Combined impacts of microplastics and cadmium on the liver function, immune response, and intestinal microbiota of crucian carp (Carassius carassius).

Microplastics (MPs) and the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) have attracted global attention for their toxicological interactions in aquatic organisms. The purpose of this investigation was evaluating the effect of MPs (1 mg L-1) and Cd (5 mg L-1) on the liver function, immune response of crucian carp (Carassius carassius) after 96 h exposure, and intestinal microbiota after 21 days, respectively. Co-exposure to MPs and Cd significantly enhanced MP accumulation in the liver of the crucian carp compared to the accumulation with exposure to MPs alone. Co-exposure to MPs and Cd triggered notable histopathological alterations accompanied by increased hepatic cell necrosis and inflammation, and was associated with higher aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, lower superoxide dismutase and catalase activity levels, but higher malondialdehyde content and total antioxidant capacity in the liver. Moreover, the combined treatment of MPs and Cd led to the up-regulated transcription of genes related to immune response, such as interleukin 8 (il-8), il-10, il-1ß, tumor necrosis factor-α, and heat shock protein 70, both in the liver and spleen. Co-exposure to MPs and Cd reduced the variety and abundance of the intestinal microbiota in the crucian carp. Our research indicates that the combined exposure to MPs and Cd may exert synergistic toxic effects on crucian carp, which could impede the sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry and pose potential risks to food safety.

Molecular Interactions between Amino Silane Adhesion Promoter and Acrylic Polymer Adhesive at Buried Silica Interfaces.

In this study, the influence of an amino silane (3-(2-aminoethylamino)-propyldimethoxymethylsilane, AEAPS) on the interfacial structure and adhesion of butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymers (BAMMAs) to silica was investigated by sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy (SFG). Small amounts of methacrylic acid, MAA, were included in the BAMMA polymerizations to assess the impact of carboxylic acid functionality on the glass interface. SFG was used to probe the O-H and C═O groups of incorporated MAA, ester C═O groups of BAMMA, and CH groups from all species at the silica interfaces. The addition of AEAPS resulted in a significant change in the molecular structure of the polymer at the buried interface with silica due to specific interactions between the BAMMA polymers and silane. SFG results were consistent with the formation of ionic bonds between the primary and secondary amines of the AEAPS tail group and the MAA component of the polymer, as evidenced by the loss of the MAA O-H and C═O signals at the interface. It is extensively reported in the literature that methoxy head groups of an amino silane chemically bind to the silanols of glass, leaving the amine groups available to react with various chemical functionalities. Our results are consistent with this scenario and support an adhesion promotion mechanism of amino silane with various aspects: (1) the ionic bond formation between the tail amine group and acid functionality on BAMMA, (2) the chemical coupling between the silane head group and glass, (3) migration of more ester C═O groups to the interface with order, and (4) disordering or reduced levels of CH groups at the interface. These results are important for better understanding of the mechanisms and effect of amino silanes on the adhesion between acrylate polymers and glass substrates in a variety of applications.

Probing Covalent Interactions at a Silicone Adhesive/Nylon Interface.

Covalent bonding is one of the most robust forms of intramolecular interaction between adhesives and substrates. In contrast to most noncovalent interactions, covalent bonds can significantly enhance both the interfacial strength and durability. To utilize the advantages of covalent bonding, specific chemical reactions are designed to occur at interfaces. However, interfacial reactions are difficult to probe in situ, particularly at the buried interfaces found in well-bonded adhesive joints. In this work, sum frequency generational (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy was used to directly examine and analyze the interfacial chemical reactions and related molecular changes at buried nylon/silicone elastomer interfaces. For self-priming elastomeric silicone adhesives, silane coupling agents have been extensively used as adhesion promoters. Here with SFG, the interfacial chemical reactions between nylon and two alkoxysilane adhesion promoters with varied functionalities (maleic anhydride (MAH) and epoxy) formulated into the silicone were observed and investigated. Evidence of reactions between the organofunctional group of each silane and reactive groups on the polyamide was found at the buried interface between the cured silicone elastomer and nylon. The adhesion strength at the nylon/cured silicone interfaces was substantially enhanced with both silane additives. SFG results elucidated the mechanisms of organo-silane adhesion promotion for silicone at the molecular level. The ability to probe and analyze detailed interfacial reactions at buried nylon/silicone interfaces demonstrated that SFG is a powerful analytical technique to aid the design and optimization of materials with desired interfacial properties.

[Study on preparation of ginkgolides component solid dispersions micro pill drug release unit].

