Hydroponic barley supplementation fed with high protein diets improves the production performance of lactating dairy cows

The study investigated the effects of dietary protein level and the inclusion of hydroponic barley sprouts (HB) on lactation performance, blood biochemistry and N use efficiency in mid-lactation dairy cows. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design with 2 crude protein (CP) levels [16.8% and 15.5% of dry matter (DM)], with HB (4.8% of DM, replacing 4.3% of alfalfa hay and 0.5% of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS)) or without HB. Forty-eight multiparous Holstein dairy cows (146 ± 15 d in milk, 40 ± 5 kg/d of milk) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 diets: high protein diet (16.8% CP, HP), HP with HB (HP+HB), low protein diet (15.5% CP, LP), or LP with HB (LP+HB). An interaction between CP × HB on dry matter intake (DMI) was detected, with DMI being unaffected by HB inclusion in cows fed the high CP diets, but was lower in cows fed HB when the low CP diet was fed. A CP × HB interaction was also observed on milk and milk protein yield, which was higher in cows fed HB with HP, but not LP. Inclusion of HB also tended to reduce milk fat content, and feeding HP resulted in a higher milk protein and milk urea N content, but lower milk lactose content. Feed efficiency was increased by feeding HP or HB diets, whereas N efficiency was higher for cows fed LP or HB diets. There was an interaction on the apparent total-tract digestibility of DM and CP, which was higher when HB was fed along with HP, but reduced when fed with LP, whereas the digestibility of ADF was increased by feeding low protein diets. In conclusion, feeding a low protein diet had no adverse effect on cow performance, while feeding HB improved milk and milk component yield, and N efficiency when fed with a high CP diet, but compromised cow performance with a low CP diet.

Promoting effect of FeOx addition on the mechanochemically prepared vanadium-based catalyst for real PCDD/Fs removal and mechanism insight

Industrial-use VOx-based catalysts usually have a higher active temperature window (> 250-300°C), which becomes a "bottleneck" for the practical application of PCDD/Fs catalytic degradation technology. In this work, VOx-FeOx/TiO2 catalyst prepared via mechanochemically method was investigated for the catalytic removal of PCDD/Fs. The removal efficiency of 1,2-DCBz, pure PCDD/Fs gas generated in the lab, PCDD/Fs from actual flue gas, long-term were studied, and the degradation mechanism was explored using FTIR and TOFMS. The degradation efficiency of 1,2-DCBz and PCDD/Fs on VOx-FeOx/TiO2 were higher than that of VOx/TiO2 catalyst, and the optimal FeOx addition ratio was 3 wt.%. The characterization results show that the addition of FeOx can effectively improve the pore structure, surface acidity, and VOx dispersion of the catalyst, thus contributing to increasing the V5+ content and surface-active oxygen, which is conducive to the improvement of adsorption and redox performance of the catalyst. Under the actual MSWI (municipal solid waste incineration) flue gas, the PCDD/Fs removal efficiency over VTi-3Fe-MC maintained long-term stability, higher than 85% for 240 min. This result was not significantly reduced compared with the data obtained in the laboratory. According to the analysis results of intermediate products by FTIR and GC-TOFMS, it can be inferred that the epoxidation fracture of benzene ring is the rate-limiting step of dioxin catalytic degradation reaction. This work gives an in-depth view into the PCDD/Fs removal over VOx-FeOx/TiO2 catalysts and could provide guidelines for the rational design of reliable catalysts for industrial applications.

[The cases of tracing the source of patients infected with Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 based on wastewater-based epidemiology in Shenzhen]

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an emerging discipline, which has been applied to drug abuse tracking and infectious disease pathogen surveillance. During the COVID-19 epidemic, WBE has been applied to monitor the epidemic trend and SARS-CoV-2 variants etc. In order to detect hidden COVID-19 cases and prevent transmission in the community, wastewater surveillance system for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 RNA was developed in Shenzhen. The sewage sampling sites were set up in key places such as the port areas, urban villages and residential communities of Futian, Nanshan, Luohu and Yantian districts. From July 26 to November 30, 2022, a total of 369 sewage sampling sites were set up, covering 1.93 million people. Continuous sampling was carried out for 3 hours in the peak period of water use every day. Sewage virus enrichment and SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection were carried out by polyethylene glycol precipitation method and RT-qPCR, and a positive water sample disposal process was molded. This article aims to introduce the case of source tracing of COVID-19 infected patients based on urban sewage in Shenzhen. The sewage monitoring of Honghu water treatment plant in Luohu District played an early warning role, and the source of infection was traced. In the disposal of positive water samples in Futian South Road, Futian District, the important experience of monitoring point layout was obtained. In the sewage monitoring of Nanshan village, Nanshan District, the existence of occult infection was revealed. Sharing the experience of tracing the source of COVID-19 patients to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in the community based on wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Shenzhen, and summarizing the advantages and application prospects of sewage surveillance can provide new ideas for monitoring emerging or re-emerging pathogens that are known to exhibit gastrointestinal excretion in the future.

[Molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in hilly regions]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a snail control approach for spraying chemicals with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in complex snail habitats in hilly regions, and to evaluate its molluscicidal effect.

METHODS

The protocol for evaluating the activity of spraying chemical molluscicides with drones against O. hupensis snails was formulated based on expert consultation and literature review. In August 2022, a pretest was conducted in a hillside field environment (12 000 m2) north of Dafengji Village, Dacang Township, Weishan County, Yunnan Province, which was assigned into four groups, of no less than 3 000 m2 in each group. In Group A, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group B, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, while in Group C, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group D, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2. Then, each group was equally divided into six sections according to land area, with Section 1 for baseline surveys and sections 2 to 6 for snail surveys after chemical treatment. Snail surveys were conducted prior to chemical treatment and 1, 3, 5, 7 days post-treatment, and the mortality and corrected mortality of snails, density of living snails and costs of molluscicidal treatment were calculated in each group.

