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Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging pathogen that causes encephalitis and a high mortality rate in infected subjects. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively analyze the global epidemiology and research advancements of NiV to identify the key knowledge gaps in the literature. Articles searched using literature databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct yielded 5,596 articles. After article screening, 97 articles were included in this systematic review, comprising 41 epidemiological studies and 56 research developments on NiV. The majority of the NiV epidemiological studies were conducted in Bangladesh, reflecting the country's significant burden of NiV outbreaks. The initial NiV outbreak was identified in Malaysia in 1998, with subsequent outbreaks reported in Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines. Transmission routes vary by country, primarily through pigs in Malaysia, consumption of date palm juice in Bangladesh, and human-to-human in India. However, the availability of NiV genome sequences remains limited, particularly from Malaysia and India. Mortality rates also vary according to the country, exceeding 70% in Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines, and less than 40% in Malaysia. Understanding these differences in mortality rate among countries is crucial for informing NiV epidemiology and enhancing outbreak prevention and management strategies. In terms of research developments, the majority of studies focused on vaccine development, followed by phylogenetic analysis and antiviral research. While many vaccines and antivirals have demonstrated complete protection in animal models, only two vaccines have progressed to clinical trials. Phylogenetic analyses have revealed distinct clades between NiV Malaysia, NiV Bangladesh, and NiV India, with proposals to classify NiV India as a separate strain from NiV Bangladesh. Taken together, comprehensive OneHealth approaches integrating disease surveillance and research are imperative for future NiV studies. Expanding the dataset of NiV genome sequences, particularly from Malaysia, Bangladesh, and India will be pivotal. These research efforts are essential for advancing our understanding of NiV pathogenicity and for developing robust diagnostic assays, vaccines and therapeutics necessary for effective preparedness and response to future NiV outbreaks.
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Acquiring multi-dimensional optical information, such as intensity, spectrum, polarization, and phase, can significantly enhance the performance of photodetectors. Incorporating these dimensions allows for improved image contrast, enhanced recognition capabilities, reduced interference, and better adaptation to complex environments. However, the challenge lies in obtaining these dimensions on a single photodetector. Here we propose a misaligned unipolar barrier photodetector based on van der Waals heterojunction to address this issue. This structure enables spectral detection by switching between two absorbing layers with different cut-off wavelengths for dual-band detection. For polarization detection, anisotropic semiconductors like black phosphorus and black arsenic phosphorus inherently possess polarization-detection capabilities without additional complex elements. By manipulating the crystal direction of these materials during heterojunction fabrication, the device becomes sensitive to incident light at different polarization angles. This research showcases the potential of the misaligned unipolar barrier photodetector in capturing multi-dimensional optical information, paving the way for next-generation photodetectors.
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Introduction: Identifying the evolving needs of patients with advanced heart failure (AdHF) and triaging those at high risk of death can facilitate timely referrals to palliative care and advance patient-centered individualized care. There are limited models specific for patients with end-stage HF. We aim to identify risk factors associated with up to three-year all-cause mortality (ACM) and describe prognostic models developed or validated in AdHF populations. Methods: Frameworks proposed by Arksey, O'Malley, and Levac were adopted for this scoping review. We searched the Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane library, Web of Science and gray literature databases for articles published between January 2010 and September 2020. Primary studies that included adults aged ≥ 18 years, diagnosed with AdHF defined as New York Heart Association class III/IV, American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Stage D, end-stage HF, and assessed for risk factors associated with up to three-year ACM using multivariate analysis were included. Studies were appraised using the Quality of Prognostic Studies tool. Data were analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach. Results: We reviewed 167 risk factors that were associated with up to three-year ACM and prognostic models specific to AdHF patients across 65 articles with low-to-moderate bias. Studies were mostly based in Western and/or European cohorts (n = 60), in the acute care setting (n = 56), and derived from clinical trials (n = 40). Risk factors were grouped into six domains. Variables related to cardiovascular and overall health were frequently assessed. Ten prognostic models developed/validated on AdHF patients displayed acceptable model performance [area under the curve (AUC) range: 0.71-0.81]. Among the ten models, the model for end-stage-liver disease (MELD-XI) and acute decompensated HF with N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (ADHF/proBNP) model attained the highest discriminatory performance against short-term ACM (AUC: 0.81). Conclusions: To enable timely referrals to palliative care interventions, further research is required to develop or validate prognostic models that consider the evolving landscape of AdHF management.
