Development of double-layer poly (amino acid) modified electrochemical sensor for sensitive and direct detection of betamethasone in cosmetics

Screening for illegal use of glucocorticoids (GCs) in cosmetics by electrochemical methods is extremely challenging due to the poor electrochemical activity of GCs. In this study, poly-L-Serine/poly-Taurine modified electrode (P(Tau)/P(L-Ser)/GCE) was prepared for sensitive and direct determination of betamethasone in cosmetics by a simple two-step in situ electropolymerization reaction. The relevant parameters of preparation and electroanalytical conditions were respectively studied, including the concentration of polymerization solution, the number of scanning circles and the scanning rate. The SEM and EDS mapping demonstrated successful preparation of P(Tau)/P(L-Ser)/GCE. The electro-catalytic properties of the obtained electrodes were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry methods, showing a remarkable improvement of sensitivity for the detection of betamethasone due to the synergic effect of both P(L-Ser) and P(Tau). In addition, we investigated the electrochemical reduction of betamethasone on the surface of modified electrode. It was found that the process was controlled by diffusion effect and involved the transfer of two electrons and two protons. Then the electrochemical sensor method based on P(Tau)/P(L-Ser)/GCE was established and delivered a linear response to betamethasone concentration from 0.5 to 20 μg mL-1 with a limit of detection of 32.2 ng mL-1, with excellent recoveries (98.1%-106.8%) and relative standard deviations (＜4.8%). Furthermore, the established electrochemical sensor method was compared with conventional HPLC method. The results showed that both of them were comparable. Moreover, the established electrochemical sensor method was with the merits of short analysis time, environmentally friendly, low cost and easy to achieve in-site detection.

DNA-functionalized MOF fluorescent probes for the enzyme-free and pretreatment-free detection of MicroRNA in serum

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a promising biomarker that plays an important role in various biomedical applications, especially in cancer diagnosis. However, the current miRNA detection technology has inherent limitations such as complex operation, expensive testing cost and excessive detection time. In this study, a dual signal amplification biosensor based on DNA-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) fluorescent probes, MFPBiosensor, was established for the enzyme-free and pretreatment-free detection of the colon cancer (CC) marker miR-23a. DNA-functionalized MOFs NH2-MIL-53(Al) (DNA@MOFs) were synthesized as fluorescent probes with specific recognition functions. A single DNA@MOF carries a large number of fluorescent ligands 2-aminoterephthalic acid (NH2-H2BDC), which can generate strong fluorescence signals after alkaline hydrolysis. Combined with catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA), an efficient isothermal amplification technique, the dual signal enhancement strategy reduced matrix interference and sensitized the signal response. The established MFPBiosensor successfully detected extremely low levels of miRNA in complex biological samples with acceptable sensitivity and specificity. With a single detection cost of $0.583 and a test time of 50 min, the excellent inexpensive and rapid advantage of the MFPBiosensor is highlighted. More importantly, the subtle design enables the MFPBiosensor to achieve convenient batch detection, where miRNA in serum can be directly detected without any pretreatment process or enzyme. In conclusion, MFPBiosensor is a promising biosensor with substantial potential for commercial miRNA detection and clinical diagnostic applications of CC.

Facile Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(amino acid)s by Relay Polymerization

Poly(amino acid)s (PAAs) are one kind of favorable biopolymer that can be used as a drug or gene carrier. However, conventional ring-opening polymerization of PAAs is slow and needs a strict anhydrous environment with an anhydrous reagent as well as the product without enough high molecular weight (Mn), which limits the expanding of PAAs' application. Herein, we took BLG-NCA as the monomer to quickly synthesize one kind of high Mn amphiphilic copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamic acid) (PEG-PBLG), by relay polymerization with a simple one-pot method within 3 h in mild conditions (open air, moisture insensitive). In the polymerization process, ring-opening polymerization-induced self-assembly in sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution first occurred to obtain low Mn PEG-PBLG seeds without purification. Then γ-benzyl-l-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride (BLG-NCA) dichloromethane solution was added into PEG-PBLG seeds directly and stirred vigorously to form am emulsion; during this process, the amphiphilic PEG-PBLG seeds will anchor on the interface of DCM and water to ensure the concentration of α-helix rigid PBLG in DCM to maintain the following relay polymerization. Then, high Mn PEG-PBLG was obtained in mild conditions in one pot. We found that the α-helix rigid structure was essential for relay polymerization by studying the synthetic speed of amphiphilic copolymer with different secondary structures. MOE simulation results showed that PBLG and BLG-NCA tended to form a double hydrogen bond, which was beneficial to relay polymerization because of higher local concentrations that can produce more double hydrogen bonds. Our strategy can quickly obtain high Mn PEG-PBLG (224.9 KDa) within 3 h from PEG-NH2 and BLG-NCA in one pot and did not need an extra initiator. After deprotection, the poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(l-glutamate acid) (PEG-PGA) with high Mn as a second product can be used as an excellent antitumor drug carrier. The high Mn PEG-PGA can achieve an encapsulation rate of 86.7% and a drug loading rate of 47.3%, which is twice that of the low Mn PEG-PGA. As a result, the synthesis of PEG-PBLG by relay polymerization simplified the process of PEG-PAA polymerization and increased the Mn. In addition, this method opened a way to obtain other kinds of high Mn PEG-PBLG values in the future.

[Construction of an evaluation index system for the capability of comprehensive control of mountain - type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis based on the One Health concept]

OBJECTIVE

To construct an evaluation index system for the capability of comprehensive control of mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis based on the One Health concept, so as to provide insights into the control and elimination of mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis using the One Health approach.

METHODS

A preliminary evaluation index system was constructed based on literature review, panel discussions and field surveys. Thirty-three experts were selected from 7 provincial disease control and prevention centers in Beijing Municipality, Hebei Province, Shanxi Province, Henan Province, Sichuan Province, Shaanxi Province and Gansu Province where mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis was endemic, and two rounds of expert consultations were conducted to screen the indicators. The positive coefficient, degree of concentration, degree of coordination, and authority of the experts were calculated, and the normalized weights of each index were calculated with the analytic hierarchy process.