Microcrystalline cellulose and chitosan were applied to prepare ginkgolides component solid dispersions micro pill drug release unit and study the dissolution of GKS. Microcrystalline cellulose, chitosan as composite carrier, solvent method was used to prepare ginkgolides component solid dispersions. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to Characterization of ginkgolides component solid dispersions. Ginkgolides component solid dispersions as principle agent were prepared for micro-pellet. Comparison of different types, different doses of the adhesive, drug-polymer interactions, and disintegrating agent for the preparation of ginkgolides components of micro-pellet drug release unit, the optimum preparation ginkgolides components of micro-pellet drug release unit was screened by orthogonal design experiment. Preparation of ginkgolides components solid dispersions with microcrystalline cellulose and chitosan at ratio 1: 3. Drug cumulative dissolution was more than 80% in 60 min. Solid dispersion-micro-pellet drug release unit can significantly improve the dissolution of ginkgolides components, it has practical application value.

Correction of axial length measurement error by IOLMaster 700 could improve refractive prediction accuracy in silicone oil-filled eyes.

PURPOSE: To determine whether correcting the axial length (AL) measurement error of the IOLMaster 700 could improve the refractive prediction accuracy in silicone oil-filled eyes. METHODS: This study included 265 cataract patients (265 eyes) with silicone oil tamponade who were scheduled for phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The performances of various formulas, including Barrett Universal II, Emmetropia Verifying Optical, Hoffer-QST, Kane, Ladas Super Formula, Pearl-DGS, Radial Basis Function and traditional formulas (Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1 and SRK/T), were evaluated. The refractive prediction errors (PE) calculated with measured AL (ALmeas) and corrected AL with silicone oil adjustment (SOAL) were compared. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the ALmeas (<23 mm; 23-26 mm; ≥26 mm). RESULTS: Using SOAL significantly reduced the hyperopic PE of formulas when compared to ALmeas (-0.05 to 0.17 D vs 0.15 to 0.38 D, p < 0.001). After applying AL correction, all formulas showed a lower mean absolute PE (0.47-0.57 D vs 0.50-0.69 D). The percentage of eyes within ±1.0 D of PE increased from 84.91%-88.68% to 89.81%-91.32% for new formulas and from 78.11%-83.40% to 85.66%-88.68% for traditional formulas, with the use of SOAL. Subgroup analysis showed that the majority of formulas with SOAL in prediction accuracy for eyes with an AL ≥26 mm (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The refractive prediction accuracy in silicone oil-filled eyes was improved by correcting the AL measurement error of the IOLMaster 700, especially for long eyes.

Numerical simulation validating of a duck-mouth type marine debris collection device's collection mechanism.

Marine debris (MD) poses a significant threat to global coastal ecosystems around the world, necessitating effective strategies for its collection and removal. As a new type of fixed collection device, the duck-mouth type marine debris collection device (MDCD) consists primarily of two components: a central collection system and floating fences which are positioned at a certain angle and open towards the outer bay located on both sides of it. This paper aims to establish a coupling drift model based on hydrodynamic model to study the performance of duck-mouth type MDCD, verify its effectiveness. Before simulation, the model was fully validated. The results demonstrate that wind has the greatest influence on MD movement, as the direction of the wind directly determines the movement direction of the debris. It was observed that only under onshore wind conditions did the MD move towards the bay when the duck-mouth type MDCD can effectively collect MD, which moves along the barrier net towards the central trash bin and eventually be fully collected.

Choice of intraocular lens calculation formula for cataract patients with prior pars plana vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To determine the optimal intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formula for vitrectomized eyes with diverse surgical and biometric characteristics. SETTING: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. DESIGN: Retrospective consecutive case series study. METHODS: This study included 974 vitrectomized eyes (974 patients) scheduled for phacoemulsification with IOL implantation. 11 formulas were evaluated: Barrett Universal II (BUII), Emmetropia Verifying Optical, Hoffer-QST, Kane, Ladas Super Formula, Pearl-DGS, Radial Basis Function (RBF), Haigis, HofferQ, Holladay1, and SRK/T. Risk factors for prediction error (PE) exceeding 1 diopter (D) were determined using multiple logistic regression. Subgroup analyses were performed based on surgical history and biometric parameters. RESULTS: The risk of hyperopic PE (>1 D) was higher in patients with silicone oil tamponade (odds ratio [OR], 1.82) and longer axial length (AL) (OR, 1.55), while patients with previous scleral buckling (OR, 2.43) or ciliary sulcus IOL implantation (OR, 6.65) were more susceptible to myopic PE (<-1 D). The Kane formula had the highest overall prediction accuracy, and also the best in silicone oil-filled eyes and the flat cornea subgroup. The BUII and RBF displayed the optimal performance in eyes with previous scleral buckle and steep cornea, respectively. In eyes with an AL ≥ 26 mm, the Holladay1 with the nonlinear version of the Wang-Koch AL adjustment (Holladay1-WKn) showed the lowest absolute PE and highest percentage within ± 1.0 D of PE. CONCLUSIONS: The Kane achieved the highest overall prediction accuracy in vitrectomized eyes. The optimal formula for eyes with previous scleral buckle, steep cornea, or long AL was BUII, RBF, and Holladay1-WKn, respectively.

