Functional and structural investigation of a broadly neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibody.

Since its emergence, SARS-CoV-2 has been continuously evolving, hampering the effectiveness of current vaccines against COVID-19. mAbs can be used to treat patients at risk of severe COVID-19. Thus, the development of broadly protective mAbs and an understanding of the underlying protective mechanisms are of great importance. Here, we isolated mAbs from donors with breakthrough infection with Omicron subvariants using a single-B cell screening platform. We identified a mAb, O5C2, which possesses broad-spectrum neutralization and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxic activities against SARS-CoV-2 variants, including EG.5.1. Single-particle analysis by cryo-electron microscopy revealed that O5C2 targeted an unusually large epitope within the receptor-binding domain of spike protein that overlapped with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 binding interface. Furthermore, O5C2 effectively protected against BA.5 Omicron infection in vivo by mediating changes in transcriptomes enriched in genes involved in apoptosis and interferon responses. Our findings provide insights into the development of pan-protective mAbs against SARS-CoV-2.

Design and experimentation of multi-fruit envelope-cutting kiwifruit picking robot.

Currently kiwifruit picking process mainly leverages manual labor, which has low productivity and high labor intensity, meanwhile, the existing kiwifruit picking machinery also has low picking efficiency and easily damages fruits. In this regard, a kiwifruit picking robot suitable for orchard operations was developed in this paper for kiwifruit grown in orchard trellis style. First, based on the analysis of kiwifruit growth pattern and cultivation parameters, the expected design requirements and objectives of a kiwifruit picking robot were proposed, and the expected workflow of the robot in the kiwifruit orchard environment was given, which in turn led to a multi-fruit envelope-cutting kiwifruit picking robot was designed. Then, the D-H method was used to establish the kinematic Equations of the kiwifruit-picking robot, the forward and inverse kinematic calculations were carried out, and the Monte Carlo method was used to analyze the workspace of the robot. By planning the trajectory of the robotic arm and calculating critical nodes in the picking path, the scheme of trajectory planning of the robot was given, and MATLAB software was applied to simulate the motion trajectory as well as to verify the feasibility of the trajectory planning scheme and the picking strategy. Finally, a kiwifruit picking test bed was set up to conduct picking tests in the form of fruit clusters. The results show that the average time to pick each cluster of fruit was 9.7s, the picking success rate was 88.0%, and the picking damage rate was 7.3%. All the indicators met the requirements of the expected design of the kiwifruit-picking robot.

Comparisons on the intraoperative desaturation and postoperative outcomes in non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery with supraglottic airway devices or high-flow nasal oxygen: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have compared intraoperative oxygenation and perioperative outcomes between non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS) with supraglottic airway devices (SADs) and NIVATS with high flow nasal oxygenation (HFNO). The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the intraoperative desaturation rate and postoperative outcomes between NIVATS with SADs and NIVATS with HFNO. METHODS: Data regarding NIVATS performed for lung cancer from January 2020 to December 2021 were collected. Intraoperative anesthetic results, post-anesthetic adverse effects, and surgical outcomes for patients who received SAD or HFNO were analyzed using propensity score-matched and unmatched analysis. RESULTS: In total, 199 patients with i-gel™ and 95 patients with HFNO were included. Significantly more female patients (91.6 vs. 82.4%, p = 0.0378) and fewer wedge resections (78.9 vs. 85.4%, p = 0.0258) were observed in the HFNO group. Among 250 patients who underwent NIVATS wedge resections under total intravenous anesthesia, those who received HFNO had a significantly higher desaturation event rate (19.8% vs. 7.9% in i-gel™ group; p = 0.0063), lower nadir SPO2 (94.0% vs. 96.1% in i-gel™ group; p = 0.0012), and longer hospitalization (4.0 ± 0.8 vs. 3.6 ± 0.6 in i-gel™ group; p < 0.0001). However, propensity score matching analysis revealed no significant between-group difference in the desaturation rate. A log-rank test revealed that smoking (p = 0.0005) and HFNO (p = 0.0074) were associated with intraoperative desaturation. CONCLUSION: The rate of SAD use in NIVATS was twice the rate of HFNO use, especially for wedge resections. There is uncertain airway patency and limited flow through HFNO during one-lung ventilation, whereas SADs like i-gel™ presented a significantly less intraoperative desaturation rate over time and similar postoperative outcomes.