RESULTS

The mortality and corrected mortality of snails were 69.49%, 69.09%, 53.57% and 83.48%, and 68.58%, 68.17%, 52.19% and 82.99% in groups A, B, C and D 14 days post-treatment, and the density of living snails reduced by 58.40%, 63.94%, 68.91% and 83.25% 14 days post-treatment relative to pre-treatment in four groups, respectively. The median concentrations of chemical molluscicides were 37.08, 35.42, 42.50 g/m2 and 56.25 g/m2 in groups A, B, C and D, and the gross costs of chemical treatment were 0.93, 1.50, 0.46 Yuan per m2 and 1.03 Yuan per m2 in groups A, B, C and D, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against O. hupensis snails is superior to manual chemical treatment without environmental cleaning, and chemical treatment with drones and manual chemical treatment show comparable molluscicidal effects following environmental cleaning in hilly regions. The cost of chemical treatment with drones is slightly higher than manual chemical treatment regardless of environmental cleaning. Spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones is recommended in complex settings with difficulty in environmental cleaning to improve the molluscicidal activity and efficiency against O. hupensis snails.

Ultrasensitive detection and efficient removal of mercury ions based on covalent organic framework spheres with double active sites

In present work, a new spherical covalent organic framework (TFPB-APTU COF) with good photoelectric property and double active sites (secondary amine (-NH-) group and sulfur (S) atom) was prepared for ultrasensitive detection and efficient removal of mercury ions (Hg2+). The -NH- group and S atom can capture free Hg2+ by coordination and chelation interaction, and the related steric hindrance effect reduces the photocurrent signal of the TFPB-APTU COF, resulting in the highly sensitive photoelectrochemical analysis of Hg2+ with a wide linear response range (0.01-100000 nM) and low detection limit (0.006 nM). On the other hand, the developed TFPB-APTU COF has large removal capacity (2692 mg g-1), good regeneration capability, and high removal speed for Hg2+ removal based on the double active sites (-NH- group and S atom), large specific surface area and porous spherical structure. The developed TFPB-APTU COF spheres show great potential in monitoring and treatment of environmental pollution of Hg2+.

Prognostic Value of Lymph Node-to-Primary Tumor Ratio of PET Standardized Uptake Value for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Recursive Partitioning Risk Stratification Analysis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To evaluate the prognostic value of the lymph node-to-primary tumor ratio (NTR) of positron emission tomography (PET) standardized uptake value (SUV) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients treated with induction chemotherapy (IC).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Four hundred and sixty-seven locoregionally advanced NPC patients with pretreatment 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/computed tomography (CT) scans between September 2017 and November 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent IC plus intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off value of SUV NTR. Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate survival rates. The recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was performed to construct a risk stratification model.

RESULTS

The optimal cut-off value of SUV NTR was 0.74. Multivariate analyses showed that SUV NTR and overall stage were independent predictors for distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and regional recurrent-free survival (RRFS). Therefore, an RPA model based on the endpoint of DMFS was generated and categorized the patients into three distinct risk groups: RPA I (low-risk: SUV NTR<7.4 and stage III), RPA II (medium-risk: SUV NTR<7.4 and stage IVa, or SUV NTR≥7.4 and stage III), and RPA III (high-risk: SUV NTR≥7.4 and stage IVa), with a 3-year DMFS of 98.9%, 93.4%, and 84.2%, respectively. ROC analysis showed that the RPA model had superior predictive efficacy than the SUV NTR or overall stage alone.

CONCLUSION

SUV NTR was an independent prognosticator for distant metastasis and regional recurrence in locoregionally advanced NPC. The RPA risk stratification model base on SUV NTR provides improved DMFS and RRFS prediction over the 8th edition of the TNM staging system.

Radiotherapy Alone vs. Concurrent or Adjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients with Negative Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Post-Induction Chemotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Induction chemotherapy (IC) plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy has been recommended as the standard treatment for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC). However, concurrent chemotherapy was associated with increased toxicities, poor tolerance, and low completion rates. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and toxicity of IC+ radiotherapy (RT) and IC+ concurrent or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (IC+CCRT/AC) in patients with negative post-IC EBV DNA.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 547 NPC patients with negative plasma EBV DNA post-IC were included. Patients were classified into the IC+RT group and the IC+ concurrent or adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (IC+CCRT/AC) group. Locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated and compared using the Kaplan-Meier method. Propensity-score matching (PSM) was performed to balance the variables.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 37 months. The 3-year LRFS, DMFS, OS, and PFS rates for the whole group were 92.2%, 92.4%, 96.4%, and 84.4%, respectively. There was no significant difference in LRFS, DMFS, OS, and PFS between the IC+RT and the IC+CCRT/AC group both before PSM (3-year rates of 91.1% vs. 92.6%, p = 0.94; 95.6% vs. 91.5%, p = 0.08; 95.2% vs. 96.8%, p = 0.80; 85.9% vs. 84.0%, p = 0.38) and after PSM (90.7% vs. 92.7%, p = 0.77; 96.8% vs. 93.7%, p = 0.29; 94.5% vs. 93.9%, p = 0.57; 84.7% vs. 85.6%, p = 0.96). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that treatment schedule was not an independent predictor for survival rates. Patients in the IC+RT group had fewer treatment-related acute toxicities and better tolerance.

CONCLUSION

IC+RT displayed similar survival outcomes as IC+CCRT/AC for NPC patients with negative post-IC EBV DNA. Our current data seems not to support the routine use of concurrent or adjuvant chemotherapy after IC for unselected patients.

