Fabrication of Monodisperse Magnetic Polystyrene Mesoporous Composite Microspheres for High-Efficiency Selective Adsorption and Rapid Separation of Cationic Dyes in Textile Industry Wastewater.

Sustainable development has become an inevitable trend in the world's green chemical industry for a generation or more. In this study, a monodisperse magnetic polystyrene mesoporous composite microsphere (MPPS) composed of Fe3O4 nanoparticles loaded on polystyrene mesoporous microspheres is introduced. These microspheres serve as effective adsorbents for the swift removal of cationic dyes. The fabrication of the wastewater adsorbent, with its simple operation and economic practicality, involved a combination of dispersion polymerization, a sulfonation reaction, two-step swelling polymerization, and in situ alkaline oxidation technology. Notably, the adsorption capacity within 3 min reaches 184.0 mg/g, with an impressive adsorption efficiency of 92%. This is primarily attributed to the high specific surface area (Smax) of the MPPS providing more reaction sites for π-π interaction. Simultaneously, the attractive force between negatively charged sulfonic acid groups and cationic dyes is enhanced through surface modification of the MPPS. Furthermore, the MPPS, boasting a maximum saturation magnetization of 38.19 emu/g, ensures rapid separation from the solution for recycling within 3 s. Even after 5 cycles, the adsorption efficiency remains over 90%. The rapid separation of dyes is facilitated by the magnetic attraction of Fe3O4 nanoparticles from the MPPS under the application of a magnetic field. These composite mesoporous materials exhibit outstanding performance in both efficient selective adsorption and recyclability, presenting a novel green adsorbent with promising prospects for sustainable development. This innovation is poised to excel in fields such as sewage treatment, separation, and purification.

Predicting lung cancer survival prognosis based on the conditional survival bayesian network.

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths and imposes an enormous economic burden on patients. It is important to develop an accurate risk assessment model to determine the appropriate treatment for patients after an initial lung cancer diagnosis. The Cox proportional hazards model is mainly employed in survival analysis. However, real-world medical data are usually incomplete, posing a great challenge to the application of this model. Commonly used imputation methods cannot achieve sufficient accuracy when data are missing, so we investigated novel methods for the development of clinical prediction models. In this article, we present a novel model for survival prediction in missing scenarios. We collected data from 5,240 patients diagnosed with lung cancer at the Weihai Municipal Hospital, China. Then, we applied a joint model that combined a BN and a Cox model to predict mortality risk in individual patients with lung cancer. The established prognostic model achieved good predictive performance in discrimination and calibration. We showed that combining the BN with the Cox proportional hazards model is highly beneficial and provides a more efficient tool for risk prediction.

[Analysis of a child with 46,XY Disorder of sex development due to a novel variant of NR5A1 gene].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical features and genetic basis of a child with Disorder of sex development (DSD). METHODS: A child who was admitted to the Linyi People's Hospital for primary amenorrhoea on July 29, 2019 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child was collected. Chromosomal karyotyping and quantitative real-time PCR were used to detect Y chromosome microdeletions and other chromosomal aberrations. Next-generation sequencing was carried out for the child and her parents. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS: The child, a 13-year-old girl, has featured primary amenorrhoea and onset of secondary sex characteristics of males. Ultrasound exam had detected no uterus and definite ovarian structure, but narrow band vaginal hypoecho and curved cavernoid structure. The child was found to have a 46,XY karyotype without an AZF deletion. DNA sequencing revealed that she has harbored a maternally derived c.323delA (p.Q108Rfs*188) variant in the nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1) gene, which may result in a truncated protein. The variant was classified as pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PP4) based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. CONCLUSION: The NR5A1: c.323delA variant probably underlay the pathogenesis of 46,XY DSD in this child. The discovery of the novel variant has enriched the mutational spectrum of the NR5A1 gene and provided a basis for clinical diagnosis, treatment and prenatal diagnosis.

Prediction of potential hard sodium carbaboride compounds assuming sp3-bonded covalent clathrates.