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INTRODUCTION: Depression and anxiety are prevalent in epilepsy patients, but psychiatric or psychological services may not be accessible to all patients. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the 20-minute mindful breathing on the psychological well-being of PWE using an instructional video. METHOD: This was a pilot, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received a guided video and was briefed to perform the exercise twice a week for two weeks while the waitlist control group only received the video upon completion of the study. The subjects were assessed at three-time points (T0: Baseline, T1: 2 weeks after the intervention, T2: 4 weeks after intervention), using the Neurological Disorders Depression Index (NDDI-E), General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory (QOLIE-31) and Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). RESULTS: Twenty patients were recruited, with 10 in the intervention and waitlist-control groups. Compared with the waitlist-control group, participants in the intervention group showed significant improvement in NDDI-E at T1 (p = 0.022) but not at T2 (p = 0.056) and greater improvement in GAD-7 at T1 and T2 but not statistically significant. The QOLIE-31 overall score in the intervention group has significantly improved at T1 (p = 0.036) and T2 (p = 0.031) compared to the waitlist-control group. For MAAS, the intervention group also had an increased score at T2 (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: The 20-minute mindfulness breathing exercise has an immediate effect in improving depression and quality of life among people with epilepsy.
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Exercícios Respiratórios , Epilepsia , Atenção Plena , Qualidade de Vida , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Projetos Piloto , Adulto , Epilepsia/psicologia , Epilepsia/terapia , Atenção Plena/métodos , Qualidade de Vida/psicologia , Exercícios Respiratórios/métodos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Depressão/terapia , Depressão/psicologia , Resultado do Tratamento , Adulto Jovem , Ansiedade/terapia , Ansiedade/psicologia , Ansiedade/etiologia , Escalas de Graduação Psiquiátrica , Bem-Estar PsicológicoRESUMO
Non-endemic Clonorchis sinensis infection is challenging to diagnose. The present study reports the case of a 40-year-old female patient with severe epigastric pain, initially suspected to be a liver lesion, who was admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (Zunyi, China). A combination of diagnostic procedures, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, revealed an abnormality in the left hepatic lobe. Postoperative evaluation and the epidemiologic history of the patient (consumption of raw fish slices) revealed characteristics of Clonorchis sinensis infection, including chronic bile duct inflammation and eosinophilic liver infiltration. The present case highlights the unexpected emergence of this disease outside of recognized endemic areas and advocates clinical vigilance. Even in non-endemic areas, individuals should be reminded not to eat raw fish and shrimp.
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The g-C3N4 (graphitic carbon nitride)/BiOI (bismuth oxyiodide) photocatalysts, boasting a unique nanomicrosphere architecture, were synthesized through a tripartite process involving heat polycondensation, hydrothermal treatment, and hybrid methods, using melamine, bismuth nitrate, and potassium iodide as starting materials. The photocatalyst was comprehensively characterized and analyzed while its efficacy in photocatalytic degradation of amaranth (AR) under various lighting conditions was investigated, and the catalytic mechanism was determined by kinetic analysis and free radical scavenging experiments. The results showed that g-C3N4 formed a strong bond with BiOI. The resulting composite catalyst retains the inherent 2D lamellar structure of g-C3N4, as well as the 3D microsphere structure of BiOI, thereby creating heterojunctions via p-n interactions. Under visible light exposure, g-C3N4/BiOI-15% demonstrated optimal catalytic performance, achieving a degradation rate of 74.64% for AR and exhibiting the highest rate constant. Radical tests confirmed that -O2- (superoxide anion) plays a crucial role as active species in the photocatalytic reaction.
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Dengue virus is a flavivirus transmitted by the mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Dengue infection by all four serotypes (DEN 1 to 4) is endemic globally in regions with tropical and subtropical climates, with an estimated 100-400 million infections annually. Among those hospitalized, the mortality is about 1%. Neurological involvement has been reported to be about 5%. The spectrum of neurological manifestations spans both the peripheral and central nervous systems. These manifestations could possibly be categorized into those directly related to dengue infection, i.e. acute and chronic encephalitis, indirect complications leading to dengue encephalopathy, and post-infectious syndrome due to immune-mediated reactions, and manifestations with uncertain mechanisms, such as acute transverse myelitis, acute cerebellitis and myositis. The rising trend in global dengue incidence calls for attention to a more explicit definition of each neurological manifestation for more accurate epidemiological data. The actual global burden of dengue infection with neurological manifestation is essential for future planning and execution of strategies, especially in the development of effective antivirals and vaccines against the dengue virus. In this article, we discuss the recent findings of different spectrums of neurological manifestations in dengue infection and provide an update on antiviral and vaccine development and their challenges.