RESULTS

The response rates of questionnaires during two rounds of expert consultation were both 100.00% (33/33), and the authority coefficients of the experts were 0.86 and 0.88, respectively. The coefficients of coordination among experts on the rationality, importance, and operability of the indicators were 0.392, 0.437, 0.258, and 0.364, 0.335, 0.263, respectively (all P values < 0.05). Following screening, the final evaluation index system included 3 primary indicators, 17 secondary indicators, and 50 tertiary indicators. The normalized weights of primary indicators "external environment", "internal support" and "comprehensive control" were 16.98%, 38.73% and 44.29%, respectively. Among the secondary indicators of the primary indicator "external environment", the highest weight was seen for natural environment (66.67%), and among the secondary indicators of the primary indicator "internal support", the lowest weight was seen for the scientific research for visceral leishmaniasis control (8.26%), while other indicators had weights of 12.42% to 13.38%. Among the secondary indicators of the primary indicator "comprehensive control", the weight was 16.67% for each indicator.

CONCLUSIONS

An evaluation index system has been constructed for the capability of comprehensive control of mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis based on the One Health concept. In addition to assessment of the effect of conventional mountain-type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis control measures, this index system integrates the importance of top-level design, organizational management, and implementation of control measures, and includes indicators related to multi-sectoral cooperation.

Unraveling the Impact of Curvature on Electrocatalytic Performance of Carbon Materials: A State-of-the-Art Review

Curvature of carbon materials have gained significant attention as catalysts due to their distinctive properties and potential applications. This review comprehensively summarizes how the bending of carbon materials can improve electrocatalytic performance, with special attention to the applications of various bent carbon materials (such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and fullerene) in electrocatalysts and a large number of related density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations. Extensive mechanism research has provided a wealth of evidence indicating that the curvature of carbon materials has a profound impact on catalytic activity. This improvement in catalytic performance by curved carbon materials is attributed to factors like a larger active surface area, modulation of electronic structure, and better dispersal of catalytic active sites. A comprehensive understanding and utilization of these effects enable the design of highly efficient carbon-based catalysts for applications in energy conversion, environmental remediation, and chemical synthesis.

Dietary supplementation of proteases on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics and gut microbiota of growing pigs fed sorghum-based diets

Low-tannin sorghum is an excellent energy source in pig diets. However, sorghum contains several anti-nutritional factors that may have negative effects on nutrient digestibility. The impacts of proteases on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and gut microbiota of growing pigs fed sorghum-based diets were studied in this study. Ninety-six pigs (20.66 ± 0.65 kg BW) were allocated into three groups (eight pens/group, four pigs/pen): (1) CON (control diet, sorghum-based diet included 66.98% sorghum), (2) PRO1 (CON + 200 mg/kg proteases), (3) PRO2 (CON + 400 mg/kg proteases) for 28 d. No differences were observed in growth performance and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients between CON and PRO1 groups. Pigs fed PRO2 diet had increased (P < 0.05) BW on d 21 and 28, and increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain during d 14-21 and the overall period compared with pigs fed CON diet. In addition, pigs fed PRO2 diet had improved (P < 0.05) ATTD of gross energy, CP, and DM compared with pigs fed CON and PRO1 diets. Pigs fed PRO2 diet had lower (P < 0.05) plasma globulin (GLB) level and higher (P < 0.05) plasma glucose, albumin (ALB) and immunoglobulin G levels, and ALB/GLB ratio than pigs fed CON and PRO1 diets. Furthermore, pigs fed PRO2 diet had decreased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Acidobacteriota at the phylum level and increased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Prevotella_9 at the genus level. The linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis also showed that pigs fed PRO2 diet had significantly enriched short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, such as Subdoligranulum and Parabacteroides. In conclusion, protease supplementation at 400 mg/kg improved the growth performance of growing pigs fed sorghum-based diets, which may be attributed to the improvement of nutrient digestibility, host metabolism, immune status and associated with the altered gut microbiota profiles.

Selective Analysis of Progesterone in Cosmetic Samples Based on Molecularly Imprinted Solid-Phase Extraction and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

The illegal addition of progesterone to cosmetics could cause serious adverse reactions and pose a serious threat to human health. In this work, a simple, fast and sensitive method was developed by combining molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (MISPE-HPLC) for the selective determination of progesterone in cosmetics. Chitosan-modified silica is used as the carrier to provide binding sites for the effective conjugation of the target. The obtained molecularly imprinted polymers exhibited excellent adsorption capacity (36.2 mg·g-1), good selectivity and fast mass transfer rate for progesterone. Meanwhile, the prepared MISPE column could eliminate the interference of co-existing substances. Combined MISPE with HPLC, a selective and effective method for detecting progesterone in different cosmetics was achieved. Under the optimum conditions, the established MISPE-HPLC method was successfully used for the detection of progesterone in real samples. The linear range of this method was 1 to 200 μg·mL-1 with a limit of detection of 0.016 μg·mL-1. Therefore, this method could be used for the selective and effective detection of progesterone in different cosmetic samples with complex substrates. We provided an alternative method for the detection of illegal additions in cosmetics.

Impact of COVID-19 infection experience on mental health status of intensive care unit patients' family members: a real-world study

PURPOSE

Family members of patients hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU) are susceptible to adverse psychological outcomes. However, there is a paucity of studies specifically examining the mental health symptoms in ICU patients' family members with a prior history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate mental health status and its influencing factors of ICU patients' family members with previous COVID-19 infection experience in China.

DESIGN

Nationwide, cross-sectional cohort of consecutive participants of family members of ICU patients from 10 provinces randomly selected in mainland China conducted between October 2022 and May 2023.

METHODS

The basic information scale, Self-rating depression scale, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, Impact of Event Scale-Revised, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, Perceived Stress Scale, Connor-Davidson resilience scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire were employed to explore mental health status among participants.

RESULTS

A total of 463 participants, comprising 156 individuals in Covid-19 family member cohort (infection group) and 307 individuals in control family member cohort (control group), met inclusion criteria. The infection group exhibited significantly higher incidence of composite mental health symptoms compared to control group (P = 0.017). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that being female, engaging in physical/mental labor, residing in rural areas, and having children were identified as risk factors for the development of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, while medical history of surgery was protective factor. A predictive model demonstrated a favorable discriminative ability and excellent calibration.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 infection experience regarded as new traumatic stressors worsen mental health status of ICU patients' family members.

Butyrate Inhibits Dendritic Cell Activation and Alleviates Periodontitis

Dendritic cells (DCs) can mediate inflammation-related bone resorption that is crucial in the development of periodontitis. Butyrate is a critical by-product of microbes with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we found that butyrate inhibited the activation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced DCs and generation of inflammatory cytokines by DCs. Moreover, butyrate regulated glycolysis in LPS-induced DCs via the G-protein-coupled receptor/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α pathway. In addition, butyrate inhibited the maturation of CD11c+MHC-II+ DCs in vivo, suppressing local inflammatory infiltration and ultimately alleviating bone resorption in a periodontitis model. Our results imply that butyrate suppresses the activation of LPS-induced DCs by modulating their metabolism, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases.

