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1.
Int J Anal Chem ; 2024: 9944426, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39360016

ABSTRACT

Nonenzymatic and rapid monitoring of uric acid levels is of great value for early diagnosis, prevention, and management of oxidative stress-associated diseases. However, fast, convenient, and low-cost uric acid detection remains challenging, especially in resource-limited settings. In this study, a novel and rapid biosensing approach was developed for the simultaneous visualization and quantification of uric acid levels by using the unique surface plasmon resonance and photothermal property of 4,5-diamino-2-thiouracil (DT)-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). With the presence of uric acid, DT-capped AuNPs rapidly aggregated, and a visible color/photothermal change was used for uric acid quantification within 15 min. The limit of detection was determined to be 11.3 and 6.6 µM for the dual-mode biosensor, leveraging the unique structure of DT to optimize reaction kinetics. Moreover, the sensor exhibited excellent anti-interference capabilities and demonstrated potential for detecting a wide range of uric acid concentrations in complex samples, thereby reducing the need for extensive sample dilution and complex material synthesis procedures. Furthermore, validation against gold standard testing indicates that this biosensor could serve as a highly sensitive assay for quantifying uric acid levels in point-of-care applications, particularly in resource-limited settings.

2.
Arch Gerontol Geriatr ; 129: 105647, 2024 Oct 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39369564

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to investigate the key factors, including demographics, socioeconomics, physical well-being, lifestyle, daily activities and loneliness that can impact depressive symptoms in the middle-aged and elderly population using machine learning techniques. By identifying the most important predictors of depressive symptoms through the analysis, the findings can have important implications for early depression detection and intervention. PARTICIPANTS: For our cross-sectional study, we recruited a total of 976 volunteers, with a specific focus on individuals aged 50 and above. Each participant was requested to provide their demographic, socioeconomic information and undergo several physical health tests. Additionally, they were asked to respond to questionnaires that assessed their mental well-being. Furthermore, participants were requested to maintain an activity log for a continuous 14-day period, starting from the day after they signed up. They had the option to use either a provided mobile application or paper to record their activities. METHODS: We evaluated multiple machine learning models to find the best-performing one. Subsequently, we conducted post-hoc analysis to extract the variable significance from the selected model to gain deeper insights into the factors influencing depression. RESULTS: Logistic Regression was chosen as it exhibited superior performance across other models, with AUC of 0.807 ± 0.038, accuracy of 0.798 ± 0.048, specificity of 0.795 ± 0.061, sensitivity of 0.819 ± 0.097, NPV of 0.972 ± 0.013 and PPV of 0.359 ± 0.064. The top influential predictors identified in the model included loneliness, health indicator (i.e. frailty, eyesight, functional mobility), time spent on activities (i.e. staying home, doing exercises and visiting friends) and perceived income adequacy. CONCLUSION: These findings have the potential to identify individuals at risk of depression and prioritize interventions based on the influential factors. The amount of time dedicated to daily activities emerges as a significant indicator of depression risk among middle-aged and elderly individuals, along with loneliness, physical health indicators and perceived income adequacy.

3.
Sci Adv ; 10(41): eado4893, 2024 Oct 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39383232

ABSTRACT

α-Synuclein (α-syn), a crucial molecule in Parkinson's disease (PD), is known for its interaction with lipid membranes, which facilitates vesicle trafficking and modulates its pathological aggregation. Deciphering the complexity of the membrane-binding behavior of α-syn is crucial to understand its functions and the pathology of PD. Here, we used single-molecule imaging to show that α-syn forms multimers on lipid membranes with huge intermultimer distances. The multimers are characterized by self-limiting growth, manifesting in concentration-dependent exchanges of monomers, which are fast at micromolar concentrations and almost stop at nanomolar concentrations. We further uncovered movement patterns of α-syn's occasional trapping on membranes, which may be attributed to sparse lipid packing defects. Mutations such as E46K and E35K may disrupt the limit on the growth, resulting in larger multimers and accelerated amyloid fibril formation. This work emphasizes sophisticated regulation of α-syn multimerization on membranes as a critical underlying factor in the PD pathology.