Improving speed and strength in long-distance running training / Aperfeiçoamento de velocidade e força no treinamento de corrida de longa distância / Perfeccionamiento de la velocidad y de la fuerza en el entrenamiento de carreras de larga distancia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Long-distance running is a typical physical endurance sport. The athletes' fitness level plays a dominant and central role in the components of their competitive ability. Whether long-distance runners can win in fierce competition depends mainly on the endurance of their physical fitness. Objective: To analyze the physical training methods of long-distance runners and discuss the improvement of speed and strength of long-distance runners through physical training. Methods: This paper uses literature materials, expert interviews, and experimental methods to research the training practice of middle and long-distance runners in colleges and universities. The data collected comprised an experimental protocol performed on volunteer long-distance runners. The above research determined the effect of physical training on speed and strength in long-distance runners. Results: After the 12-week experimental intervention, the overall strength, flexibility, and flexibility of the long-distance runners were improved, and the data were statistically significant (P<0.05). The aerobic workability and anaerobic capacity of the athletes were improved through the experiment. Conclusion: Physical training can improve the speed and strength of long-distance runners. Athletes can increase physical training with this protocol in their daily training. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A corrida de longa distância é um esporte típico de resistência física. O nível de aptidão física dos atletas desempenha um papel dominante e central nos componentes de sua capacidade competitiva. Se os corredores de longa distância podem vencer em competições acirradas depende principalmente da resistência de sua aptidão física. Objetivo: Analisar os métodos de treinamento físico dos corredores de longa distância e discutir o aperfeiçoamento da velocidade e da força dos corredores de longa distância através do treinamento físico. Métodos: Este artigo utiliza materiais de literatura, entrevistas com especialistas e métodos experimentais para conduzir pesquisas aplicadas na prática de treinamento de corredores de média e longa distância em faculdades e universidades. Os dados coletados compuseram um protocolo experimental executado em atletas de longa distância voluntários. A pesquisa acima determinou o efeito do treinamento físico sobre a velocidade e a força dos corredores de longa distância. Resultados: Após as 12 semanas de intervenção experimental, a força geral, flexibilidade e flexibilidade dos corredores de longa distância foram aprimoradas e os dados foram estatisticamente significativos (P<0,05). A trabalhabilidade aeróbica e a capacidade anaeróbica dos atletas foram melhoradas através do experimento. Conclusão: O treinamento físico pode melhorar a velocidade e a força dos corredores de longa distância. Os atletas podem incrementar o treinamento físico com este protocolo em seu treinamento diário. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La carrera de larga distancia es un deporte típico de resistencia física. El nivel de forma física de los deportistas desempeña un papel dominante y central en los componentes de su capacidad competitiva. La posibilidad de que los corredores de larga distancia puedan ganar en competiciones feroces depende principalmente de la resistencia de su estado físico. Objetivo: Analizar los métodos de entrenamiento físico de los corredores de larga distancia y discutir la mejora de la velocidad y la fuerza de los corredores de fondo mediante el entrenamiento físico. Métodos: Este trabajo utiliza materiales bibliográficos, entrevistas a expertos y métodos experimentales para llevar a cabo una investigación aplicada a la práctica del entrenamiento de corredores de media y larga distancia en colegios y universidades. Los datos recogidos comprendían un protocolo experimental realizado en atletas voluntarios de larga distancia. La investigación anterior determinó el efecto del entrenamiento físico sobre la velocidad y la fuerza en corredores de larga distancia. Resultados: Tras la intervención experimental de 12 semanas, la fuerza, la flexibilidad y la flexibilidad generales de los corredores de fondo mejoraron y los datos fueron estadísticamente significativos (P<0,05). La capacidad de trabajo aeróbico y la capacidad anaeróbica de los atletas mejoraron con el experimento. Conclusión: El entrenamiento físico puede mejorar la velocidad y la fuerza de los corredores de larga distancia. Los atletas pueden aumentar el entrenamiento físico con este protocolo en su entrenamiento diario. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Influence of upper body stretching exercises on shot put / Influência dos exercícios de alongamento da parte superior do corpo no arremesso de peso / Influencia de los ejercicios de estiramiento de la parte superior del cuerpo en el lanzamiento de peso

