Associations of the circulating levels of cytokines with risk of systemic sclerosis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomized study.

Objective: Systemic sclerosis(SSc) remains unclear, studies suggest that inflammation may be linked to its pathogenesis. Hence, we conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the association between cytokine and growth factor cycling levels and the risk of SSc onset. Methods: In our study, the instrumental variables(IVs) for circulating cytokines were sourced from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset of 8293 Finnish individuals. The SSc data comprised 302 cases and 213145 controls, and was included in the GWAS dataset. We employed four methods for the MR analysis: MR Egger, Inverse variance weighted (IVW), Weighted medium, and Weighted Mode, with IVW being the primary analytical method. Sensitivity analyses were performed using heterogeneity testing, horizontal pleiotropy testing, and the Leave One Out (LOO) method. We also conducted a reverse MR analysis to determine any reverse causal relationship between SSc and circulating cytokines. Results: After Bonferroni correction, MR analysis revealed that the Interleukin-5 (IL-5) cycle level was associated with a reduced risk of SSc [odds ratio (OR)=0.48,95% confidence interval (CI): 0.27-0.84, P=0.01]. It also indicated that the Stem cell growth factor beta (SCGF-ß) cycling level might elevate the risk of SSc (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.01-1.83, P = 0.04). However, the reverse MR analysis did not establish a causal relationship between SSc and circulating cytokine levels. Additionally, sensitivity analysis outcomes affirm the reliability of our results. Conclusion: Our MR study suggests potential causal relationships between IL-5, SCGF-ß, and the risk of SSc. Further research is essential to determine how IL-5 and SCGF-ß influence the development of SSc.

The causal impact of saturated fatty acids on rheumatoid arthritis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomisation study.

Objective: The causal relationship between saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine whether SFAs are causally related to RA using Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses. Methods: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data for RA (ukb-d-M13_RHEUMA) and SFAs (met-d-SFA) were obtained from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit OpenGWAS database. A bidirectional MR analysis was performed using a suite of algorithms, namely the MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, and inverse-variance weighted (IVW) algorithms, all integrated using the "MR" function. The robustness of the MR findings was further evaluated through sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and leave-one-out tests. Results: The IVW algorithm in the forward MR analysis indicated a causal link between SFAs and RA (p = 0.025), identifying SFAs as a risk factor for RA (odds ratio = 1.001). Sensitivity analyses indicated no significant heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, or severe bias, reinforcing the credibility of the forward MR results. However, the reverse MR analysis revealed that RA does not causally affect SFA levels (p = 0.195), and this finding was supported by corresponding sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: The findings of this study substantiate the positive causal effect of SFAs on the incidence of RA through bidirectional MR analysis, thereby offering a consequential direction for future research on the diagnosis and treatment of RA.

Needs and influence factors of medical-nursing-pension of disabled elderly.

As the population ages, the incidence of disabled elderly persons increases, and the need for medical-nursing-pension services among disabled senior persons increases. The purpose of this study is to determine the needs and affecting factors of disabled elderly living in community homes in Nanning, Guangxi, China. The study utilized the descriptive comparative cross-sectional study. Stratified random sampling was utilized, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 168 disabled elderly were randomly selected and investigated using a self-designed questionnaire which included basic nursing services domain, professional nursing services domain, rehabilitative nursing services domain, living nursing services domain, and spiritual nursing services domain. The t test, one-way ANOVA, and multivariate logistic regression were used to determine the influencing factors of medical-nursing-pension demands for community-dwelling disabled elderly. Majority of impaired seniors have a moderate to high-level of demand for medical-nursing-pension services. Age (t = 2.369, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.673-7.414), educational level (t = -16.946, 95% CI: -31.247 to -24.726), monthly income (t = -16.273, 95% CI: -22.104 to -17.320), economic source (t = 8.891, 95% CI: 16.850-26.470), time spent disabled (t = -11.151, 95% CI: -31.845 to -22.264), living with children (t = 10.852, 95% CI: 24.491-35.521), and medical insurance participation (t = 4.556, 95% CI: 9.032-22.848) all influence the demand for medical-nursing-pension services for disabled seniors in the community ( P = .05). Majority of community-dwelling impaired seniors have a moderate to high demand for medical-nursing-pension services. Relevant departments and community nurses should pay increased attention to the elderly who are older, have a low educational level, a low monthly income, have an economic source of pension from their own, have been disabled for long period of time, are single, and do not have children, to improve the health care system for disabled elderly by implementing more personalized home visits in medical-nursing-pension on health education about oxygen inhalation and wound dressing.

