Ionic Liquid-Based Extraction Strategy for the Efficient and Selective Recovery of Scandium.

The recovery of scandium (Sc) from highly acidic industrial effluents is currently hindered by the use of large quantities of flammable and toxic organic solvents. This study developed an extraction system using ionic liquids (ILs) and phenylphosphinic acid (PPAH) as diluents and an extractant, respectively, to selectively recover Sc from the aqueous phase. The effect of IL chemical structure, aqueous pH and temperature on the extraction of Sc was systematically investigated and the findings revealed that ILs with longer alkyl side chains had reduced Sc extraction ability due to the presence of continuous nonpolar domains formed by the self-aggregation of the IL alkyl side chain. The IL/PPAH system maintained high extraction ability toward Sc across a wide temperature range (288 K to 318 K) and the extraction efficiency of Sc could be improved significantly by increasing the aqueous pH. The extraction process involved proton exchange, resulting in the formation of a metal-ligand complex (Sc(PPA)3).

Mesoporous CuO Prepared in a Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent Medium for Effective Photodegradation of Rhodamine B.

Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used as catalysts in the chemical industry, but their preparation is usually limited by strict conditions such as high temperature, elevated pressure, and the use of volatile and highly toxic organic solvents. To solve this problem, this work developed an environmentally benign method using green solvents, i.e., natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs), as a reaction medium to prepare copper oxide (CuO) particles. The experimental results suggested that the synthesized CuO particles were sheet-like mesoporous NPs, and they exhibited excellent catalytic performance towards the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) in the presence of potassium monopersulfate (PMS). The catalytic activity of the synthesized CuO NPs was better than that of the reported metal oxide-based catalysts. Reactive species such as photoexcited holes, superoxide radicals, and singlet oxygen were involved in the RhB degradation. These results indicated that NADESs are good media for the preparation of CuO NPs, and exhibit the potential for application to the preparation of other metal oxides.

Obesity is associated with subclinical hypothyroidism in the presence of thyroid autoantibodies: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Both obesity and subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) have adverse effects on human body, but the relationship between these two conditions remains inconsistent. The presence of thyroid autoantibodies influences thyroid hormone levels, and may further mediate the interaction between obesity and SCH. This study aimed to explore the association among obesity, SCH and thyroid autoantibodies. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional survey of 2505 subjects. Obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥28 kg/m2. Serum concentrations of thyroid hormones, thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) and thyroglobulin antibody (Tg-Ab) were examined. Logistic analysis was used to explore the relation among obesity, SCH and thyroid autoantibodies. RESULTS: A proportion of 11.54% (289/2505) subjects were obese, and 165 subjects had SCH. The positive rates of thyroid autoantibodies, TPO-Ab and Tg-Ab were 17.64% (442/2505), 11.02% (276/2505) and 14.13% (354/2505), respectively. The proportion of SCH was significantly higher in obese than nonobese subjects among those with positive thyroid autoantibodies [22.41% (13/58) vs. 11.72% (45/384), p = 0.025, χ2 test]. Moreover, obesity was significantly associated with SCH in the presence of thyroid autoantibodies after adjusting for confounding factors (OR 2.212, 95% CI 1.103 to 4.433, p = 0.025). A higher proportion of subjects with obesity had Tg-Ab positivity [17.99% (52/289) vs. 13.63% (302/2216), p = 0.045, χ2 test], and obesity remained significantly associated with Tg-Ab positivity by multiple logistic analysis (OR 1.504, 95% CI 1.077 to 2.101, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity was associated with SCH in the presence of thyroid autoantibodies. Examination of SCH is recommended in obese subjects with thyroid autoantibody positivity.

The association between subclinical hypothyroidism and erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is highly prevalent among males, and hypothyroidism is previously reported to be related with ED. However there have been rare studies to investigate the association between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and ED, hence our objective was to fill this gap. METHODS: ED patients who visited the Urology Outpatients Clinic owere recruited consecutively, and males from the Health Manage Center were included as the controls. Serum thyroid and sexual hormones were estimated, and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaires were evaluated as well. Subjects with normal sexual hormones were included for statistical analysis. RESULTS: One hundred nine ED patients and 32 healthy controls were included in this study. The ratio of SCH and euthyroidism in ED males was 29.36% and 66.06% respectively. The IIEF-5 scores in ED patients with SCH were significantly lower than the controls with euthyroidism (P<0.05). The serum concentrations of TSH and prolactin were significantly higher and free thyroxine lower in ED patients with SCH when compared with the controls with euthyroidism (all p<0.05), and no significant differences of estradiol and total testosterone were found between those two groups. However the IIEF-5 scores were not significantly different between males with SCH and euthyroidism among ED patients (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SCH is common in ED patients and may be associated with ED, whereas the severity of ED is not related to SCH. Screening for thyroid dysfunction in men presenting with ED is recommended.