ABSTRACT Introduction The technique in the shot put and the ability in the throwing stage are two important factors that determine the ability of athletes. Qualified experts and coaches attach great importance to training and research on the ability of the throwing stage and the ability to throw. Objective Compare gravity load training and single incremental load training through practical means, analyzing the impacts on throwing ability in athletes. Methods The self-assessment method was used to conduct the comparative experiment on different forms of strength training in 20 college students. The experimental scheme adopts the single incremental load strength training, and the control scheme adopts the traditional barbell training. Results : After the experiment, the hand angle of group I was significantly higher than that of group II (P < 0.05); after the experiment, the shoulder angle of group I was significantly higher than that of group II (P < 0.05); after the experiment, the performance of the seated shot placed in group I was significantly higher than that of group II (P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the standing performance (P > 0.05). Conclusion Single incremental load training can significantly improve the throwing ability of shot put athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução A técnica no arremesso de peso e a habilidade na etapa de arremessar são dois fatores importantes que determinam a habilidade dos atletas Especialistas e treinadores qualificados atribuem grande importância ao treinamento e pesquisa sobre a habilidade da fase de arremesso e a capacidade de arremessar. Objetivo Comparar o treinamento com carga gravitacional e o treinamento com carga incremental única através de meios experimentais, analisando os impactos na habilidade de arremesso nos atletas. Métodos O método de auto-avaliação foi usado para realizar o experimento comparativo de diferentes formas de treinamento de força em 20 estudantes universitários. O esquema experimental adota o treinamento único de força de carga incremental, e o esquema de controle adota o treinamento tradicional de barra. Resultados : Após o experimento, o ângulo da mão do grupo I foi significativamente maior do que o do grupo II (P < 0,05); após o experimento, o ângulo do ombro do grupo I foi significativamente maior do que o do grupo II (P < 0,05); após o experimento, o desempenho do tiro sentado colocado no grupo I foi significativamente maior do que o do grupo II (P < 0,05), e não houve diferença significativa no desempenho em pé (P > 0,05). Conclusão O treinamento com carga incremental única pode melhorar significativamente a capacidade de arremesso dos atletas de arremesso de peso. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción La técnica en el lanzamiento de peso y la habilidad en la fase de lanzamiento son dos factores importantes que determinan la habilidad de los atletas. Los especialistas y entrenadores cualificados atribuyen gran importancia a la formación y a la investigación sobre la habilidad de la fase de lanzamiento y la habilidad de lanzamiento. Objetivo Comparar el entrenamiento con carga gravitacional y el entrenamiento con carga incremental única a través de medios experimentales, analizando los impactos en la capacidad de lanzamiento en los atletas. Métodos Se utilizó el método de autoevaluación para realizar el experimento comparativo de diferentes formas de entrenamiento de fuerza en 20 estudiantes universitarios. El esquema experimental adopta el entrenamiento de fuerza con una sola carga incremental, y el esquema de control adopta el entrenamiento tradicional con barra. Resultados : Después del experimento, el ángulo de la mano del grupo I fue significativamente mayor que el del grupo II (P < 0,05); después del experimento, el ángulo del hombro del grupo I fue significativamente mayor que el del grupo II (P < 0,05); después del experimento, el rendimiento del lanzamiento de peso sentado del grupo I fue significativamente mayor que el del grupo II (P < 0,05), y no hubo diferencias significativas en el rendimiento de pie (P > 0,05). Conclusión El entrenamiento con una sola carga incremental puede mejorar significativamente la capacidad de lanzamiento de los atletas de lanzamiento de peso. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

The role of muscle relaxation in badminton players / O papel do relaxamento muscular em jogadores de badminton / El papel de la relajación muscular en jugadores de bádminton

