Smartphone-Aided Fluorescence Detection of Cardiac Biomarker Myoglobin by a Ratiometric Fluorescent AuNCs-QDs Nanohybrids Probe with High Sensitivity.

Simple and sensitive detection of cardiac biomarkers is of great significance for early diagnosis and prevention of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Here, a ratiometric fluorescent nanohybrids probe (AuNCs-QDs) was synthesized through the coupling of bovine serum albumin-functionalized gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) with CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) to realize simple and sensitive detection of cardiac biomarker myoglobin (Mb). The AuNCs-QDs probe shows pink fluorescence under UV light, with two emission peaks at 468 nm and 630 nm belonging to QDs and AuNCs, respectively. Importantly, the presence of Mb caused fluorescence quenching of the blue-emitting QDs, thereby inhibiting the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) process between QDs and AuNCs, and reducing the fluorescence intensity ratio (F468/F630) of AuNCs-QDs probe effectively. As the concentration of Mb increases, the ratiometric fluorescent probe also exhibits a visible fluorescence color change. The detection limit was as low as 4.99 µg/mL, and the response of the probe to Mb showed a good linear relationship up to 0.52 mg/mL. Moreover, the probe has excellent specificity for Mb. Besides, the AuNCs-QDs has been applied to detect Mb of urine samples. More importantly, we also developed an AuNCs-QDs probe modified smartphone-aided paper-based strip for on-site monitoring of Mb. As far as we know, this is the first report of a smartphone-aided paper-based strip for on-site quick monitoring of Mb, which provides a useful approach for AMI biomarker monitoring and may can be extended to other medical diagnostics.

Hydrogen Sulfide and Its Donors: Keys to Unlock the Chains of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as the third "gasotransmitters" and has a crucial function in the diversity of physiological functions in mammals. In particular, H2S is considered indispensable in preventing the development of liver inflammation in the case of excessive caloric ingestion. Note that the concentration of endogenous H2S was usually low, making it difficult to discern the precise biological functions. Therefore, exogenous delivery of H2S is conducive to probe the physiological and pathological roles of this gas in cellular and animal studies. In this review, the production and metabolic pathways of H2S in vivo, the types of donors currently used for H2S release, and study evidence of H2S improvement effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are systematically introduced.

Distribution of phthalate metabolites, benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters, parabens, triclosan and triclocarban in paired human hair, nail and urine samples.

In this study, the distribution of nineteen ingredients of personal care product (PCPs), including seven metabolites of phthalates (mPAEs), five benzophenone-type ultraviolet filters (BPs), and seven antimicrobial agents (AAs), were investigated in paired human hair, nail and urine samples. The median concentrations of ΣmPAEs, ΣBPs and ΣAAs were 135, 2.76 and 179 ng/g in hair, 37.3, 2.95 and 297 ng/g in nails, and 345, 4.03 and 50.1 ng/mL in urine, respectively. Mono-methyl phthalate (49%), 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (45%) and triclosan (71%) were the most abundant mPAE, BP and AA in hair samples, respectively, and had similar abundance in nail samples. In contrast, mono-n-butyl phthalate (45%), 4-hydroxy benzophenone (29%) and methyl paraben (54%) were the predominant mPAE, BP and AA in urine samples, respectively. Significant differences in the concentrations of some target compounds were observed between male and female but inconsistent across different matrices. Moreover, most compounds with significant correlations had quite different correlation coefficients in each matrix. No significant correlations were found between hair, nail and urine samples for most of the target analytes. These results suggest these analytes have matrix-specific distribution, and it is necessary to use multiple matrices to comprehensively assess the risk of ingredients of PCPs to human health.

Genetic Engineering and Biosynthesis Technology: Keys to Unlocking the Chains of Phage Therapy.

Phages possess the ability to selectively eliminate pathogenic bacteria by recognizing bacterial surface receptors. Since their discovery, phages have been recognized for their potent bactericidal properties, making them a promising alternative to antibiotics in the context of rising antibiotic resistance. However, the rapid emergence of phage-resistant strains (generally involving temperature phage) and the limited host range of most phage strains have hindered their antibacterial efficacy, impeding their full potential. In recent years, advancements in genetic engineering and biosynthesis technology have facilitated the precise engineering of phages, thereby unleashing their potential as a novel source of antibacterial agents. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the diverse strategies employed for phage genetic engineering, as well as discuss their benefits and drawbacks in terms of bactericidal effect.

Dual colorimetric and near-infrared fluorescence probe for Hg2+ detection and cell imaging.

Hg2+ in the environment endangers human health, and a convenient monitoring method is needed for the detection of Hg2+. In this study, we constructed a dual colorimetric near-infrared fluorescent probe (E)-2-(3-(3-(1,3-dithian-2-yl)-4-hydroxystyryl)-5,5-dimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-ylidene)malononitrile (YF-Hg), based on the malononitrile isophorone. YF-Hg can detect Hg2+ rapidly and sensitively, with fluorescence emission in the near-infrared region (659 nm) with an obvious color change from violet to red in the visible light range. In addition, the low toxicity and large Stokes shift (191 nm) of YF-Hg also suggest that it is a potential tool for live-cell fluorescence imaging.