Boron-carbon clathrates have attracted great attention due to their unique sp3-bonded structure and excellent electronic properties. Here, by performing first-principles calculations, we predicted six stoichiometric Na-B-C clathrates (NaBC11, Na2B2C10, NaB2C10, Na2B4C8, NaB4C8, and Na2B6C6) based on Na-doped boron-carbon clathrates. As a result, NaBC11, Na2B2C10, and NaB2C10 were found to become energetically favorable. Under ambient conditions, the electronic structure calculations show that NaBC11 and Na2B2C10 are indirect band gap semiconductors, and NaB2C10, Na2B4C8, and NaB4C8 exhibit metallic features. Na2B2C10 and Na2B4C8 are found to be synthesized at 22.7 and 14.2 GPa, respectively. Interestingly, the formation enthalpies of NaxB2C10 and NaxB4C8 (x = 0, 1, and 2) clathrates decrease in turn with the increased number of Na atoms in the same synthetic paths. Moreover, the ideal indentation strengths of NaBC11, Na2B2C10, and NaB2C10 approach 40 GPa, indicating that they are hard materials with superior hardness. These findings offer valuable insights for advancing the synthesis of boron-carbon clathrates.

Do restaurants comply with reduced salt requests from consumers ordering on meal delivery apps?

BACKGROUND: Chinese urban residents consume more salt from meals prepared outside home than in the past. The purpose of this study is to understand Chinese consumer demand for salt reduction as expressed through their orders on meal delivery apps (MDAs), restaurants' willingness to promote salt reduction, and the extent to which restaurants comply with reduced salt requests. METHODS: We analyzed consumer comments extracted from 718 restaurants on a Chinese MDA called ELEME for orders made in the July-December 2020 timeframe. A self-designed questionnaire was distributed to the restaurant managers to assess restaurants' attitude towards salt reduction upon signing up for the study, and laboratory validation was conducted to test whether dishes ordered with reduced salt requests by consumers actually contained less salt. RESULTS: A total of 25,982 (0.7%) orders out of 3,630,798 orders contained consumer comments. Of the consumer comments, 40.6% (10,549) were about requests for less salt in dishes. Totally 91.5% of 421 surveyed restaurants showed a willingness to respond to consumers' reduced salt requests. The median sodium content measured in the reduced-salt dishes by the laboratory was significantly lower than that in their regular salt counterparts (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We observed substantial consumer demand for salt reduction while ordering meals on the MDA and that restaurants did, in response, reduce the sodium content in the meals they provided. As meals delivered via MDAs comprise an increasing proportion of outside foods consumed, there is an opportunity for public health experts and policy makers to work with MDAs and restaurants to promote healthier food selections. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2100047729.

A comprehensive review of polyphenol oxidase in tea (Camellia sinensis): Physiological characteristics, oxidation manufacturing, and biosynthesis of functional constituents.

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a metalloenzyme with a type III copper core that is abundant in nature. As one of the most essential enzymes in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), the further regulation of PPO is critical for enhancing defensive responses, cultivating high-quality germplasm resources of tea plants, and producing tea products that are both functional and sensory qualities. Due to their physiological and pharmacological values, the constituents from the oxidative polymerization of PPO in tea manufacturing may serve as functional foods to prevent and treat chronic non-communicable diseases. However, current knowledge of the utilization of PPO in the tea industry is only available from scattered sources, and a more comprehensive study is required to reveal the relationship between PPO and tea obviously. A more comprehensive review of the role of PPO in tea was reported for the first time, as its classification, catalytic mechanism, and utilization in modulating tea flavors, compositions, and nutrition, along with the relationships between PPO-mediated enzymatic reactions and the formation of functional constituents in tea, and the techniques for the modification and application of PPO based on modern enzymology and synthetic biology are summarized and suggested in this article.