[Reference Intervals of Thyroid Hormones in Normal Pregnant Women and Effects of Thyroid Autoantibodies on Thyroid Hormone Levels in Pregnant Women in Chengdu Area].

OBJECTIVES: To establish the reference intervals of thyroid hormones in normal pregnant women in Chengdu area of China, and to investigate the effects of thyroid autoantibodies on thyroid function in pregnant women. METHODS: We included 696 pregnant women who had gestation data from June 2013 to March 2014 in Chengdu Women & Children's Central Hospital. Every subject under went questionnaire survey, physical examination, thyroid ultrasound and measurement of thyroid hormone and thyroid autoantibodies. The normal reference intervals were established according to the percentiles (P2.5-P97.5) of the healthy pregnant women in the same trimester. Another 50 non-pregnant women were selected as the control group. RESULTS: Of the 696 pregnant women, 579 subjects had negative thyroid autoantibodies and 117 subjects had positive thyroid autoantibodies. The positive rate of thyroid autoantibodies was 16.81%. Of the 579 subjects with negative thyroid autoantibodies, 257 were in the first trimester, 202 in the second trimester and 120 in the third trimester. In the first trimester of normal pregnancy, the reference intervals of serum thyrotropin (TSH) , free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4) were 0.02-4.03 mIU/L, 3.85-6.27 pmol/L and 11.93-21.04 pmol/L respectively. In the second trimester, the reference intervals of serum TSH, FT3 and FT4 were 0.02-4.05 mIU/L, 3.51-5.82 pmol/L and 11.23-19.22 pmol/L respectively. In the thirdtrimester, the reference intervals for serum TSH, FT3 and FT4 were 0.24-5.41 mIU/L, 3.18-4.97 pmol/L and 11.10-17.00 pmol/L, respectively. When compared with non-pregnant women, the median TSH value was increasingly consisted with the progress of pregnancy period, while the median FT4 and FT3 values were decreasing accordingly. The similar tendencies of TSH, FT3, and FT4 were found in pregnant women with positive thyroid autoantibodies, but the trends were more remarkable when compared with those with negative thyroid autoantibodies. In pregnant women with positive thyroid autoantibodies, the incidences of clinical hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism and clinical hyperthyroidism were 0.85%, 15.38% and 0.85%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The thyroid hormone reference ranges of pregnant women is quite different from those of non-pregnant women. It is necessary to establish the reference intervals of thyroid hormones in normal pregnant women. Thyroid function of pregnant women with positive thyroid autoantibodies should be monitored during the pregnant period.

[Influence Factors on Serum Thyroid Hormone Level in Healthy People].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influences of age, gender and season on serum thyroid stimulating hormone level and thyroid hormone level in healthy people. METHODS: There were 2 564 healthy volunteers enrolled in this study, whom were divided into different groups according to gender, age and the season. The levels of serum TSH, T3, T4, FT3, FT4 were measured and the data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The level of serum TSH in both young and middle-age groups of female was higher than that in the same age groups of male. The serum levels of T3, FT3, FT4 in both young and middle-age groups of female were lower than those in the same age groups of male (P < 0.05). In female, the serum level of TSH was increasing with age. However, the serum levels of FT3, FT4 had the opposite tendency. The level of serum FT3 in young group was higher than that in elderly group of, but T4 were lower. Lower levels of TSH, T3, FT4 were found in summer instead of winter (P < 0.05) and there was no significant difference of FT3 between that two seasons. The levels of serum TSH, T3, T4 and FT4 were correlated with seasons (r = 0.079, 0.092,-0.137, 0.140). CONCLUSION: The levels of serum TSH and thyroid hormones are influenced by age, gender and seasons, which needs to be considered for the diagnosis of thyroid diseases and evaluation of thyroid function.

Using a silver-enhanced microarray sandwich structure to improve SERS sensitivity for protein detection.

