Near-infrared fluorescent probe for detection of hydrogen sulfide in water samples and food spoilage

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a common toxic gas that threatens the quality and safety of environmental water and food. Herein, a new near-infrared fluorescent probe DTCM was synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction for sensing H2S. It exhibited a remarkable "turn-on" near-infrared (NIR) emission response at 665 nm with a remarkably massive Stokes shift of 175 nm, super-rapid detection ability (within 30 s), excellent photostability, high selectivity and sensitivity (limit of detection, LOD = 58 nM). Additionally, the probe was successfully utilized for the detection of H2S in environmental water samples. The DTCM-loaded test papers enabled convenient and real-time monitoring of H2S produced by food spoilage.

A mitochondrial targeted dual ratiometric near-infrared fluorescent probe based on ICT effect for the detection of SO2 derivative and its bioimaging

SO2 derivatives play an important role in many metabolic processes, excessive ingestion of them can lead to serious complications of various diseases. In this work, a novel dual ratiometric NIR fluorescent probe XT-CHO based on ICT effect was synthesized for detecting SO2 derivative. In the design of the probe, the α, β-unsaturated bond formed between benzopyran and coumarin was used as the reaction site for SO2, meanwhile, the extended π-conjugate system promoted maximum emission wavelength of the probe up to 708 nm. Notably, the probe exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity for detecting SO2, the limit of detection reached 2.13 nM and 58.5 nM in fluorescence spectra and UV-Vis absorption spectra, respectively. The reaction mechanism of SO2 and XT-CHO had been verified by 1H NMR, ESI-MS spectra and DFT calculation. Moreover, the probe was successfully applied in detecting endogenous and exogenous SO2 in living cells and proved possessed the mitochondrial targeted ability.

Efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed for TKI-failed leptomeningeal metastases from EGFR+ NSCLC: an expanded, single-arm, phase II clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed (IP) for treating patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progressed from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in an expanded, prospective, single-arm, phase II clinical study (ChiCTR1800016615).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with confirmed NSCLC-LM who progressed from TKI received IP (50 mg, day 1/day 5 for 1 week, then every 3 weeks for four cycles, and then once monthly) until disease progression or intolerance. Objectives were to assess overall survival (OS), response rate, and safety. Measurable lesions were assessed by investigator according to RECIST version 1.1. LM were assessed according to the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria.

RESULTS

The study included 132 patients; 68% were female and median age was 52 years (31-74 years). The median OS was 12 months (95% confidence interval 10.4-13.6 months), RANO-assessed response rate was 80.3% (106/132), and the most common adverse event was myelosuppression (n = 42; 31.8%), which reversed after symptomatic treatment. The results of subgroup analysis showed that absence of brain parenchymal metastasis, good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, good response to IP treatment, negative cytology after treatment, and patients without neck/back pain/difficult defecation had longer survival. Gender, age, previous intrathecal methotrexate/cytarabine, and whole-brain radiotherapy had no significant influence on OS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study further showed that IP is an effective and safe treatment method for the EGFR-TKI-failed NSCLC-LM, and should be recommended for these patients in clinical practice and guidelines.

Study of High-Transverse-Momentum Higgs Boson Production in Association with a Vector Boson in the qqbb Final State with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents the first study of Higgs boson production in association with a vector boson (V=W or Z) in the fully hadronic qqbb final state using data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137  fb^{-1}. The vector bosons and Higgs bosons are each reconstructed as large-radius jets and tagged using jet substructure techniques. Dedicated tagging algorithms exploiting b-tagging properties are used to identify jets consistent with Higgs bosons decaying into bb[over ¯]. Dominant backgrounds from multijet production are determined directly from the data, and a likelihood fit to the jet mass distribution of Higgs boson candidates is used to extract the number of signal events. The VH production cross section is measured inclusively and differentially in several ranges of Higgs boson transverse momentum: 250-450, 450-650, and greater than 650 GeV. The inclusive signal yield relative to the standard model expectation is observed to be μ=1.4_{-0.9}^{+1.0} and the corresponding cross section is 3.1±1.3(stat)_{-1.4}^{+1.8}(syst)  pb.

Measurement of the Centrality Dependence of the Dijet Yield in p+Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

ATLAS measured the centrality dependence of the dijet yield using 165  nb^{-1} of p+Pb data collected at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV in 2016. The event centrality, which reflects the p+Pb impact parameter, is characterized by the total transverse energy registered in the Pb-going side of the forward calorimeter. The central-to-peripheral ratio of the scaled dijet yields, R_{CP}, is evaluated, and the results are presented as a function of variables that reflect the kinematics of the initial hard parton scattering process. The R_{CP} shows a scaling with the Bjorken x of the parton originating from the proton, x_{p}, while no such trend is observed as a function of x_{Pb}. This analysis provides unique input to understanding the role of small proton spatial configurations in p+Pb collisions by covering parton momentum fractions from the valence region down to x_{p}∼10^{-3} and x_{Pb}∼4×10^{-4}.

Search for New Phenomena in Two-Body Invariant Mass Distributions Using Unsupervised Machine Learning for Anomaly Detection at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

Searches for new resonances are performed using an unsupervised anomaly-detection technique. Events with at least one electron or muon are selected from 140  fb^{-1} of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV recorded by ATLAS at the Large Hadron Collider. The approach involves training an autoencoder on data, and subsequently defining anomalous regions based on the reconstruction loss of the decoder. Studies focus on nine invariant mass spectra that contain pairs of objects consisting of one light jet or b jet and either one lepton (e,μ), photon, or second light jet or b jet in the anomalous regions. No significant deviations from the background hypotheses are observed. Limits on contributions from generic Gaussian signals with various widths of the resonance mass are obtained for nine invariant masses in the anomalous regions.