ABSTRACT Introduction: In training, fatigue and recovery are antagonistic factors. Physical rehabilitation of athletes and elimination of sports fatigue have gradually become essential factors in improving competitiveness. Muscle relaxation exercises can reduce badminton players' physical effort, allowing them to recover quickly. Objective: Analyze muscle relaxation's effect on fatigue relief until the normalization of physical strength in badminton players. Methods: Twelve badminton players were grouped in cross-sectional tests. During the three weeks of physical training, players performed two training methods: muscle relaxation and complete rest. Laboratory analysis encompassed blood biomarkers such as urea and creatine kinase. Data were collected before and after the interventions, confronted, and studied mathematically and statistically. Results: The proportions of leukocytes and lymphocytes in the muscle relaxation group after resistance exercise were lower than before. The decrease of morning leukocytes in the muscle relaxation group on the second day was less than in the resting group. The recovery effect of the lymphocyte ratio was also better. After special strength training, the value of creatine kinase was significantly higher than before exercise in both the muscle relaxation group and the complete rest group. Conclusion: Muscle relaxation can reduce exercise fatigue in badminton players. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: No treinamento, fadiga e recuperação são fatores antagônicos. A reabilitação física dos atletas e a eliminação da fadiga esportiva tornaram-se gradualmente fatores essenciais para melhorar a competitividade. O exercício de relaxamento muscular pode reduzir o esforço físico dos jogadores de badminton, permitindo ao jogador recuperar-se rapidamente. Objetivo: Analisar o efeito do relaxamento muscular sobre o alívio da fadiga até a normalização da força física nos jogadores de badminton. Métodos: Foram agrupados 12 jogadores de badminton em testes transversais. Durante as três semanas de treinamento físico, os jogadores realizaram dois métodos de treinamento: relaxamento muscular e repouso completo. A análise laboratorial englobou biomarcadores sanguíneos, como ureia e creatina cinase. Os dados foram coletados antes e após as intervenções, confrontados e estudados de forma matemática e estatística. Resultados: As proporções de leucócitos e linfócitos no grupo de relaxamento muscular após o exercício de resistência foram menores do que antes. A diminuição dos leucócitos matinais no grupo de relaxamento muscular no segundo dia foi menor do que no grupo de repouso, e o efeito de recuperação da relação de linfócitos também foi melhor. Após o treinamento especial de força, o valor da creatina quinase foi significativamente maior do que antes do exercício tanto no grupo de relaxamento muscular quanto no grupo de repouso completo. Conclusão: O relaxamento muscular pode reduzir a fadiga do exercício nos jogadores de badminton. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: En el entrenamiento, la fatiga y la recuperación son factores antagónicos. La rehabilitación física de los atletas y la eliminación de la fatiga deportiva se han convertido gradualmente en factores esenciales para mejorar la competitividad. El ejercicio de relajación muscular puede reducir el esfuerzo físico de los jugadores de bádminton, permitiendo que el jugador se recupere rápidamente. Objetivo: Analizar el efecto de la relajación muscular en el alivio de la fatiga hasta la normalización de la fuerza física en jugadores de bádminton. Métodos: Se agruparon doce jugadores de bádminton en pruebas transversales. Durante las tres semanas de entrenamiento físico, los jugadores realizaron dos métodos de entrenamiento: la relajación muscular y el descanso completo. Los análisis de laboratorio incluían biomarcadores sanguíneos como la urea y la creatina quinasa. Los datos se recogieron antes y después de las intervenciones, se confrontaron y se estudiaron matemática y estadísticamente. Resultados: Las proporciones de leucocitos y linfocitos en el grupo de relajación muscular tras el ejercicio de resistencia fueron menores que antes. La disminución de los leucocitos matinales en el grupo de relajación muscular en el segundo día fue menor que en el grupo de reposo, y el efecto de recuperación de la proporción de linfocitos también fue mejor. Después del entrenamiento especial de fuerza, el valor de la creatina quinasa fue significativamente mayor que antes del ejercicio tanto en el grupo de relajación muscular como en el de reposo completo. Conclusión: La relajación muscular puede reducir la fatiga del ejercicio en los jugadores de bádminton. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Immunoglobulin Y Specific for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Subunits Effectively Neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity and Ameliorates Disease Manifestations In Vivo.