Impacts of pregnancy and menopause on COVID-19 severity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 4.6 million women

BACKGROUND

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still a public health emergency of international concern. However, whether pregnancy and menopause impact the severity of COVID-19 remain unclear.

AIM

This study is performed to investigate the truth.

DESIGN

Study appraisal and synthesis follows PRISMA guideline. Meta-analysis is performed in random-effects model.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane database, Central, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO COVID-19 database and WHO-ICTRP are searched until 28 March 2023.

RESULTS

In total, 57 studies (4 640 275 COVID-19 women) were analyzed. Pregnant women were at a lower risk of severe COVID-19, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and disease mortality compared to those nonpregnant women with comparable comorbidities. In contrast, pregnant women with more prepregnancy comorbidities were at a higher risk of severe COVID-19, ICU admission and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). In addition, pregnant women with pregnancy complications had a significantly increased risk of severe COVID-19 and ICU admission. Menopause increased COVID-19 severity, IMV requirement and disease mortality. Hormone replacement therapy inhibited COVID-19 severity in postmenopausal women. Premenopausal and postmenopausal women had a lower chance of severe illness than age-matched men. The impact of pregnancy on COVID-19 severity was significant in Americans and Caucasians, whereas the effect of menopause on COVID-19 severity was only significant in Chinese.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy and menopause are protective and risk factors for severe COVID-19, respectively. The protective role of pregnancy on COVID-19 is minimal and could be counteracted or masked by prepregnancy or pregnancy comorbidities. The administration of estrogen and progesterone may prevent severe COVID-19.

Workplace bullying and suicidal ideation and behaviour: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Suicidal ideation and behaviour are potential outcomes of workplace bullying. This review aimed to determine the extent of the association between workplace bullying and suicidal ideation and behaviour.

STUDY DESIGN

The study incorporated a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement was followed to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. A combination of subject terms and free words was used to search nine electronic databases. Two reviewers independently screened articles and extracted information according to the inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was performed with averaged weighted correlations across samples using the STATA software (version 16.0) from pooled estimates of the main results from all studies.

RESULTS

In total, 25 articles of high or medium quality were included in the systematic review; 15 of these were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of suicidal ideation and behaviour was 18% and 4%, respectively. Individuals who experienced workplace bullying had 2.03-times and 2.67-times higher odds of reporting suicidal ideation and behaviour, respectively, after adjustment for confounding factors. Moderating and mediating factors may help reduce the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour for individuals experiencing workplace bullying.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that exposure to workplace bullying significantly increased the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour.

DNA-Templated Ag@Pd Nanoclusters for NIR-II Photoacoustic Imaging-Guided Photothermal-Augmented Nanocatalytic Therapy

Developing multifunctional nanozymes with photothermal-augmented enzyme-like reaction dynamics in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) biowindow is of significance for nanocatalytic therapy (NCT). Herein, DNA-templated Ag@Pd alloy nanoclusters (DNA-Ag@Pd NCs) are prepared as a kind of novel noble-metal alloy nanozymes by using cytosine-rich hairpin-shaped DNA structures as growth templates. DNA-Ag@Pd NCs exhibit high photothermal conversion efficiency (59.32%) under 1270 nm laser and photothermally augmented peroxidase-mimicking activity with synergetic enhancement between Ag and Pd. In addition, hairpin-shaped DNA structures on the surface of DNA-Ag@Pd NCs endow them with good stability and biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, and enhanced permeability and retention effect at tumor sites. Upon intravenous injection, DNA-Ag@Pd NCs demonstrate high-contrast NIR-II photoacoustic imaging-guided efficient photothermal-augmented NCT of gastric cancer. This work provides a strategy to synthesize versatile noble-metal alloy nanozymes in a bioinspired way for highly efficient therapy of tumors.

Relationship Between Prognostic Nutritional Index and New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Multiple reports relate new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) to poor clinical outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is a reliable indicator of immunonutritional-inflammatory status, and it is linked to clinical outcomes in cardiovascular disease patients. This research aims to explore the relationship between NOAF and PNI.Overall, 600 STEMI patients treated with PCI were recruited for this retrospective analysis. The patients were categorized into the NOAF group or sinus rhythm (SR) group. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were conducted to assess PNI estimation. Lastly, the Kaplan-Meier curve was used to compare all-cause mortality between both groups.The combined NOAF incidence in PCI-treated STEMI patients was 7.7%. PNI was independently correlated with NOAF using multivariate regression analyses (odds ratio [OR], 0.824; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.750-0.906; P < 0.001). In ROC curve analyses, the best PNI threshold value for predicting NOAF was 40.1, with sensitivity, and specificity of 76.09% and 71.30%, respectively area under the curve, 0.787; 95% CI, 0.752-0.819; P < 0.001). After a median of 41-month follow-up, the Kaplan-Meier curve revealed that the NOAF patients displayed an elevated all-cause death incidence compared with SR patients, with a log-rank of P = 0.005.This study demonstrated that PNI is an independent predictor of NOAF in STEMI patients during hospitalization after PCI, which is strongly correlated with a poor outcome upon discharge.

First Observation of the β3αp Decay of ^{13}O via β-Delayed Charged-Particle Spectroscopy

The β-delayed proton decay of ^{13}O has previously been studied, but the direct observation of β-delayed 3αp decay has not been reported. Rare 3αp events from the decay of excited states in ^{13}N^{⋆} provide a sensitive probe of cluster configurations in ^{13}N. To measure the low-energy products following β-delayed 3αp decay, the Texas Active Target (TexAT) time projection chamber was employed using the one-at-a-time β-delayed charged-particle spectroscopy technique at the Cyclotron Institute, Texas A&M University. A total of 1.9×10^{5} ^{13}O implantations were made inside the TexAT time projection chamber. A total of 149 3αp events were observed, yielding a β-delayed 3αp branching ratio of 0.078(6)%. Four previously unknown α-decaying excited states were observed in ^{13}N at 11.3, 12.4, 13.1, and 13.7 MeV decaying via the 3α+p channel.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of Padsevonil in healthy Chinese subjects and comparison of two sampling methods for Padsevonil quantification

