tool for an in-depth analysis of VD metabolism.

Electrochemical sensor for hydrogen sulfide detection using electrocatalysis-assisted amplification and chemical reaction-mediated signal enhancement.

An ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensing platform has been designed by combining electrocatalysis-assisted H2S amplification with a chemical reaction-mediated electrochemical signal-boosted system for H2S detection based on Cu-Mn(OH)2 hexagonal nanorings. The signal amplification is initiated by an electrocatalysis reaction that can grasp specific H2S substrates and further highly amplify electrochemical signals. Then, the unique chemical reaction is powered by copper ion and generates a large amount of electroactive CuxS products on the electrode surface, thus achieving the multiple amplification of H2S detection. Finally, the Cu-Mn(OH)2 loaded with plenty of electroactive CuxS can be captured on the electrode for further improving the electrochemical signal thus obtaining ultra-high sensitive determination of H2S. The established electrochemical biosensing platform displays a wide analytical range of 0.1 µM to 265 µM with a low detection limit of 0.096 µM. The satisfactory selectivity allows the electrochemical sensor to distinguish H2S from other interfering substances without any complicated pretreatment, even in complex tumor cell samples. Thus, our designed electrocatalysis-assisted amplification strategy offers a powerful analysis toolkit for the early determination of H2S-related disease in clinical diagnosis.

Two steps synthesis of plum-shaped C@Ni/MnO nanofiber heterostructures for trapping and catalyzing polysulfides in lithium-sulfur batteries.

Both spherical MnO as adsorbent and Ni nanoparticles as catalyzer, with highly exposed contact surface area in the carbon nanofibers, are successfully synthesized via electrospinning technology combined with carbothermal reduction. Compared with typical electrospun carbon nanofiber composites, the as-prepared C@Ni/MnO composite fibers as interlayer enable MnO and Ni to contact fully with polysulfides rather than provide local contact surface. With the sulfur loading of 1.6 mg cm-2 and the approximately 0.1 g composite fibers as interlayer, the cathode shows initial capacity of 687.36 mAh g-1 at 0.5C and superior capacity retention of 70%. This simple technical route leads a way to prepare nanoparticles with highly exposed contact surfaces partially embedded in the carbon nanofibers, which can be applied in electrocatalysis.

ß-Amyrin ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in mice and regulates the miR-181b-5p/HMGB2 axis in high glucose-stimulated HK-2 cells.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a diabetic complication that can cause renal failure. ß-amyrin has been identified to possess anti-diabetic property. This study was designed to evaluate the potential role of ß-amyrin in DN and its underlying mechanism. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice were used as the in vivo model, and high glucose (HG)-stimulated human proximal tubular HK-2 cells were utilized as the in vitro model. Renal histological changes in mice were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining. HK-2 cell viability and apoptosis were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. ß-amyrin was found to ameliorate kidney injury in DN mice and suppressed inflammatory response as well as apoptosis of HG-stimulated HK-2 cells. miR-181-5p expression in murine renal tissues and HK-2 cells was detected by in situ hybridization (ISH) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). MiR-181b-5p, a previously identified target for diabetic kidney disease, was downregulated in renal tissues and HG stimulated HK-2 cells, and ß-amyrin induced the upregulation of miR-181b-5p. Binding relationship between miR-181b-5p and high mobility group box 2 (HMGB2) was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. MiR-181b-5p bound to 3' untranslated region of HMGB2 to suppress its expression. As shown by immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining, HMGB2 was upregulated in the in vivo and in vitro models of DN, and ß-amyrin induced the downregulation of HMGB2. Moreover, HMGB2 overexpression neutralized the suppressive effects of miR-181b-5p elevation on the inflammatory response and apoptosis of HG-treated HK-2 cells. Overall, ß-amyrin ameliorates DN in mice and suppresses inflammatory response and apoptosis of HG-stimulated HK-2 cells via the miR-181b-5p/HMGB2 axis.

Risk Assessment of Anopheles philippinensis and Anopheles nivipes (Diptera: Culicidae) Invading China under Climate Change.