(Background) The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) carries high infectivity and mortality. Efficient intervention strategies are urgently needed. Avian immunoglobulin Y (IgY) showed efficacy against viral infection whereas the in vivo efficacy remains unclear. (Methods) We immunized laying hens with S1, S1 receptor-binding domain (S1-RBD), or S2 subunits of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. After immunization, IgYs were collected and extracted from the egg yolks. The neutralization potential of IgYs was examined by the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). The bioutility of IgYs was examined in Syrian hamsters in vivo. (Results) IgYs exhibited typical banding patterns in SDS-PAGE and Western blot and were immunoreactive against S1, S1-RBD, and S2 subunits. The plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) showed that all purified IgYs potently neutralized different SARS-CoV-2 strains in vitro. In Syrian hamsters, the combination of IgYs for S1-RBD and S2 subunits administered before or after SARS-CoV-2 infection effectively restored body weight loss and reduced intrapulmonary lesions and the amount of immunoreactive N protein-positive cells, which were caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. (Conclusions) Collectively, IgYs specific for S protein subunits effectively neutralized SARS-CoV-2 in vitro and in vivo and may serve as prophylactic or therapeutic antibodies in the prevention or treatment of COVID-19.

Influenza A virus NS1 protein represses antiviral immune response by hijacking NF-κB to mediate transcription of type III IFN.

Background: Non-structural protein 1 (NS1), one of the viral proteins of influenza A viruses (IAVs), plays a crucial role in evading host antiviral immune response. It is known that the IAV NS1 protein regulates the antiviral genes response mainly through several different molecular mechanisms in cytoplasm. Current evidence suggests that NS1 represses the transcription of IFNB1 gene by inhibiting the recruitment of Pol II to its exons and promoters in infected cells. However, IAV NS1 whether can utilize a common mechanism to antagonize antiviral response by interacting with cellular DNA and immune-related transcription factors in the nucleus, is not yet clear. Methods: Chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing (ChIP-seq) was used to determine genome-wide transcriptional DNA-binding sites for NS1 and NF-κB in viral infection. Next, we used ChIP-reChIP, luciferase reporter assay and secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) assay to provide information on the dynamic binding of NS1 and NF-κB to chromatin. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptomic analyses were used to explore the critical role of NS1 and NF-κB in IAV infection as well as the detailed processes governing host antiviral response. Results: Herein, NS1 was found to co-localize with NF-κB using ChIP-seq. ChIP-reChIP and luciferase reporter assay confirmed the co-localization of NS1 and NF-κB at type III IFN genes, such as IFNL1, IFNL2, and IFNL3. We discovered that NS1 disturbed binding manners of NF-κB to inhibit IFNL1 expression. NS1 hijacked NF-κB from a typical IFNL1 promoter to the exon-intron region of IFNL1 and decreased the enrichment of RNA polymerase II and H3K27ac, a chromatin accessibility marker, in the promoter region of IFNL1 during IAV infection, consequently reducing IFNL1 gene expression. NS1 deletion enhanced the enrichment of RNA polymerase II at the IFNL1 promoter and promoted its expression. Conclusion: Overall, NS1 hijacked NF-κB to prevent its interaction with the IFNL1 promoter and restricted the open chromatin architecture of the promoter, thereby abating antiviral gene expression.

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Exacerbates Viral Entry in SARS-CoV2-Infected iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with high infectivity and mortality has caused severe social and economic impacts worldwide. Growing reports of COVID-19 patients with multi-organ damage indicated that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) may also disturb the cardiovascular system. Herein, we used human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes (iCMs) as the in vitro platform to examine the consequence of SARS-CoV2 infection on iCMs. Differentiated iCMs expressed the primary SARS-CoV2 receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme-II (ACE2) and the transmembrane protease serine type 2 (TMPRSS2) receptor suggesting the susceptibility of iCMs to SARS-CoV2. Following the infection of iCMs with SARS-CoV2, the viral nucleocapsid (N) protein was detected in the host cells, demonstrating the successful infection. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the SARS-CoV2 infection upregulates several inflammation-related genes, including the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The pretreatment of iCMs with TNF-α for 24 h, significantly increased the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2, SASR-CoV2 entry receptors. The TNF-α pretreatment enhanced the entry of GFP-expressing SARS-CoV2 pseudovirus into iCMs, and the neutralization of TNF-α ameliorated the TNF-α-enhanced viral entry. Collectively, SARS-CoV2 elevated TNF-α expression, which in turn enhanced the SARS-CoV2 viral entry. Our findings suggest that, TNF-α may participate in the cytokine storm and aggravate the myocardial damage in COVID-19 patients.