How does owning commercial housing affect the subjective well-being of rural-urban migrants?--The mediating effect of housing assets and the moderating effect of debt

Houses mean a lot to Chinese people, and in the context of the urban-rural dualist system, town housing has a special significance for rural-urban migrants. Based on the 2017 China Household Finance Survey(CHFS) data, this study uses the Ordered Logit (OLogit) model to empirically test the effect of owning commercial housing on the subjective well-being(SWB) of rural-urban migrants, and through the mediating effect and moderating effect to conduct an in-depth investigation into the intrinsic effect mechanism and further explains the relationship between the two and the current residential location of their family. The results of the study show that: (1) Owning commercial housing can significantly enhances the subjective well-being(SWB) of rural-urban migrants, and the findings remain robust after using alternative model, adjusting the sample size, correcting for sample selectivity bias using propensity score matching(PSM), and controlling for potential endogeneity bias combining instrumental variables and conditional mixed process(CMP); (2) The effect of owning commercial housing on the subjective well-being(SWB) of the first generation rural-urban migrants, rural-urban migrants in the eastern and central regions, and those who obtained housing before the rapid rise in house prices is more pronounced; (3) Commercial housing acts on the subjective well-being(SWB) of rural-urban migrants through the mediating effect of housing assets, and there is some regional variation in the mediating effect of housing assets. At the same time, the household debt acts as a positive moderator between commercial housing and the subjective well-being(SWB) of rural-urban migrants; (4) Even with commercial housing, rural-urban migrants whose families are currently living in rural areas still have a stronger sense of subjective well-being (SWB).

A high-frequency QCM biosensing platform for label-free detection of the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain: an aptasensor and an immunosensor

Herein, high-frequency quartz crystal microbalance biosensing platforms were constructed using an aptamer and antibody as bioreceptors for fast and label-free detection of the SARS-CoV-2 RBD.

Colorimetric and Photocurrent-Polarity-Switching Photoelectrochemical Dual-Mode Sensing Platform for Highly Selective Detection of Mercury Ions Based on the Split G-Quadruplex-Hemin Complex

Mercury ion (Hg²⁺) is one of the most harmful heavy metal ions with the greatest impact on public health. Herein, based on the excellent catalytic activity toward 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and the strong photocurrent-polarity-switching ability to SnS₂ photoanode of the split G-quadruplex-hemin complex, the magnetic NiCo₂O₄@SiO₂-NH₂ sphere-assisted colorimetric and photoelectrochemical (PEC) dual-mode sensing platform was developed for the Hg²⁺ assay. First, the amino-labelled single-stranded DNA1 (S1) was immobilized on NiCo₂O₄@SiO₂-NH₂ and then partly hybridized with another single-stranded DNA2 (S2). When Hg²⁺ was present, the thymine-Hg²⁺-thymine base pairs between S1 and S2 were formed, causing the formation of the split G-quadruplex in the presence of K⁺. After addition of hemin, the split G-quadruplex-hemin complex was obtained and effectually catalyzed the H₂O₂-mediated oxidation of TMB. Thus, the color and absorbance intensity of the TMB solution were changed, resulting in the visual and colorimetric detection of Hg²⁺. The linear response range is 10 pM to 10 nM, and the detection limit is 3.8 pM. Meanwhile, the above G-quadruplex-hemin complex effectively switched the photocurrent polarity of SnS₂-modified indium tin oxide electrode, leading to the sensitive and selective PEC assay of Hg²⁺ with a linear response range of 5 pM to 500 nM and a detection limit of 2.3 pM. Moreover, the developed dual-mode sensing platform provided mutual authentication of detection results in different modes, effectively improving the assay accuracy and confidence, and may have a good potential application in highly sensitive, selective, and accurate determination of Hg²⁺ in environmental fields.

Bifunctional Magnetic Fe3O4@Cu2O@TiO2 Nanosphere-Mediated Dual-Mode Assay of PTP1B Activity Based on Photocurrent Polarity Switching and Nanozyme-Engineered Biocatalytic Precipitation Strategies

Dysregulation of protein phosphatases is associated with the progression of various human diseases and cancers. Herein, a photoelectrochemical (PEC)-quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) dual-mode sensing platform was developed for protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) activity assay based on bifunctional magnetic Fe₃O₄@Cu₂O@TiO₂ nanosphere-mediated PEC photocurrent polarity switching and QCM signal amplification strategies. The PTP1B-specific phosphopeptide (P-peptide) with a cysteine end was designed and immobilized onto the QCM Au chip via the Au-S bond. Subsequently, the Fe₃O₄@Cu₂O@TiO₂ nanosphere was connected to the P-peptide via the specific interaction between the phosphate group on the P-peptide and TiO₂. After incubation with PTP1B, the dephosphorylation of the P-peptide occurred, causing some Fe₃O₄@Cu₂O@TiO₂ nanospheres to be released from the chip surface. The released magnetic Fe₃O₄@Cu₂O@TiO₂ nanospheres (labeled as R-Fe₃O₄@Cu₂O@TiO₂) were quickly separated via magnetic separation technology and attached to the Bi₂S₃-decorated magnetic indium-tin oxide (Bi₂S₃/MITO) electrode by magnetic force, inducing the switch of the photocurrent polarity of the electrode from anodic current (the Bi₂S₃/MITO electrode) to cathodic current (the R-Fe₃O₄@Cu₂O@TiO₂/Bi₂S₃/MITO electrode). Also, the nondephosphorylated P-peptide linked Fe₃O₄@Cu₂O@TiO₂ nanospheres as nanozymes with horseradish peroxidase activity to catalyze the formation of precipitation on the surface of the Au chip, leading to a frequency change of the QCM. Thus, the proposed PEC-QCM dual-mode sensing platform achieved accurate and reliable assay of PTP1B activity because of the different mechanisms and independent signal transductions. In addition, this dual-mode sensing platform can be easily extended for other protein phosphatase activity analysis and shows great potential in the early diagnosis of the protein phosphatase-related diseases and the protein phosphatase-targeted drug discovery.