BACKGROUND: Anopheles philippinensis and Anopheles nivipes are morphologically similar and are considered to be effective vectors of malaria transmission in northeastern India. Environmental factors such as temperature and rainfall have a significant impact on the temporal and spatial distribution of disease vectors driven by future climate change. METHODS: In this study, we used the maximum entropy model to predict the potential global distribution of the two mosquito species in the near future and the trend of future distribution in China. Based on the contribution rate of environmental factors, we analyzed the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of the two mosquito species. We also constructed a disease vector risk assessment index system to calculate the comprehensive risk value of the invasive species. RESULTS: Precipitation has a significant effect on the distribution of potentially suitable areas for Anopheles philippinensis and Anopheles nivipes. The two mosquito species may spread in the suitable areas of China in the future. The results of the risk assessment index system showed that the two mosquito species belong to the moderate invasion risk level for China. CONCLUSIONS: China should improve the mosquito vector monitoring system, formulate scientific prevention and control strategies and strictly prevent foreign imports.

Predicting the Potential Global Distribution of Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) under Near Current and Future Climatic Conditions, Using the Maximum Entropy Model.

Amblyomma americanum (the lone star tick) is a pathogen vector, mainly from eastern North America, that bites humans. With global integration and climate change, some ticks that are currently confined to a certain place may begin to spread out; some reports have shown that they are undergoing rapid range expansion. The difference in the potential geographic distribution of A. americanum under current and future climatic conditions is dependent on environment variables such as temperature and precipitation, which can affect their survival. In this study, we used a maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model to predict the potential geographic distribution of A. americanum. The MaxEnt model was calibrated at the native range of A. americanum using occurrence data and the current climatic conditions. Seven WorldClim climatic variables were selected by the jackknife method and tested in MaxEnt using different combinations of model feature class functions and regularization multiplier values. The best model was chosen based on the omission rate and the lowest Akaike information criterion. The resulting model was then projected onto the global scale using the current and future climate conditions modeled under four greenhouse gas emission scenarios.

[Analysis of characteristics of bacteria in respiratory tract infection in 2013-2016 in Heibei 3A hospital: a single-center report of 7 497 patients].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the changes and characteristics of respiratory tract bacteria in Hebei 3A Hospital, and to provide new rationale for clinical diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted. 7 497 patients with respiratory tract infection admitted to Hebei Chest Hospital from January 2013 to December 2016 were enrolled. Deep sputum was collected, and the bacterial cultures and susceptibility analysis was conducted in sputum and upper respiratory secretions were collected by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 7 497 patients with respiratory tract infection were enrolled in the study, and 11 909 strains of 13 kinds of dominant pathogens were isolated. The dominant pathogens for respiratory tract infection were Monilia albican (23.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.6%), Escherichia coli (9.5%), Candida glabrata (9.1%), Acinetobacter baumanii (7.9%), Aspergillus (6.7%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (4.5%), coagulase negative Staphylococcus (3.7%) and some species of Pseudomonas (3.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (3.0%), Aerobacter cloacae (1.9%), and Candida tropicalis (1.8%). A total of 6 198 strains of 7 kinds of Gram negative (G-) bacilli infection dominant pathogens accounts for 52.0% of all infections, Klebsiella pneumonia (24.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.3%), Escherichia coli (18.2%) and Acinetobacter baumanii (15.3%) were the main pathogens, and increased year by year. Susceptibility analysis showed that the preferred antibiotics for G- bacteria were carbapenems, followed by risperidone, sulbactam, cefepime, amikacin, and the third generation of cephalosporins. A total of 798 strains of 2 kinds of Gram positive (G+) bacilli infection dominant pathogens accounted for 6.7% of all infections, were coagulase negative Staphylococcus (54.8%) and Staphylococcus aureus (45.2%), each had changed little by year. Susceptibility analysis showed that G+ bacteria were sensitive to glycopeptides, followed by cefoxitin, cotrimoxazole, the tetracyclines, quinolones, azithromycin, erythromycin and so on. The advantages of 4 species of fungi were 4 913 strains, accounted for all of the 41.3% strains, with 57.5% of Candida albicans, and the trend was increasing year by year. Susceptibility analysis results showed that the antifungal susceptibility of dominant fungi were higher. CONCLUSIONS: G- bacilli is still the main source of infection, and showed an upward trend year by year. Fungal infection rate cannot be ignored, and we must pay attention to fungal infection incentives. We should strengthen the rational use of antibiotics.