Deep learning-based motion correction algorithm for coronary CT angiography: Lowering the phase requirement for morphological and functional evaluation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the performance of a deep learning-based motion correction algorithm (MCA) at various cardiac phases of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), and determine the extent to which it may allow for reliable morphological and functional evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The acquired image data of 53 CCTA cases, where the patient heart rate (HR) was ≥75 bpm, were reconstructed at 0, ±2, ±4, ±6, and ±8% deviations from each optimal systolic phase, with and without the MCA, yielding a total of 954 images (53 cases × 9 phases × 2 reconstructions). The overall image quality and diagnostic confidence were graded by two radiologists using a 5-point scale, with scores ≥3 being deemed clinically interpretable. Signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, vessel sharpness, and circularity were measured. The CCTA-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) was calculated in 38 vessels on 24 patients to identify functionally significant stenosis, using the invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) as reference. All metrics were compared between two reconstructions at various phases. RESULTS: Inferior image quality was observed as the phase deviation was enlarged. However, MCA significantly improved the image quality at nonoptimal phases and the optimal phase. Coronary artery evaluation was feasible within 4% phase deviation using MCA, with interpretable overall image quality and high diagnostic confidence. With MCA, the performance of identifying functionally significant stenosis via CT-FFR was increased for images at various phase deviations. However, obvious decrease in accuracy, as compared to the image at the optimal phase, was found on those with deviations >4%. CONCLUSION: The deep learning-based MCA allows up to 4% phase deviation in acquiring CCTA for reliable morphological and functional evaluation on patients with high HRs.

Case report: Successful treatment of anti-MDA5-positive to negative dermatomyositis-associated interstitial lung disease with the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib.

OBJECTIVE: Anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare clinical autoimmune disease, and anti-MDA5-positive DM with interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the most important cause of death in DM patients. We reported the efficacy of the JAK1/3 inhibitor tofacitinib as an anti-MDA5-negative treatment option for patients with anti-MDA5-positive DM-ILD. METHOD AND PROCESS: Here we report a 51-year-old female patient with cough, sputum, shortness of breath for 5 months, rash for 3 months, and muscle pain in the extremities for 1 month. After conventional immunosuppressive therapy plus hormone therapy, the remission was slow. Methylprednisolone was successfully reduced after we administered tofacitinib and tacrolimus. After 132 weeks of follow-up, anti-MDA5 antibody turned negative, clinical symptoms were relieved, and lung Imaging tests were successfully reversed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There is currently no report of tofacitinib supplement therapy for anti-MDA5 positive to negative DM. With this case report, tofacitinib is an option for the treatment of anti-MDA5-positive DM-ILD, which deserves attention.

A ratiometric self-powered aptasensor for simultaneous detection of cortisol and progesterone based on spatially resolved tri-channel photofuel cell.

In this work, a self-powered sensor was proposed for simultaneous detection of two typical steroid hormones, namely cortisol (COR) and progesterone (P4). A tri-channel photofuel cell (PFC) consisting of three spatially resolved SnS2@SnO2 photoanodes and one Pt cathode was designed to generate the electricity to drive the sensing process under the control of a multiplex switch. Among three photoanodes, one served as the control, while the other two were modified with COR-binding or P4-binding aptamer to respond specifically to the COR or P4 target. The ratios of the inhibited PFC output from aptamer-immobilized photoanodes to the reference signal from the control photoanode were utilized for simultaneous detection of COR and P4. The results showed that the developed self-powered sensor exhibited broad concentration ranges toward targets, with COR concentration ranging from 1 nM to 1000 nM and P4 concentration ranging from 1 nM to 500 nM. The detection limits for COR and P4 were calculated to be 0.88 nM and 0.52 nM, respectively. Moreover, the proposed sensing platform demonstrated high selectivity, good reproducibility, and high stability. Finally, the sensor was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of COR and P4 in a human female serum sample.