Zinc-Air Battery-Assisted Self-Powered PEC Sensors for Sensitive Assay of PTP1B Activity Based on Perovskite Quantum Dots Encapsulated in Vinyl-Functionalized Covalent Organic Frameworks

The self-powered sensors have attracted widespread attention in the analysis field due to a huge demand of point-of-care testing (POCT) in the early diagnosis of diseases. However, the output voltage of the reported self-powered sensors is always small, resulting in a narrow linear detection range and low assay sensitivity. Herein, a self-powered photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor with zinc-air batteries as a power source was developed for activity assay of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) based on perovskite quantum dots encapsulated in the vinyl-functionalized covalent organic framework (COF-V). CsPbBr₃ nanocrystals were stabilized by the confinement effect of the COF-V cage without aggregation, and the resulting CsPbBr₃@COF-V composite was used as the cathodic photoelectric material to construct the zinc-air battery with a large open-circuit voltage (OCV, 1.556 V). Before PTP1B activity assay, an auxiliary peptide-polyamidoamine-phosphopeptide (P2-PAMAM-P1) hybrid was introduced into the photocathode via thiol-ene click reaction between the thiol group on the P1 and the vinyl group on the COF-V. The steric hindrance effect of the P1-PAMAM-P2 hybrid inhibited the PEC performance of the photocathode, resulting in a small OCV of the zinc-air battery. When the PTP1B existed, PTP1B-catalyzed dephosphorylation of tyrosine on P1 facilitated the cleavage process of P1 by chymotrypsin, leading to the removal of the P2-PAMAM-P1 hybrid from the photocathode and consequently the enhancement of the OCV. Therefore, the activity of PTP1B was sensitively detected. The developed self-powered PEC sensor showed superior performance for PTP1B activity assay (broad linear response range, 0.1 pM to 10 nM and low detection limit, 0.032 pM) due to the large output voltage of the constructed zinc-air battery and has great potential in POCT of protein phosphatase-related diseases and the discovery of protein phosphatase-targeted drugs.

[Study of the effect of liraglutide on the correlation between NLRP3 inflammasome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]

Objective: To observe the effect of liraglutide on the correlation between nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) infl ammasome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: Thirty-nine NAFLD cases (group N) and thirty-nine healthy subjects (group C) were selected from the physical examination center, and their general data were collected to determine the serum levels of NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18. The differences and correlations were analyzed between the two sets of indicators. Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into normal (NC, n=10) and high-fat diet group (HF, n=20). The normal group were fed with normal diet and high-fat diet group were fed with high-fat diet. After 12 weeks of feeding, HF group was randomly divided into HF group (n=10) and liraglutide group (100L, n=10), and were given 0.5 ml/kg sterile isotonic saline and 100 g/kg liraglutide subcutaneously twice a day, respectively. Four weeks later, serum biochemical indicators, liver NLRP3 infl ammasome protein expression, and infl ammatory cytokine conditions were detected in each group. Statistical analysis was performed using t test, oneway analysis of variance (ANOVA) or χ² test. Results: There were no statistically signifi cant differences between N and C group in terms of age, gender, diastolic blood pressure, glycosylated hemoglobin, mean platelet volume, erythrocyte distribution width, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-Ch), total cholesterol, and total bileacid. Compared with group C, group N had elevated systolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, blood creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), NLRP3, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, TG, blood uric acid, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and white blood cell counts, while HDL-Ch and total bilirubin were depleted than group C, and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05). NLRP3 was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, BMI, fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, IL-1β, IL-18, triglycerides, serum uric acid, GGT, ALT, AST, but negatively correlated with total bilirubin and HDL-Ch, and the difference was statistically signifi cant. Compared with NC group, HF group had significantly increased body mass, liver mass, serum biochemical indicators (triglycerides, AST, ALT), liver NLRP3 inflammasome protein expression, and inflammatory cytokines. After treatment with liraglutide, 100L group indicators were signifi cantly decreased when compared to HF group. Conclusion: Compared with healthy subjects, the infl ammation-related indicators, body mass, blood lipids and liver function-related indicators are signifi cantly changed in patients with NAFLD, which is also consistent with the results of rat model study. Liraglutide treatment had improved NAFLD to certain extent in NAFLD rats, so NLRP3 regulation may be one of the mechanisms to improve liver inflammation and steatosis.

Highly Selective Photoelectrochemical Assay of Arsenate Based on Magnetic Co3O4-Fe3O4 Cubes and the Negative-Background Signal Strategy

Water pollution presents a significant environmental concern on earth. Herein, due to the serious environmental harmfulness of arsenate [As(V)], an iron phthalocyanine (FePc)-induced switchable photocurrent-polarity platform was developed for highly selective assay of As(V). First, magnetic Co₃O₄-Fe₃O₄ cubes were obtained by calcination of the CoFe Prussian blue analogue and then functionalized with oligonucleotide (S1). In the presence of As(V), S1 could be released based on the stronger affinity between As(V) and Co₃O₄-Fe₃O₄ cubes. After magnetic separation by Co₃O₄-Fe₃O₄ cubes, the released S1 was used to trigger the catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) and hybridization chain reaction, resulting in the formation of lots of G-quadruplex structures on the AgInS₂/ITO electrode. Then, the capture of FePc by the G-quadruplex led to the switch of the photocurrent polarity of the AgInS₂/ITO electrode from the anode to the cathode. Thus, As(V) was sensitively assayed with a low detection limit of 1.0 nM and a wide linear response range from 10 nM to 200 μM. This meets the detection requirement of the World Health Organization for the arsenic concentration in drinking water [less than 10 μg L^-1 (130 nM)]. In addition, whether it was cationic or anionic interferents except phosphate (PO₄^3-), only As(V) could generate the cathodic photocurrent, effectively avoiding the false-positive or false-negative results during As(V) assay. Interestingly, As(V) was also simultaneously separated from the detection system by Co₃O₄-Fe₃O₄ magnetic cubes. The proposed photoelectrochemical platform may have a great potential application for the selective detection of As(V) in environmental fields.