Zinc finger protein ZFP36L1 inhibits influenza A virus through translational repression by targeting HA, M and NS RNA transcripts.

ZFP36L1, a CCCH-type zinc finger protein, is an RNA-binding protein that participates in controlling cellular mRNA abundance and turnover by posttranscriptional regulation. Here, we demonstrated that ZFP36L1 has an important role in host defense against influenza A virus (IAV) infection. Overexpression of ZFP36L1 reduced IAV replication via translational repression of HA, M and NS RNA segment transcripts. IAV infection upregulated cellular ZFP36L1 expression, and endogenous ZFP36L1 knockdown significantly enhanced IAV replication. ZFP36L1 directly binds to IAV NS1 mRNA in the cytoplasm and blocks the expression and function of NS1 protein. Mutation of CCCH-type zinc finger domains of ZFP36L1 lost its antiviral potential and NS1 mRNA binding. Thus, ZFP36L1 can act as a host innate defense by targeting HA, M and NS mRNA transcripts to suppress viral protein translation.

Rapid Induction and Maintenance of Remission in Refractory Ulcerative Colitis with Ustekinumab.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic debilitating disease characterized by relapsing in intestinal inflammation and ulcers with no available cure. This is a clinical case report of a 52-year-old female patient with 30 years history of left-sided chronic ulcerative colitis controlled with standard of care (mesalamine and azathioprine) which subsequently relapsed and developed into active refractory ulcerative colitis. The patient became unresponsive to her medications including different forms of mesalamines and did not respond favorably to any of the other current therapies. Numerous attempts to stabilize her condition with immunosuppressants, steroids, probiotics, antibiotics, mesalamines, and various biologic agents failed to improve her clinical symptoms, and the patient was being considered for colectomy. As the last resort, modified therapy was prescribed with ustekinumab, a non-selective, anti-IL12/23 p40 monoclonal antibody. This medication has not been yet approved for use in ulcerative colitis patients. In this clinical case we report the efficacy of ustekinumab to rapidly induce and maintain remission of the severe chronic ulcerative colitis in the patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of utilizing ustakinamub therapy for rapid induction in an active refractory ulcerative colitis patient resulting in complete remission for over one year.

Antioxidant vitamin E protects embryos of Xenopus tropicalis against lambda-cyhalothrin induced embryotoxicity.

Pesticides are capable of increasing risks to the early development of nontarget organisms through oxidative stress. The supplementation of antioxidants could help to modulate the toxic effects of pesticides, but much remains to be understood in the interactions between pesticides and antioxidants in amphibians. In the present study, the embryotoxicity of a widely used pyrethroid, lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT), and the potential effect of α-tocopherol (TOC) on embryos of Xenopus tropicalis were evaluated. Exposure to LCT did not affect the hatch rate, survival, or body length of the embryos. However, environmentally relevant concentrations of LCT could induce significant malformations on the larvae. Exposure to LCT led to a concentration-dependent induction of oxidative stress and cytotoxicity that subsequently resulted in embryotoxicity. During the early developmental stages, vitamin E could work as a powerful protective antioxidant. The LCT-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species and increased enzymatic activities were fully inhibited by treatment with 1 µg/L TOC. However, only supplementation with 100 µg/L TOC provided partial protection against the morphological changes caused by LCT. The results from the present study suggest that antioxidant vitamin E possesses protective potential against pyrethroid-induced embryotoxicity in amphibian embryos through the prevention of oxidative stress.