Observation of WZγ Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of WZγ production and a measurement of its cross section using 140.1±1.2  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The WZγ production cross section, with both the W and Z bosons decaying leptonically, pp→WZγ→ℓ^{'}^{±}νℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}γ (ℓ^{(^{'})}=e, μ), is measured in a fiducial phase-space region defined such that the leptons and the photon have high transverse momentum and the photon is isolated. The cross section is found to be 2.01±0.30(stat)±0.16(syst)  fb. The corresponding standard model predicted cross section calculated at next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics and at leading order in the electroweak coupling constant is 1.50±0.06  fb. The observed significance of the WZγ signal is 6.3σ, compared with an expected significance of 5.0σ.

A dual-responsive fluorescent probe based on cyanine and naphthalimide units for detecting HClO and H2S in living cells

Hypochlorous acid (HClO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) play very important roles in both physiological and pathological processes, however, the methods for simultaneously detecting HClO and H2S were rarely reported. Here, a dual-responsive fluorescent probe (CyNa-N3) based on cyanine and naphthalimide dyes was synthesized and investigated. The fluorescence probe showed better sensitivity, high selectivity response to HClO and H2S by red emission and green emission bands, and the limits of detection were 0.17 µM and 0.15 µM respectively. MS (Mass Spectrum) and 1H NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) confirmed the sensing mechanism of CyNa-N3 detected HClO and H2S, the calculation of density functional theory (DFT) further explained the internal mechanism of spectral change of CyNa-N3. Moreover, CyNa-N3 was successfully applied to image HClO and H2S in living cells, which is beneficial for more efficient application in biological imaging.

Combined Measurement of the Higgs Boson Mass from the H→γγ and H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ Decay Channels with the ATLAS Detector Using sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV pp Collision Data

A measurement of the mass of the Higgs boson combining the H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ and H→γγ decay channels is presented. The result is based on 140  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data collected by the ATLAS detector during LHC run 2 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV combined with the run 1 ATLAS mass measurement, performed at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, yielding a Higgs boson mass of 125.11±0.09(stat)±0.06(syst)=125.11±0.11  GeV. This corresponds to a 0.09% precision achieved on this fundamental parameter of the Standard Model of particle physics.

Search for Dark Photons in Rare Z Boson Decays with the ATLAS Detector

A search for events with a dark photon produced in association with a dark Higgs boson via rare decays of the standard model Z boson is presented, using 139  fb^{-1} of sqrt[s]=13  TeV proton-proton collision data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The dark boson decays into a pair of dark photons, and at least two of the three dark photons must each decay into a pair of electrons or muons, resulting in at least two same-flavor opposite-charge lepton pairs in the final state. The data are found to be consistent with the background prediction, and upper limits are set on the dark photon's coupling to the dark Higgs boson times the kinetic mixing between the standard model photon and the dark photon, α_{D}ϵ^{2}, in the dark photon mass range of [5, 40] GeV except for the ϒ mass window [8.8, 11.1] GeV. This search explores new parameter space not previously excluded by other experiments.

Development of europium(III) complex fluorescent probe for hydrogen sulfide detection and its application in water samples

Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) is a crucial endogenous signaling component in organisms that is involved in redox homeostasis and numerous biological processes. Modern medical research has confirmed that hydrogen sulfide plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Herein, a fluorescent probe Eu(ttbd)3 abt based on europium(III) complex was designed and synthesized for the detection of H2 S. Eu(ttbd)3 abt exhibited significant quenching for H2 S at long emission wavelength (625 nm), with rapid detection ability (less than 2 min), high sensitivity [limit of detection (LOD) = 0.41 μM], and massive Stokes shift (300 nm). Additionally, this probe showed superior selectivity for H2 S despite the presence of other possible interference species such as biothiols. Furthermore, the probe Eu(ttbd)3 abt was successfully applied to detect H2 S in water samples.

Hierarchical Porous Amidoximated Metal-Organic Framework for Highly Efficient Uranium Extraction

With the rapid development of industry and technology, high-efficiency extraction of uranium from seawater is a research hotspot from the aspect of nuclear energy development. Herein, a new amidoximated metal-organic framework (UiO-66-DAMN-AO) constructed through a novel organic ligand of 2-diaminomaleonitrile-terephthalic acid (BDC-DAMN) is designed via one-step post-synthetic methods (PSM), which possess the merit of abundant multiaffinity sites, large specific surface area, and unique porous structure for efficient uranium extraction. Adopting one-step PSM can alleviate the destruction of structural stability and the reduction of the conversion rate of amidoxime groups. Meanwhile, introducing the BDC-DAMN ligand with abundant multiaffinity sites endow UiO-66-DAMN-AO with excellent adsorption ability (Qm  = 426.3 mg g-1 ) and selectivity. Interestingly, the UiO-66-DAMN-AO has both micropores and mesopores, which may be attributed to the partial etching of UiO-66-DAMN-AO during the amidoximation. The presence of mesopores improves the mass transfer rate of UiO-66-DAMN-AO and provides more exposed active sites, favoring the adsorption of uranium on UiO-66-DAMN-AO. Thus, this study provides a feasible strategy for modifying metal-organic framework (MOFs) with plentiful amidoxime groups and the promising prospect for MOF-based materials to adsorb uranium from ocean.