OBJECTIVE

Padsevonil (PSL) is a novel antiepileptic drug candidate that inhibits seizure activity in both presynaptic and postsynaptic ways. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles and volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) application of PSL in the Chinese population are limited. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the PK profile of PSL and its 2 metabolites, the safety of PSL, and compare the PK profile of PSL from samples collected using the VAMS technique with that of conventional venous samples in healthy Chinese subjects.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled single-dose study, the participants received either 200 mg PSL or placebo. Blood samples for the PK variables were collected using both the traditional venous method and the VAMS Mitra® technique at the scheduled time points. The PK parameters of PSL and 2 metabolites were calculated, and the concentration agreement of VAMS and venous samples were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 14 subjects were enrolled. The concentration-time profile of PSL showed rapid absorption with a median tmax of 1.25 h (range: 0.5 to 3.0), followed by an apparent biphasic disposition. For PSL, the geometric means of AUC(0-t), AUC, Cmax, and t1/2 were 6,573 h*ng/mL, 6,588 h*ng/mL, 1,387 ng/mL, and 5.275 h, respectively. The geometric mean body weight-normalized AUC(0-t), AUC, and Cmax were 5,712 h*ng/mL, 5,725 h*ng/mL, and 1,205 ng/mL, respectively. The AUC(0-t), AUC, Cmax of PSL and metabolites in VAMS-dried blood were all lower than those in plasma. The Passing-Bablok regression showed that the PSL and metabolite concentrations obtained by VAMS analysis were comparable to those obtained by plasma at some time points. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were somnolence and dizziness. There were no serious TEAEs, severe TEAEs, discontinuations due to TEAEs, or deaths reported during this study. No clinically significant laboratory, vital signs, electrocardiograph (ECG), or physical examination results were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

PSL has a favorable PK profile after single-dose oral administration and good safety properties in healthy Chinese volunteers. The regression analysis results of VAMS and plasma indicated that the application of VAMS for therapeutic drug monitoring in novel antiepileptic drug development is promising and needs further validation.

Prevalence and risk factors of erectile dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Studies have found that erectile dysfunction (ED) may be a short-term or long-term complication in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, but no relevant studies have completed a pooled analysis of this claim. The purpose of the review was to comprehensively search the relevant literature, summarize the prevalence of ED in COVID-19 patients, assess risk factors for its development, and explore the effect of the COVID-19 infection on erectile function.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed from database inception until April 14, 2022. Heterogeneity was analyzed by χ² tests and I² was used as a quantitative test of heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were used to analyze sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Our review included 8 studies, 4 of which functioned as a control group. There were 250,606 COVID-19 patients (mean age: 31-47.1 years, sample size: 23-246,990). The control group consisted of 10,844,200 individuals (mean age: 32.76-42.4 years, sample size 75-10,836,663). The prevalence of ED was 33% (95% CI 18-47%, I² = 99.48%) in COVID-19 patients. The prevalence of ED based on the international coding of diseases (ICD-10) was 9% (95% CI 2-19%), which was significantly lower than the prevalence of ED diagnosed based on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) (46%, 95% CI 22-71%, I² = 96.72%). The pooling prevalence of ED was 50% (95% CI 34-67%, I² = 81.54%) for articles published in 2021, significantly higher than that for articles published in 2022 (17%, 95% CI 7-30%, I² = 99.55%). The relative risk of developing ED was 2.64 times in COVID-19 patients higher than in non-COVID-19 patients (RR: 2.64, 95% CI 1.01-6.88). The GRADE-pro score showed that the mean incidence of ED events in COVID-19 patients was 1,333/50,606 (2.6%) compared with 52,937/844,200 (0.4%) in controls; the absolute impact of COVID-19 on ED was 656/100,000 (ranging from 4/100,000 to 2352/100,000). Anxiety (OR: 1.13, 95% CI 1.03-1.26, I² = 0.0%) in COVID-19 patients was a risk factor for ED.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 patients have a high risk and prevalence of ED, mainly driven by anxiety. Attention should be paid to patient's erectile functioning when treating COVID-19.

Analyzing the Distribution and Trends of Research in Double Top-University Construction in China: A Knowledge Mapping Analysis of CSSCI Literature

This research study, titled "Analysis of Double Top-University Construction in Domestic Academia: A CSSCI Literature Review (2016-2019) Using CiteSpace," provides an analysis of relevant literature on Double Top-University construction in China. The study utilizes the CiteSpace visual tool to examine the distribution characteristics of Double Top-University Construction in China. It is found that The authors, institutions, journals, and focus themes related to Double Top-University construction were remain the key component of research in recent years. Challenges and potential problems exist in the development of China's "double first class" initiative, necessitating greater scholarly attention. Specifically, efforts are required to strengthen the connection between academic research and policy implementation, conduct further research on international experiences and emerging issues, and improve interdisciplinary collaboration among related fields. Given the interdisciplinary nature and complexity of this initiative, effective coordination and integration across disciplines are essential to meet long-term strategic objectives. The findings of the analysis provide valuable insights that can guide and enrich future investigations towards the construction of Double Top-Universities.

[Malaria control knowledge and behaviors and their influencing factors among residents in Banlao Township, Cangyuan County, Yunnan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the awareness of malaria-related knowledge, the use of mosquito nets and their influencing factors among residents in Banlao Township, Cangyuan County, Yunnan Province.

METHODS

In August 2020, 19 settlement sites in Banlao Township, Cangyuan County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province were selected as study areas, and permanent residents at ages of 10 years and older were enrolled for a questionnaire survey, including residents' demographics, family economic status, malaria control knowledge and use of mosquito nets. In addition, the factors affecting the use of mosquito nets in the night prior to the survey were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 320 questionnaires were allocated, and all were recovered (a 100% recovery rate). There were 316 valid questionnaires, with an effective recovery rate of 98.75%. The 316 respondents included 152 men and 164 women and 250 Chinese respondents and 66 foreign respondents. The awareness of clinical syndromes of malaria was significantly higher among Chinese residents (71.60%) than among foreign residents (50.00%) (χ² = 11.03, P < 0.01), and the proportions of Chinese and foreign residents sleeping under mosquito nets were 46.00% and 69.70% on the night prior to the survey, respectively (χ² = 11.73, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified ethnicity group and type of residence as factors affecting the use of mosquito nets in the night prior to the survey.

CONCLUSIONS

The awareness of malaria control knowledge, the coverage and the use of mosquito nets were low among residents in Banlao Township, Cangyuan County, Yunnan Province. Targeted health education is recommended to improve the awareness of malaria control knowledge and self-protection ability. In addition, improving the allocation of long-lasting mosquito nets and health education pertaining to their uses and increasing the proportion of using mosquito nets correctly is needed to prevent re-establishment of imported malaria.