Subject(s)
Cell Membrane , Parkinson Disease , Protein Multimerization , alpha-Synuclein , alpha-Synuclein/metabolism , alpha-Synuclein/chemistry , alpha-Synuclein/genetics , Parkinson Disease/metabolism , Parkinson Disease/genetics , Parkinson Disease/pathology , Humans , Cell Membrane/metabolism , Mutation , Single Molecule Imaging , Amyloid/metabolism , Amyloid/chemistry
4.
Food Funct ; 2024 Oct 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39385719

ABSTRACT

Correction for 'A comparative study of the hypolipidemic effects and mechanisms of action of Laminaria japonica- and Ascophyllum nodosum-derived fucoidans in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice' by Tian Liu et al., Food Funct., 2024, 15, 5955-5971, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3FO05521C.

5.
Sci Total Environ ; : 176895, 2024 Oct 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39401594

ABSTRACT

Sodium p-perfluorous nonenoxybenzene sulfonate (OBS) is a prominent alternative to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Numerous studies have demonstrated hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity of OBS and PFOS in mammals. The lungs, as a sensitive organ, are among the potential target organs for OBS and PFOS exposure. However, their toxic effects on the lungs remain unclear. In the present study, three-dimensional (3D) spheroids constructed from A549 cells were exposed to OBS and PFOS for 7 days to evaluate pulmonary toxicity through morphological examination, growth kinetics, transcriptomic profiling, and biochemical assays. Our results showed that OBS significantly reduced the diameter, volume, and growth fraction of the spheroids compared to PFOS. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a notable enrichment of the IL-17 signaling pathway after 7 days of OBS exposure. Significant differences in the transcription of genes within this pathway were observed between OBS and PFOS exposure. OBS reduced the transcription of tnfaip3, nfkbiα, map3k8, enpp2, jun, il6, cxcl1, cxcl2, cxcl3, and cxcl8 in the IL-17 signaling pathway, while PFOS enhanced the transcription of nfkbiα. Additionally, OBS decreased the level of IL-8, whereas PFOS had a minor effect. Cluster analysis confirmed significant differences in the pulmonary toxicity between OBS and PFOS. Our study demonstrated the utility of spheroids as an in vitro cell model complemented with omics technology, for comparing the pulmonary toxicity of OBS and PFOS. It provided a novel approach for evaluating the pulmonary toxicity of new pollutants like OBS.

6.
Acta Derm Venereol ; 104: adv40447, 2024 Oct 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39387669

ABSTRACT

Telangiectasia macularis multiplex acquisita is an acquired cutaneous telangiectasis of unknown aetiology, and it lacks both effective and cost-efficient treatment. This study aims to identify a novel potential associated factor of the disease and explore feasible therapeutic interventions. In this retrospective case series study, 46 Chinese patients diagnosed with telangiectasia macularis multiplex acquisita between 1 January 2007 and 18 May 2023 were included. The median age of onset was 43 years (23 to 60 years), and the male to female ratio was 10.5:1. Besides previously reported associations including chronic liver disorders, alcohol consumption, and smoking, a potential association was found between use of calcium channel blockers and development of telangiectasia macularis multiplex acquisita. Twenty-two of 27 hypertensive patients took calcium channel blockers, with 17 followed up. Ten out of 17 displayed a range of improvements following the cessation of calcium channel blockers; 1 patient reported no lesion change post-discontinuation of calcium channel blockers; 1 patient continued their medication but showed partial improvement after 2 pulsed dye laser treatments; 1 patient observed lesion colour lightening without altering hypertensive medication or other specific treatments; and another 4 kept their previous hypertensive regimen due to blood pressure stability concerns, with no change in their lesions. The study proposes that cessation of calcium channel blockers can be a novel therapeutic approach for affected individuals.


Subject(s)
Calcium Channel Blockers , Telangiectasis , Humans , Retrospective Studies , Male , Female , Calcium Channel Blockers/therapeutic use , Adult , Middle Aged , Young Adult , China/epidemiology , Telangiectasis/drug therapy , Hypertension/drug therapy , Treatment Outcome , Risk Factors , East Asian People
7.
Parkinsonism Relat Disord ; 128: 107153, 2024 Sep 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39316934