Glycerol kinase-like proteins cooperate with Pld6 in regulating sperm mitochondrial sheath formation and male fertility.

Spermatids undergo the final steps of maturation during spermiogenesis, a process that necessitates extensive rearrangement of organelles such as the mitochondria. Male infertility has been linked to mitochondrial disorder, for example, hypospermatogenesis and asthenozoospermia. However, the mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial dynamics during spermiogenesis remain largely unknown. We found the glycerol kinase (Gyk)-like proteins glycerol kinase-like 1 (Gykl1) and glycerol kinase 2 (Gk2) were specifically localized to the mitochondria in spermatids. Male mice deficient in either Gykl1 or Gk2 were infertile due to dysfunctional spermatozoa, which exhibited unregulated ATP production, disordered mitochondrial sheath formation, abnormal mitochondrial morphology, and defective sperm tail. We demonstrated that the unique C-terminal sequences found in Gykl1 and Gk2 mediated their targeting to the mitochondrial outer membrane. Furthermore, both Gykl1 and Gk2 could interact with Pld6 (MitoPLD) and induce Pld6 and phosphatidic acid (PA)-dependent mitochondrial clustering in cells. Taken together, our study has revealed previously unsuspected functions of Gyk-like proteins in spermiogenesis, providing new insight into the potential mechanisms that lead to spermatozoa dysfunction and male infertility.

[Risk factors for anorexia in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors for anorexia in children, and to reduce the prevalence of anorexia in children. METHODS: A questionnaire survey and a case-control study were used to collect the general information of 150 children with anorexia (case group) and 150 normal children (control group). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic stepwise regression analysis were performed to identify the risk factors for anorexia in children. RESULTS: The results of the univariate analysis showed significant differences between the case and control groups in the age in months when supplementary food were added, feeding pattern, whether they liked meat, vegetables and salty food, whether they often took snacks and beverages, whether they liked to play while eating, and whether their parents asked them to eat food on time (P<0.05). The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that late addition of supplementary food (OR=5.408), high frequency of taking snacks and/or drinks (OR=11.813), and eating while playing (OR=6.654) were major risk factors for anorexia in children. Liking of meat (OR=0.093) and vegetables (OR=0.272) and eating on time required by parents (OR=0.079) were protective factors against anorexia in children. CONCLUSIONS: Timely addition of supplementary food, a proper diet, and development of children's proper eating and living habits can reduce the incidence of anorexia in children.

Effects of sleep deprivation on polysomnography and executive function in patients with depression.

BACKGROUND: Sleep deprivation (SD) has been used in treatment of depression disorder, and could effectively improve the patients' depressive symptoms.The aim of the study was to explore the effects of SD on electroencephalographic (EEG) and executive function changes in patients with depression. METHODS: Eighteen depression patients (DPs) and 21 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in the present study. The whole night polysomnography (PSG) was recorded by Neurofax-1518K (Nihon Kohden, Japan) system before and after 36 hours of SD. The level of subjects' depression state was assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the executive function was assessed by Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). RESULTS: Significantly decreased sleep latency (SL; before SD: (31.8 ± 11.1) minutes, after SD: (8.8 ± 5.2) minutes, P < 0.01) and REM sleep latency (RL; before SD: (79.8 ± 13.5) minutes, after SD: (62.9 ± 10.2) minutes, P < 0.01) were found after SD PSG in depression patients. Decreased Stage 1 (S1; before SD: (11.7 ± 2.9)%, after SD: (7.3 ± 1.1)%, P < 0.01) and Stage 2 (S2, before SD: (53.8 ± 15.5)%, after SD: (42.3 ± 14.7)%, P < 0.05) of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, and increased Stage 3 (S3, before SD: (11.8 ± 5.5)%, after SD: (23.6 ± 5.8)%, P < 0.01) and Stage 4 (S4, before SD: (8.8 ± 3.3)%, after SD: (27.4 ± 4.8)%, P < 0.01) NREM sleep were also found. After SD, the depression level in patients decreased from 6.7 ± 2.1 to 2.9 ± 0.7 (P < 0.01). In WCST, the patients showed significantly decreased Response errors (Re, before SD: 22.3 ± 2.4, after SD: 18.3 ± 2.7, P < 0.01) and Response preservative errors (Rpe, before SD: 11.6 ± 3.6, after SD: 9.3 ± 2.9, P < 0.05). Depression patients' RE (t = 2.17, P < 0.05) and Rpe (t = 2.96, P < 0.01) also decreased significantly compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSION: SD can improve depression symptom and executive function in depression patients.

