Sex difference in nocturnal blood pressure dipping in adolescents with varying degrees of adiposity.

BACKGROUND: For adolescents, abnormal dipping patterns in blood pressure (BP) are associated with early-onset organ damage and a higher risk of cardiovascular disorders in adulthood. Obesity is one of the most common reasons for abnormal BP dipping in young people. However, it is unknown whether the severity of obesity is associated with BP dipping status and whether this association is sex-dependent. METHODS: 499 participants between 12 and 17 years old with overweight or obesity underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) between April 2018 and January 2019 in Beijing and Baoding. Participants were grouped by body mass index (BMI) into overweight (BMI 85th-95th percentile), obese (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) and severely obese (BMI ≥ 120% of 95th percentile or ≥ 35 kg/m2) groups. Non-dipping was defined as a < 10% reduction in BP from day to night. The interaction effect between sex and obesity degree was also analyzed. RESULTS: 326 boys and 173 girls were included, of whom 130 were overweight, 189 were obese, and 180 were severely obese. Girls with severe obesity had a higher prevalence of non-dipping, but boys showed no significant differences in BP dipping status between obesity categories. In addition, as obesity severity went up, a more evident increase in night-time SBP was observed in girls than in boys. CONCLUSIONS: Severely obese is associated with a higher prevalence of non-BP dipping patterns in girls than in boys, which suggests that the relationship between the severity of obesity and BP dipping status might be sex-specific.

Construction of a dual-excitation ratiometric fluorescent probe for determining peroxynitrite levels in living cells and zebrafish.

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is a highly reactive oxygen species that plays a critical role in many physiological and pathological processes of cell function. This study aimed to propose a ratiometric fluorescent probe BDHCA derived from coumarin for determining the ONOO- level. ONOO- could specifically induce oxidative cleavage of the conjugated C = C double bond in probe BDHCA, providing a fluorescent ratiometric output. The response of probe BDHCA to ONOO- was selective, fast, and highly sensitive, with a detection limit of 50.3 nM. Biological imaging experiments suggested that probe BDHCA could be used to image ONOO- in living RAW264.7 cells and zebrafish.

A dihydro-benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline-based probe with aggregation-induced ratiometric emission for the ratiometric fluorescent detection of peroxynitrite in living cells and zebrafish.

As a significant kind of reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite (ONOO-) plays an indispensable role in many physiological and pathological processes. This study aimed to synthesize a novel dihydro-benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline-based probe 1 for detecting ONOO-. In 99.5% H2O solution, probe 1 displayed a distinct aggregation-induced ratiometric emission (AIRE), and would selectively respond toward ONOO-via a ratiometric fluorescent signal, along with a short response time (<30 s) and ultra-sensitivity (LOD = 17.6 nM). Moreover, the probe was applied for monitoring the concentration fluctuations of ONOO- in HeLa cells and zebrafish.

A zeolitic imidazolate framework-90-based probe for fluorescent detection of mitochondrial hypochlorite in living cells and zebrafish.

An inorganic-organic hybrid probe MP-ZIF-90 was synthesized via a simple condensation reaction based on the free CHO groups of zeolitic imidazolate framework-90 (ZIF-90) and 4-methyl-1-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl)pyridinium bromide (MP). This probe exhibited intense green emission, which was selectively quenched by the addition of ClO- anions. The response of probe MP-ZIF-90 toward ClO- was rapid (within 20 s) and sensitive, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.612 µM. Importantly, the utilization of the probe in the fluorescence imaging of ClO- anions in the mitochondria of living cells and zebrafish was demonstrated.

A coumarin-pyrazole-based probe for the fluorescence detection of phosgene with high selectivity and sensitivity.

The high toxicity of phosgene poses potential threats to public health and safety. In this work, a novel fluorescent probe was designed to detect phosgene using hydroxyl and pyrazole moieties as the recognition sites. The response to phosgene with probe 1 was fast (less than 30 s), highly selective and sensitive with the limit of detection being 4.78 nM in solution. Furthermore, probe 1 was employed to conveniently fabricate paper test strips for efficiently detecting phosgene gas. The limit of detection was obtained as 0.014 ppm by using a smartphone RGB app, revealing that probe 1 has good prospects for sensitively detecting phosgene gas.

A p-toluenesulfonamide-modified benzo[h]chromene hydrazone: Fluorescent turn-on detection of hypochlorite and its application to imaging the endoplasmic reticula of living cells and zebrafishes.

Hypochlorite (ClO-) is a ROS that plays a crucial role in the immune system in the body. As the largest organelle in the cell, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) manages various life activities. Thus, a simple hydrazone-based probe was designed, which provided a fast turn-on fluorescent response toward ClO-. With a terminal p-toluenesulfonamide group as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-specific site, probe 1 was mainly accumulated at ER of living cells, and could be used for imaging endogenous and exogenous HClO in cells and zebrafishes.