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Anemia may contribute significantly to the onset of Parkinson's disease (PD). Current research on the association between anemia and PD risk is inconclusive, and the relationships between anemia-related blood cell indices and PD incidence require further clarification. This study aims to investigate the relationships between anemia, blood cell indicators, and PD risk using a thorough prospective cohort study. METHODS: We used data from the UK Biobank, a prospective cohort study of 502,649 participants, and ultimately, 365,982 participants were included in the analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to adjust for confounding factors, aiming to thoroughly explore the associations between anemia and blood cell indices with the risk of incident PD. The interaction between anemia and Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) for PD was also examined. Linear regression and mediation analyses assessed potential mechanisms driven by brain structures, including grey matter volume. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 14.24 years, 2513 participants were diagnosed with PD. Anemia considerably increased PD risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.98, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.81-2.18, P < 0.001) after adjustments. Those with high PRS for anemia had an 83 % higher PD incidence compared to low PRS participants. Sensitivity analyses confirmed result robustness. Linear regression showed that anemia correlated with grey matter volumes and most white matter tracts. Furthermore, mediation analyses identified that the volume of grey matter in Thalamus mediates the relationship between anemia and PD risk. CONCLUSION: In summary, we consider there to be a substantial correlation between anemia and increased PD risk.

8.
Mol Ther Nucleic Acids ; 35(4): 102316, 2024 Dec 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39310880

ABSTRACT

A missense mutation c.1220C>G of KCN2A gene was recently identified in an infant with epilepsy. KCNA2 encodes KV1.2 subunits that form voltage-gated potassium channels (VGKC) via tetrameric assembly. The mutation results in amino acid change P407R at the highly conserved PVP motif. Functional characterization revealed that mutant KV1.2_P407R subunits formed loss-of-function channels and suppressed both KV1.2 and KV1.1 channel activities. Hetero-tetrameric assembly of the KV1.2_P407R subunits with other neuronal voltage-gated potassium channels of Shaker subfamily could lead to general deficit of repolarizing potassium current and potentially underlie the enhanced seizure susceptibility. Indeed, expression of human KV1.2_P407R in early postnatal rat cortical neurons or genetically engineered hESC-derived neurons disclosed broadening of action potential duration and early afterdepolarization (EAD), associating with reduced potassium current. We hypothesize that Gapmer antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeted to c.1220C>G mutation will selectively degrade the mutant mRNA while allowing the remaining wild-type (WT) subunits to form functional channels. As a proof of principle, delivery of Gapmer packaged in lipid nanoparticle into cortical neurons selectively suppressed KV1.2_P407R over the WT protein expression, reversing the broadening of action potential duration, abrogating the EAD and leading to overall increase in potassium current.

10.
Joint Bone Spine ; : 105776, 2024 Sep 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39303941

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to (1) summarize the clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics of Palmar Fasciitis and Polyarthritis Syndrome (PFPAS) patients and (2) evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of three electronic databases (Scopus, Embase, and PubMed) from inception to December 31, 2023. We presented demographic and clinical features, along with laboratory factors and imaging examinations of PFPAS patients. Additionally, we outline main treatments and evaluate therapeutic effectiveness. RESULTS: A total of 121 patients were included in the analysis, with a mean onset age of 61.4 years. Swelling or thickening (49.6%, n=60/121) and pain (41.3%, n=50/121) were characteristic musculoskeletal symptoms of the hands. The median time between onset of PFPAS symptoms and detection of malignancy was 4 months, with a median survival of 13.0 months (range = 2 to 69). The abnormal rate of ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and bone scan of the musculoskeletal system was more than 80%. Effective therapeutic responses were observed in 66.0% (n=33/50) of cases treated with chemotherapies and 79.2% (n=19/24) with operations. Two patients who received biologics achieved partial remission. CONCLUSION: PFPAS is a rare paraneoplastic condition, and early recognition of its distinctive symptoms may lead to the detection of underlying malignancy and timely treatments, potentially saving lives.

11.
Int J Mol Sci ; 25(18)2024 Sep 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39337259

ABSTRACT

The low-cost daily monitoring of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels is crucial for screening acute inflammation or infections as well as managing chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we synthesized novel 2-Methacryloyloxy ethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-based biomimetic nanoparticles with a large surface area to develop a visual CRP-quantification assay using affordable glass capillaries. The PMPC nanoparticles, synthesized via reflux precipitation polymerization, demonstrated multivalent binding capabilities, enabling rapid and specific CRP capture. In the presence of CRP, PMPC nanoparticles formed sandwich structures with magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with CRP antibodies, thereby enhancing detection sensitivity and specificity. These sandwich complexes were magnetically accumulated into visible and quantifiable stacks within the glass capillaries, allowing for the rapid, sensitive, and specific quantification of CRP concentrations with a detection limit of 57.5 pg/mL and a range spanning from 0 to 5000 ng/mL. The proposed visual distance-based capillary biosensor shows great potential in routine clinical diagnosis as well as point-of-care testing (POCT) in resource-limited settings.