A simple and sensitive method, based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), for immunoassay and label-free protein detection is reported. A series of bowl-shaped silver cavity arrays were fabricated by electrodeposition using a self-assembled polystyrene spheres template. The reflection spectra of these cavity arrays were recorded as a function of film thickness, and then correlated with SERS enhancement using sodium thiophenolate as the probe molecule. The results reveal that SERS enhancement can be maximized when the frequency of both the incident laser and the Raman scattering approach the frequency of the localized surface plasmon resonance. The optimized array was then used as the bottom layer of a silver nanoparticle-protein-bowl-shaped silver cavity array sandwich. The second layer of silver was introduced by the interactions between the proteins in the middle layer of the sandwich architecture and silver nanoparticles. Human IgG bound to the surface of this microcavity array can retain its recognition function. With the Raman reporter molecules labeled on the antibody, a detection limit down to 0.1 ng mL(-1) for human IgG is easily achieved. Furthermore, the SERS spectra of label-free proteins (catalase, cytochrome C, avidin and lysozyme) from the assembled sandwich have excellent reproducibility and high quality. The results reveal that the proposed approach has potential for use in qualitative and quantitative detection of biomolecules.

[Relationship between depression and thyroid hormone levels in patients with Graves disease].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between depression and thyroid hormone levels in Graves disease patients. METHODS: A total of 188 out-patients with Graves disease were enrolled in this study. All patients received the measurements of Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb). RESULTS: All the patients were divided into 3 groups: high FT4 level group (n=65), normal FT4 level group (n=113) and low FT4 level group (n=19). There were statistically significant difference of SDS scores (P < 0.05) in 3 groups, but no significant difference in the occurrence of depression (P > 0. 05). In Pearson correlation analysis, SDS score was positively correlated with serum FT3 (r = 0.372, P < 0.001) and FT4 level (r = 0.288, P < 0.001), negatively correlated to serum TSH level but no statistically significant (r = -0.028, P = 0.614). logistic regression analysis showed that TSH (P = 0.131), FT4 (P = 0.637), and FT3 (P = 0.208) were not the independent risk factors for the occurrence of depression. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of depression is high in Graves disease patients, there is no close correlation between depression and the level of thyroid hormone.

A comprehensive epigenetic network can influence the occurrence of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy by affecting immune and inflammatory response.

The primary objective of this study is to understand the regulatory role of epigenetics in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) using multi-omics sequencing data. We utilized tRFs sequencing data, DNA methylation sequencing data, and lncRNA/circRNA/mRNA sequencing data, as well as several RNA methylation target prediction websites, to analyze the regulatory effect of DNA methylation, non-coding RNA, and RNA methylation on TAO-associated genes. Through differential expression analysis, we identified 1019 differentially expressed genes, 985 differentially methylated genes, and 2601 non-coding RNA. Functional analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were mostly associated with the PI3K signaling pathway and the IL17 signaling pathway. Genes regulated by DNA epigenetic regulatory networks were mainly related to the Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway, whereas genes regulated by RNA epigenetic regulatory networks were primarily related to the T cell receptor signaling pathway. Finally, our integrated regulatory network analysis revealed that epigenetics mainly impacts the occurrence of TAO through its effects on key pathways such as cell killing, cytokine production, and immune response. In summary, this study is the first to reveal a new mechanism underlying the development of TAO and provides new directions for future TAO research.

Ang II Controls the Expression of Mapkap1 by miR-375 and Affects the Function of Islet ß Cells.

BACKGROUND: The RAS system is involved in the regulation of islet function, but its regulation remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the role of an islet-specific miR-375 in the effect of RAS system on islet ß-cells. METHODS: miR-375 mimics and inhibitors were transfected into insulin-secreting MIN6 cells in the presence or absence of RAS component. RESULTS: Compared to control, in Ang II-treated MIN6 cells, miR-375 mimic transfection results in a decrement in cell viability and Akt-Ser levels (0.739±0.05 vs. 0.883±0.06 and 0.40±0.04 vs. 0.79±0.04, respectively), while the opposite occurred in miR-375 inhibitor-transfected cells (1.032±0.11 vs. 0.883±0.06 and 0.98±0.05 vs. 0.79±0.04, respectively, P<0.05). Mechanistically, transfection of miR- 375 mimics into Ang II-treated MIN6 cells significantly reduced the expression of Mapkap1 protein (0.97±0.15 vs. 0.63±0.06, P<0.05); while miR-375 inhibitor-transfected cells elevated Mapkap1 expression level (0.35±0.11 vs. 0.90±0.05, P<0.05), without changes in mRNA expression. Transfection of miR-375 specific inhibitors TSB-Mapkap1 could elevate Mapkap1 (1.62±0.02 vs. 0.68±0.01, P<0.05), while inhibition of Mapkap1 could significantly reduce the level of Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation (0.60±0.14 vs. 1.80±0.27, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The effects of Ang II on mouse islet ß cells were mediated by miR-375 through miR- 375/Mapkap 1 axis. This targeted regulation may occur by affecting Akt phosphorylation of ß cells. These results may provide new ideas and a scientific basis for further development of miRNA-targeted islet protection measures.