Copper-Coordinated Covalent Organic Framework Produced a Robust Fenton-Like Effect Inducing Immunogenic Cell Death of Tumors

Increasing infiltration of CD8⁺ T cells can enhance the response rate to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies. In contrast, immunogenic cell death (ICD) induced by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an effective strategy to increase CD8⁺ T cell infiltration. Cuproptosis is newly defined and reported by Tsvetkov et al. A Cu-coordinated covalent organic framework (COF) in which two valence states of copper ions are simultaneously loaded is prepared. On the one hand, Cu²⁺ undergoes a valence shift generating Cu⁺ which acts as an effective Fenton-like reagent to catalyze the production of ^· OH and ¹ O₂ from cellular overexpressed H₂ O₂ , causing DNA damage and lipid peroxidation (LPO), which directly produce cytotoxicity. On the other hand, residual Cu²⁺ can effectively deplete endogenous cellular glutathione (GSH), converting it into glutathione disulfide (GSSG), further increasing intracellular oxidative stress and reducing the scavenging of ROS, thus further enhancing the Fenton-like effect and bringing toxic effects on tumor cells. The synergy of these two functions achieves ICD, helping for transforming "cold tumor" into "hot tumor" and efficient anti-tumor effects eventually. This work provides new insights into coordinated COF and inspire the development of more versatile COF for biomedical applications.

Anticeramide Improves Sjögren's Syndrome by Blocking BMP6-Induced Th1

T-cell dysfunction has been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). In recent studies, the increased expression of BMP6 has been reported to be related to SS. However, the roles that BMP6 plays in immune homeostasis in the development of SS as well as the downstream signals activated by BMP6 remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of BMP6 on naive CD4⁺ T cells, showing that BMP6 could upregulate interferon (IFN)-γ secretion from CD4⁺ T cells through a ceramide/nuclear factor-κB pathway, with no effect on T-cell activation or proliferation. Moreover, an in vivo study showed that anticeramide treatment (myriocin) for an SS animal model (NOD/LtJ mice) could significantly decrease the IFN-γ expression and Th1 frequency in the salivary glands and suppress the inflammation infiltration in salivary glands and maintain the salivary flow rates, both of which reflect SS-like symptoms. This study identifies a promising target that could effectively attenuate the abnormal state of CD4⁺ T cells and reverse the progression of SS.

Zeolitic-Imidazolate Framework (ZIF-8)-Based Immobilized Multi-Enzyme Integrated with Colorimetric Sensor for Cholesterol Assay

Co-immobilization strategies are available to improve the catalytic activity, stability and reusability of enzymes. It is applied in reactions involving multi-step catalysis to optimize the performance frequently in recent years....

Multi-template imprinted solid-phase microextraction coupled with UPLC-Q-TOF-MS for simultaneous monitoring of ten hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in scented tea

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a series of ubiquitous natural toxins in flowering plants, which are associated with serious hepatic disease in humans. However, the simultaneously fast and sensitive monitoring of different PAs are still challenge because of the diversity of PAs and huge amount of interference in complex samples, such as scented tea samples. In this study, molecularly imprinted solid phase microextraction (MIP-SPME) fibers were fabricated by using multi-template imprinting technique for selective recognition and efficient enrichment of different PAs from scented teas. MIP-SPME could be used for selective adsorption of ten types of PAs through specific recognition cavity and strong ionic interaction, including senecionine, lycopsamine, retrorsine, heliotrine, lasiocarpine, monocrotaline, echimidine, erucifoline, europine and seneciphylline. The extraction parameters were also optimized including extraction time, elution solvent and elution time. Then, ultra performance liquid chromatography- quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with MIP-SPME method was developed for fast, simple, sensitive and accurate determination of ten PAs in scented teas. The established method was validated and presented satisfactory accuracy and high precision. It was also successfully applied for simultaneous determination of ten PAs in different scented tea samples. PAs were found in most of these scented tea samples, which suggest the cautious use of scented tea for consumers.

Biomimetic 3D Recognition with 2D Flexible Nanoarchitectures for Ultrasensitive and Visual Extracellular Vesicle Detection

Despite increasing recognition of extracellular vesicles being important circulating biomarkers in disease diagnosis and prognosis, current strategies for extracellular vesicle detection remain limited due to the compromised sample purification and extensive labeling procedures in complex body fluids. Here, we developed a 2D magnetic platform that greatly improves capture efficiency and readily realizes visible signal conversion for extracellular vesicle detection. The technology, termed high-affinity recognition and visual extracellular vesicle testing (HARVEST), leverages 2D flexible Fe₃O₄-MoS₂ nanostructures to recognize extracellular vesicles through multidentate affinity binding and feasible magnetic separation, thus enhancing the extracellular vesicle capture performance with both yield and separation time, affording high sensitivity with the detection limit of 20 extracellular vesicle particles/μL. Through integration with lipid labeling chemistry and the fluorescence visualization system, the platform enables rapid and visible detection. The number of extracellular vesicles can be feasibly determined by smart mobile phones, readily adapted for point-of-care diagnosis. When clinically evaluated, the strategy accurately differentiates melanoma samples from the normal cohort with an AUC of 0.98, demonstrating the efficient extracellular vesicle detection strategy with 2D flexible platforms for cancer diagnosis.

Seroprevalence of antibodies to classical swine fever virus and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in healthy pigs in Hunan Province, China

Classical swine fever (CSF) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) are responsible for major economic losses and represent a threat to the swine industry worldwide. Routine surveillance serology for CSF and PRRS viruses is critical to maintaining the health status of sow farms in Hunan Province, which is one of the top pig production provinces in China. The aim of our study was to investigate the serological statistics of CSF virus (CSFV) and PRRS virus (PRRSV) in Hunan Province. The cohort serum samples were collected from vaccinated and unvaccinated pigs. Our findings showed that the average rates of CSFV and PRRSV antibody seropositivity were 82.2% (95% CI: 80.1-84.3) and 84.8% (95% CI: 82.5-87.1), respectively, in the immunized group and that these rates were higher than those in the unvaccinated group (58.6% for CSFV and 47.8% for PRRSV). Additionally, the level of CSFV antibody in piglet serum declined gradually with age, whereas PRRSV-specific antibody level increased initially (1 to 2 weeks old) and then declined with age (2 to 4 weeks old). In summary, we investigated the difference in CSFV/PRRSV antibody levels among piglets at various weeks old (1 to 4 weeks) to further establish the duration of maternal immunity in piglets. In addition, routine monitoring of CSFV/PRRSV antibodies in immunized pigs was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of vaccination.