Subject(s)
C-Reactive Protein , Nanoparticles , Polymers , C-Reactive Protein/analysis , Immunoassay/methods , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Humans , Polymers/chemistry , Biomimetic Materials/chemistry , Biosensing Techniques/methods , Limit of Detection , Phosphorylcholine/chemistry , Phosphorylcholine/analogs & derivatives
12.
Plant Cell Environ ; 2024 Sep 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39222055

ABSTRACT

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) gene family constitutes one of the largest gene families in plants, which mainly participate in RNA editing and RNA splicing of organellar RNAs, thereby affecting the organellar development. Recently, some evidence elucidated the important roles of PPR proteins in the albino process of plant leaves. However, the functions of PPR genes in the woody mangrove species have not been investigated. In this study, using a typical true mangrove Kandelia obovata, we systematically identified 298 PPR genes and characterized their general features and physicochemical properties, including evolutionary relationships, the subcellular localization, PPR motif type, the number of introns and PPR motifs, and isoelectric point, and so forth. Furthermore, we combined genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptome analysis to identify the genetic architecture and potential PPR genes associated with propagule leaves colour variations of K. obovata. As a result, we prioritized 16 PPR genes related to the albino phenotype using different strategies, including differentially expressed genes analysis and genetic diversity analysis. Further analysis discovered two genes of interest, namely Maker00002998 (PLS-type) and Maker00003187 (P-type), which were differentially expressed genes and causal genes detected by GWAS analysis. Moreover, we successfully predicted downstream target chloroplast genes (rps14, rpoC1 and rpoC2) bound by Maker00002998 PPR proteins. The experimental verification of RNA editing sites of rps14, rpoC1, and rpoC2 in our previous study and the verification of interaction between Maker00002998 and rps14 transcript using in vitro RNA pull-down assays revealed that Maker00002998 PPR protein might be involved in the post-transcriptional process of chloroplast genes. Our result provides new insights into the roles of PPR genes in the albinism mechanism of K. obovata propagule leaves.

13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39233286

ABSTRACT

17α-Ethinylestradiol (EE2) is known for its endocrine-disrupting effects on embryonic and adult fish. However, its impact on juvenile zebrafish has not been well established. In this study, juvenile zebrafish were exposed to EE2 at concentrations of 5 ng/L (low dose, L), 10 ng/L (medium dose, M), and 50 ng/L (high dose, H) from 21 days post-fertilization (dpf) to 49 dpf. We assessed their growth, development, behavior, transcriptome, and metabolome. The findings showed that the survival rate in the EE2-H group was 66.8 %, with all surviving fish displaying stunted growth and swollen, transparent abdomens by 49 dpf. Moreover, severe organ deformities were observed in the gills, kidneys, intestines, and heart of fish in both the EE2-H and EE2-M groups. Co-expression analysis of mRNA and lncRNA revealed that EE2 downregulated the transcription of key genes involved in the cell cycle, DNA replication, and Fanconi anemia signaling pathways. Additionally, metabolomic analysis indicated that EE2 influenced metabolism and development-related signaling pathways. These pathways were also significantly identified based on the genes regulated by lncRNA. Consequently, EE2 induced organ deformities and mortality in juvenile zebrafish by disrupting signaling pathways associated with development and metabolism. The results of this study offer new mechanistic insights into the adverse effects of EE2 on juvenile zebrafish based on multiomics analysis. The juvenile zebrafish are highly sensitive to EE2 exposure, which is not limited to adult and embryonic stages. It is a potential model for studying developmental toxicity.


Subject(s)
Ethinyl Estradiol , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Zebrafish , Animals , Ethinyl Estradiol/toxicity , Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity , Endocrine Disruptors/toxicity , Transcriptome/drug effects , Multiomics
14.
J Colloid Interface Sci ; 678(Pt B): 630-638, 2024 Sep 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39265335

ABSTRACT

Constructing local microenvironments is one of the important strategies to improve the electrocatalytic performances, such as in electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR). However, effectively customizing these microenvironments remains a significant challenge. Herein, utilizing carbon nanotube (CNT) heterostructured semi-open Co-N2O2 catalytic configurations (Co-salophen), we have demonstrated the role of the local microenvironment on promoting ECR through regulating the location of hydroxyl groups. Concretely, compared with the maximum Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 62% for carbon monoxide (CO) presented by Co-salophen/CNT without a hydroxyl microenvironment, the designed Co-salophen-OH3/CNT, featuring hydroxyl groups at the Co-N2O2 structural opening, shows remarkable CO2-to-CO electroreduction activity across a wide potential window, with the FE of CO up to 95%. In particular, through the deuterium kinetic isotope experiments and theoretical calculations, we decoded that the hydroxyl groups act as a proton relay station, promoting the efficient transfer of protons to the Co-N2O2 active sites. The finding demonstrates a promising molecular design strategy for enhancing electrocatalysis.