Short night-time sleep duration is associated with thyroid nodules: A community-based survey from Guangzhou, China.

BACKGROUND: Sleep plays a critical role in maintaining human health. This study aimed to explore the association between sleep status and thyroid nodules. METHODS: A total of 2414 individuals aged 18 or older with euthyroidism were enrolled in this community-based survey. Sleep status was self-reported. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed to measure nodules. Multiple logistic analyses were applied to adjust for confounding factors. RESULTS: The percentages of thyroid nodules among individuals who slept <5 hours, 5-8 hours, and >8 hours per night were 57.79% (115/199), 44.19% (833/1885) and 42.73% (141/330), respectively (p = 0.001). Individuals who slept <5 hours per night had a significantly higher percentage of thyroid nodules than those who slept 5-8 hours per night (57.79% vs. 44.19%, p = 0.001) or >8 hours per night (57.79% vs. 42.73%, P < 0.001). However, no similar result was shown between individuals who slept >8 hours and 5-8 hours per night (42.73% vs. 44.19%, p = 0.621). Multiple logistic analysis showed that a sleep duration of <5 hours per night was significantly associated with thyroid nodules (odds ratio (OR) 1.643, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.084-2.490, p = 0.019) when compared to a sleep duration of >8 hours per night. However, a sleep duration of <5 hours per night was not associated with thyroid nodules compared to a sleep duration of 5-8 hours (OR 1.294, 95% CI 0.918-1.824, p = 0.141). Similarly, no significant differences were seen among sleep duration per day, time of falling asleep, habit of daytime napping or thyroid nodules in multiple logistic analyses (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Short nighttime sleep duration was associated with thyroid nodules in our community-based population. Screening for thyroid nodules among these individuals is recommended.

Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone levels are associated with poor sleep: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: Poor sleep accompanied by elevated TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) levels is not uncommon since TSH secretion is controlled by the circadian rhythm. However, the relationship between poor sleep and TSH elevation is unclear; hence, we aimed to elucidate this relationship by conducting a cross-sectional and longitudinal study. METHODS: Participants with isolated elevated (N = 168) and normal (N = 119) TSH concentrations were recruited, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep status. Subjects with an isolated TSH elevation were followed up longitudinally. The serum TSH concentration was remeasured after sleep status improved. RESULTS: The proportions of poor sleep and occasional poor sleep in subjects with isolated TSH elevation were significantly higher than those with normal TSH levels (70.24% vs. 49.58%, p = 0.001; 9.52% vs. 1.68%, p = 0.006). Subjects with isolated TSH elevation had significantly higher PSQI scores in the subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, and habitual sleep efficiency dimensions than those with normal TSH levels (all p < 0.05). Poor sleep was significantly associated with isolated TSH elevation in the multiple logistic regression analysis [odds ratio (OR) = 2.396, p = 0.001]. Among subjects with an isolated TSH elevation at baseline, the percentage of TSH normalization was significantly higher in those who slept better than in those who still slept poorly (85.42% vs. 6.45%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that isolated elevated TSH concentrations normalize when the sleep status is improved; hence, we recommend that clinicians thoroughly assess the sleep status of patients and remeasure TSH concentrations after sleep status improves.

Efficacy of Standardized Rehabilitation in the Treatment of Diastasis Rectus Abdominis in Postpartum Women.

PURPOSE: The incidence of diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) in parturients is continuously increasing, which may cause uncomfortable and affect the quality of life. The present study aims to retrospectively summarize the experience and efficacy in the treatment of DRA via standardized rehabilitation procedures in Eastern China. METHODS: This retrospective study included the parturients with DRA admitted to the Xishan People's Hospital of Wuxi between January 2017 and May 2021. Patients were separated into standardized rehabilitation group (SR) and non-standardized rehabilitation group (non-SR). The outcomes were the change in rectus abdominis separation and Physical Functioning Scale (PFS). Measurement data were compared between the two groups, and multivariate linear regression was used to analyze the factors associated with the standardized rehabilitation process. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among a total of 294 patients with DRA who were included in the study, 171 patients were treated with SR (SR), and the other 123 patients were treated without SR process (non-SR). Compared with non-SR, the separation of the rectus abdominis was significantly reduced in SR after standardized rehabilitation treatment (p value < 0.0001). The multiple linear regression model analysis results suggested that standardized rehabilitation was an independent factor influencing the prognosis of DRA in parturients (p < 0.0001). In addition, the quality of life of the study group was significantly improved (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Standardized rehabilitation method revealed high efficiency in treating DRA in postpartum women and could improve the quality of life of parturients.