PCDD/F removal at low temperatures over vanadium-based catalyst: insight into the superiority of mechanochemical method

The high toxicity and low volatility of PCDD/Fs prevent detailed study of their catalytic degradation removal characteristics. In this study, 1,2-dichlorobenzene (1,2-DCBz) was initially used as a model to investigate the catalytic characteristics of various vanadium-based catalysts prepared by different methods. Then, the optimized catalyst was used for catalytic degradation of real PCDD/Fs at low temperatures based on a self-made stable source. The VO_x/TiO₂ catalysts synthesized by the mechanochemical method (VTi-MC2) had a higher 1,2-DCBz removal efficiency (>85%) and stability (> 420 min) at low temperatures (< 200 °C) compared to VTi-SG (sol-gol method) and VTi-WI (wetness impregnation method). The physicochemical properties of catalysts were studied using comprehensive characterization. It was found that the VTi-MC2 has better VO_x species distribution and possesses the highest V⁵⁺ species and surface adsorbed oxygen content, which are the key factors that contributed to the higher removal efficiency. Accordingly, the mechanochemical method can be used to control the physicochemical properties of catalysts by adjusting the milling parameters. The optimum ball milling time is 2 h and a suitable precursor is NH₄VO₃ for VO_x/TiO₂. Moreover, the removal efficiency and catalytic degradation efficiency of PCDD/Fs in gas phase catalyzed by VTi-MC2 were 97% and 50% respectively, within a range of temperatures below 200 °C, which are both higher than those reported research. In general, the mechanochemical strategy employed in this study provides a means for seeking more efficient catalysts used for low-temperature degradation of various trace organic pollutants.

Efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12® on infant colic - a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study

To evaluate the administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12^® (BB-12) on infant colic in breastfed infants, a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised study was conducted in Chengdu, China from April 2016 to October 2017 with 192 full-term infants less than 3 months of age and meeting the ROME III criteria for infant colic. After a 1-week run-in the infants were randomly assigned to receive daily BB-12 (1×10⁹ cfu/day) or placebo for 3 weeks. Crying/fussing time were recorded using a 24 h structured diary. The primary endpoint was the proportion of infants achieving a reduction in crying and fussing time of ≥50% from baseline. Parent's/caregiver's health related quality of life was measured using a modified PedsQL^™ 2.0 Family Impact Module and immunological biomarkers were evaluated from faecal samples at baseline and after the 21-day intervention. The percentage of infants achieving a reduction in the daily crying/fussing time ≥50% after the 21-day intervention was significantly higher in the infants supplemented with BB-12 (P<0.001). The mean number of crying episodes was significantly reduced in the BB-12 group compared to the placebo group (10.0±3.0 to 5.0±1.87 vs 10.5±2.6 to 7.5±2.8, respectively) (P<0.001) and the mean daily sleep duration was markedly increased from baseline to end of intervention in the BB-12 group compared to the infants in the placebo group (60.7±104.0 vs 31.9±102.7 min/day, respectively) (P<0.001). The faecal levels of human beta defensin 2, cathelicidin, slgA, calprotectin and butyrate were statistically higher in the BB-12 group compared to the placebo group after the 21-day intervention. At the end of the intervention the parent's/caregiver's physical, emotional and social functioning scores were significantly higher for the BB-12 group compared to the placebo group (all P<0.05). Supplementation of BB-12 is effective in reducing crying and fussing in infants diagnosed with infant colic.

Highly Selective and Sensitive microRNA-210 Assay Based on Dual-Signaling Electrochemical and Photocurrent-Polarity-Switching Strategies

Highly sensitive and selective microRNA (miRNA) assay is of great significance for disease diagnosis and therapy. Herein, a magnetic-assisted electrochemistry (EC)-photoelectrochemistry (PEC) dual-mode biosensing platform was developed for miRNA-210 detection based on dual-signaling EC and photocurrent-polarity-switching PEC strategies. Porous magnetic Fe₃O₄ octahedra with a large surface area were synthesized by calcining Fe-based metal-organic frameworks. Subsequently, the magnetic photoelectric materials (Fe₃O₄@CdS) were developed by the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method in Cd²⁺ and S^2- solutions. Then, the self-assembled DNA nanoprisms contained three thiols/hanging arms that could capture miRNA-210 efficiently and were anchored to the Fe₃O₄@CdS octahedra via the Cd-S bond. When miRNA-210 was present, the double-stranded DNA concatemers [the self-assembled duplex helixes based on a pair of methylene blue (MB)-labeled single-stranded DNAs (AP1 and AP2) through the hybridization chain reaction and then intercalated with adriamycin (Dox) into their grooves] were connected with the Fe₃O₄@CdS-DNA nanoprisms. MB and Dox not only acted as the electrochemical probes but also synergistically switched the photocurrent polarity of the Fe₃O₄@CdS octahedra. Thus, miRNA-210 was assayed sensitively and selectively via the proposed EC-PEC dual-mode biosensing platform. Additionally, the abovementioned recognition steps occurred in a homogeneous system, and the effects of the impurities and interferences on the miRNA-210 assay could be easily avoided by magnetic separation due to the good magnetic properties of Fe₃O₄ octahedra. The proposed EC-PEC dual-mode biosensing platform showed a wide range of potential applications in bioanalysis and early diagnosis of disease.