Traditional Chinese Manual Therapy (Tuina) reshape the function of default mode network in patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Purpose: Investigating the changes of regional homogeneity (ReHo) values and both static and dynamic functional connectivity (FC) before and after Traditional Chinese Manual Therapy (Tuina) in patients with lumbar disk herniation (LDH) through resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI). Based on this, we observe the effect of Tuina on the above abnormal changes. Methods: Patients with LDH (n = 27) and healthy controls (HCs) (n = 28) were recruited. The functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanning was performed two times in LDH patients, before Tuina (time point 1, LDH-pre) and after the sixth Tuina (time point 2, LDH-pos). And for one time in HCs which received no intervention. The ReHo values were compared between LDH-pre and HCs. The significant clusters detected by ReHo analysis were selected as seeds to calculate static functional connectivity (sFC). We also applied the sliding-window to perform dynamic functional connectivity (dFC). To evaluate the Tuina effect, the mean ReHo and FC values (both static and dynamic) were extracted from significant clusters and compared between LDH and HCs. Results: In comparison to HCs, LDH patients displayed decreased ReHo in the left orbital part middle frontal gyrus (LO-MFG). For sFC analysis, no significant difference was found. However, we found decreased dFC variance between LO-MFG and the left Fusiform, and increased dFC variance in the left orbital inferior frontal gyrus and left precuneus. Both ReHo and dFC values revealed after Tuina, the brain activities in LDH patients were similar to HCs. Conclusion: The present study characterized the altered patterns of regional homogeneity in spontaneous brain activity and those of functional connectivity in patients with LDH. Tuina can reshape the function of the default mode network (DMN) in LDH patients, which may contribute to the analgesic effect of Tuina in LDH patients.

A dual-emission fluorescence probe for the detection of viscosity and hydrazine in environmental and biological samples.

The microenvironments of biological systems are associated with the pathology of organisms. This study, aimed to construct a hemicyanine-based probe (1), which can respond to mitochondrial viscosity and hydrazine (N2H4), for imaging application in living cells and zebrafish. The probe showed no fluorescence due to the intramolecular rotation in the solution; however, it exhibited a strong emission at 730 nm when the molecules were restricted to a high-viscosity environment. The addition of N2H4 caused an elimination reaction of the N-substituted group in the pyridinium part and further broke the CC bond to produce a highly fluorescent hydrazone. Also, the probe could selectively and quantitatively detect N2H4 via the fluorescence enhancement at 510 nm in a concentration range of 0 µM-140µM, with the limit of detection being 0.0485 µM. This probe may be used to study diseases related to N2H4 and viscosity changes in biological systems. Furthermore, the analysis methods based on probe 1 for N2H4 detection in soil, water, and air samples were successfully established.

Seasonal variation of ambulatory blood pressure in Chinese hypertensive adolescents.

Background: Blood pressure (BP) exhibits seasonal variation with lower levels at higher temperatures and vice versa. This phenomenon affects both sexes and all age groups. So far, only a few research studies have investigated this condition in adolescents and none of them were based on hypertensive population or ever applied ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM). Therefore, we carried out the first study that used ABPM to record seasonal variation of blood pressure in hypertensive adolescents. Methods: From March 2018 to February 2019, 649 ABPMs from hypertensive adolescents between 13 and 17 years who were referred to wear an ABPM device in Beijing and Baoding were extracted. Seasonal change in ambulatory BP value, dipping status, and prevalence of different BP phenotypes were analyzed and compared. Results: Mean age of participants was 14.9 ± 1.5 years and 65.8% of them were boys. Of the participants, 75.3% met the criteria of overweight or obesity. From summer to winter, average 24-hour, day-time, and night-time BP showed significant rise, which was 9.8/2.8, 9.8/3.0, and 10.9/3.4 mmHg, respectively. This seasonal effect on BP was not dependent on the obesity degree. In addition, higher prevalence of nondippers and risers existed in winter while white coat hypertension was more frequent in warmer seasons. Conclusion: Hypertensive adolescents showed evident seasonal change in their ABPM results, which was featured by elevated BP level and more frequent abnormal dipping patterns in winter. On the contrary, higher prevalence of white coat hypertension was found in warmer seasons. Physicians should take seasonal variation into consideration when managing adolescent hypertension.

A pH-activated fluorescent probe via transformation of azo and hydrazone forms for lysosomal pH imaging.

We developed a fluorescent probe Sth-NH by introducing a 6-hydroxypyridone skeleton. The presence of an active proton enables the probe to transform from a deprotonated azo form to a hydrazone form in a strongly acidic environment to realize fluorescence light-up behavior, thus monitoring the lower lysosomal pH of cancer cells and distinguishing them from normal cells.