[Genetic analysis of a family with BCL11A-related intellectual disability].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for two patients from a family with BCL11A-related intellectual disability (BCL11A-ID). METHODS: Clinical data of the proband and her family members was analyzed. Chromosomal karyotyping analysis, trio-whole exome sequencing (trio-WES) and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) were carried out. For the suspected genetic variants, Sanger sequencing was used to verify, and pathogenicity assessment was conducted. RESULTS: The proband and her mother both had intellectual and language impairment, and their fetal hemoglobin (HbF) was significantly elevated. A heterozygous c.1327_c.1328delTC (p.Ser443Hisfs*128) variant was found in exon 4 of the BCL11A gene by WES, which has resulted in truncated expression of the encoded protein, and Sanger sequencing has verified that the variant was inherited from the mother. The variant was not found in related databases. The variant was predicted as pathogenic according to the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) (PVS1+PM2+PP1). No karyotypic abnormality was found in the proband, her parents and brother, and no pathogenic CNVs was found in the proband and her parents. CONCLUSION: The c.1327_c.1328delTC (p.Ser443Hisfs*128) variant may underlay the BCL11A-ID in the proband and her mother. This de novo variant has expanded the mutational spectrum of the BCL11A gene.

[Conditional optimization and methodological evaluation of liquid protein microarray in detecting cystatin C].

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the detection conditions and evaluate of cystatin C(CysC) by liquid protein microarray. METHODS: CysC was detected by double antibody sandwich method using liquid protein microarray. On the basis of determining the optimal concentration combination of captured antibody and detected antibody, the detection conditions were optimized by determining the biological detection limit and lower detection limit, drawing the S-shaped curve and judging the linear range, and establishing the standard curve and regression equation. Methodsologically evaluate the accuracy, precision, reportable range and analytical specificity of the detection method. RESULTS: The optimal concentration combinations of CycC trapping-detection antibodies were 26.6 µg/mL-1∶800. The lower limits of detection and biologic limits of detection of the CysC were 0.037 and 0.237 ng/mL, respectively. Regression equation were as followes: y=-3.315x~2+283.04x+160.89, R~2=0.9921. The relative bias of CysC which was detected on the liquid protein microarry was 5.81%. The dilution recovery and recovery were 70.35%-84.91%(n=3)and 79.94%-122.41%(n=3)respectively. The correlation coefficient of method ology comparison experiment was r=0.616, P<0.05, and there was no significant difference between the two method(t=0.948, P=0.358); The within-run precision range from 3.54% to 4.03%(n=10); The between-run precision range from 12.07% to 15.05%(D=5, n=3); The reportable range was 0.26-3784.04 ng/mL. The analysis of interference test result showed that the both concentrations of hemoglobin(160.00, 71.11 g/L) had interference to the result of CysC detected on the chip. CONCLUSION: This study completed the optimization of conditions and methodological evaluation of liquid protein microarray in detecting CysC.

Speed of Movement, Fatness, and the Change in Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Children.

We aimed to examine speed of movement and its interactive association with fatness to changes in cardiometabolic risk factors over one year in children. The analysis included 8345 children aged 6-13 years. Cardiometabolic risk score was computed by summing Z-scores of waist circumference, the average of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (multiplied by -1), and triglycerides. Both high baseline and improvement in speed of movement were associated with favourable changes in percent body fat, lipids, and cardiometabolic risk score. Percentages of the association between baseline speed of movement and changes in cardiometabolic risk score, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol explained by baseline BMI were 24.6% (19.6-29.1%), 26.2% (19.7-31.1%), and 12.5% (9.6-15.4%), respectively. The corresponding number for percent body fat was 47.0% (40.4-54.1%), 43.3% (36.7-51.7%), and 29.8% (25.0-34.6%), respectively. Speed of movement mediated the association between fatness and cardiometabolic risk factors. Improved speed of movement was associated with a lower increase in blood pressure in obese children only. Speed of movement is a strong predictor of changes in cardiometabolic risk factors. Fatness and speed of movement are interactively associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. Speed of movement may attenuate the positive association between fatness and blood pressure.

[Expert consistency evaluation on nutrition and health knowledge questionnaire items for Chinese adults].