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Aedes , Encefalopatias , Dengue , Viroses , Animais , Humanos , Dengue/complicações , Dengue/epidemiologiaRESUMO
An increasing number of women with urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are reaching child-bearing age and becoming pregnant. Improved diagnostics and increased awareness of inherited metabolic diseases has also led to more previously undetected women being diagnosed with a UCD during or shortly after pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the risk of acute metabolic decompensation with hyperammonemia-which can occur in any trimester, and/or the postpartum period, and may lead to encephalopathy, psychosis, coma, and even death, if not diagnosed promptly and treated appropriately. There are also (theoretical) concerns that a maternal UCD, or its treatment, may cause potential risks for the unborn child. Currently evidence on management and outcome of pregnancies in UCDs is limited to case reports and there are no clear guidelines. In order to inform management and investigate outcomes of pregnancies in women with a UCD, we performed a retrospective review of published cases and analyzed data collected from an international online survey. We conclude that, although risk during the intra- and postpartum period exists, multidisciplinary management by an experienced team and a prospective plan usually result in successful pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum period. No deaths were reported in mothers managed accordingly. With the exception of male neonates with Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency, the clinical outcome of children born to mothers with UCDs appears positive, although follow-up is limited. The outcome for women presenting with a first acute metabolic decompensation during pregnancy or postpartum is less favorable. Deaths were associated with diagnostic delay/late management of hyperammonemia in previously undiagnosed women.
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BACKGROUND: The Gibberellic Acid-Stimulated Arabidopsis (GASA) gene family is widely involved in the regulation of plant growth, development, and stress response. However, information on the GASA gene family has not been reported in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). RESULTS: Here, we conducted genome-wide identification and analysis of the GASA genes in Chinese cabbage. In total, 15 GASA genes were identified in the Chinese cabbage genome, and the physicochemical property, subcellular location, and tertiary structure of the corresponding GASA proteins were elucidated. Phylogenetic analysis, conserved motif, and gene structure showed that the GASA proteins were divided into three well-conserved subfamilies. Synteny analysis proposed that the expansion of the GASA genes was influenced mainly by whole-genome duplication (WGD) and transposed duplication (TRD) and that duplication gene pairs were under negative selection. Cis-acting elements of the GASA promoters were involved in plant development, hormonal and stress responses. Expression profile analysis showed that the GASA genes were widely expressed in different tissues of Chinese cabbage, but their expression patterns appeared to diverse. The qRT-PCR analysis of nine GASA genes confirmed that they responded to salt stress, heat stress, and hormonal triggers. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study provides a theoretical basis for further exploring the important role of the GASA gene family in the functional genome of Chinese cabbage.
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Arabidopsis , Brassica rapa , Brassica , Brassica rapa/genética , Arabidopsis/genética , Genoma de Planta , Filogenia , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Brassica/genética , Regulação da Expressão Gênica de Plantas , Proteínas de Plantas/genéticaRESUMO
Controlling the bandwidth and directionality of thermal emission is important for a broad range of applications, from imaging and sensing to energy harvesting. Here, we propose a new, to the best of our knowledge, type of long-wavelength infrared narrowband thermal emitter that is basically composed of aperiodic Tamm plasmon polariton structures. Compared to the thermal emitter based on periodic structures, more parameters need to be considered. An inverse design algorithm instead of traditional forward methodologies is employed to do the geometric parameter optimization. Both theoretical and experimental results show that the thermal emitter exhibits a narrowband thermal emission peak at the wavelength of 8.6â µm in the normal direction. The angular response of emission properties of the thermal emitter is dependent on the emission angle. We believe that our proposed thermal emitter provides an alternative for low-cost, high-effective narrowband mid-infrared light sources and would have a great potential in many applications.
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We investigated the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on values and religiosity in multi-ethnic Malaysia. Values were measured as changes in values, daily activities, and life priorities using a 5-point Likert scale (-2 to +2). Centrality of Religiosity Scale measured changes in religiosity. Around 176 predominantly female (66.5%), Chinese (68.2%) respondents, aged 35.5 ± 14.1 completed the survey. Most life values changed positively: a sense of security at home (2, interquartile range [IQR]: 1-2), connection with family (1, 1-2), and contribution to society (1, 1-2). Certain life priorities' importance increased: health (2, IQR 2-2), family (2, 2-2), and happiness (2, 1-2); except power and money. These significant positive changes in values and religiosity varied between genders and ethnicities.