A photocurrent-polarity-switching biosensor for highly selective assay of mucin 1 based on target-induced hemin transfer from ZrO2 hollow spheres to G-quadruplex nanowires

Herein, a photocurrent polarity switching platform for highly selective assay of mucin 1 (MUC1) was developed based on target-induced hemin transfer from ZrO₂ hollow spheres (ZrO₂ HSs) to G-quadruplex nanowires (G wires). In this system, SiO₂ spheres were used as templates to synthesize the uniform and mesoporous ZrO₂ HSs. As nanocontainers, ZrO₂ HSs could load hemin in its cavity via pores. Then, the aptamers of MUC1, as bio-gates, blocked the pores of ZrO₂ HSs based on the specific binding of Zr⁴⁺ and the phosphate groups of aptamer. In the presence of MUC1, the aptamer could specifically recognize and bind with MUC1, and then leave away from the surface of ZrO₂ HSs, which resulted in the opening of the bio-gates and releasing of hemin. Assisted with the G wires formed on the Au NPs/In₂S₃/ITO, the released hemin was captured on the electrode through the formation of hemin/G-quadruplex structure, leading to the switch of the photocurrent polarity of the electrode from anodic photocurrent to cathodic photocurrent. The proposed photoelectrochemical biosensor showed outstanding performance for MUC1 assay with high selectivity, wide linear response range (1 fg mL^-1 -10 ng mL^-1) and lower detection limit (0.48 fg mL^-1). And the strategy could be easily extended to a triple-mode detection of MUC1 because the hemin/G-quadruplex structure was widely used in electrochemical and colorimetric methods as a hydrogen peroxide mimetic enzyme, which might provide wide applications in biological or clinical studies.

Sensitive Dual-Mode Biosensors for CYFRA21-1 Assay Based on the Dual-Signaling Electrochemical Ratiometric Strategy and "On-Off-On" PEC Method

Herein, an electrochemical (EC)-photoelectrochemical (PEC) dual-mode biosensor was constructed for cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1 (CYFRA21-1) assay based on the dual-signaling electrochemical ratiometric strategy and "on-off-on" PEC method. The indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode was modified by 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA)@C₆₀ and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), and the double-stranded DNA composed of thiol/methylene blue (MB)-labeled single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) (S0-MB) and antibody/ferrocene (Fc)-labeled ssDNA (Ab1-S1-Fc) was immobilized on the Au NPs/PTCDA@C₆₀/ITO electrode via the Au-S bond between Au NPs and thiol of S0-MB. With the help of another antibody-labeled ssDNA (Ab2-S2), the presence of CYFRA21-1 triggered a typical antigen-antibody sandwich immune reaction (Ab1, CYFRA21-1, and Ab2) and proximity hybridization between Ab1-S1-Fc and Ab2-S2. This caused the release of Ab1-S1-Fc from the modified electrode and the change of S0-MB to a hairpin structure, resulting in a decrease (an increase) of the oxidation peak current of Fc (MB) and an increase of the photocurrent due to the enhancing (inhibiting) effect of MB (Fc) on the photoelectric performance of the Au NPs/PTCDA@C₆₀/ITO electrode. Thus, CYFRA21-1 was detected by the developed EC-PEC dual-mode sensing platform sensitively, and the linear response ranges of 0.001-40 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.3 pg/mL for the EC technique and 0.0001-4 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.03 pg/mL for the PEC method were obtained. Furthermore, by changing the specific antibodies of disease-related biomarkers, the developed dual-mode biosensing platform could be readily extended to detect other antigens, implying its great potential applications in biological analysis and early disease diagnosis.

STAT3-induced upregulation of lncRNA DUXAP8 functions as ceRNA for miR-577 to promote the migration and invasion in colorectal cancer through the regulation of RAB14

OBJECTIVE

Previous reports have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in a series of biological processes and cancer in humans. Recently, lncRNA double homeobox A pseudogene 8 (DUXAP8) was frequently reported to be aberrantly expressed in multiple cancers and play a functional role. However, the exact expression, function, and mechanism of DUXAP8 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain uncovered.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression levels of DUXAP8 were detected by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The clinical influence of DUXAP8 in HCC patients was statistically analyzed. Luciferase reporter and ChIP assays were carried out for the exploration of whether STAT3 was able to bind to the promoter of DUXAP8. Lost-of-function experiments were carried out for the determination of possible cellular function in CRC cells. The modulating associations between DUXAP8 and miR-577 and RAB14 were further studied in CRC cells.

RESULTS

In this study, we first provided evidence that DUXAP8 was overexpressed in CRC and increasing expression of DUXAP8 indicates advanced clinical progression and poor survival of CRC patients. Then, transcription factor STAT3 was demonstrated to upregulate DUXAP8 in CRC cells. Functional assays via in vitro assays revealed that DUXAP8 knockdown through shRNA in HCT116 and LOVO cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. Furthermore, an inverse relationship between DUXAP8 and miR-577 was found. In addition, we confirmed that DUXAP8 served as competing endogenous RNA to modulate miR-577, which can modulate RAB14, a well-studied oncogene.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that the STAT3-induced up-regulation of DUXAP8 might provide a new perspective for CRC therapy.

Sensitive photoelectrochemical assay of Pb2+ based on DNAzyme-induced disassembly of the "Z-scheme" TiO2/Au/CdS QDs system

Herein, based on DNAzyme-induced disassembly of the "Z-scheme" TiO₂/Au/CdS QDs system, a facile and sensitive photoelectrochemical biosensor was developed for lead ion assay and a low detection limit of 0.13 pM was obtained.

