The structural stability, electronic properties regulation and feasibility of controllable preparation of a C0.5/(BN)0.5 heterojunction single-walled nanotube.

Our work investigates the structural stability of a C0.5/(BN)0.5 heterojunction single-walled nanotube by comparing the binding energy. The energy band structure, electronic density of states and regulation relation between band gap and indirect-direct properties and tube diameter and type are systematically studied. Based on existing experimental and theoretical results, dynamic simulated calculating of the stitching process is carried out to explore the feasibility of controllable preparation.

Obtaining a Reliable Diagnostic Biomarker for Diabetes Mellitus by Standardizing Salivary Glucose Measurements.

Salivary glucose is frequently utilized in diabetes mellitus (DM), and it might be proposed as a potential biomarker candidate for DM, as it is non-invasive and cost-effective and achieves adequate diagnostic performance for DM patients. However, salivary glucose levels may change under specific conditions. It is consequently essential to maintain a consistent strategy for measuring saliva, taking into account the possibility of external factors influencing salivary glucose levels. In this study, we analyzed salivary glucose levels under different handling conditions and donor-dependent factors, including age, interdiurnal variations, and collection and processing methods. A structured questionnaire was used to determine the symptoms and predisposing factors of DM. The glucose oxidase peroxidase method was used to estimate glucose levels in the blood and saliva of people in a fasting state. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of such conditions on salivary glucose levels. We found that these extraneous variables should be taken into account in the future when salivary glucose is used as a predictive biomarker for DM.

Stimulated Parotid Saliva Is a Better Method for Depression Prediction.

BACKGROUND: Saliva cortisol is considered to be a biomarker of depression prediction. However, saliva collection methods can affect the saliva cortisol level. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the ideal saliva collection method and explore the application value of saliva cortisol in depression prediction. METHODS: 30 depressed patients and 30 healthy controls were instructed to collect saliva samples in the morning with six collection methods. Simultaneous venous blood was collected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the cortisol level. The 24-observerrated Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD-24) was used to assess the severity of depression. RESULTS: The significant differences in saliva cortisol levels depend on the saliva collection methods. The level of unstimulated whole saliva cortisol was most correlated with blood (r = 0.91). The stimulated parotid saliva cortisol can better predict depression. The area under the curve was 0.89. In addition, the saliva cortisol level of the depression patients was significantly higher than the healthy controls. The correlation between the cortisol level and the HAMD-24 score was highly significant. The higher the saliva cortisol level, the higher the HAMD-24 score. CONCLUSIONS: All the above findings point to an exciting opportunity for non-invasive monitoring of cortisol through saliva.