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COVID-19 , Pandemias , Humanos , Feminino , Masculino , Religião , Inquéritos e Questionários , EtnicidadeRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: People with epilepsy (PWE) have a high prevalence of developing depression and anxiety. The objective is to determine the feasibility of brief screening tools to screen for depression and anxiety in epilepsy, and the predictive factors. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study in the neurology clinic in a tertiary teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur. The screening tools used were the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E) and the General Anxiety Disorder Form (GAD-7). RESULTS: Five hundred and eighty-five patients were recruited in this study, and 50.8% of them were male, predominantly Chinese (46.7%), with a mean age of seizure onset of 21.8 ± 16.1 years. The majority had focal seizures (75.0%), and 41.9% had seizure remission. There were 15.5% who scored ≥15 in the NDDI-E, and 17.0% had moderate or severe anxiety (scored ≥10 in the GAD-7). In a regression model to predict the NDDI-E score, the age of seizure onset recorded a higher beta value (ß = -0.265, p =< 0.001), followed by the duration of epilepsy (ß = -0.213, p =< 0.001), use of levetiracetam (LEV) (ß = 0.147, p = 0.002), clonazepam (CLZ) (ß = 0.127, p = 0.011), and lamotrigine (LTG) (ß = 0.125, p = 0.011), number of current antiseizure medications (ß = -0.124, p = 0.049), seizure remission for ≥1 year (ß = -0.108, p = 0.011), and female (ß = 0.082, p = 0.049). For the GAD-7 score, the predictors included current age (ß = -0.152, p = 0.001), the use of LEV (ß = 0.122, p = 0.011), Indian ethnicity (ß = 0.114, p = 0.006), and the use of carbamazepine (ß = -0.090, p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Implementation of simple psychological screening using self-administered questionnaires was feasible in a busy tertiary epilepsy clinic.
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Epilepsia , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Estudos de Viabilidade , Epilepsia/complicações , Epilepsia/diagnóstico , Epilepsia/tratamento farmacológico , Anticonvulsivantes/uso terapêutico , Levetiracetam/uso terapêutico , Depressão/diagnóstico , Depressão/etiologia , Depressão/epidemiologia , Convulsões/tratamento farmacológicoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Epidermal wax covers the surfaces of terrestrial plants to resist biotic and abiotic stresses. Wax-less flowering Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinesis var. utilis tsen et lee) has the charateristics of lustrous green leaves and flower stalks, which are of high commercial value. RESULTS: To clarify the mechanism of the wax deficiency, the wax-less flowering Chinese cabbage doubled-haploid (DH) line 'CX001' and Chinese cabbage DH line 'FT', obtained from isolated microspore culture, were used in the experiments. Genetic analysis showed that the wax-less phenotype of 'CX001' was controlled by a recessive nuclear gene, named wlm1 (wax-less mutation 1), which was fine-mapped on chromosome A09 by bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) of B.rapa genome V3.0. There was only one gene (BraA09g066480.3C) present in the mapping region. The homologous gene in Arabidopsis thaliana is AT1G02205 (CER1) that encodes an aldehyde decarboxylase in the epidermal wax metabolism pathway. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR and transcriptome analysis indicated that BraA09g066480.3C was expressed in 'FT' but not in 'CX001'. BraA09g066480.3C was lost in the CXA genome to which 'CX001' belonged. CONCLUSION: The work presented herein demonstrated that BraA09g066480.3C was the causal gene for wax-less flowering Chinese cabbage 'CX001'. This study will lay a foundation for further research on the molecular mechanism of epidermal wax synthesis in flowering Chinese cabbage.
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Arabidopsis , Brassica , Alelos , Aldeídos , Brassica/genética , FenótipoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Caregivers of adults with epilepsy (AWE) play an important role in the healthcare pathway of AWE and are described as the "co-client." Being caregivers can be stressful and the negative impacts might accumulate over time, affecting their quality of life and well-being. OBJECTIVES: This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived experience of caregivers of AWE in Malaysian families and understand their caregiving challenges. Individual semi-structured interviews were held with 12 primary caregivers of AWE. Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA) was used. The interview transcripts were analyzed using NVivo12 software. RESULTS: Primary caregivers of AWE were parents or siblings, with ages ranging from 56 to 80 years old and years of caregiving from 24 to 40 years. Most AWE (58%) were intellectually disabled and fully dependent on ADL needs. Two categories of themes emerged, including four themes on caregiver burden, i.e., physical, emotional, and social burdens, and challenges in future planning of care, and two themes on coping strategies (problem- or emotional-focused). In future planning of care, most caregivers especially parents carried a burden of responsibility and were reluctant to depend on others or institutional services. CONCLUSION: The caregiving burden among caregivers for adult AWE was not confined to current burdens only but also challenges in future planning. A better understanding of the caregiving burden for AWE and coping strategies is needed to provide tailored psychoeducation or psychosocial intervention to support this population.