The causal effect of cytokine cycling levels on osteoarthritis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomized study.

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disease globally, serving as a primary cause of pain and disability. However, the pathological processes underlying OA remain incompletely understood. Several studies have noted an association between cytokines and OA, yet the causal link between them remains ambiguous. This study aims to identify cytokines potentially causally related to OA using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, informing early clinical diagnosis and treatment decisions. Methods: We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 12 OA traits involving 177,517 cases and 649,173 controls from 9 international cohorts. For discovery MR analysis, we used 103 cytokines from two European populations as instrumental variables (IVs). Concurrently, another European population OA GWAS database (36,185 cases and 135,185 controls) was used to replicate MR analysis, employing the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary analytic approach. Additional methods tested included MR Egger, Weighted median, and Weighted mode. We merged the MR findings through meta-analysis. Heterogeneity testing, level pleiotropy testing (MR Egger intercept test and MRPRESSO), and sensitivity analysis via Leave One Out (LOO) were conducted to verify result robustness. Lastly, reverse MR analysis was performed. Results: The meta-analysis merger revealed a correlation between CX3CL1 cycle levels and increased OA risk (OR=1.070, 95% CI: 1.040-1.110; P<0.010). We also observed associations between MCP4 (OR=0.930, 95% CI: 0.890-0.970; P<0.010) and CCL25 (OR=0.930, 95% CI: 0.890-0.970; P<0.010) with reduced OA risk. The sensitivity analysis results corroborate the robustness of these findings. Conclusion: Our MR analysis indicates a potential causal relationship between CX3CL1, MCP4, CCL25, and OA risk changes. Further research is warranted to explore the influence of cytokines on OA development.

Correlation Analysis Between Required Surgical Indexes and Complications in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease.

A total of 215 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) were analyzed with SPSS. Samples of different genders showed significance in the obtuse marginal branch of the left circumflex branch × 1, the diagonal branch D1 × 1, and the ms PV representation. Patients with left circumflex branch occlusion are more male and tend to be younger. Age displayed a positive correlation with left intima-media thickness (IMT) and right IMT. This indicated that as age increases, the values of left IMT and right IMT increase. Samples of different CHD types showed significance in the obtuse marginal branch of the left circumflex branch × 1, the middle part of RCA × 1, and the middle part of the left anterior descending branch × 1.5. For non-ST-segment elevation angina pectoris with acute total vascular occlusion, the left circumflex artery is the most common, followed by the right coronary artery and anterior descending branch. Ultrasound of carotid IMT in patients with CHD can predict changes in left ventricular function, but no specific correlation between left and right common carotid IMT was found. Samples with or without the medical history of ASCVD showed significance in the branch number of coronary vessel lesions. The value of the branch number of coronary vessel lesions in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) was higher than in those without ASCVD. The occurrence of complication is significantly relative with the distance of left circumflex branch × 1, the middle segment of left anterior descending branch × 1.5, and the distance of left anterior descending branch × 1. For patients without complications, the values in the distal left circumflex branch × 1, the middle left anterior descending branch × 1.5, and the distal left anterior descending branch × 1 were higher than those for patients with complications. The VTE scores showed a positive correlation with the proximal part of RCA × 1, the branch number of coronary vessel lesions, the posterior descending branch of left circumflex branch × 1, the distal part of left circumflex branch × 1, and the middle part of left anterior descending branch × 1.5.