Measurement of the Sensitivity of Two-Particle Correlations in pp Collisions to the Presence of Hard Scatterings

A key open question in the study of multiparticle production in high-energy pp collisions is the relationship between the "ridge"-i.e., the observed azimuthal correlations between particles in the underlying event that extend over all rapidities-and hard or semihard scattering processes. In particular, it is not known whether jets or their soft fragments are correlated with particles in the underlying event. To address this question, two-particle correlations are measured in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV using data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, with an integrated luminosity of 15.8  pb^{-1}, in two different configurations. In the first case, charged particles associated with jets are excluded from the correlation analysis, while in the second case, correlations are measured between particles within jets and charged particles from the underlying event. Second-order flow coefficients, v_{2}, are presented as a function of event multiplicity and transverse momentum. These measurements show that excluding particles associated with jets does not affect the measured correlations. Moreover, particles associated with jets do not exhibit any significant azimuthal correlations with the underlying event, ruling out hard processes contributing to the ridge.

Observation of an Excess of Dicharmonium Events in the Four-Muon Final State with the ATLAS Detector

A search is made for potential ccc[over ¯]c[over ¯] tetraquarks decaying into a pair of charmonium states in the four muon final state using proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140  fb^{-1} recorded by the ATLAS experiment at LHC. Two decay channels, J/ψ+J/ψ→4μ and J/ψ+ψ(2S)→4μ, are studied. Backgrounds are estimated based on a hybrid approach involving Monte Carlo simulations and data-driven methods. Statistically significant excesses with respect to backgrounds dominated by the single parton scattering are seen in the di-J/ψ channel consistent with a narrow resonance at 6.9 GeV and a broader structure at lower mass. A statistically significant excess is also seen in the J/ψ+ψ(2S) channel. The fitted masses and decay widths of the structures are reported.

Dose Painting Radiotherapy Guided by Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance vs. 18F-FDG-PET/CT in Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

This phase II randomized controlled trial aimed at comparing the efficacy and toxicity of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI)-guided dose painting radiotherapy (DP-RT), FDG-PET/CT-guided DP-RT, and conventional MRI-based radiotherapy (RT) in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 330 patients with stage III-IVa NPC disease were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy by DWI-guided DP-RT (group A, n = 110), FDG-PET/CT-guided DP-RT (group B, n = 110), or conventional MRI-based RT (group C, n = 110). All patients received volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). In group A, subvolume GTVnx-DWI (gross tumor volume of nasopharynx in DWI) was defined as the areas within the GTVnx (gross tumor volume of nasopharynx) with an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) below the mean ADC (ADC < mean). In group B, subvolume GTVnx-PET (gross tumor volume of nasopharynx in PET images) was defined within GTVnx as the SUV50%max isocontour. The doses to GTVnx-DWI in group A and GTVnx-PET in group B were escalated to 75.2 Gy/32 fx in patients with T1-2 disease and to 77.55 Gy/33 fx in those with T3-4 disease in 2.35 Gy per fraction. In group C, planning gross tumor volume of nasopharynx (PGTVnx) was irradiated at 70.4 to 72.6 Gy/32 to 33 fx in 2.2 Gy per fraction. This trial is registered with chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2200057476).

RESULTS

Group A and B showed significant higher complete response (CR) rates than group C (100%, 100%, and 96.4% for group A, B and C, respectively, p = 0.036). In groups A, B and C, the 1-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rates were 100%, 100%, and 94.5%, respectively (p = 0.002). The 1-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 100%, 99.1%, and 92.7%, respectively (p = 0.001). The 1-year distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates were 100%, 99.1%, and 93.6%, respectively (p = 0.004). The 1-year overall survival (OS) rates were 100%, 100%, and 95.4%, respectively (p = 0.006). Group A and B had significantly higher 1-year LRFS, DFS, DMFS, and OS than those in group C. No significant differences were observed in LRFS, DFS, DMFS and OS between group A and B. Group B (PET/CT group) had a higher incidence of grade 3-4 acute ototoxicity (3.6%) than group A (0%) and group C (0%, p = 0.036). No significant differences in other grade 3-4 acute adverse events and late toxic effects were observed among the three groups, and no patient had grade 5 toxicities. Multivariate analysis showed that dose painting (DWI-guided DP-RT and PET/CT-guided DP-RT vs conventional MRI-based RT) was associated with improved LRFS, DFS, DMFS and OS.

CONCLUSION

Both DWI-guided DP-RT and PET/CT-guided DP-RT plus chemotherapy are associated with improved LRFS, DFS, DMFS and OS compared with conventional MRI-based RT among patients with locoregionally advanced NPC. DWI-guided DP-RT does not increase toxicities, but PET/CT-guided DP-RT has higher incidence of acute ototoxicity.