Comparison of axial length measurements in silicone oil-filled eyes using SS-OCT and partial coherence interferometry.

PURPOSE: To compare axial length (AL) measurements in silicone oil (SO)-filled eyes using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) (the IOLMaster 700 and OA2000) and partial coherence interferometry (the IOLMaster 500). SETTING: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: We enrolled phakic patients who underwent SO removal surgery. The AL measurements by the IOLMaster 500, IOLMaster 700, and OA2000, both before and after SO removal, were compared. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for the differences between preoperative and postoperative AL measurements. RESULTS: 68 patients (68 eyes) with a mean age of 46.43 ± 13.24 years were included. No statistically significant difference was observed in the preoperative AL measurements between the IOLMaster 500 and IOLMaster 700 (25.48 ± 2.51 mm vs 25.49 ± 2.46 mm; P = .63), whereas the OA2000 yielded shorter AL (25.34 ± 2.36 mm) (both P < .001). After SO removal, the AL measurements showed no statistically significant differences among the 3 devices. In reference to the postoperative AL, the IOLMaster 500 and IOLMaster 700 tended to overestimate the AL in SO-filled eyes (both P < .001), and this measurement error increased with longer AL (ß = 0.08 and 0.05, respectively; both P < .001). No statistically significant difference was observed between preoperative and postoperative AL measurements by the OA2000 ( P = .18). CONCLUSIONS: The OA2000 is the preferred biometer for AL measurement in SO-filled eyes, whereas the IOLMaster 500 and IOLMaster 700 overestimate the AL especially for long eyes, which needs adjustment in clinical use.

Development of Immunochromatographic Assay for the Rapid Detection of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae Antibodies.

Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp) is the cause of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP), which is a highly significant respiratory disease in goats leading to significant economic losses in Africa and Asia. Currently available procedures for the diagnosis of CCPP have some limitations in sensitivity, specificity, operation time, requirement of sophisticated equipment or skilled personnel, and cost. In this study, we developed a rapid, sensitive, and specific colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic assay (GICA) strip for the efficient on-site detection of antibodies against Mccp in the serum within 10 min. For the preparation of this colloidal GICA strip, recombinant P20 protein, the membrane protein of Mccp, was expressed by Escherichia coli prokaryotic expression system after purification was used as the binding antigen in the test. The rabbit anti-goat immunoglobulin G labeled with the colloidal gold was used as the detection probe, whereas the goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin G was coated on the nitrocellulose membrane as the control line. The concentration of the coating antibody was optimized, and the effectiveness of this colloidal GICA strip was evaluated. Our results proved that the detection limit of the test strip was up to 1:64 dilutions for the Mccp antibody-positive serum samples with no cross-reactivity with other pathogens commonly infecting small ruminants,including goat pox virus, peste des petits ruminants virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus type A, or other mycoplasmas. Moreover, the colloidal GICA strip was more sensitive and specific than the indirect hemagglutination assay for the detection of Mccp antibodies. The 106 clinical serum samples were detected by the colloidal GICA strip compared with the complement fixation test, demonstrating an 87.74% concordance with the complement fixation test. This novel colloidal GICA strip would be an effective tool for the cost-effective and rapid diagnosis of CCPP in the field.

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Sjogren's syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the exocrine glands, resulting in dryness of the eyes and mouth due to lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary and lacrimal glands along with arthritis, kidney, liver, and lung involvement, chronic fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, vasculitis, and so on. Considerable advance has been made for the classification and treatment of primary SS in the past few years. This article reviews the recent classification criteria for primary SS and briefly discusses the conventional and novel therapies of the disease.

Vibrational spectroscopic studies on fibrinogen adsorption at polystyrene/protein solution interfaces: hydrophobic side chain and secondary structure changes.

Structural changes of fibrinogen after adsorption to polystyrene (PS) were examined at the PS/protein solution interface in situ using sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Different behaviors of hydrophobic side chains and secondary structures of adsorbed fibrinogen molecules have been observed. Our results indicate that upon adsorption, the hydrophobic PS surface induces fast structural changes of fibrinogen molecules by aligning some hydrophobic side chains in fibrinogen so that they face to the surface. Such structural changes of fibrinogen hydrophobic side chains are local changes and do not immediately induce significant changes of the protein secondary structures. Our research also shows that the interactions between adsorbed fibrinogen and the PS surface can induce significant changes of protein secondary structures or global conformations which occur on a much longer time scale.