Iodine nutritional status, the prevalence of thyroid goiter and nodules in rural and urban residents: a cross-sectional study from Guangzhou, China.

OBJECTIVES: A variety of factors differed between rural and urban areas may further influence iodine status and thyroid structure. Hence, this study compared iodine nutrition, the prevalence of thyroid goiter, and nodules between rural and urban residents in Guangzhou, a southern coastal city of China. METHODS: A total of 1211 rural residents and 1305 urban residents were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire regarding personal characteristics was administered. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was examined. Ultrasonography of the thyroid was performed to evaluate thyroid goiter and nodules. Multiple logistic analysis was used to identify the potential associated factors. RESULTS: The median UIC was significantly lower in rural residents than in urban residents (120.80 µg/L vs 136.00 µg/L, P < 0.001). Although the coverage rate of iodized salt was much higher in rural residents than in urban residents (99.59% vs 97.29%, P < 0.001), the percentages of seafood intake (8.60% vs 29.29%, P < 0.001), iodine-containing drug consumption (0.33% vs 1.24%, P = 0.011), and iodine contrast medium injection (0.58% vs 1.87%, P = 0.004) were lower in rural residents than in urban residents. Both the prevalence of thyroid goiters and nodules was significantly higher in rural residents than in urban residents (goiter: 8.06% vs 1.20%, P < 0.001; nodules: 61.89% vs 55.04%, P = 0.023). Living in rural areas was associated with thyroid goiter (OR 5.114, 95% CI 2.893-9.040, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There were differences in iodine nutrition and the prevalence of thyroid goiter and nodules in rural and urban residents in Guangzhou. Differentiated and specialized monitoring is recommended in our area.

Expression characteristics of proteins of IGF-1R, p-Akt, and survivin in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is related to increased risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) is increased in patients with T2DM. The increased IGF-1R may be responsible for the development of PTC. In this study, we investigated the expression of phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt)/survivin pathway activated by IGF-1R in PTC subjects with and without diabetes.Clinicopathological data of 20 PTC patients with T2DM were retrospectively analyzed and compared with those of 21 PTC subjects without diabetes. Meanwhile, IGF-1R, p-Akt, and survivin expressions of PTC tissues were detected by immunohistochemical staining.The immunohistochemical results found that the expression level of IGF-1R was significantly higher in diabetic PTC patients than that in nondiabetic PTC patients (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences of p-Akt and survivin expression were found between PTC patients with T2DM and PTC patients without T2DM. In addition, among 20 PTC patients with T2DM, subgroup analysis showed that the ratio of tumor size >10 mm was significantly higher in IGF-1R moderate to strong expression group than that in IGF-1R negative to weak expression group (P < 0.05).IGF-1R expression level was higher in PTC patients with T2DM, and the increased IGF-1R expression was associated with lager tumor size. IGF-1R may play an important role in carcinogenesis and tumor growth in PTC patients with T2DM.

The association between thyroid autoantibodies in serum and abnormal function and structure of the thyroid.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between thyroid autoantibodies and abnormalities in thyroid function and structure, and to investigate any risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Chengdu residents ≥ 18 years with no previous thyroid disease. The study participants provided demographic and clinical data. Thyroid function and serum concentrations of the thyroid autoantibodies antithyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) and antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) were measured. RESULTS: A total of 1334 subjects were included in this study. The prevalence of TPOAb and TgAb positivity was significantly higher in female than in male subjects. The prevalence of thyroid autoantibodies in those with subclinical hypothyroidism and clinical hyper- and hypothyroidism was significantly greater than in euthyroid subjects. The concentration of TPOAb and TgAb in subjects with both TPOAb and TgAb was significantly higher than in those who exhibited only one type of thyroid autoantibody. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, female sex, thyroid volume, thyroid hypo- and heteroechogenicity were found to be risk factors for the presence of autoantibodies. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid autoantibodies were common in the general population. Women with thyroid enlargement, hypoechogenicity and heteroechogenicity might benefit from routine screening for thyroid autoantibodies and thyroid function.