Efficacy and Toxicity of Different Target Volume Delineations of Radiotherapy Based on the Updated RTOG/NRG and EORTC Guidelines in Patients with High Grade Glioma: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Postoperative radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) is the standard of care for newly diagnosed high grade glioma, but the optimal method for target volume delineations for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is still unclear. We hypothesized that compared with the EORTC guidelines, IMRT based on the updated RTOG/NRG guidelines was equally effective, without increasing toxicities for patients with high-grade glioma. The purpose of this randomized phase 2 study was to compare the efficacy and toxicity of IMRT based on different target volume delineations (updated RTOG/NRG versus EORTC guidelines) with concomitant and adjuvant TMZ for patients with high grade glioma.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 302 patients with newly diagnosed high-grade glioma (WHO grade 3-4) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive postoperative IMRT based on either updated RTOG/NRG guidelines (RTOG/NRG group, n = 151) or EORTC guideline (EORTC group, n = 151), with concomitant and adjuvant TMZ. In the RTOG/NRG group, an initial volume consisting of enhancement, postoperative cavity, plus surrounding edema (or fluid-attenuated inversion recovery [FLAIR] abnormality defined by magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]) and a 2-cm margin received 46 Gy in 23 fractions followed by a boost of 14 Gy in 7 fractions to the area of enhancement plus the cavity and a 2-cm margin. In the EORTC group, a single planning volume was used to deliver 60 Gy in 30 fractions to the area of enhancement and the cavity with a 2-cm margin. The primary end point was overall survival (OS). Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS) and toxicities associated with each treatment.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were observed between groups for 1-year OS (71.8% for RTOG/NRG group and 69.9% for EORTC group, respectively; P = 0.759) or 1-year PFS (46.7% for RTOG/NRG group and 43.6% for EORTC group, respectively; P = 0.674). Efficacy did not differ by MGMT methylation status. There were no differences in grade 3-4 toxicities (leukopenia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, fatigue, nausea and vomiting) between the two groups. No grade 5 toxicities were observed in both groups. Multivariate analyses showed that tumor MGMT status (methylated vs unmethylated) and WHO grade (grade 3 vs grade 4) were associated with OS and PFS. However, radiation type (RTOG/NRG group vs EORTC), sex, age, and Karnofsky scale did not significantly influence OS or PFS.

CONCLUSION

Compared with EORTC guidelines for postoperative radiotherapy, IMRT based on RTOG/NRG guidelines was equally effective, without increasing toxicities for patients with high-grade glioma. This trial is registered with chictr.org.cn, number ChiCTR2100046667.

Effect of MTA3 Inhibition of Glutamine Synthetase-Mediated Glutaminolysis on Radiosensitivity of Patients with Esophageal Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Metastasis-associated protein 3 (MTA3) can serve as a tumor suppressor in many cancer types. However, the role of MTA3 in radiosensitivity of patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) remains unclear. We thus investigated the function of MTA3 in radiosensitivity for ESCC, one of the most common digestive cancers.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The colony formation assay and nude mice xenograft tumor assay were performed to investigate the effect of MTA3 on radiosensitivity in ESCC. Glutamine consumption assay kit and glutamate production assay kit were used to assess the glutaminolysis. Glutaminase (GLS) Activity Assay Kit and Glutamine Synthetase (GS) Activity Assay Kit were used to analyze the activity of specific metabolic enzymes dominate glutaminolysis. The regulatory mechanism of glutaminolysis by MTA3 was confirmed using Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and Gaussia luciferase assay. The expression levels of MTA3 and GS in ESCC primary tissues were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Survival curves were plotted with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank test.

RESULTS

The colony formation assay showed that MTA3 depletion and overexpression caused significantly higher and lower clonogenic survival after different doses of irradiation (IR), respectively. When these cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice, the tumors derived from the cells with MTA3 overexpression and MTA3 knockdown were significantly smaller and bigger after IR, respectively. These findings suggest that MTA3 can enhance radiosensitivity in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, overexpressed and knockdown MTA3 can repress and expedite glutamine consumption and glutamate production uniformly, respectively. To determine how MTA3 acts on glutaminolysis, the activity of two specific metabolic enzymes dominate this metabolism, GS and GLS, were evaluated. It found that overexpressed and knockdown MTA3 can restrain and enhance the activity of GS, respectively, but have less effect on GLS. Moreover, the decreased radiosensitivity mediated by MTA3 knockdown is significantly increased when treated with GS inhibitor, suggesting that GS plays a crucial role in MTA3-mediated radiosensitivity enhancement. Mechanistically, Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and Gaussia luciferase assay showed that MTA3 was recruited to the promoter of GS and suppressed GS transcription. However, knockdown of GATA3 abolished MTA3's repressive effect on GS and inhibited the MTA3's occupation on the promoter region of GS. These results collectively demonstrated that, in ESCC cells, MTA3 is recruited by GATA3 to inhibit GS expression, then ultimately represses glutaminolysis and enhances radiosensitivity. Finally, we showed that the ESCC patients in the MTA3low/GShigh group is significantly associated with shorter overall survival.

CONCLUSION

MTA3 is capable of enhancing radiosensitivity through downregulating GS and MTA3low/GShigh might be a potential prognostic factor for ESCC patients.

A novel diarylethene-based fluorescence sensor for Zn2+ detection and its application

A series of fluorometric sensors of Zn²⁺ have been synthesized due to the significant function of Zn²⁺ in the human body and environment. However, most of probes reported for detecting Zn²⁺ have high detection limit or low sensitivity. In this paper, an original Zn²⁺ sensor, namely 1o, was synthesized by diarylethene and 2-aminobenzamide. When Zn²⁺ was added, the fluorescence intensity of 1o increased by 11 times within 10 s, along with a fluorescence color change from dark to bright blue, and the detection limit (LOD) was calculated to be 0.329 μM. According to Job's plot curves, the binding mode of 1o and Zn²⁺ was measured as 1:1, which was further proved by ¹H NMR spectra, HRMS and FT-IR spectra. The logic circuit was designed to take advantage of the fact that the fluorescence intensity of 1o can be controlled by Zn²⁺, EDTA, UV and Vis. In addition, Zn²⁺ in actual water samples were tested, in which the recovery rate of Zn²⁺ was between 96.5 % and 109 %. Furthermore, 1o was successfully made into a fluorescent test strip, which could be used to detect Zn²⁺ in the environment economically and conveniently.