Tongxinluo capsule in combination with conventional therapies for stable angina pectoris: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Tongxinluo capsule (TXLC) in combination with conventional therapies for treating stable angina pectoris (SAP) through a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases for randomized controlled trials investigating the use of TXLC as adjuvant therapy for SAP published up to June 2023. The Cochrane Handbook was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.1, and publication bias was assessed using Begg test and Egger test in the Stata SE 12.0 software. GRADEpro was used to assess the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 26 randomized controlled trials with a total of 2352 patients. TXLC co-administration demonstrated significant reduction in angina attack frequency (mean difference (MD) -0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.97 to -0.84, P < .00001) and duration (MD -1.71, 95% CI -2.24 to -1.19, P < .00001), decreased use of nitroglycerin tablets (MD -6.28, 95% CI -7.16 to -5.41, P < .00001), lowered C-reactive protein (MD -1.19, 95% CI -1.35 to -1.03, P < .00001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (MD -0.68, 95% CI -0.86 to -0.51, P < .00001). TXLC co-administration did not increase gastrointestinal reactions (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.38 to 3.57, P = .78). The Begg test and Egger test results indicated no publication bias. The evidence quality was rated as very low for frequency of angina attack, duration of angina attack, and nitroglycerin usage, and low for C-reactive protein, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and gastrointestinal reaction events. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis supports TXLC as a beneficial adjunct treatment for SAP.

Chinese Proprietary Medicine Xianling Gubao Capsule for Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Objective: To assess the benefit and harm of Chinese medicine Xianling Gubao (XLGB) capsule compared to conventional medication or placebo to inform clinical practice. Methods: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with Jadad score ≥3 of XLGB capsule compared to pharmaceutical medication, placebo, or no treatment for primary osteoporosis. We conducted searches in EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (Sino-Med) from their inception till November 13th, 2021. Study selection and data extraction were done by two authors independently. The methodological quality of the RCTs was assessed using Cochrane's risk of bias tool. The effect size was presented as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with their 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Our searches identified 2292 records and after exclusions, eight trials involving 846 participants were included. There was no statistically significant difference between conventional medications with or without XLGB on new fracture (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: [0.13, 1.87]). Quality of life by SF-36 questionnaire of XLGB plus calcium carbonate, vitamin D3, and calcitriol was improved than that of without XLGB (MD: 6.72 scores, 95% CI: [2.82, 10.62]). XLGB increased bone mineral density similarly as calcium carbonate plus vitamin D3 (MD: 0.21, 95% CI: [-0.16, 0.58]) or as alendronate sodium, calcium carbonate plus vitamin D3 (MD: 0.00, 95% CI: [-0.10, 0.10]), but it had no additional effect as an add-on treatment to conventional medications (MD: 0.13, 95% CI: [-0.12, 0.37]). XLGB relieved pain via visual analog scale more effectively when combined with medications (MD: -1.55 score, 95% CI: [-2.47, -0.63]). XLGB as monotherapy did not increase adverse events (RR: 0.63, 95% CI: [0.28, 1.41]), or as an add-on treatment (RR: 0.25, 95% CI: [0.03, 2.16]). Conclusion: This systematic review shows that XLGB capsule appears to be safe and has a beneficial effect on the quality of life and pain relief when used alone or in combination with conventional medications in osteoporosis patients. Further large, rigorous trials are warranted to test its long-term benefit.

[Characteristics of Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotopes in Different Water Bodies in Hilly and Gully Regions of the Loess Plateau].

Studying the isotope characteristics and water body transformation relationships among different water bodies in the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau can provide a theoretical foundation for evaluating regional climate, ecology, and water resources. In this study, daily and monthly averaged δD and δ18O in precipitation, river water, and shallow groundwater were measured in 2017 in the Jiuyuangou watershed, which has a good ecological condition. The compositional relationship between the stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in difference water bodies was explored, the influence factors and spatio-temporal variation of δ18O in precipitation and river water were analyzed, and the stable isotope conversion ratios between different water bodies in the study area were calculated using the two-terminal mixed model. The main conclusions of the study are as follows:the d-excess of river water showed an increasing trend with elevation during the observation period; the δ18O of river water was enriched with increasing distance from the river source and decreased with increasing altitude; temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity had significant effects on the hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of precipitation; precipitation and shallow groundwater replenish the river during the non-flood period, the proportions of which were 46% and 54%, respectively; and during the flood season, the shallow groundwater is replenished by river water and precipitation, the proportions were 60% and 40%, respectively. These results indicate that there is a good conversion relationship between "precipitation-river-shallow groundwater" in the study area. The implementation of soil and water conservation measures has had some influence on the conversion of different water bodies in small watersheds. The results provide a basis for the establishment of water cycle models for hilly and gully regions of the Loess Plateau.