One-year outcome after transcatheter aortic valve replacement for aortic regurgitation: A single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Presently, there are limited reports in the literature on the postoperative (midterm) clinical outcome for pure aortic regurgitation (AR) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: Between March 2014 and June 2019, a total of 134 high-risk patients with pure, symptomatic severe AR patients were enrolled in the current study. The outcome was assessed according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria. Procedural results, clinical outcomes, and the patients' hemodynamics for a period of 1 year were analyzed. RESULTS: The patient mean was 73.1 ± 6.4 years and 25.4% were female. The average Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 9.8 ± 5.3%. Procedural success was 97.1% (130/134), and the device success rate was 96.3% (129/134). Five cases were converted to open surgery, while two patients underwent valvular reinterventions (surgical aortic valve replacement for thrombosis and increasing paravalvular regurgitation). The mean aortic valve gradient was 10.2 ± 4.1 mmHg, while the moderate and severe AR was 1.6% at 1 year. Paravalvular regurgitation was none/trivial in 79.8% and mild in 18.5%. The 1-year all-cause mortality rate was 7.4%. At 1 year, the stroke incidence rate was 2.2%, and a pacemaker was implanted in 8.9% of the enrolled patients. CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk patients undergoing transapical TAVR for AR, the use of the J-Valve is safe, and effective TAVR should be considered as a reasonable option for high-risk patients with pure AR.

The effect of initiation of urate-lowering treatment during a gout flare on the current episode: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate whether initiation of urate-lowering treatment (ULT) during an acute gout flare prolonged the current episode. METHODS: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and Web of Science databases was conducted from their inception to 15 March 2021. Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 381 patients met the inclusion criteria. Standardized mean difference (SMD), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for estimating the clinical efficacy of ULT in acute gout. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in days to resolution (intent-to-treat analysis) (SMD, 0.68; 95% CI - 0.42 to 1.78; I2, 49%; p = 0.22), the pain visual analogue score (VAS) by day 10 (SMD, - 0.07; 95% CI - 0.30 to 0.16; I2, 0%; p = 0.53), C-reactive protein (CRP) from day 7 to 10 (SMD, - 1.14; 95% CI - 5.63 to 3.36; I2, 55%; p = 0.62), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) from day 7 to 10 (SMD, - 2.51; 95% CI - 5.46 to 0.45; I2, 0%; p = 0.10) and the recurrence of gout flares within 28-30 days (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.29 to 2.09; I2, 0%; p = 0.62). CONCLUSION: Initiation of ULT during an acute gout flare did not prolong the duration of the flare. However, larger sample size studies are needed to confirm this finding. Trial registration number PROSPERO (CRD42021234581).

Aptasensing luteinizing hormone to determine gynecological endocrine complications on graphene oxide layered sensor.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)/lutropin is an interstitial cell-stimulating hormone playing a predominant role in the reproductive system, and highly correlated with the infertility treatment in both men and women. This research was concentrated to quantify LH level by using interdigitated electrode sensor. To improve the electric current flow, sensing electrode was modified with graphene oxide (GO) and the aptamer probe was attached on GO through biotin-streptavidin linker. Current responses were measured with aptamer-LH interaction at the target concentrations between 7.5 nM and 1 µM and the detection limit of LH was calculated as 60 nM with the determination coefficient (R2 ) value, 0.9229 [y = 1.296x - 2.8435] on a linear range from 30 nM to 1 µM. Further, biofouling effect on sensing electrode surface was analyzed with complementary aptamer sequence, control proteins (albumin and globulin). The above GO-aptamer-modified interdigitated electrode sensor helps to quantify LH level and diagnose gynecological endocrinology-related complications.

The effect of initiation of urate-lowering treatment during a gout flare on the current episode: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Objective: The objective was to evaluate whether initiation of urate-lowering treatment (ULT) during an acute gout flare prolonged the current episode. Methods: A comprehensive search of MEDLINE and Web of Science databases was conducted from their inception to 15 March 2021. Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 381 patients met the inclusion criteria. Standardized mean difference (SMD), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for estimating the clinical efficacy of ULT in acute gout. Results: There was no statistical difference in days to resolution (intent-to-treat analysis) (SMD, 0.68; 95% CI — 0.42 to 1.78; I2, 49%; p = 0.22), the pain visual analogue score (VAS) by day 10 (SMD, — 0.07; 95% CI — 0.30 to 0.16; I2, 0%; p = 0.53), C-reactive protein (CRP) from day 7 to 10 (SMD, — 1.14; 95% CI — 5.63 to 3.36; I2, 55%; p = 0.62), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) from day 7 to 10 (SMD, — 2.51; 95% CI — 5.46 to 0.45; I2, 0%; p = 0.10) and the recurrence of gout flares within 28-30 days (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.29 to 2.09; I2, 0%; p = 0.62). Conclusion: Initiation of ULT during an acute gout flare did not prolong the duration of the flare. However, larger sample size studies are needed to confirm this finding. Trial registration number PROSPERO (CRD42021234581).