[Role of immunotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer]

Concomitant radiochemotherapy has been the standard of care for unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), irrespective of histological sub-type or molecular characteristics. Currently, only 15-30 % of patients are alive five years after radiochemotherapy, and this figure remains largely unchanged despite multiple phase III randomised trials. In recent years, immune-checkpoint blockades with anti-PD-(L)1 have revolutionised the care of metastatic NSCLC, becoming the standard front- and second-line strategy. Several preclinical studies reported an increased tumour antigen release, improved antigen presentation, and T-cell infiltration in irradiated tumours. Immunotherapy has therefore recently been evaluated for patients with locally advanced stage III NSCLC. Following the PACIFIC trial, the anti-PD-L1 durvalumab antibody has emerged as a new standard consolidative treatment for patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC whose disease has not progressed following concomitant platinum-based chemoradiotherapy. Immunoradiotherapy therefore appears to be a promising association in patients with localised NSCLC. Many trials are currently evaluating the value of concomitant immunotherapy and chemoradiotherapy and/or consolidative chemotherapy with immunotherapy in patients with locally advanced unresectable NSCLC.

[Curative effect observation of application of the snare in epiglottic cystectomy by arc-shaped laryngoscopy]

Objective:To evaluate the effect of the epiglottic cystectomy by arc-shaped video laryngoscopy combined with snare. Method:The clinical data of 42 patients with epiglottic cysts were retrospectively analyzed. Forty-two patients with epiglottis cyst were treated by arc-shaped video laryngoscopy combined with snare. Result:All 42 cases were completely resected at one time without obvious complications and the cure rate was 100%. Moreover, the short operation time（5-20 min） and the minor hemorrhage（1-10 ml） were observe. There was no recurrence after 6 to 33 months follow-up. Conclusion:The epiglottic cystectomy by arc-shaped video laryngoscopy combined with snare has the advantages of broad vision, easy operation, minimal invasion, rapid recovery and good curative effect, it is worthy to be popularized in clinical application.

Spontaneous deposition of Ir nanoparticles on 2D siloxene as a high-performance HER electrocatalyst with ultra-low Ir loading

Based on the reducibility of siloxene, Ir nanoparticles were spontaneously deposited on siloxene and showed excellent performance for the HER.

3D amorphous NiFe LDH nanosheets electrodeposited on in situ grown NiCoP@NC on nickel foam for remarkably enhanced OER electrocatalytic performance

NiFe LDH (layered double hydroxide) is currently attracting increasing attention as a type of promising electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OERs); however, the biggest obstacle to its large-scale practical application is its poor conductivity and limited active sites. Herein, we report a three-dimensional NiFe LDH with high conductivity and dense active sites, where amorphous NiFe LDH nanosheets are directly electrodeposited on the surface of a hierarchical porous NiCoP@NC derived from the calcination and phosphorization of metal-organic frameworks (ZIF-67) in situ grown on nickel foam. Based on the 3D porous structure, abundant exposed active sites, fast electron and mass transfer rates and strong synergetic effects between NiCoP@NC and NiFe LDH, the resultant NiFe LDH/NiCoP@NC/NF catalysts exhibited significantly enhanced OER catalytic performances compared with NiFe LDH on nickel foam and most of the reported NiFe LDH-based catalysts: a low overpotential of 210 mV for yielding a current density of 10 mA cm-2, an extremely small Tafel slope (35 mV dec-1) and excellent durability. For overall water splitting, with NiFe LDH/NiCoP@NC/NF as the anode and NiCoP@NC/NF as the cathode, the assembled two-electrode system only required 1.54 V to obtain a stable current density of 10 mA cm-2 in 1 M KOH for at least 40 h. This research provided a simple and facile way to develop non-noble-metal oxygen evolution catalysts for replacing high-cost noble metal catalysts.

Label-free and near-zero-background-noise photoelectrochemical assay of methyltransferase activity based on a Bi2S3/Ti3C2 Schottky junction

Based on Bi₂S₃/Ti₃C₂ nanosheets, a label-free photoelectrochemical sensing platform with near-zero background noise was developed for M.SssI methyltransferase activity assay.

Highly Selective and Sensitive Photoelectrochemical Sensing Platform for VEGF165 Assay Based on the Switching of Photocurrent Polarity of CdS QDs by Porous Cu2O-CuO Flower

Herein, a highly selective and sensitive photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing platform was developed for vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) assay based on the porous Cu₂O-CuO flower-induced photocurrent-polarity switching of the CdS quantum dots (QDs) modified indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode. The porous Cu₂O-CuO flower with uniform size and large surface area was successfully synthesized by taking Cu-MOF (HKUST-1) as the precursor. Through VEGF165-triggered catalytic hairpin assembly process, the porous Cu₂O-CuO flower was introduced to the surface of the CdS QDs/ITO electrode, resulting in the switching of the photocurrent polarity from anodic current to cathodic current. Based on the uniform particle size, high specific surface area, good photoelectric conversion efficiency, and photocurrent polarity switching ability of porous Cu₂O-CuO flower, the proposed sensing platform showed excellent assay performance for VEGF165 with a linear response range from 1 to 3000 fM, a detection limit of 0.3 fM, and high selectivity. By changing the specific aptamer, the proposed sensing platform could be easily extended to detect other proteins, and may have a promising application in bioanalysis and early disease diagnosis.

A system composed of vanadium(IV) disulfide quantum dots and molybdenum(IV) disulfide nanosheets for use in an aptamer-based fluorometric tetracycline assay

A system composed of vanadium(IV) disulfide quantum dots (VS₂ QDs) and molybdenum(IV) disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets for use in an aptamer-based fluorometric tetracycline assay was developed. The tetracycline (TET) aptamer was first immobilzed on the VS₂ QDs with a typical size of 3 nm. The blue fluorescence of the VS₂ QDs (labeled with aptamer) with emission maxima at 448 nm (under excitation at 360 nm) was subsequently quenched by MoS₂ nanosheets. If TET is recognized by the aptamer, the VS₂ QDs drift away from the basal plane of the MoS₂ nanosheets. This generated "turn-on" fluorescence of the VS₂ QDs. A VS₂ QD/MoS₂ nanosheet-based fluorometric TET aptasensor was thus constructed. Selective and sensitive TET bioanalysis was realized in a linear range of 1 to 250 ng mL^-1. The detection limit was 0.06 ng mL^-1. Its applicability of determination of TET in milk samples has been demonstrated. Graphical abstractSchematic representation of the aptamer-based fluorometric tetracycline assay.