Immunogenicity of a recombinant Sendai virus expressing the capsid precursor polypeptide of foot-and-mouth disease virus.

In this study, SeV was used as a vector to express capsid precursor polypeptide (P1) of Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) by using reverse genetics. The rescue recombinant SeV (rSeV-P1) can efficiently propagate and express P1 protein by Western blot and IFA analysis. To evaluate the immunogenicity of rSeV-P1, BALB/c mice were divided into several groups and immunized intramuscularly with various doses of rSeV-P1, rSeV-eGFP, PBS and commercial FMD vaccine, respectively, and then challenged with an intraperitoneal injection of 1 × 10(6) TCID50 of virulent serotype O FMDV O/ES/2001 strain 4 weeks after booster immunization. Mice vaccinated with rSeV-P1 acquired FMDV-specific ELISA antibodies, neutralizing antibodies as well as cellular immune response. Meantime, mice immunized with rSeV-P1 (dose-dependent) had the ability to inhibit the replication of FMDV in the sera after FMDV challenge. Our results indicated that the recombinant SeV-P1 virus could be utilized as an alternative strategy to develop a new generation of safety and efficacious vaccine against FMDV infection.

The effect of cytokine profiles on the viral response to re-treatment in antiviral-experienced patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

BACKGROUND: There have been few studies on the potential immunological factors associated with viral controls in antiviral-experienced patients on a second round of combination therapy. In this study, we evaluated the level of systemic cytokines and potential impact on combination therapy in both antiviral-naïve and -experienced patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus. METHODS: Longitudinal analysis of 27 cytokines and chemokines was performed using the multiplex Biorad 27 plex assay in 37 antiviral-naïve and 24 experienced chronically HCV-1b-infected patients during combination therapy with peginterferon-alfa and ribavirin. A group of healthy donors was included as the control (n=11). RESULTS: Fifty percent of antiviral-experienced chronically HCV-patients could achieve a delayed and slow virologic response after 48 weeks combination therapy, comparing with an early and fast virologic response in antiviral-naïve patients. A distinction of immune mediators profiling before and during antiviral therapy between antiviral-naïve and -experienced patients was identified, IL-4, IFN-γ and CCL-3 (MIP-1a) were significantly higher in naïve patients than those in experienced patients (P=0.005, 0.047 and 0.017, respectively) while G-CSF in naïve was lower than in experienced patients (P<0.05). Notably, higher Th1 type cytokine IFN-γ and lower Th2 type cytokine IL-4 at baseline and week 4 were associated with HCV clearance in naïve patients, and a similar trend appeared at week 12 in experienced patients. CONCLUSIONS: We found a successful second round therapy in antiviral-experienced patients appears to be associated with the host immune response. Dominant Th1-polar cytokines, especially IFN-γ, is a potential predictor of viral responsiveness.

Ordered adsorption of coagulation factor XII on negatively charged polymer surfaces probed by sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy.

Electrostatic interactions between negatively charged polymer surfaces and factor XII (FXII), a blood coagulation factor, were investigated by sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy, supplemented by several analytical techniques including attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), zeta-potential measurement, and chromogenic assay. A series of sulfonated polystyrenes (sPS) with different sulfonation levels were synthesized as model surfaces with different surface charge densities. SFG spectra collected from FXII adsorbed onto PS and sPS surfaces with different surface charge densities showed remarkable differences in spectral features and especially in spectral intensity. Chromogenic assay experiments showed that highly charged sPS surfaces induced FXII autoactivation. ATR-FTIR and QCM results indicated that adsorption amounts on the PS and sPS surfaces were similar even though the surface charge densities were different. No significant conformational change was observed from FXII adsorbed onto surfaces studied. Using theoretical calculations, the possible contribution from the third-order nonlinear optical effect induced by the surface electric field was evaluated, and it was found to be unable to yield the SFG signal enhancement observed. Therefore it was concluded that the adsorbed FXII orientation and ordering were the main reasons for the remarkable SFG amide I signal increase on sPS surfaces. These investigations indicate that negatively charged surfaces facilitate or induce FXII autoactivation on the molecular level by imposing specific orientation and ordering on the adsorbed protein molecules.

Detection of amide I signals of interfacial proteins in situ using SFG.

In this Communication, we demonstrate the novel observation that it is feasible to collect amide signals from polymer/protein solution interfaces in situ using sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy. Such SFG amide signals allow for acquisition of more detailed molecular level information of entire interfacial protein structures. Proteins investigated include bovine serum albumin, mussel protein mefp-2, factor XIIa, and ubiquitin. Our studies indicate that different proteins generate different SFG amide signals at the polystyrene/protein solution interface, showing that they have different interfacial coverage, secondary structure, or orientation.