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Denitrification is an important step in domestic wastewater treatment, but providing bioavailable electron donors is an expense. However, some industrial wastewaters contain organic compounds that could be a no-cost or low-cost electron donor, because they otherwise must be treated separately. In this work, quinoline was used as an electron donor to drive denitrification through bioaugmentation with Rhodococcus ruber, which is able to biodegrade quinoline. When quinoline-acclimated biomass (QAB) was used for denitrification, addition of R. ruber accelerated biodegradation of quinoline and its first mono-oxygenation intermediate (2-hydroxyquinoline). Although R. ruber was not directly active in denitrification, its biodegradation of quinoline and 2-hydroxyquinoline supplied products that other bacteria used to respire nitrate. In contrast, glucose-acclimated biomass (GAB) could not achieve effective denitrification with quinoline, whether or not R. ruber was added. Analysis by high-throughout sequencing showed that genera Ignavibacterium, Ferruginibacter, Limnobacter, and Denitrosoma were important during quinoline biodegradation with denitrification by QAB. In summary, bioaugmented R. ruber and endogenous bacterial strains had complementary roles when biodegrading quinoline to enhance denitrification. The significance of this study is to enable the use of industrial wastewater to provide electron donor to drive denitrification.
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Quinolinas , Rhodococcus , Desnitrificação , Elétrons , Quinolinas/metabolismo , Rhodococcus/metabolismo , Reatores BiológicosRESUMO
KEY MESSAGE: Brassica orphan gene BrFLM, identified by two allelic mutants, was involved in leafy head formation in Chinese cabbage. Leafy head formation is a unique agronomic trait of Chinese cabbage that determines its yield and quality. In our previous study, an EMS mutagenesis Chinese cabbage mutant library was constructed using the heading Chinese cabbage double haploid (DH) line FT as the wild-type. Here, we screened two extremely similar leafy head deficiency mutants lfm-1 and lfm-2 with geotropic growth leaves from the library to investigate the gene(s) related to leafy head formation. Reciprocal crossing results showed that these two mutants were allelic. We utilized lfm-1 to identify the mutant gene(s). Genetic analysis showed that the mutated trait was controlled by a single nuclear gene Brlfm. Mutmap analysis showed that Brlfm was located on chromosome A05, and BraA05g012440.3C or BraA05g021450.3C were the candidate gene. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR analysis eliminated BraA05g012440.3C from the candidates. Sanger sequencing identified an SNP from G to A at the 271st nucleotide on BraA05g021450.3C. The sequencing of lfm-2 detected another non-synonymous SNP (G to A) located at the 266st nucleotide on BraA05g021450.3C, which verified its function on leafy head formation. We blasted BraA05g021450.3C on database and found that it belongs to a Brassica orphan gene encoding an unknown 13.74 kDa protein, named BrLFM. Subcellular localization showed that BrLFM was located in the nucleus. These findings reveal that BrLFM is involved in leafy head formation in Chinese cabbage.
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Brassica rapa , Brassica , Brassica rapa/genética , Brassica/genética , Genes de Plantas , Folhas de Planta , NucleotídeosRESUMO
The application of plasmonic structure has been demonstrated to improve the performance of infrared photodetectors. However, the successful experimental realization of the incorporation of such optical engineering structure into HgCdTe-based photodetectors has rarely been reported. In this paper, we present a HgCdTe infrared photodetector with integrated plasmonic structure. The experimental results show that the device with plasmonic structure has a distinct narrowband effect with a peak response rate close to 2 A/W, which is nearly 34% higher compared with the reference device. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experiment, and an analysis of the effect of the plasmonic structure is given, demonstrating the crucial role of the plasmonic structure in the enhancement of the device performance.