15.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 21614, 2024 09 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39284840

ABSTRACT

Portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is one of the common complications of HCC and represents a sign of poor prognosis. PVTT signifies advanced liver cancer, deteriorating liver function, and heightened susceptibility to intrahepatic dissemination, systemic metastasis, and complications related to portal hypertension. It is important to seek novel strategies for PVTT arising from HCC. Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a worse liver function, less treatment tolerance, and poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of the combination of the DeRitis ratio (AST/ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) index (briefly named DALP) in predicting the occurrence risk of PVTT in patients with HCC. We performed a retrospective study enrolling consecutive patients with HCC from January 2017 to December 2020 in Hebei Medical University Third Hospital. ROC analysis was performed to estimate the predictive effectiveness and optimal cut-off value of DALP for PVTT occurrence in patients with HCC. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed the survival probabilities in each subgroup according to the risk classification of DALP value. Univariate and multivariate Logistics regression analyses were applied to determine the independent risk for poor prognosis. ROC analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off value for DALP was 1.045, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.793 (95% CI 0.697-0.888). Based on the DALP classification (three scores: 0-2) with distinguishable prognoses, patients in the score 0 group had the best prognosis with a 1-year overall survival (OS) of 100%, whereas score 2 patients had the worst prognosis with 1-year OS of 72.4%. Similarly, there was a statistically different recurrence-free survival among the three groups. Besides, this risk classification was also associated with PVTT progression in HCC patients (odds ratio [OR] 5.822, P < 0.0001). Pathologically, patients in the score 2 group had more advanced tumors considering PVTT, extrahepatic metastasis, and ascites than those in score 0, 1 groups. Moreover, patients with a score of 2 had more severe hepatic inflammation than other groups. Combination of DeRitis ratio and ALP index presented a better predictive value for PVTT occurrence in patients with HCC, contributing to the tertiary prevention.


Subject(s)
Alkaline Phosphatase , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular , Liver Neoplasms , Portal Vein , Venous Thrombosis , Humans , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/complications , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology , Liver Neoplasms/pathology , Liver Neoplasms/complications , Male , Female , Portal Vein/pathology , Middle Aged , Alkaline Phosphatase/blood , Retrospective Studies , Prognosis , Venous Thrombosis/etiology , Venous Thrombosis/pathology , Venous Thrombosis/complications , Aged , ROC Curve , Kaplan-Meier Estimate
16.
Nat Commun ; 15(1): 7713, 2024 Sep 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39231979

ABSTRACT

Tertiary lymphoid structures are immune cell aggregates linked with cancer outcomes, but their interactions with tumour cell aggregates are unclear. Using nasopharyngeal carcinoma as a model, here we analyse single-cell transcriptomes of 343,829 cells from 77 biopsy and blood samples and spatially-resolved transcriptomes of 31,316 spots from 15 tumours to decipher their components and interactions with tumour cell aggregates. We identify essential cell populations in tertiary lymphoid structure, including CXCL13+ cancer-associated fibroblasts, stem-like CXCL13+CD8+ T cells, and B and T follicular helper cells. Our study shows that germinal centre reaction matures plasma cells. These plasma cells intersperse with tumour cell aggregates, promoting apoptosis of EBV-related malignant cells and enhancing immunotherapy response. CXCL13+ cancer-associated fibroblasts promote B cell adhesion and antibody production, activating CXCL13+CD8+ T cells that become exhausted in tumour cell aggregates. Tertiary lymphoid structure-related cell signatures correlate with prognosis and PD-1 blockade response, offering insights for therapeutic strategies in cancers.