The association of serum testosterone with dyslipidemia is mediated by obesity: the Henan Rural Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the relationships of serum testosterone with dyslipidemia and blood lipid levels and test whether obesity mediated these associations by gender in Chinese rural population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 6150 subjects were finally analyzed in this study. Serum testosterone for each subject was detected by liquid chromatography equipped with tandem mass spectrometry. Logistic regression and linear regression were employed to evaluate the associations of serum testosterone with the prevalence of dyslipidemia and blood lipid levels. Mediation analysis was conducted to identify the mediation effects of obesity on the relationship between serum testosterone and dyslipidemia. After adjusting for multiple confounders, per unit change in serum ln-testosterone levels was associated with a decreased prevalent dyslipidemia in men (odds ratio (OR): 0.785, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.708, 0.871)). Males with the levels of serum testosterone in the third or fourth quartiles had a 49.4% (OR: 0.506, 95% CI 0.398, 0.644) or 67.1% (OR: 0.329, 95% CI 0.253, 0.428) significantly lower odds of prevalence of dyslipidemia. In addition, a onefold increase in ln-testosterone was related to a 0.043 mmol/L (95% CI 0.028, 0.059) increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in men. Results of the mediation analysis suggested that obesity played a partial role in the association of testosterone with dyslipidemia in men.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that serum testosterone levels were negatively associated with lipid levels and prevalent dyslipidemia, and obesity mediated the effects of serum testosterone on dyslipidemia in men, implying that obesity prevention should be highlighted to decrease the prevalence of dyslipidemia related to changes in testosterone levels.

The benefits of intermittent fasting: A review of possible mechanisms on central neurological disorders

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary strategy that involves alternating periods of abstention from calorie consumption with periods of ad libitum food intake and has been shown to have beneficial effects in many ways. Recent studies have shown that IF attenuates neurodegeneration and improves cognitive decline, enhances functional recovery after stroke as well as attenuates the pathological and clinical features of epilepsy in animal models. Furthermore, IF induced several molecular and cellular adaptations in neurons that overall enhanced cellular stress resistance, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis. In this review, the beneficial effects of IF on central neurological disorders are discussed. The information summarised in this review can be used to help contextualise existing research and better guide the development of future IF interventions.

[Research progress of mouse model of hepatitis B virus infection]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem. Animal models are important for the study of the HBV infection mechanism. In the study related to the mouse model of HBV infection, the researchers have established a variety of mouse models, including transgenic, plasmid hydrodynamic injection, virus vector transfection, cccDNA cycle simulation, human and mouse liver chimerism, and liver/immune dual humanization, according to the characteristics of HBV infection. Herein, the research progress of these models is summarized. Notably, the application of these models can further clarify the mechanism of HBV infection under the conditions of a specific immune response in vivo and lay the foundation for the development of new antiviral drugs and immunotherapy for HBV infection.

A highly selective colorimetric and fluorescent probe Eu(tdl)2abp for H2S sensing: Application in live cell imaging and natural water

Using 4-([2,2': 6', 2'- terpyridin] -4'-yl) -N, N-dimethylaniline (tdl) as auxiliary ligand and 6-azido-2,2'-bipyridine (abp) as recognition ligand, a europium complex fluorescent probe Eu(4-([2,2': 6', 2'-terpyridin] -4' -yl) -N, N-dimethylaniline)₂-6-azido-2,2'-bipyridine Eu(tdl)₂abp for efficient and specific recognition of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) was successfully synthesized and characterized by NMR and MS. Eu(tdl)₂abp represented "on-off" fluorescence signals for H₂S and its color changes could be identified with naked eyes. Eu(tdl)₂abp had short response time (2 min) to H₂S, high selectivity and good anti-interference, large stokes shift (207 nm). In various samples, when H₂S existed, the azide group was reduced to amine group, resulting in closed fluorescence signal, and the fluorescence intensity reached the degree of quenching without being affected by other interference. At the same time, there was a good linear relationship between relative fluorescence intensity and H₂S concentration with the detection limit (LOD) of 0.64 μM. The sensing mechanism of Eu(tdl)₂abp to detect H₂S was characterized by ¹H NMR and HR-MS. Eu(tdl)₂abp was used with success for the sensitive detection of H₂S in natural water and living cells.

Dual-ligand lanthanide metal-organic framework for ratiometric fluorescence detection of the anthrax biomarker dipicolinic acid

Dipicolinic acid (DPA) is a unique biomarker of Bacillus anthracis. Development of a simple, fast, sensitive and timely DPA detection method is of great importance and interest for preventing mass disease outbreaks and treatment of anthrax. In this work, a novel lanthanide-doped fluorescence probe was constructed by coordination of Eu³⁺ with bifunctional UiO-66-(COOH)₂-NH₂ MOFs materials for efficient monitoring DPA. UiO-66-(COOH)₂-NH₂ MOFs were prepared using Zr⁴⁺ as a metal node, 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid (H₄BTC) and 2-aminoterephthalic acid (NH₂-BDC) as bridging ligand through a simple one-pot synthesis method. By virtue their abundant carboxyl groups, UiO-66-(COOH)₂-NH₂ can readily grasp Eu³⁺ to form UiO-66-(COOH)₂-NH₂/Eu with coordinated water molecules at Eu sites. Upon interaction with DPA molecules, the coordinated H₂O molecules were replaced by DPA molecules which transfer energy to Eu³⁺ in UiO-66-(COOH)₂-NH₂/Eu and sensitize Eu³⁺ luminescence. Meanwhile, DPA has a characteristic absorption band at 270 nm, which overlapped with the excitation spectrum of NH₂-BDC, allowing the fluorescence of UiO-66-(COOH)₂-NH₂/Eu at 453 nm to be greatly quenched by DPA through inner filter effect (IFE). Therefore, the rationally designed UiO-66-(COOH)₂-NH₂/Eu complex not only exhibits strong hydrophilicity and high dispersion, but also serves as ratiometric fluorescence sensing platform for monitoring DPA concentration. This sensing platform showed a satisfactory linear relationship from 0.2 μM to 40 μM with a limit of detection of 25.0 nM and a noticeable fluorescence color change from blue to red, holding a great promise in practical applications.