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OBJECTIVE: One of the objectives of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders for 2022 to 2031 is to ensure at least 80% of people with epilepsy (PWE) will have access to appropriate, affordable, and safe antiseizure medications (ASMs) by 2031. However, ASM affordability is a significant issue in low- and middle-income countries, preventing PWE from accessing optimal treatment. This study aimed to determine the affordability of the newer (second and third generation) ASMs in resource-limited countries in Asia. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey by contacting country representatives in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) in Asia, including Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, and the upper-middle-income country Malaysia, from March 2022 to April 2022. The affordability of each ASM was calculated by dividing the 30-day ASM cost by the daily wage of the lowest paid unskilled laborers. Treatment costing 1 day's wage or less for a 30-day supply of chronic disease is considered affordable. RESULTS: Eight LMICs and one upper-middle-income country were included in this study. Lao PDR had no newer ASM, and Vietnam had only three newer ASMs. The most frequently available ASMs were levetiracetam, topiramate, and lamotrigine, and the least frequently available was lacosamide. The majority of the newer ASMs were unaffordable, with the median number of days' wages for a 30-day supply ranging from 5.6 to 14.8 days. SIGNIFICANCE: All new generation ASMs, whether original or generic brands, were unaffordable in most Asian LMICs.
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Anticonvulsivantes , Epilepsia , Humanos , Estudos Transversais , Ásia , Índia , Anticonvulsivantes/uso terapêutico , Epilepsia/tratamento farmacológico , Custos e Análise de CustoRESUMO
The abnormal Fe3+ level is known to cause various diseases, such as heart failure, liver damage and neurodegeneration. In situ probing Fe3+ in living cells or organisms is highly desired for both biological research and medical diagnostics. Herein, hybrid nanocomposites NaEuF4@TCPP were constructed by the assembly of an aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen) TCPP and NaEuF4 nanocrystals (NCs). The anchored TCPP on the surface of NaEuF4 NCs can reduce rotational relaxation of the excited state and efficiently transfer the energy to the Eu3+ ions with minimized nonradiative energy loss. Consequently, the prepared NaEuF4@TCPP nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited an intense red emission with a 103-fold enhancement relative to that in NaEuF4 NCs under 365 nm excitation. A selectively quenching response to Fe3+ ions for the NaEuF4@TCPP NPs makes them luminescent probes for sensitive detection of Fe3+ ions with a low detection limit of 340 nM. Moreover, the luminescence of NaEuF4@TCPP NPs could be recovered by the addition of iron chelators. Benefiting from their good biocompatibility and stability in living cells, together with the characteristic of the reversible luminescence response, the lipo-coated NaEuF4@TCPP probes were successfully applied for real-time monitoring of Fe3+ ions in living HeLa cells. These results are expected to motivate the exploration of AIE-based lanthanide probes for sensing and biomedical applications.
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Elementos da Série dos Lantanídeos , Nanopartículas , Humanos , Elementos da Série dos Lantanídeos/química , Luminescência , Células HeLa , Nanopartículas/químicaRESUMO
Classical homocystinuria (HCU) is caused by cystathionine ß-synthase deficiency leading to impaired homocysteine transsulfuration and accumulation of homocysteine and methionine. Patients present with a wide spectrum of manifestations including ocular, skeletal, neuropsychiatric, and vascular manifestations. We report a 48-year-old female with pyridoxine-unresponsive HCU treated with betaine, cyanocobalamin, and folate. Her diet was non-restricted due to intolerance of low-methionine diet. She was admitted to hospital following a fall, with multiple fractures and subsequently developed acute liver failure with encephalopathy. Shock, sepsis, and liver ischaemia/thrombosis were excluded. In the context of glutathione depletion expected in HCU, hepatic dysfunction was presumed to be due to iatrogenic paracetamol toxicity, despite paracetamol intake at conventional therapeutic dose, with role of hypermethioninemia as a contributing factor being uncertain. Betaine was discontinued on hospital admission. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) infusion was initiated. Plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) was 3.4 µmol/L 9 days following initiation of NAC treatment with a markedly elevated plasma methionine of 1278 µmol/L. tHcy concentration returned to pre-admission baseline after NAC was discontinued. Recovery following this episode was slow with a prolonged cholestatic phase and gradual improvement in jaundice and coagulopathy. We recommend that paracetamol should be administered cautiously in HCU patients due to underlying glutathione depletion and risk of toxicity even at therapeutic doses. NAC is clearly effective in lowering tHcy in classical HCU in the short-term however further research is required to assess clinical efficacy and use as a potential therapy in classical HCU.