New method of lung cancer detection by saliva test using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a surface-sensitive technique that enhances Raman scattering by molecules adsorbed on nanostructures. The advantages of using SERS include high detection sensibility and fast analysis, thus it is a potentially promising tool for sensing metabolic cancer molecules in trace amounts. To explore this new method of lung cancer detection, we analyzed saliva samples from 61 lung cancer patients and 66 healthy controls. An SERS system and a nano-modified chip were used in this study. Statistics were analyzed using support vector machine (SVM) and random forest algorithms. The leave-one-out algorithm was used based on SVM results to analyze differences in saliva between lung cancer patients and controls. There was a significant difference between the saliva of patients with lung cancer and healthy controls using the Raman spectrum; the intensity of the spectral line in lung cancer patients was weaker than in controls and 12 characteristic peaks were detected. Saliva SERS peaks have been characterized to refer to tissues, body fluids, and biological standard Raman peaks, but it is difficult to identify molecules with current information. The sensitivity and specificity of Raman spectroscopy data and SVM classification results of lung cancer patients and normal saliva samples were both 100%. Using the leave-one-out algorithm, the sensitivity was 95.08% and the specificity was 100%. The sensitivity of the random forest method was 96.72% and specificity was 100%. Our results show that SERS has the potential to detect lung cancer.

Core-shell of FePt@SiO2-Au magnetic nanoparticles for rapid SERS detection.

In this study, multifunctional hybrid nanoparticles composed of iron platinum (FePt), silica (SiO2), and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) had been developed for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) application. Core-shell structure of SiO2 and FePt nanoparticles (FePt@SiO2) was fabricated through sol-gel process and then immobilized gold nanoparticles onto the surface of FePt@SiO2, which displays huge Raman enhancement effect and magnetic separation capability. The resulting core-shell nanoparticles were subject to evaluation by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), zeta potential measurement, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). TEM observation revealed that the particle size of resultant nanoparticles displayed spherical structure with the size ~30 nm and further proved the successful immobilization of Au onto the surface of FePt@SiO2. Zeta potential measurement exhibited the successful reaction between FePt@SiO2 and AuNPs. The rapid SERS detection and identification of small biomolecules (adenine) and microorganisms (gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus) was conducted through Raman spectroscopy. In summary, the novel core-shell magnetic nanoparticles could be anticipated to apply in the rapid magnetic separation under the external magnetic field due to the core of the FePt superparamagnetic nanoparticles and label-free SERS bio-sensing of biomolecules and bacteria.

[Effects of root cutting under different seedling conditions on root system distribution and senescence character of peanut].

The effects of root cutting on root system distribution and senescence character of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) under different seedling conditions were investigated by using the box culture method. The results showed that, with three types of peanut seedlings, including overgrowing, strong and week seedlings, root cutting all first restricted and then promoted the root system growth, especially promoted the root growth to deep soil. This effect was stronger on the overgrowing and strong seedlings, while relatively weaker on the weak seedlings. After root cutting, root activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activity all reduced at first, and then increased, compared with each control. The extents of decrease in root activity, SOD and POD activity were highest in the weak seedlings, lowest in the overgrowing seedlings, and moderate in the strong seedlings. However, in the later stage after root cutting, the extents of increase in root activity, SOD and POD activity were higher in the overgrowing and strong seedlings, than in the weak seedlings. Generally, root cutting could promote the root activity of peanut and delay the senescence.

[The circuit design of an alarm system for the old solitary man based on daily life].

The system with DS1302 as its clock makes one hour as one basic time unit, and thus there will be 24 monitoring segments in a day. It watches the movements of the aged through the sensors placed in the house-rooms such as bedroom, kitchen, and obtains the data of the movements and activities. Based on the data the MCU (Micro Control Unit) will make an hourly judgment whether the movements and activities are normal ones. When the system makes sure they are abnormal, it will dial out the setting telephone saved in EEPROM, waiting for the other end to pick up phone and then will send the tone alarm out. Once an accident happens, the alarm will be started up immediately by pressing the emergency button of the remote control. When the aged is out, he or she can shift the health mode to the away mode by the remote control, and the system will act as a home security system. In simulation experiments, the system works well at recognizing the data of movements and has a very low mis-alarm ratio. The system provides a viable solution to the social problem of looking after the aged who lives alone.