OBJECTIVE: To establish nutrition knowledge questionnaire items for Chinese adults by Delphi consensus study. METHODS: The framework system and preliminary items of nutrition knowledge questionnaire were established through literature review and experts consultation, considering the nutrition status and problems of Chinese people. Delphi method was used to conduct consensus analysis with 11 experts in related field involved to determine the nutrition knowledge questionnaire items. RESULTS: The active coefficients of consultation in two rounds were both 100%(11/11), and the authority coefficients of experts were 0.900. The average scores of all items were(4.67±0.28) and(4.80±0.21), the variation coefficients were 0.06 and 0.04, and the Kendall harmony coefficients were 0.261(χ~2=39.645, P=0.004) and 0.324(χ~2=43.122, P=0.001), respectively. After the second round of consultation, all selected items met the inclusion criteria. Finally, 20-item nutrition knowledge questionnaire were determined, including five dimensions of dietary recommendations, food characteristics, nutrition and health, food choices and food safety. CONCLUSION: The Delphi consensus of nutrition knowledge questionnaire items for Chinese adults were basically achieved.

[Dietary recommendation-related knowledge level of Chinese adults in 2021].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the knowledge level and related factors related to dietary recommendations for Chinese residents aged 18-64 years in 2021. METHODS: A multi-stage cluster random sampling was used to select 302 survey sites across the country, there were 102 398 people surveyed, with 98 567 valid questionnaires, 49.4% male and 41.9% urban, and an average age of(38.5±12.2) years. A standardized questionnaire certified by experts and evaluated for reliability and validity was used to conduct the face-to-face survey. The questionnaire was scored out of 100 points; dietary recommendation-related knowledge was scored out of 30 points, and a score of 22.5 points or above was judged as acquiring relevant knowledge. Descriptive statistics were used to report the values of relevant knowledge level of respondents with different characteristics, and univariate and multi-variate Logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors influencing relevant knowledge level. RESULTS: The average score of dietary recommendation-related knowledge was(17.9±4.2), and the knowledge awareness rate was 14.7%. The five knowledge points with the lowest correct rates were the recommended intakes of soybeans and products(21.1%), added sugars(22.6%), milk(25.5%), food groups(27.6%), and cooking oils(31.4%) and the recommended intakes of fruits and salt were also less correct(56.9% and 58.5%). Multi-variate analysis revealed that the knowledge of dietary recommendations was lower among residents in rural(OR=0.945, 95%CI 0.944-0.945), central(OR=0.863, 95%CI 0.863-0.864) and western(OR=0.983, 95%CI 0.982-0.983) areas, those with chronic diseases(OR=0.784, 95%CI 0.783-0.784) and those who did not know about chronic diseases(OR=0.694, 95%CI 0.694-0.694) compared to the counterparts; female(OR=1.090, 95%CI 1.090-1.091) had a higher knowledge rate compared to male. The awareness rate of residents increased with the level of education, and the trend was statistically significant(P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The level of knowledge related to dietary recommendations for the adult population in China in 2021 is low, especially for the recommended intake of dairy, soybeans and products, and cooking oils, and the knowledge level of men, rural, central and western, and less educated populations is even lower.

[Age distribution of nutrition and health knowledge among Chinese adults in 2021].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the age distribution of nutrition and health knowledge level of Chinese residents aged 18-64. METHODS: A total of 102 398 residents aged 18-64 were selected from 302 survey sites in China by multi-stage cluster random sampling method, a total of 98 567 respondents were included in the study. Both mean and rate were calculated by complex sampling weighting. RESULTS: The nutrition and health knowledge score of residents aged 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54 and 55-64 years old in China were(65.1±11.4) points, (64.6±11.7) points, (64.7±12.0) points, (62.2±12.8) points and(59.5±13.3) points. The nutrition and health knowledge awareness rates were 20.3%, 19.1%, 20.3%, 16.9% and 12.1%, respectively(P<0.001). A decreasing trend in all dimensions and overall nutrition and health knowledge with increasing age was found(ß<0, P_(trend)<0.001). This trend was also reflected across gender or regions. While the trend of nutrition and health knowledge level with age varies with different literacy levels. Differences in knowledge points with positive response rates <30% by age groups. CONCLUSION: The level of nutrition and health knowledge among Chinese adult residents of all ages is relatively low in 2021, but the knowledge shortcomings are different.