Highly efficient amino-functionalized aluminum-based metal organic frameworks mesoporous nanorods for selective extraction of hydrocortisone in pharmaceutical wastewater

Hydrocortisone (HC), as a common steroid hormone drug, is also one of the key intermediates involved in the synthesis of multiple steroid hormone drugs. Residual HC in pharmaceutical wastewater frequently pollutes environmental water as steroid hormone contaminant and possesses great threat to human health as well as sustainable development of the ecosystem. Herein, in order to develop a highly efficient adsorbent system for selective enrichment and detection of HC in pharmaceutical wastewater, a novel amino-functionalized aluminum-based metal organic frameworks (Al-MOFs@NH₂) mesoporous nanorod is fabricated, in which 2-aminoterephthalic acid plays a dual role as organic linker and functional modification unit. The resultant Al-MOFs@NH₂ not only exhibits stable mesoporous structure but also has large specific surface area (849.76 m² g^-1) and plentiful binding sites, which significantly increases the adsorption capacity for HC. Under the promotion of hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction together, Al-MOFs@NH₂ possesses high adsorption capacity (218.53 mg g^-1) for HC, as well as shows satisfactory selectivity for HC and other steroid hormones. Moreover, a method using Al-MOFs@NH₂ as solid phase extraction adsorbents combined with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been developed to specifically enrich and detect trace amount of HC in pharmaceutical wastewater. The developed method has a low limit of detection (LOD) (0.5×10^-3 μg mL^-1) and shows satisfactory recoveries for HC (75.9%-102.5%) with an acceptable relative standard deviation (RSD). These results demonstrate that the facile one-step preparation and excellent adsorption capacity makes Al-MOFs@NH₂ attractive to capture and remove environmental steroid hormone pollutants. More importantly, the method proposed in this work is expected to provide a prospective solution for analysis of strong bioactive contaminants in pharmaceutical wastewater.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of dissimilar NiTi and 304 stainless steel joints produced by ultrasonic welding

Superelastic NiTi alloy and 304 stainless steel (304 SS) were joined with a Cu interlayer by ultrasonic spot welding (USW) using different welding energy inputs. The surface morphology, interfacial microstructure, mechanical properties, and fracture mechanisms of the dissimilar NiTi/304 SS USWed joints were studied. The results showed that the surface oxidation intensified with increasing ultrasonic welding energy due to mutual rubbing between tools and sheets. The weld interface microstructure exhibited voids or unbonded zones at low energy inputs, while an intimate contact was established at the joining interface when applying a higher energy input of 750 J. With increasing energy input to 750 J, the weld interface shows two interfaces due to the behavior of plastic flow of Cu interlayer. The lap-shear load of the joints first increased, achieving a maximum value of ∼690 N at an energy input of 750 J, and then decreased with further increase in welding energy. Interfacial failure was observed at NiTi/Cu interface at all energy inputs, and no intermetallic compounds were found on the fracture surfaces of both the NiTi/Cu and Cu/304 SS interfaces.

Methacrylic functionalized hybrid carbon nanomaterial for the selective adsorption and detection of progesterone in wastewater

Progesterone, an endocrine-disrupting chemical, has been frequently detected in wastewater for decades, posing a serious threat to ecological and human health. However, it is still a challenge to achieve the effective detection of progesterone in complex matrices water samples. In this study, a novel adsorbent CNT@CS/P(MAA) was prepared by grafting methacrylic polymers on the surface of modified carbon nanomaterials. Compared with other reported materials, the hybrid carbon nanomaterial could selectively identify the progesterone in the complex industrial pharmaceutical wastewater, and its adsorption performance is almost independent of the pH and environmental temperature. In addition, this nanomaterial could be reused with a good recovery rate. The prepared nanomaterials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption and desorption experiments, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results confirmed that the methacrylic polymers and chitosan layer were successfully grafted on the surface of carbon nanotubes. Adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetics, and selectivity tests showed that CNT@CS/P(MAA) had a high adsorption capacity (44.45 mg·g-1), a fast adsorption rate and a satisfied selectivity for progesterone. Then, CNT@CS/P(MAA) was used as solid phase extraction sorbent and combined with HPLC to enrich progesterone from the wastewater samples. Under the optimum conditions, a good linearity was obtained with the correlation coefficient was 0.9998, and the limit of detection was 0.003 ng·mL-1. Therefore, this method could be used for the selective and effective detection of progesterone in industrial wastewater with complex substrates and provided a new method for the detection of progesterone in other environmental waters.

Clinical study of the clinical characteristics and prognosis of 1219 cases of endometrial cancer with lymph node metastasis

To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of endometrial cancer patients with lymph node metastasis to provide a reference for lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer. The data used in this study were extracted from a tertiary hospital in Guangxi, China based on the hospital information system. 1219 patients with endometrial malignancy who were treated in our hospital. The lymph node metastasis rate was 9.8%. The metastasis rate of the abdominal aorta + pelvic lymph nodes (56.7%) was significantly higher than that of the pelvic (24.2%) or para-aortic (19.2%) lymph nodes alone. The proportion of postmenopausal patients with lymph node metastasis was higher than that of premenopausal patients. The proportion of patients with lymph node metastasis with vaginal and uterus involvement, HPV detection, Thinprep Cytologic Testresults, CRP level <10 ug/mL, G3 tumor grade, postoperative pathology indicating cervical invasion, lymphovascular invasion, and muscular infiltration depth > 1/2 was higher than that of patients without lymph node metastasis. The proportion of endometrial cancer patients with lymph node metastasis with CA125 ≥ 35 U/ml was higher than that of those with CA125 < 35 U/ml. The lymph node-positive rate is related to tissue differentiation, lymphangitic infiltration, cervical invasion, muscle infiltration depth > 1/2, and CA125 level. The metastasis rate of pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes is higher than that of pelvic lymph nodes or para-aortic lymph nodes alone. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall survival rate among the three groups.