Europium (III) complex-based fluorescent probe for instantaneous, selective, and sensitive detection of phosgene.

Phosgene (carbonyl chloride, COCl2) is a widely used colorless gas in organic synthesis. However, its high toxicity sets a severe potential damage of public safety. As the fluorescence method has the advantages of simple operation and real-time detection of phosgene, it is extremely important to develop a fluorescent phosgene probe for public health and safety. This study aimed to present a simple Eu3+ complex (1) with 2-hydroxyl-1H-benzimidazole moiety as a novel phosgene probe. Probe 1 exhibited characteristic emission of Eu3+ in CH3CN solution, which was specifically quenched after encountering phosgene. The change in the solution color from light red to dark could be easily distinguished with the naked eye under a 365 nm ultraviolet lamp. Finally, the test paper with probe 1 was fabricated for effortless, selective, and visual detection of phosgene gas.

A simple colorimetric and fluorometric probe for rapid detection of CN- with large emission shift.

In this work, a novel probe R was synthesized via Knoevenagel reaction between 3H-benzo[f]chromium-2-formaldehyde and ethyl cyanoacetate for selective detection of CN- in both colorimetric and fluorescent signal channels. The recognition of CN- was through the nucleophilic reaction of CN- to C = C of probe R, which destroys π-conjugation and blocks the ICT effect of the probe, resulting in colorimetric and fluorometric responses. Probe R showed great sensitivity toward CN-, with large fluorescent emission (595 nm) and low detection limit (0.70 µM). Moreover, probe R can detect exogenous CN- in living cells.

Simultaneous detection of lysosomal SO2 and viscosity using a hemicyanine-based fluorescent probe.

The changes in sulfur dioxide and viscosity of lysosomes are significant indicators in physiological processes and the cell microenvironment. This study aimed to synthesize a hemicyanine-based probe for simultaneous detection of SO2 and viscosity. The probe could not only rationally detect sulfur dioxide in a semi-aqueous solution with high sensitivity (limit of detection = 0.78 µM) and fast response (within 30 s) but also monitor viscosity via fluorescence emission enhancement at 580 nm. Further, the dual-response probe was successfully used to image SO2 and viscosity in the lysosomes of living cells.

A novel indene-chalcone-based fluorescence probe with lysosome-targeting for detection of endogenous carboxylesterases and bioimaging.

An indene-chalcone-based fluorescence probe 1 was synthesized and characterized. Under physiological conditions (containing 5% DMSO), probe 1 showed satisfactory stability with a low background signal and recognized carboxylesterases (CEs) based on the catalytic hydrolysis of ester groups, releasing a significant green fluorescence. Probe 1 presents several features including a short response time (within 20 min), low detection limit (1.3 × 10-4 U/mL) and large stokes shift (over 155 nm). Notably, commercial lysosomal dye co-staining experiments illustrated the lysosomal localization function of 1, with the probe also being used for cell and zebrafish imaging of endogenous CEs.

A quinoline-based probe for the ratiometric fluorescent detection of sulfite in lysosomes of living cells.

A lysosome-targeting ratiometric fluorescent probe was synthesized for detecting sulfite based on sulfite-triggered nucleophilic addition reaction. Due to the specific reaction, the fluorescence intensity ratio (I530/I390) of the probe in an almost aqueous solution (0.5% DMSO) changed significantly after the addition of HSO3-, corresponding to the change in the fluorescence color of the solution from green to blue. The recognition was conducted using high-resolution mass spectrometry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and density functional theory calculations. The fluorescent probe could be utilized to quantitatively monitor HSO3- in lysosomes of living C6 glioma cells and real-water samples.

A ratiometric fluorescent probe for hydrogen sulfide in neat aqueous solution and its application in lysosome-targetable cell imaging.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been recently regarded as one of the most important gasotransmitters in the metabolic system, while abnormal H2S concentration is associated with various diseases. Although numerous fluorescent probes have been developed for the detection of cellular H2S, only a few of them can monitor lysosomal H2S with ratiometric fluorescent output. Here, we developed a water-soluble probe 1 toward H2S by introducing 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether into a novel merocyanine-based dye. As expected, H2S induced an obvious red-shift of the probe from 520 nm to 580 nm in neat aqueous solution, and this fluorescent ratiometric response is highly selective and sensitive (with the detection limit of 0.81 nM), rapid (within 10 s), and effective in a wide pH range (2.0-10.0). In particular, the probe was successfully applied for tracing H2S in the lysosomes of living cells and in zebrafish.

A deep-red lysosome-targetable fluorescent probe for detection of hypochlorous acid in pure water and its imaging application in living cells and zebrafish.