Subject(s)
CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes , Chemokine CXCL13 , Immunotherapy , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms , Single-Cell Analysis , Tertiary Lymphoid Structures , Humans , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/genetics , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/immunology , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/pathology , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/therapy , Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma/metabolism , Tertiary Lymphoid Structures/immunology , Tertiary Lymphoid Structures/genetics , Chemokine CXCL13/metabolism , Chemokine CXCL13/genetics , Immunotherapy/methods , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/genetics , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/immunology , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology , Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/therapy , Gene Expression Profiling , Disease Progression , Transcriptome , B-Lymphocytes/immunology , B-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Tumor Microenvironment/immunology , Tumor Microenvironment/genetics , Prognosis , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Fibroblasts/immunology
17.
ACS Omega ; 9(30): 33081-33089, 2024 Jul 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39100318

ABSTRACT

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalytic technology has the advantages of high catalytic activity, high chemical stability, nontoxicity, and low cost. Therefore, it finds widespread applications in the degradation of organic pollutants in water, antibacterial, environmental purification, and other fields. In this study, we have obtained a photocatalyst by modifying nanoTiO2 with the photosensitizer thioxanthone. The light-harvesting units of thioxanthone and nanoTiO2 can work synergistically to capture light energy. As a heterogeneous photocatalytic material, it can efficiently degrade organic dyes such as Rhodamine B, methyl blue and methyl orange. Specifically, the degradation rate of 0.1 mmol/L Rhodamine B can reach 97% after 35 min of irradiation, and methyl blue and methyl orange can also reach 98 and 56%, respectively.

18.
Chin J Integr Med ; 2024 Aug 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39190272

ABSTRACT

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases in elderly men, the incidence of which gradually increases with age and leads to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) are widely used for the treatment of BPH in China and some other countries. To explore the molecular mechanisms of CHMs for BPH, we conducted a review based on peer-reviewed English-language publications in PubMed and Web of Science databases from inception to December 31, 2023. This article primarily reviewed 32 papers on the use of CHMs and its active compounds in the treatment of BPH, covering animal and cell experiments, and identified relevant mechanisms of action. The results suggest that the mechanisms of action of CHMs in treating BPH may involve the regulation of sex hormones, downregulation of cell growth factors, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, inhibition of cell proliferation, and promotion of apoptosis. CHMs also exhibit α-blocker-like effects, with the potential to relax urethral smooth muscle and alleviate LUTS. Additionally, we also reviewed 4 clinical trials and meta-analyses of CHMs for the treatment of BPH patients, which provided initial evidence of the safety and effectiveness of CHMs treatment. CHMs treatment for BPH shows advantages as a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway therapy, which can mitigate the severity of the disease, improve LUTS, and may become a reliable treatment option in the future.

19.
Heliyon ; 10(14): e34609, 2024 Jul 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39148995

ABSTRACT

Identifying indicators of non-functional overreaching during periods of increased training volume and/or intensity is particularly relevant for understanding the detrimental impacts incurred, as well as how these factors contribute to heightened injury risks among exposed athletes. This study aimed to compare the effects of a congested training period versus a standard training period on the strength levels and landing forces of female young aerobic gymnastics athletes. A prospective cohort study design was implemented, spanning four weeks. Fifty athletes (aged 16.2 ± 1.1 years old) at a trained/developmental level, competing at the regional level, were observed throughout the study. During two of these weeks (specifically weeks 2 and 3), half of the group was subjected to a congested training period consisting of six sessions per week (HTF), while the other half continued with their regular four sessions per week (STF). During each week of observation, participants underwent evaluation using the countermovement jump test (CMJ), squat jump test (SJ), and the leg land and hold test (LHT), with measurements taken on a force platform. The main outcomes repeatedly observed over the four weeks were CMJ peak landing force, CMJ peak power, SJ peak power, SJ maximum negative displacement, LHT time to stabilization, and LHT peak drop landing force. Significant interactions (time*group) were observed in CMJ peak power (p < 0.001), CMJ peak landing force (p < 0.001), SJ peak power (p < 0.001), SJ maximum negative displacement (p < 0.001), LHT time to stabilization (p < 0.001), and LHT peak drop landing force (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the results of the final assessment revealed significantly lower CMJ peak power (p = 0.008) and SJ peak power (p = 0.002) in the HTF group compared to the STF group. Additionally, significantly higher values of CMJ peak landing force (p = 0.041), SJ maximum negative displacement (p = 0.015), and LHT peak drop landing force (p = 0.047) were observed in the HTF group compared to the STF group. In conclusion, the increase in training frequency over two weeks significantly contributed to declines in neuromuscular power performance and peak landing forces. This indicates that intensified training periods may acutely expose athletes not only to performance drops but also to an increased risk of injury due to reduced capacity to absorb landing forces.

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