[Access channels on nutrition and health knowledge of Chinese adults in 2021].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the access channels on nutritional health knowledge of Chinese residents aged 18-64 years in 2021. METHODS: A multi-stage cluster random sampling was used to select 302 survey sites across the country, there were 102 398 people surveyed, with 98 424 valid questionnaires, 49.4% male and 42.0% urban, with an average age of(38.5±12.2) years old. A standardized questionnaire certified by experts and evaluated for reliability and validity was used to conduct the face-to-face survey. Descriptive statistics were used to report the access channels on nutrition and health knowledge of respondents, and the proportion of access channels of respondents with different characteristics was compared by chi-square test. RESULTS: The access channels on nutrition and health knowledge of Chinese residents aged 18-64 in 2021 were, in descending order, WeChat/Microblog/Tik Tok/Kuaishou and other software(77.0%), TV/radio(55.7%), family/relatives/friends(41.8%), books/newspapers/journals/magazines(32.5%), website search(30.7%), promotional lectures(29.3%) and other(1.9%). A high proportion of people who access nutrition and health knowledge through software, website searches and books/newspapers were mostly from the lower age groups, higher education groups, urban and eastern regions. People with a high proportion of access through TV/radio, family/relatives/friends and promotional lectures were mostly from the higher age groups, lower education groups, rural and western areas(P<0.001). Women are more likely than men to obtain nutrition and health information from all channels except website search. The higher the level of education, the higher the level of concern for nutrition and health knowledge(P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In 2021, the top access channel for Chinese residents aged 18-64 to obtain nutrition and health knowledge is WeChat/Microblog/Tik Tok/Kuaishou and other software. There are differences in access channels for different groups of people.

[Geographical distribution differences of nutrition and health knowledge among Chinese adults in 2021].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the geographical distribution of nutrition and health knowledge among 18-64 years old adults in China. METHODS: A total of 102 398 residents aged 18-64 from 302 survey sites were selected by multi-stage cluster random sampling method, a total of 98 567 respondents were included in the study. Both mean and rate were calculated by complex sampling weighting. RESULTS: The nutrition and health knowledge score in eastern region(65.5±12.0) was higher than that in central(62.4±11.9) and western(61.4±12.9), and the score in northern region(63.9±11.8) was higher than that in southern(63.1±12.8). In the seven geographical regions, the highest score was in north(65.8±11.4), and the lowest score was in northwest(61.6±12.2). The awareness rate of nutrition and health in eastern region(22.4%) was higher than that in central(14.7%) and western(14.9%), the highest awareness rate among the seven geographic regions was in east(23.2%), followed by north(22.5%) and the lowest was in northwest(13.2%). There were also differences in nutritional health knowledge levels of residents in different regions in the five dimensions(P<0.001). Northwest China had the lowest awareness of food characteristics and nutrition and disease dimensions, South China had the lowest awareness of dietary recommendations and food choices dimensions, and Southwest China had the lowest awareness of food safety dimensions. CONCLUSION: The level of nutrition and health knowledge of Chinese adults have large geographical differences.

Advances in physiological functions and mechanisms of (-)-epicatechin.

(-)-Epicatechin (EC) is a flavanol easily obtained through the diet and is present in tea, cocoa, vegetables, fruits, and cereals. Recent studies have shown that EC protects human health and exhibits prominent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, enhances muscle performance, improves symptoms of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, prevents diabetes, and protects the nervous system. With the development of modern medical and biotechnology research, the mechanisms of action associated with EC toward various chronic diseases are becoming more apparent, and the pharmacological development and utilization of EC has been increasingly clarified. Currently, there is no comprehensive systematic introduction to the effects of EC and its mechanisms of action. This review presents the latest research progress and the role of EC in the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases and its protective health effects and provides a theoretical basis for future research on EC.

Overexpression of CENPF is associated with progression and poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma.