Strand-specific RNA-Seq reveals widespread and developmentally regulated transcription of natural antisense transcripts in Plasmodium falciparum.

BACKGROUND: Advances in high-throughput sequencing have led to the discovery of widespread transcription of natural antisense transcripts (NATs) in a large number of organisms, where these transcripts have been shown to play important roles in the regulation of gene expression. Likewise, the existence of NATs has been observed in Plasmodium but our understanding towards their genome-wide distribution remains incomplete due to the limited depth and uncertainties in the level of strand specificity of previous datasets. RESULTS: To gain insights into the genome-wide distribution of NATs in P. falciparum, we performed RNA-ligation based strand-specific RNA sequencing at unprecedented depth. Our data indicate that 78.3% of the genome is transcribed during blood-stage development. Moreover, our analysis reveals significant levels of antisense transcription from at least 24% of protein-coding genes and that while expression levels of NATs change during the intraerythrocytic developmental cycle (IDC), they do not correlate with the corresponding mRNA levels. Interestingly, antisense transcription is not evenly distributed across coding regions (CDSs) but strongly clustered towards the 3'-end of CDSs. Furthermore, for a significant subset of NATs, transcript levels correlate with mRNA levels of neighboring genes.Finally, we were able to identify the polyadenylation sites (PASs) for a subset of NATs, demonstrating that at least some NATs are polyadenylated. We also mapped the PASs of 3443 coding genes, yielding an average 3' untranslated region length of 523 bp. CONCLUSIONS: Our strand-specific analysis of the P. falciparum transcriptome expands and strengthens the existing body of evidence that antisense transcription is a substantial phenomenon in P. falciparum. For a subset of neighboring genes we find that sense and antisense transcript levels are intricately linked while other NATs appear to be regulated independently of mRNA transcription. Our deep strand-specific dataset will provide a valuable resource for the precise determination of expression levels as it separates sense from antisense transcript levels, which we find to often significantly differ. In addition, the extensive novel data on 3' UTR length will allow others to perform searches for regulatory motifs in the UTRs and help understand post-translational regulation in P. falciparum.

Survivin is required for beta-cell mass expansion in the pancreatic duct-ligated mouse model.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Pancreatic beta-cell mass expands through adulthood under certain conditions. The related molecular mechanisms are elusive. This study was designed to determine whether surviving (also known as Birc5), which is transiently expressed perinatally in islets, was required for beta-cell mass expansion in the pancreatic duct-ligated mouse model. METHODS: Mice with beta cell-specific deletion of survivin (RIPCre(+)survivin(fl/fl)) and their control littermates (RIPCre(+)survivin(+/+)) were examined to determine the essential role of survivin in partial pancreatic duct ligation (PDL)-induced beta-cell proliferation, function and survival. RESULTS: Resurgence of survivin expression occurred as early as day 3 post-PDL. By day 7 post-PDL, control mice showed significant expansion of beta-cell mass and increase in beta-cell proliferation and islet number in the ligated tail of the pancreas. However, mice deficient in beta-cell survivin showed a defect in beta-cell mass expansion and proliferation with a marked attenuation in the increase of total islet number, largely due to an impairment in the increase in number of larger islets while sparing the increase in number of small islets in the ligated tail of pancreas, resulting in insufficient insulin secretion and glucose intolerance. Importantly however, beta cell neogenesis and apoptosis were not affected by the absence of survivin in beta cells after PDL. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our results indicate that survivin is essential for beta-cell mass expansion after PDL. Survivin appears to exhibit a preferential requirement for proliferation of preexisting beta cells.