[Late-onset upper airway obstruction caused by alkali inhalation injury: a case report]

SummaryAlkalis can produce severe tissue injury through liquefaction. Since the liquefaction loosens tissue planes and allows deeper penetration of the agent, alkali burns tend to be more severe than acid burns. Alkaline substances ingestion and inhalation frequently causes damage to the upper respiratory and digestive tract. Initial presentation of airway alkali burn includes oropharyngeal pain, dysphagia, hoarseness and stridor. Patients with a clear history of caustic ingestion or inhalation could always receive proper management. In this paper, a middle aged female presented with acute upper airway obstruction was introduced. The cause of the airway compromise was finally determined to be alkali inhalation 3 weeks ago. By reviewing this special case, the clinical features and management of airway alkali burn was summarized.

Systematic analyses for candidate genes of milk production traits in water buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis)

Water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is of great economic importance as a provider of milk and meat in many countries. However, the milk yield of buffalo is much lower than that of Holstein cows. Selection of candidate genes related to milk production traits can be applied to improve buffalo milk performance. A systematic review of studies of these candidate genes will be greatly beneficial for researchers to timely and efficiently understand the research development of molecular markers for buffalo milk production traits. Here, we identified and classified the candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits. A total of 517 candidate genes have been identified as being associated with milk performance in different buffalo breeds. Nineteen candidate genes containing 47 mutation sites have been identified using the candidate gene approach. In addition, 499 candidate genes have been identified in six genome-wide association studies (GWASes) including two studies performed with the bovine SNP chip and four studies with the buffalo SNP chip. Genes CTNND2 (catenin delta 2), APOB (apolipoprotein B), FHIT (fragile histidine triad) and ESRRG (estrogen related receptor gamma) were identified in at least two GWASes. These four genes, especially APOB, deserve further study to explore regulatory roles in buffalo milk production. With growth in the number of buffalo genomic studies, more candidate genes associated with buffalo milk production traits will be identified. Therefore, future studies, such as those investigating gene location and functional analyses, are necessary to facilitate the exploitation of genetic potential and the improvement of buffalo milk performance.

A new photoelectrochemical immunosensor for ultrasensitive assay of prion protein based on hemin-induced photocurrent direction switching

As a significant biomarker of prion diseases, ultrasensitive assay of infectious isoform of prion (PrP^Sc) is highly desirable for early diagnostics of prion diseases. Herein, taking normal cellular form of prion (PrP^C) as a model owing to a high risk of pathogenicity of PrP^Sc, a new photoelectrochemical immunosensor has been developed based on hemin-induced switching of photocurrent direction. In the presence of PrP^C, nitrogen-doped porous carbon-hemin polyhedra labeled with secondary antibody were introduced onto the CdS-chitosan (CS) nanoparticles-modified indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode via the antigen-antibody specific recognition. Because of the matched energy level between CdS and hemin, the high-efficiency switch of photocurrent direction of the ITO/CdS-CS photoelectrode from anodic to cathodic photocurrent was observed even at very low concentration (0.4 aM) of PrP^C. Through changing the specific antibody, this method can be easily expanded to PrP^Sc assay. Such low detectable limit is very useful in the early diagnosis and screening of prion diseases. The developed method has also promising applications in bioanalysis, disease diagnostics, and clinical biomedicine.

Efficacy of triamcinolone-soaked polyglycolic acid sheet plus fully covered metal stent for preventing stricture formation after large esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection

Esophageal stricture is a major problem for patients with large superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasms (SESCNs) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Although many measures could be used as prophylaxis for post-ESD strictures, a well-accepted method has not yet been established. We propose using a triamcinolone-soaked polyglycolic acid sheet plus fully covered metal stent (TS-PGA+FCMS) as a novel method to prevent stricture formation after large esophageal ESD. From June 2016 to May 2017, nine patients with SESCNs (≥3/4 of the esophageal circumference) who underwent TS-PGA+FCMS placement immediately after ESD and did not require additional surgical resection were enrolled in this case series. All stents were removed 4-6 weeks post-ESD. The sizes of mucosal defects in 9 patients were 3/4 (n = 1), 4/5 (n = 2), 1/1 (n = 6). The average size of resection was 90.0 mm (range: 60-140 mm). The incidence of stricture was 33.3% (3/9) of patients. No stricture occurred in 3 patients with noncircumferential resection, while stricture occurred in 50% (3/6) patients with circumferential resection. The median number of EBD sessions was 4 (range: 3-4 sessions). No adverse events or recurrences were observed during the median follow-up period of 15.2 months (range: 12-22 months). The TS-PGA+FCMS method is safe and may decrease the incidence of esophageal stricture and the number of EBD sessions after large esophageal ESD.

Low-cost high-performance hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts based on Pt-CoP polyhedra with low Pt loading in both alkaline and neutral media

Low-cost Pt-CoP hollow polyhedra exhibited prominent performance for the HER in both basic and neutral solutions.

A sensitive photoelectrochemical assay of miRNA-155 based on a CdSe QDs//NPC-ZnO polyhedra photocurrent-direction switching system and target-triggered strand displacement amplification strategy

A new photoelectrochemical biosensor based on a CdSe QD//NPC-ZnO polyhedra photocurrent-direction switching system and a target-triggered strand displacement amplification strategy was developed for the detection of miRNA-155.

Target-induced photocurrent-polarity switching: a highly selective and sensitive photoelectrochemical sensing platform

Based on target-induced photocurrent-polarity switching, a highly selective and sensitive photoelectrochemical sensing platform was developed.