Reconstructing the tumor architecture into organoids

Cancer remains a leading health burden worldwide. One of the challenges hindering cancer therapy development is the substantial discrepancies between the existing cancer models and the tumor microenvironment (TME) of human patients. Constructing tumor organoids represents an emerging approach to recapitulate the pathophysiological features of the TME in vitro. Over the past decade, various approaches have been demonstrated to engineer tumor organoids as in vitro cancer models, such as incorporating multiple cellular populations, reconstructing biophysical and chemical traits, and even recapitulating structural features. In this review, we focus on engineering approaches for building tumor organoids, including biomaterial-based, microfabrication-assisted, and synthetic biology-facilitated strategies. Furthermore, we summarize the applications of engineered tumor organoids in basic cancer research, cancer drug discovery, and personalized medicine. We also discuss the challenges and future opportunities in using tumor organoids for broader applications.

Ultrathin Two-Dimensional Plasmonic PtAg Nanosheets for Broadband Phototheranostics in Both NIR-I and NIR-II Biowindows

Broadband near-infrared (NIR) photothermal and photoacoustic agents covering from the first NIR (NIR-I) to the second NIR (NIR-II) biowindow are of great significance for imaging and therapy of cancers. In this work, ultrathin two-dimensional plasmonic PtAg nanosheets are discovered with strong broadband light absorption from NIR-I to NIR-II biowindow, which exhibit outstanding photothermal and photoacoustic effects under both 785 and 1064 nm lasers. Photothermal conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of PtAg nanosheets reach 19.2% under 785 nm laser and 45.7% under 1064 nm laser. The PCE under 1064 nm laser is higher than those of most reported inorganic NIR-II photothermal nanoagents. After functionalization with folic acid modified thiol-poly(ethylene glycol) (SH-PEG-FA), PtAg nanosheets endowed with good biocompatibility and 4T1 tumor-targeted function give high performances for photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and photothermal therapy (PTT) in vivo under both 785 and 1064 nm lasers. The effective ablation of tumors in mice can be realized without side effects and tumor metastasis by PAI-guided PTT of PtAg nanosheets under 785 or 1064 nm laser. The results demonstrate that the prepared PtAg nanosheets with ultrathin thickness and small size can serve as a promising phototheranostic nanoplatform for PAI-guided PTT of tumors in both NIR-I and NIR-II biowindows.

[An optimized protocol of meniscus cell extraction for single-cell RNA sequencing]

OBJECTIVE

To optimize the protocol of meniscus cell extraction to enhance the efficiency of cell suspension preparation and maintain a high cell viability for single-cell RNA sequencing.

METHODS

We compared the efficiency of the routine cell extraction methods (short-time digestion and long-time digestion) and the optimized protocol for obtaining meniscus cell suspensions by evaluating the cell number obtained and the cell viability. Single-cell RNA sequencing datasets were analyzed to evaluate the stability of the cell suspension prepared using the optimized protocol. The reliability of the optimized protocol was assessed by comparing the single-cell RNA sequencing dataset obtained by the optimized protocol with published single-cell RNA sequencing datasets of the meniscus.

RESULTS

The optimized protocol harvested a greater number of cells (over 1×10⁵) than the routine protocols. The cell suspension prepared with the optimized protocol showed a cell viability higher than 80%, the highest among the 3 methods. Analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing datasets showed that the ratio of the mitochondrial genes was below 20% in over 80% of the cells. CD34⁺ cells, MCAM⁺ cells and COL1A1⁺ cells were identified in the datasets. Comparison with the publish datasets showed that the optimized protocol was capable of harvesting COL3A1⁺, COL1A1⁺, MYLK⁺, BMP2⁺, CD93⁺ and CDK1⁺ cells.

CONCLUSION

Single-cell suspension prepared from the meniscus can be stably obtained using the optimized protocol for single-cell RNA sequencing using the 10× Genomics platform.

[Surface modification of titanium implant with hBMP-2/hIGF-1 for promoting biocompatibility and osteogenesis]

OBJECTIVE

To prepare the human bone morphogenetic protein-2(hBMP-2)/human insulin-like growth factor-1(hIGF-1)coating titanium(Ti)and assess its performance as a dental implant material.

METHODS

hBMP-2 and hIGF-1 were coated to the smooth surface of a Ti plate, and its efficacy for promoting bone formation and bone integration was compared with a pristine Ti plate.The surface characteristics of the metal samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and by contact angle measurement.MG63 cells were seeded on the surface of the Ti plates, and MTT assay and alizarin red staining was used to examine the cell proliferation and formation of calcified nodules, respectively.Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)secretion of the cells was examined with ELISA, and cellular expressions of osteocalcin and osteopontin were detected with Western blotting for assessing osteogenesis.

RESULTS

SEM examination showed that the surface of Ti with hBMP-2 and hIGF-1 coating presented with a radial pattern resembling snowflakes.The contact angles of non-coated Ti, hBMP-2-coated Ti, hIGF-1-coated, and hBMP-2/-hIGF-1-coated Ti samples were 83.2°, 54°, 56° and 54°, respectively.Compared with the non-coated Ti plate, the surface-modified Ti samples showed a significantly smaller contact angle (P=0.032, 0.029, and 0.028), indicating a good hydrophilicity of the samples.MTT assay showed that MG63 cells grew well on the surface of the coated Ti plates.The hBMP-2/IGF-1 coating significantly induced cellular secretion of ALP(P=0.021, 0.014)and obviously promoted osteogenesis of MG63 cells (P < 0.05).Western blotting results showed that hBMP-2/IGF-1 coating significantly enhanced the expressions of osteocalcin and osteopontin in the seeded cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

hBMP-2 and hIGF-1 coating of Ti material can promote osteogenesis of the cells seeded on its surface to improve the performance of such Ti material as dental implants.

Spatially Controlled Preparation of Layered Metallic-Semiconducting Metal Chalcogenide Heterostructures

Spatially controlled preparation of heterostructures composed of layered materials is important in achieving interesting properties. Although vapor-phased deposition methods can prepare vertical and lateral heterostructures, liquid-phased methods, which can enable scalable production and further solution processes, have shown limited controllability. Herein, we demonstrate by using wet chemical methods that metallic Sn_0.5Mo_0.5S₂ nanosheets can be deposited epitaxially on the edges of semiconducting SnS₂ nanoplates to form SnS₂/Sn_0.5Mo_0.5S₂ lateral heterostructures or coated on both the edges and basal surfaces of SnS₂ to give SnS₂@Sn_0.5Mo_0.5S₂ core@shell heterostructures. They also showed good light-to-heat conversion ability due to the metallic property of Sn_0.5Mo_0.5S₂. In particular, the core@shell heterostructure showed a higher photothermal conversion efficiency than the lateral counterpart, largely due to its randomly oriented and polycrystalline Sn_0.5Mo_0.5S₂ layers with larger interfacing area for multiple internal light scattering.