Multiresponsive tetrarylethylene-based fluorescent dye with multicoloreded changes: AIEE properties, acidichromism, Al3+ recognition, and applications

A novel fluorescent sensor BTAE-PA containing two tetrarylethylene (TAE) units linked through pyrimidine-2-amine was prepared, and its optical properties were systematically studied. BTAE-PA exhibited a typical aggregation-induced emission enhancement behavior, and its fluorescent properties could be efficiently modulated by acid/base and metal ions in THF. The protonated effect could induce significant acidichromism and 'turn-on' near-infrared emission with a large Stokes shift (Δλ = 225 nm). Furthermore, BTAE-PA was highly selective toward Al³⁺ with significant absorption (yellow → orange) and fluorescence (green → red) changes. A Job's plot established the 1 : 1 stoichiometry of the complex formation between BTAE-PA and Al³⁺, and the limit of detection for Al³⁺ was determined to be 1.30 × 10^-7 mol L^-1. Finally, we also demonstrated that BTAE-PA could be made into test paper strips for 'naked-eye' detection of acid/Al³⁺, and fluorescence imaging experiments proved that BTAE-PA is capable of achieving cell imaging with good biocompatibility. Therefore, the multi-stimuli-responsive and multicoloured display performance of BTAE-PA endows the material with potential applications in security ink, acid/Al³⁺ sensing, and bio-imaging.

Andrographolide restored production performances and serum biochemical indexes and attenuated organs damage in Mycoplasma gallisepticum-infected broilers

1. This study aimed to study the preventive and therapeutic effects of andrographolide (Andro) during Mycoplasma gallisepticum HS strain (MG) infection in ArborAcres (AA) broilers.2. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Andro against MG was measured. Broiler body weight, feed efficiency, morbidity, cure rate and mortality were recorded during the experiment. Air sac lesion scores and immune organ index were calculated. Expression of pMGA1.2 in lung tissue and serum biochemical indices were examined. Histopathological examinations of immune organs, liver, trachea and lung tissue were conducted by Haematoxylin and Eosin stain.3. MIC was 3.75 μg/mL and Andro significantly inhibited the expression of pMGA1.2 (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with control MG-infected group, Andro low-dose and high-dose prevention reduced the morbidity of chronic respiratory disease in 40.00% and 50.00%, respectively. Mortality of C, D and E group was 16.67%, 10.00% and 6.67%, respectively. Cure rate of E, F, G and H group was 92.00%, 92.86%, 93.33% and 100.0%, respectively. Compared with control MG-infected group, Andro treatment significantly increased average weight gain (AWG), relative weight gain rate (RWG) and feed conversion rate (FCR) at 18 to 24 days (P ≤ 0.05). Compared with control group, Andro alone treatment significantly increased AWG in broilers (P ≤ 0.05).4. Compared with control MG-infected group, Andro significantly attenuated MG-induced air sac lesion, immune organs, liver, trachea and lung damage in broilers. Andro alone treatment did not induce abnormal morphological changes in these organs in healthy broilers. Serum biochemical analysis results showed, comparing with control MG-infected group, Andro significantly decreased the content of total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, and increased the albumin/globulin ratio and content of alkaline phosphatase, apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I in a dose-dependent manner (P ≤ 0.05).5. Andro could act as a potential agent against MG infection in broilers.

A Highly Selective Hg2+ Fluorescent Chemosensor Based On Photochromic Diarylethene With Quinoline Unit

A novel diarylethene-based fluorescent chemosensor containing a quinoline unit (1o) had been designed and synthesized. 1o showed good photochromic ability and fluorescence switching properties by alternating UV/vis light irradiation. The chemosensor showed high "Turn-off" fluorescent selectivity for Hg²⁺ by competitive tests of the fluorescence reaction in the presence other ions in acetonitrile solution. The stoichiometry between the compound 1o and Hg²⁺ was 1:1 by Job's plot curve and HRMS analysis. In addition, the LOD for Hg²⁺ was calculated as 60 nM. The fluorescence emission can be back to the "Turn-on" state by adding EDTA. Based on these facts, a molecular logic gate that including four input signals (UV/vis and Hg²⁺/EDTA) and one output signal (fluorescent intensity at 491 nm) was designed.

Poke Not Prod: First Canadian Experience Using Donor-Derived Cell Free DNA to Replace Endomyocardial Biopsy During COVID-19

Purpose

After a heart transplant (HT), non-invasive methods for rejection surveillance minimize the need for endomyocardial biopsies (EMBx). We describe the first experience with combined use of genetic expression profiling (GEP) and donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) testing in Canada as part of a quality improvement project to minimize patient risk during the COVID pandemic.

Methods

Adult outpatients at least 6 months after HT were screened from May 2021 to July 2021 to have their routine EMBx replaced by a combination of GEP and dd-cfDNA. Demographics, modification of immunosuppression (IS) and outcomes (hospital admission, rejection, and need for EMBx) were collected.