Hypochlorite plays a significant role in physiological processes, particularly regulation of lysosomal functions, and is involved in various diseases. Thus, it is crucial to develop highly sensitive and selective molecule tools to detect HClO in lysosomes. Herein, a novel 2H-benzo[h]chromene-pyridine derivative (1) was synthesized through condensation reaction, which exhibited a notable deep-red emission at 640 nm in pure water. This deep-red emission was specifically quenched by adding ClO-. The response of probe 1 toward ClO- was rapid (within 10 s), sensitive (detection limit of 0.012 µM), and effective over a wide range of pH (1.0-12.0). Due to the existence of morpholine as the lysosome-targeting unit, the probe was successfully utilized to monitor lysosomal ClO-. Moreover, the probe 1 was also applied to detecting ClO- in zebrafish.

[Reactivation of Passivated Biochar/Nanoscale Zero-Valent Iron by an Electroactive Microorganism for Cooperative Hexavalent Chromium Removal and Mechanisms].

Nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) shows excellent reduction of Cr(Ⅵ), but the passivation on its outer surface can restrict its longevity and performance. To tackle this problem, this work introduced Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, a dissimilatory iron-reducing bacterium, into the chemical reduction system of aged nZVI/biochar (B) and Cr(Ⅵ). The potential synergistic effect of Cr(Ⅵ) reduction of aged nZVI/B and MR-1 was systematically investigated under varying conditions. The results indicated that aged nZVI/B and MR-1 exhibited a synergistic effect at a pH of 7, and the removal rate of Cr(Ⅵ) increased by 51.3%. Further research showed that the synergistic effect could be attenuated with the increase in the initial Cr(Ⅵ) concentration and enhanced with the increase in the MR-1 concentration. The XPS spectra confirmed that Cr(Ⅵ) was mainly removed through reduction. The dissimilatory iron-reducing ability of MR-1 played a key role in enhancing the Cr(Ⅵ) reduction. The reductive dissolution of the oxidation layers not only released reactive sites inside the nZVI, but also reduced Cr(Ⅵ) by producing ferrous ions. Moreover, B promoted the reduction by dispersing the nZVI and mediating the extracellular electron transfer. This study provides a new insight into solving the passivation problem of the long-term application of nZVI for Cr(Ⅵ) removal, which is considered a promising solution for synergistically improving the performance of nZVI in environmental remediation.

An AIRE-active far-red ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for specifically sensing Zn2+ and resultant Zn2+ complex for subsequent pyrophosphate detection in almost pure aqueous media.

A simple Schiff-base fluorescent chemosensor (1) was synthesized by the reaction of 3-amino-pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide and 7-diethylamino-3-formylcoumarin; the sensor 1 displayed a notable green emission at 524 nm in DMSO and an aggregation-induced ratiometric emission (AIRE) at 555 nm in an almost buffered aqueous media (0.5% DMSO content). The AIRE of 1 was quenched following binding to Zn2+ ions, while the fluorescence emission in the far-red region was evidently enhanced at 628 nm. Notably, the ratiometric signal output could be utilized to specifically distinguish Zn2+ among various metal ions. Moreover, the 1-Zn2+ complex was effectively employed as a fluorescent ratiometric chemosensor for pyrophosphate (PPi) detection. The detection limit was 3.52 µM and 2.45 µM for Zn2+ and PPi, respectively. The binding mechanism was evaluated by 1H NMR, ESI-MS, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, TEM, time-resolved fluorescence spectrophotometry, and density functional theory studies. Overall, owing to its sensitive fluorescence behavior, cell imaging studies demonstrated that this sensor is capable of sensing Zn2+ and PPi in living cells.

Implant Preservation versus Implant Replacement in Revision Surgery for Adjacent Segment Disease After Thoracolumbar Instrumentation: A Retrospective Study of 43 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mechanical properties of a new connector rod aiming to preserve implants in revision surgery (RS) for adjacent segment disease, a problematic complication of instrumented spinal fusion, and to assess its clinical applicability. METHODS: The mechanical properties of the connector-rod construct (implant preservation) and traditional rod construct (implant replacement) were evaluated and compared. Forty-three patients underwent RS for adjacent segment disease in the thoracolumbar spine with implant preservation or replacement, and radiological and clinical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Mechanical properties in group A were comparable to those in group B. Total mean time from prior surgery to RS was 6.86 ± 1.08 years. Surgical time and blood loss values of group A were 40.14% and 29.29% statistically significantly smaller than values of group B. In group B, 12% (3/25) of patients developed surgical site infections. In both groups, the visual analog scale leg score decreased significantly after RS. Early postoperative (at 1-month and 3-month follow-up) Oswestry Disability Index and visual analog scale back scores of group A were significantly lower than those of group B; the difference in the visual analog scale back score between groups was significant until the 6-month follow-up. No implant failures occurred, and spinal fusion was achieved in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The connector rod is considered safe and can reduce the surgical time, blood loss, risk of complications, and medical costs. Better early postoperative clinical outcomes can be achieved with the rod owing to less surgical trauma.