Metal-organic framework grafted with melamine for the selective recognition and miniaturized solid phase extraction of aristolochic acid Ⅰ from traditional Chinese medicine

Aristolochic acid Ⅰ is a nephrotoxic compound and exist in some traditional Chinese medicines at trace level. Up to now, specific enrichment of aristolochic acid Ⅰ remains important procedure and key problem in its analysis. In this study, melamine was proposed as the recognition unit and grafted on the surface of metal-organic framework to fabricate a specific material for aristolochic acid Ⅰ. This material was prepared by using a two-step strategy and the preparation process was optimized. The physical and chemical properties were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transfer infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption-desorption techniques. Adsorption properties were evaluated by binding experiments. The melamine modified material exhibited a uniform morphology, high specific surface area (460.20 m² g^-1), high adsorption capacity (25.57 mg g^-1), fast mass transfer rate and excellent selectivity. Further, a specific and sensitive method was established by using this material as adsorbent of mini-solid phase extraction. The limit of detection was as low as 0.02 μg mL^-1. Therefore, melamine modified metal-organic framework is an ideal adsorbent for the recognition and enrichment of aristolochic acid Ⅰ.

Facile covalent preparation of carbon nanotubes / amine-functionalized Fe3O4 nanocomposites for selective extraction of estradiol in pharmaceutical industry wastewater

As a typical steroid hormone drug, estradiol (E2) is also one of the most frequently detected endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the aquatic environment. Herein, in response to the potential risk of E2 in steroid hormone pharmaceutical industry wastewater to human and wildlife, a novel carbon nanotubes / amine-functionalized Fe₃O₄ (CNTs/MNPs@NH₂) nanocomposites with magnetic responsive have been developed for the enrichment and extraction of E2 in pharmaceutical industry wastewater, where amino-functionalized Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs@NH₂) were used as a magnetic source. The resultant CNTs/MNPs@NH₂ possessed both the features of CNTs and desired magnetic property, enabling to rapidly recognize and separate E2 from pharmaceutical industry wastewater. Meanwhile, the CNTs/MNPs@NH₂ had good binding behavior toward E2 with fast binding kinetics and high adsorption capacity, as well as exhibited satisfactory selectivity to steroidal estrogen compounds. Furthermore, the change of pH value of aqueous phase in adsorption solvent hardly affected the adsorption of E2 by CNTs/MNPs@NH₂, and the adsorption capacity of E2 ranged from 19.9 to 17.2 mg g^-1 in the pH range of 3.0 to 11.0, which is a latent advantage of the follow-up development method to detect E2 in pharmaceutical industry wastewater. As a result, the CNTs/MNPs@NH₂ serving as a solid phase extraction medium were successfully applied to efficiently extract E2 from pharmaceutical industry wastewater. Therefore, the CNTs/MNPs@NH₂ nanocomposites could be used as a potential adsorbent for removing steroidal estrogens from water. More importantly, the developed method would provide a promising solution for the monitoring and analysis of EDCs in pharmaceutical industry wastewater.

Label-Free Analysis of H5N1 Virus Based on Three-Segment Branched DNA-Templated Fluorescent Silver Nanoclusters

Since H5N1 virus is a highly infectious pathogen that causes outbreaks of avian influenza, developing a sensitive and rapid diagnostic platform to sense it becomes significant. Here, a novel label-free fluorescence sensing platform based on DNA-templated silver nanoclusters (DNA-Ag NCs) is developed to detect the H5N1 gene sequence representing H5N1 virus. The three-segment-branched DNA structure with closed cytosine-rich loop is designed as an effective template to produce fluorescent Ag NCs, which is different with the previous design of cytosine-rich loop formed by hairpin-like single-stranded DNA or double-stranded DNA. The proposed fluorescence detection approach gives a wide linear range (500 pM-2 μM) and a low detection limit (500 pM) to sense H5N1 gene sequence. Furthermore, selective analysis of target DNA shows that our constructed analytical strategy has a high selectivity to H5N1 gene sequence. It is regarded as a promising method for highly sensitive and selective sensing of H5N1 virus.

LncRNA INHBA-AS1 promotes cell growth, migration, and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR-143-3p

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "LncRNA INHBA-AS1 promotes cell growth, migration, and invasion of oral squamous cell carcinoma by sponging miR-143-3p, by W.-Q. Ma, J. Chen, W. Fang, X.-Q. Yang, A. Zhu, D. Zhang, H.-L. Zhong, B. Yang, Z. Luo, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 24 (4): 1821-1828-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202002_20360-PMID: 32141551" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/20360.

Metallic 1T Phase Enabling MoS2 Nanodots as an Efficient Agent for Photoacoustic Imaging Guided Photothermal Therapy in the Near-Infrared-II Window

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanomaterials, specially MoS₂ , are proven to be appealing nanoagents for photothermal cancer therapies. However, the impact of the crystal phase of TMDs on their performance in photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and photothermal therapy (PTT) remains unclear. Herein, the preparation of ultrasmall single-layer MoS₂ nanodots with different phases (1T and 2H phase) is reported to explore their phase-dependent performances as nanoagents for PAI guided PTT in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window. Significantly, the 1T-MoS₂ nanodots give a much higher extinction coefficient (25.6 L g^-1  cm^-1 ) at 1064 nm and subsequent photothermal power conversion efficiency (PCE: 43.3%) than that of the 2H-MoS₂ nanodots (extinction coefficient: 5.3 L g^-1  cm^-1 , PCE: 21.3%). Moreover, the 1T-MoS₂ nanodots also give strong PAI signals as compared to negligible signals of 2H-MoS₂ nanodots in the NIR-II window. After modification with polyvinylpyrrolidone, the 1T-MoS₂ nanodots can be used as a highly efficient agent for PAI guided PTT to effectively ablate cancer cells in vitro and tumors in vivo under 1064 nm laser irradiation. This work proves that the crystal phase plays a key role in determining the performance of nanoagents based on TMD nanomaterials for PAI guided PTT.

Anion-dependent topochemical conversion of CoAl-LDH microplates to hierarchical superstructures of CoOOH nanoplates with controllable orientation

Hierarchical superstructures of laterally or vertically oriented CoOOH nanoplates were prepared by topochemical conversion of CoAl-LDH microplates intercalated with CO₃^2- or SO₄^2- anions, respectively. The superstructure of vertically oriented nanoplates exhibited better electrocatalytic performance as compared to the lateral counterpart, attributable to the enlarged accessible surface area and promoted reaction kinetics.