Results

Among 90 patients, 31 (33%) were enrolled, and 37 non-invasive tests were performed. The median time after HT was 2 years and patients were predominantly Caucasian (52%) and male (68%). 53% had a history of acute cellular rejection during the first year and 32% had cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Of the tests performed, 23 (60%) were - GEP / - dd-cfDNA, 10 (27%) were + GEP / - dd-cfDNA, 4 (11%) were - GEP / + dd-cfDNA and none were + GEP / + dd-cfDNA. Being bridged with a VAD (OR = 5.5, p=0.034) and a history of a previously treated CMV (OR = 16.0, p=0.003) were associated with a positive GEP and a negative dd-cfDNA result. Having received a COVID vaccine in the last 3 months did not affect GEP results (GEP was positive in 23.8% after vaccination vs 33.3% in non-vaccinated patients, p=0.690; average GEP score 29.8 vs 30.7, p=0.673). The 4 patients with a + dd-cfDNA (range 0.19 - 0.81%) underwent an EMBx with no significant cellular or antibody mediated rejection, thus avoiding 89% of the EMBx. No unscheduled clinic visits, emergency department or hospital admissions were recorded. After non-invasive testing, the IS was reduced in 16 cases (43.2%). IS was reduced in in 59% of patients with negative concordant tests (- GEP / - dd-cfDNA), 30% in patients with + GEP / - dd-cfDNA and no reduction in IS occurred in those with + dd-cfDNA.

Conclusion

The combination of GEP and dd-cfDNA for rejection surveillance allowed for a marked reduction in EMBx (89%) and for a personalized downtitration of IS without adverse events in the short term. The use of non-invasive rejection surveillance testing was an effective strategy to avoid hospital contact for HT recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Silver nanoparticles combined with amino-functionalized UiO-66 for sensitive detection of glutathione

Herein, a fluorescent nanosensor has been constructed for detection of glutathione (GSH) based on NH₂-UiO-66 and AgNPs. The NH₂-UiO-66 was synthesized where 2-amino-terephthalic acid as the organic ligand and Zr⁴⁺ as the center metal ions. The AgNPs can enhance the fluorescence of NH₂-UiO-66 based on metal enhanced fluorescence (MEF) effect. Moreover, in the present of GSH, the fluorescence of NH₂-UiO-66@AgNPs was quenched via electrostatic interaction and Ag-S reaction. The present sensing strategy shows good linear relation with the concentration of GSH in the range of 0.2-1.0 μM and 1.0-30 μM, and the limit of detection is 79 nM. Furthermore, our fluorescent nanosensor was utilized to detect GSH in human serum with a recovery of 96.8-102.5%. The results indicated that NH₂-UiO-66@AgNPs is successfully applied for high sensitive and selective detection of GSH in human serum.

Recent Research Progress of Red-Emitting/Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probes for Biothiols

Small-molecule biological thiols, including cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH), occupy a vital position in physiological and pathological activities. Abnormal fluctuations of their concentrations are often closely connected with...

A coumarin-based fluorescent probe for specific detection of cysteine in the lysosome of living cells

Cysteine (Cys), the only amino acid in the 20 natural amino acids that contains a reduced sulfhydryl group, plays important roles in the balance of redox homeostasis in biological systems. Lysosome is an important organelle containing a variety of hydrolases and has been proved to be the decomposition center of a variety of exogenous and endogenous macromolecular substances. In this research, a coumarin-based fluorescent probe MCA for the detection of Cys in lysosomes of living cells was developed. Due to the acrylate moiety, this probe exhibited high sensitivity (detection limit = 6.8 nM) and selectivity towards Cys superior to other analytes. Moreover, the probe was proved to be lysosome-targetable and showed good cell imaging ability and low cell toxicity.

Luminol-Eu-based ratiometric fluorescence probe for highly selective and visual determination of tetracycline

In this work, a ratiometric fluorometric method based on luminol-Europium complex (luminol-Eu) was constructed for the detection of tetracycline (TC). Luminol-Eu, synthesized by self-assembly reaction, displayed a strongly emission peak at 453 nm under excitation at 360 nm which was derived from the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) of the luminol-Eu. In the present of TC, the fluorescence of luminol-Eu at 453 nm was quenched based on inner filter effect (IFE). Meantime, the characteristic emission peak of Eu³⁺ at 626 nm can be observed thank to antenna effect (AE). Therefore, we proposed a ratiometric fluorometric method for detection of TC, which allowed detection of TC from 0.5 to 80 μM with the detection limit of 39 nM. In addition, the luminol-Eu-based test paper was prepared for visual semi-quantitative detection of TC in real samples based on the color of luminol-Eu change from blue to red under 365 nm ultraviolet light. All of those results indicated that the ratiometric fluorometric strategy was fast, sensitive, and visual for detection of TC.