Background and aim: The molecular signatures of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are not well understood. Centromere protein F (CENPF) has been shown to promote oncogenesis in many cancers; however, its role in LUAD has not been illustrated. We explored the role of CENPF in LUAD. Methods: CENPF expression level was investigated in public online database firstly, the prognosis of CENPF in LUAD were also assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Then quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed using 13 matched pairs of clinical LUAD tissue samples. Subsequently, the impact of CENPF expression on cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, colony formation was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometric analysis and colony formation assay, respectively. Finally, experimental xenograft lung cancer model of nude mice armpit of right forelimb to determine the effect of CENPF on LUAD tumorigenesis. Results: CENPF mRNA expression was significantly elevated in LUAD tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor lung tissues in Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) (P < 0.001). Up-regulated CENPF was remarkably positively associated with pathological stage, relapse free survival (RFS) as well as overall survival (OS) of LUAD patients. Besides, CENPF knockdown greatly suppressed A549 cell proliferation, induced S phase arrest, promoted apoptosis and decreased colony numbers of LUAD cells. Furthermore, knockdown of CENPF significantly inhibited the tumor growth of the LUAD cells in an experimental xenograft lung cancer model of nude mice armpit of right forelimb. Conclusion: Taken together, these results demonstrated that CENPF may serve as a potential biomarker of prognostic relevance and a potential therapeutic target for LUAD.

The association between frequency of eating out with overweight and obesity among children aged 6-17 in China: a National Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: In parallel with the increased prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity, the proportion of eating out in China has increased dramatically in recent years. The purpose of the study was to explore the association between frequency of eating out with overweight and obesity among Chinese children. METHODS: The representative sample was recruited from Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey (CNNHS) in 2010-2012, which included Chinese children aged 6-17 years (7685 boys and 7576 girls). Frequency of eating out was collected by interview-administered questionnaire and categorized as: 0, 1-2 and ≥ 3 times per week. Height and weight were measured, consequently body mass index was calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of eating out among Chinese children aged 6-17 years old was 23.2%. Children who ate out 0, 1-2, ≥3 times per week were accounted for 76.8, 10.9 and 12.3% respectively. Findings revealed that eating out three times per week or more was statistically significant associated with higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among boys (OR = 1.20,95CI:1.04-1.38) compared with those ate out less than three times per week. However, no significantly association was observed among girls (OR = 0.91, 95CI:0.78-1.01). In additional, Younger children, rural children, children from low income family, those with leisure exercises (certain physical activities regularly carried out such as swimming, walking, running, equipment fitness), leisure time sedentary behaviors (LTSB)(> 2 h/d) were relatively more likely to eat out. CONCLUSIONS: The results illustrated that eating out three times or more had a significantly positive effect on overweight and obesity among boys in China.

Status of the application of exogenous enzyme technology for the development of natural plant resources.

Exogenous enzymes are extraneous enzymes that are not intrinsic to the subject. The exogenous enzyme industry has been rapidly developing recently. Successful application of recombinant DNA amplification, high-efficiency expression, and immobilization technology to genetically engineered bacteria provides a rich source of enzymes. Amylase, cellulase, protease, pectinase, glycosidase, tannase, and polyphenol oxidase are among the most widely used such enzymes. Currently, the application of exogenous enzyme technology in the development of natural plant resources mainly focuses on improving the taste and flavor of the product, enriching the active ingredient contents, deriving and transforming the structure of a chosen compound, and enhancing the biological activity and utilization of the functional ingredient. In this review, we discuss the application status of exogenous enzyme technology for the development of natural plant resources using typical natural active ingredients from plant, such as resveratrol, steviosides, catechins, mogrosides, and ginsenosides, as examples, to provide basis for further exploitation and utilization of exogenous enzyme technology.

[Optimization of platform conditions for simultaneous detection of multiple nutritional marker proteins by liquid protein microarray].