Benefits Conferred by Peer-Support Nursing Intervention to Pulmonary Function and Quality of Life in Nonsmoking Patients with COPD.

Objective: Peer support is a concept of substantial significance to health scientists and practitioners today due to its focus shifting from disease treatment to health promotion. Effective incorporation peer relationships in support-enhancing interventions could improve quality care and health outcomes. More and more cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been diagnosed in nonsmokers. In this study, the effects of peer-support nursing intervention on the pulmonary function and quality of life of nonsmoking patients with COPD were investigated. Methods: A total of 100 COPD nonsmoking patients admitted to our hospital from October 2018 to October 2020 were selected as study subjects. All nonsmoking patients were in accordance with the guidelines of COPD diagnosis and treatment issued by the Respiratory Medicine Branch of Chinese Medical Association, and they were not in the habit of smoking. According to the different interventions, the nonsmoking patients were divided into the control group (n = 50) and the observation group (n = 50). Among them, nonsmoking patients in the control group received routine care, and nonsmoking patients in the observation group received routine care and peer-support nursing. The difference on the scores of social support, self-management efficacy, healthy lifestyle, and the distance of six-minute walking were to be compared between the two groups before and after the intervention. Results: There was no significant statistical difference on the general information between the two groups in terms of age, gender, and course of disease (P > 0.05). Before intervention, the social support score involving subjective support, objective support, utilization of support, and total score revealed slight difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, after the intervention, the subjective support, utilization of support, and total score remained statistically different between the two groups (P < 0.05), and the objective support showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Before intervention, there was no statistical difference in the self-management efficacy scores such as positive attitude, stress reduction, self-decision-making, and total score between the two groups (P > 0.05). After the intervention, the two groups indicated statistical difference in the self-management efficacy scores (P < 0.05). Before intervention, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the healthy lifestyle score in terms of health responsibility, self-realization, interpersonal support, and stress management (P > 0.05), and the abovementioned outcome measures indicated significant difference between the two groups after intervention (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in six-minute walking distance between the two groups before the intervention (P > 0.05), but after the intervention, the observation group revealed a significantly longer distance of six-minute walking compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: These data suggest that peer-support nursing intervention can effectively improve pulmonary function and quality of life of nonsmoking patients with COPD.

[Systematic review and Meta-analysis of efficacy and safety of Compound Glycyrrhizin Injection in improving chronic hepatitis B liver damage].

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Compound Glycyrrhizin Injection(CGI) in improving liver damage in chronic hepatitis B(CHB). PubMed, Web of Science, SinoMed, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases were retrieved from their inception to February 10, 2020. The randomized controlled trial(RCT) of CGI in the treatment of CHB was included. Data were independently extracted by two authors, and the methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool by other two authors. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 18 two-armed RCTs were included, involving 1 915 participants. The methodological quality of all studies included was generally low. In the comparison between CGI and diammonium glycyrrhizinate, the results showed that CGI was superior to the control group in improving the overall clinical effectiveness, but there was no statistical difference between the two groups in increasing ALT normalization rate, reducing ALT and AST level. In the comparison between CGI and diammonium glycyrrhizinate+other general hepatoprotective drugs, the results showed that CGI was superior to the control group in reducing AST level, while there was no statistical difference between the two groups in reducing ALT level and increasing overall clinical effectiveness. In the comparison between CGI+other commonly used drugs(including energy mixture, glutathione, vitamins, potassium magnesium aspartate) and diammonium glycyrrhizinate+other commonly used drugs, the results showed that CGI combined with other commonly used drugs was better than the control group in reducing ALT and AST level and improving the clinical total effective rate, and there was no statistical difference between the two groups in increasing the rate of ALT normalization. In the comparison between CGI+other commonly used drugs and other commonly used drugs, the results showed that CGI combined with other commonly used drugs was superior to the control group in reducing ALT and AST level and improving the overall clinical effectiveness. In the comparison between CGI+vitamins and diammonium glycyrrhizinate+potassium magnesium aspartate+vitamins, the results showed no statistical difference between the two groups in reducing AST level. A small number of studies included reported that CGI caused mild adverse reactions when used alone or in combination with other drugs. Based on the results, CGI has a certain effect in improving CHB liver damage, but the evidence is not enough to prove that CGI would cause serious adverse events. In the future, more well-designed and strictly-enforced RCT with an adequate sample size are needed to further evaluate the effect CGI in alleviating CHB liver damage.