Ratiometric fluorescence for sensitive detection of phosphate species based on mixed lanthanide metal organic framework

Phosphate (PO₄^3-) plays a major role in aquatic ecosystems and biosystems. Developing a highly sensitive and selective ratiometric fluorescence probe for detection of PO₄^3- is of great significance to the ecological environment and human health. In this work, a novel dual lanthanide metal organic framework was synthesized via hydrothermal reaction based on Tb³⁺ and Ce³⁺ as the center metal ions and terephthalic acid as the organic ligand (designated as Tb-Ce-MOFs). The fluorescence of Tb-Ce-MOFs shows emission at 375 nm. In the presence of PO₄^3-, with increased concentration of PO₄^3-, the fluorescence intensity of Tb-Ce-MOFs at 500 nm and 550 nm increased, while the intensity at 375 nm was reduced. Hence, ratiometric fluorescence detecting of PO₄^3- can be achieved by measuring the ratio of fluorescence at 550 nm (FL₅₅₀) to 375 nm (FL₃₇₅) in the fluorescent spectra of the Tb-Ce-MOFs. In this sensing approach, the Tb-Ce-MOFs probe exhibits highly sensitive and selective for detection of PO₄^3-. The limit of detection is calculated to be 28 nM and the detection range is 0.1 to 10 μM. In addition, the Tb-Ce-MOFs were used in the detection of PO₄^3- in real samples. We design and synthesize a mixed lanthanide metal organic framework fluorescence probe (Tb-Ce-MOFs) for ratiometric fluorescence for the detection of PO₄^3- based on Tb³⁺ and Ce³⁺ as the center metal ions and terephthalic acid as the organic ligand.

Virtual reality simulation in robot-assisted surgery: meta-analysis of skill transfer and predictability of skill

Background

The value of virtual reality (VR) simulators for robot-assisted surgery (RAS) for skill assessment and training of surgeons has not been established. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify evidence on transferability of surgical skills acquired on robotic VR simulators to the operating room and the predictive value of robotic VR simulator performance for intraoperative performance.

Methods

MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science were searched systematically. Risk of bias was assessed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for Education. Correlation coefficients were chosen as effect measure and pooled using the inverse-variance weighting approach. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the summary effect.

Results

A total of 14 131 potential articles were identified; there were eight studies eligible for qualitative and three for quantitative analysis. Three of four studies demonstrated transfer of surgical skills from robotic VR simulators to the operating room measured by time and technical surgical performance. Two of three studies found significant positive correlations between robotic VR simulator performance and intraoperative technical surgical performance; quantitative analysis revealed a positive combined correlation (r = 0.67, 95 per cent c.i. 0.22 to 0.88).

Conclusion

Technical surgical skills acquired through robotic VR simulator training can be transferred to the operating room, and operating room performance seems to be predictable by robotic VR simulator performance. VR training can therefore be justified before operating on patients.

Europium(III) complex fluorescent sensor for dual channel recognition of Sn2+ and Cu2+ ions in water

A new europium(III) complex Eu(tta)₃L₁ (1a) (L₁ = (2-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline), tta = 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone) has been prepared and synthesized. The structure of complex was completely determined by several different analytical techniques including single-crystal X-ray diffraction, ¹H and ¹³C NMR. The crystal structure of the complex 1a belonged to monoclinic system with the space group P2₁/n. Its fluorescent properties were systematically studied in details by adding different metal ions in deionized water. Upon addition of Sn²⁺, its fluorescence intensity was strengthened and centered at 460 nm. And when Cu²⁺ was added, its fluorescence emission intensity was quenched quickly. The LODs for Sn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ were calculated to be 4.52 × 10^-7 mol L^-1 and 1.11 × 10^-7 mol L^-1, respectively. Furthermore, this sensor was successfully employed to monitor Sn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ in practical samples.

Dietary Inflammatory Index in relation to bone mineral density, osteoporosis risk and fracture risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Our systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that pro-inflammatory diets, as measured by higher Dietary Inflammatory Index scores, are significantly associated with lower BMD of lumbar spine and total hip as well as elevated risk of osteoporosis and fractures. These findings may contribute to the development of public health strategies.

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory Index (DII) is a method to assess the inflammatory potential of diets; it has been reported to be associated with several diseases. However, the relation between DII and bone health remains controversial for the inconsistent findings from previous studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to ascertain the underlying relationships between DII and bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis risk, and fracture risk.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science for all relevant epidemiological studies published up to May 1, 2020. Fixed-effects model or random-effects model was employed to pool the study-specific effect sizes (ESs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Eleven studies with a total of 127,769 participants were included. We found that continuous DII was negatively associated with BMD of lumbar spine (odds ratios [OR]: 0.990; 95% CI: 0.984, 0.995) and total hip (OR: 0.995; 95% CI: 0.990, 0.999), but not femoral neck (OR: 0.998; 95% CI: 0.994, 1.002). Moreover, the highest category of DII displayed significantly associations to increased risk of osteoporosis (ES: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.48) and fractures (ES: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.59) compared with the lowest category of DII, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis indicated that diets with high pro-inflammatory components might increase the risk of osteoporosis and fractures and lower BMD of lumbar spine and total hip. More prospective studies involving populations of diverse ages and genders are expected to further verify the universality of the results.

A highly selective sequential recognition probe for Zn2+ and HSO4-/H2PO4- based on a diarylethene chemosensor

A novel diarylethene derivative chemosensor DTP-o connected to Schiff base unit for fluorescent detection of Zn²⁺ and relay-detection of HSO₄^-/H₂PO₄^- was designed and synthesized successfully. DTP-o displayed excellent photochromism and fluorometric sensing toward Zn²⁺ to form DTP-o-Zn²⁺ complex in acetonitrile with the detection limit of 5.62 × 10^-7 M. And the form of DTP-o combined with Zn²⁺ could further be verified by Job's plot titrations and mass spectrometry analysis. Furthermore, the complex of DTP-o-Zn²⁺ showed an excellent characteristic of fluorescent relay-response toward HSO₄^- and H₂PO₄^- with high sensitivity and selectivity. The detection limits for HSO₄^- and H₂PO₄^- were as low as 3.04 × 10^-8 M and 3.41 × 10^-8 M, respectively. Moreover, the sensor DTP-o could also be applied to detect Zn²⁺ on practical samples and test strips with high accuracy.