OBJECTIVE: To optimize the technical conditions for simultaneous detection of serum ferritin(SF), soluble transferrin receptor(sTfR), C-reactive protein(CRP)and retinol-binding protein four(RBP4)by liquid protein microarray. METHODS: The trapping antibodies of the four proteins were coupled to magnetic beads with different codes, and the samples were added to the 96-well plate. The antibodies were detected by double antibody sandwich method. The serum of 5 patients were diluted with commercial diluent, 1% albumin from bovine serum(BSA) and phosphate buffer saline(PBS) to detect 4 target proteins, and the results were compared. The antibody specific binding ability was tested by antibody specific validation test. The interference between proteins was verified by the paired t test of the signal values of the single reaction system and the mixed reaction system. The lower limit of detection and the limit of biological detection of each protein were found by using multiple dilution method. The standard curve and regression equation were established. RESULTS: 1%BSA and PBS were selected to replace commercial diluent as diluents for the detection of 4 proteins in this experiment. The cross-reaction rate of the four antigens with other capture antibodies and detection antibodies was less than 2%. There was no significant difference in the signal value of each protein in the single reaction system and the mixed reaction system. The limit of detection and the limit of biological detection of SF were 1.155 and 1.625 ng/mL, respectively. The lower limit of detection and the limit of biological detection of sTfR were 2.682 and 5.208 ng/mL, respectively. The detection limit and biological detection limit of CRP were 0.302 and 0.391 ng/mL, respectively. The lower limit of detection and the limit of biological detection for RBP4 were 1.814 and 3.540 ng/mL, respectively. The standard curve and regression equation of the four proteins within the common linear range were as follows: SF y=172.5x-39.65, R~2=0.9968;sTfR y=60.10x+77.38, R~2=0.9972;CRP y=-6.000x~2+210.3x+246.1, R~2=0.9063;RBP4 y=-0.6998x~2+64.31x+134.8, R~2=0.9748. CONCLUSION: The conditions of the detection platform for four proteins such as SF, sTfR, CRP and RBP4 were optimized by using liquid protein chip technology.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the roles of stem nodes in cadmium transport to rice grain.

BACKGROUND: Node is the central organ of transferring nutrients and ions in plants. Cadmium (Cd) induced crop pollution threatens the food safety. Breeding of low Cd accumulation cultivar is a chance to resolve this universal problem. This study was performed to identify tissue specific genes involved in Cd accumulation in different rice stem nodes. Panicle node and the first node under panicle (node I) were sampled in two rice cultivars: Xiangwanxian No. 12 (low Cd accumulation cultivar) and Yuzhenxiang (high Cd accumulation cultivar). RNA-seq analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and microRNAs. RESULTS: Xiangwanxian No. 12 had lower Cd concentration in panicle node, node I and grain compared with Yuzhenxiang, and node I had the highest Cd concentration in the two cultivars. RNA seq analysis identified 4535 DEGs and 70 miRNAs between the two cultivars. Most genesrelated to the "transporter activity", such as OsIRT1, OsNramp5, OsVIT2, OsNRT1.5A, and OsABCC1, play roles in blocking the upward transport of Cd. Among the genes related to "response to stimulus", we identified OsHSP70 and OsHSFA2d/B2c in Xiangwanxian No. 12, but not in Yuzhenxiang, were all down-regulated by Cd stimulus. The up-regulation of miRNAs (osa-miR528 and osa-miR408) in Xiangwanxian No. 12 played a potent role in lowering Cd accumulation via down regulating the expression of candidate genes, such as bZIP, ERF, MYB, SnRK1 and HSPs. CONCLUSIONS: Both panicle node and node I of Xiangwanxian No. 12 played a key role in blocking the upward transportation of Cd, while node I played a critical role in Yuzhenxiang. Distinct expression patterns of various transporter genes such as OsNRT1.5A, OsNramp5, OsIRT1, OsVIT2 and OsABCC1 resulted in differential Cd accumulation in different nodes. Likewise, distinct expression patterns of these transporter genes are likely responsible for the low Cd accumulation in Xiangwanxian No. 12 cultivar. MiRNAs drove multiple transcription factors, such as OsbZIPs, OsERFs, OsMYBs, to play a role in Cd stress response.