A portable signal-on self-powered aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of sulfadimethoxine based on dual amplification of a capacitor and biphotoelectrodes.

A one-compartment photofuel cell with two photoelectrodes was combined with a capacitor to develop a portable self-powered sensor for sulfadimethoxine (SDM) detection. The developed sensor was applied to the assay of SDM in veterinary drug samples with desirable accuracy and precision.

Near-Infrared Light-Induced Self-Powered Aptasensing Platform for Aflatoxin B1 Based on Upconversion Nanoparticles-Doped Bi2S3 Nanorods.

A light source plays a pivotal role in a photofuel cell (PFC)-based self-powered biosensor. Although a visible light source has been extensively employed to drive a PFC, it still has some drawbacks for biosensing due to its relatively high energy. Herein we constructed a PFC-based aptasensor using near-infrared (NIR) light as the irradiation source. To achieve an efficient absorption of the NIR light, NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) that could convert low-energy incident light into high-energy radiation were combined with Bi2S3 nanorods (UCNPs/Bi2S3) to serve as the photoactive materials. The PFC was comprised of a UCNPs/Bi2S3 photoanode and a Pt cathode, which could generate electrical output under NIR light irradiation to provide the self-powered sensing signal without the supply from an external power source. The aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) binding aptamer was immobilized on the photoanode to serve as the recognition element. The detection of AFB1 was based on the competition between the interaction of aptamer with AFB1 analyte and the hybridization of aptamer with Au nanoparticles-labeled DNA sequence (AuNPs-cDNA). Under optimum conditions, the proposed aptasensor presented good sensitivity and high specificity for AFB1 detection in the concentration range from 0.01 to 100 ng·mL-1, with a detection limit of 7.9 pg·mL-1. Moreover, the developed sensor was applied to an assay of AFB1 in flour samples with a desirable accuracy and precision.

Simultaneous removal of organic pollutants and heavy metals in wastewater by photoelectrocatalysis: A review.

As a powerful technique by combining photocatalysis with electrochemistry, photoelectrocatalysis has been extensively explored to simultaneously remove mixed pollutants of organic and heavy metal in wastewater in the past decade. In the photoelectrocatalytic system, the bias potential can remarkably promote the oxidation of organic pollutants on the photoanode by suppressing the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and extending the lifetime of photogenerated holes. Meanwhile, some photogenerated electrons are driven by the bias potential to the cathode to reduce heavy metals. In this review, we summarize the research advances in photoelectrocatalytic treatment of organic-heavy metal mixed pollution systems under UV light, visible light and sunlight. We demonstrate the main operation variables affecting the photoelectrocatalytic removal processes of organic pollutants and heavy metals. The problems for utilization of solar energy in photoelectrocatalysis are discussed. Finally, this review proposes the perspectives for future development of photoelectrocatalysis to industrial applications.

Ratiometric Self-Powered Sensor for 17ß-Estradiol Detection Based on a Dual-Channel Photocatalytic Fuel Cell.

The photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) provides an elegant approach for the construction of a light-induced self-powered sensing platform. Nevertheless, the quantification of a target with a single output signal in an ordinary PFC-based sensor is easily affected by variation of the light intensity and other environmental factors. Herein we propose a ratiometric self-powered aptasensor for highly selective detection of 17ß-estradiol (E2) based on a dual-channel PFC constructed with two photoanodes which could effectively avoid the fluctuation of the light intensity. Taking the advantage of the inhibited output performance of PFC by E2 which was captured by aptamer immobilized on the photoanodes, E2 was quantified via the ratio of output power density values from dual photoanodes. Under optimum conditions, the ratiometric self-powered sensing signal was linearly related to the logarithm of E2 concentration in the range of 1 to 500 nM, with a detection limit (3S/N) of 0.12 nM. Thus, a new type of self-powered aptasensor with high accuracy and specificity was successfully developed based on PFC in cooperation with a ratiometric assay and a spatial-resolution technique.

Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation with virtual reality on upper limb function in patients with ischemic stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have been shown in several studies to improve the motor recovery of the affected upper-limbs in stroke patients. This study aims to investigate whether or not cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (c-tDCS), combined with virtual reality (VR), is superior to VR alone in reducing motor impairment and improving upper limb function and quality of life in stroke patients. METHODS: Forty patients who suffered ischemic stroke between 2 weeks to 12 months were recruited for this single-blind randomized control trial. The patients were randomly assigned either to an experimental group who receiving c-tDCS and VR, or a control group receiving sham stimulation and VR. The cathodal electrode was positioned over the primary motor cortex (M1) of the unaffected hemisphere. The treatment session consisted of 20 min of daily therapy, for 10 sessions over a 2-week period. The outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FM-UE), the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the Barthel Index (BI). RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in demographic characteristic and motor impairment. After 2 weeks of intervention, both groups demonstrated significant improvement in FM-UE, ARAT and BI scores (P<0.05).The experiment group demonstrated more improvement in FM-UE than the control group (10.1 vs. 6.4, p = 0.003) and, ARAT (7.0 vs 3.6, p = 0.026) and BI (12.8 vs 8.5, p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: The findings from our study support that c-tDCS, along with VR, can facilitate a stronger beneficial effect on upper limb motor impairment, function and quality of life than VR alone in patients with ischemic stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800019386) in November 8, 2018-Retrospectively registered.

FIGNL1 is overexpressed in small cell lung cancer patients and enhances NCI-H446 cell resistance to cisplatin and etoposide.

Abnormal DNA repair plays an important role in tumor occurrence, progression and resistance to therapy. Fidgetin-like 1 (FIGNL1) expression was assayed in 42 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and 45 normal lung specimens from Chinese patients by qRT-PCR. Notably, FIGNL1 was upregulated by 1.5-fold in the SCLC specimens compared to that noted in the normal counterparts. The SCLC cell line NCI-H446 that overexpresses FIGNL1 was adopted to explore the biological significance of FIGNL1 in SCLC. Even when FIGNL1 expression was suppressed by up to 48.6%, H446 cell growth was increased by only 10-16%. Although no significant changes in cell cycle distribution were observed in the H446 cells, the levels of cyclin E1 and CDK2, key cell cycle regulators, were significantly reduced. After downregulation of FIGNL1 expression by 13.5% in the H446 cells, the cells were 61.8% (24 h) to 29.1% (48 h) more sensitive to etoposide and cisplatin, respectively, consistent with the FIGNL1 function of DNA double-strand repair. The sensitivity of H446 cells to etoposide and cisplatin was negatively correlated with FIGNL1 expression. Meanwhile, an obvious positive correlation between DNA damage severity and the sensitization effect of FIGNL1 knockdown was observed. Since FIGNL1 is essential in the homologous recombination (HR) pathway, these findings suggest that abnormal activation of the HR pathway featured by FIGNL1 overexpression contributes to rapid progression and relapse of SCLC in addition to chemotherapy resistance. Further research assessing the functions and mechanisms of FIGNL1, and other HR pathway genes may disclose unique pathological characteristics of SCLC, and help identify potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers.