The deposition of lanthanum carbonate may activate macrophages to induce gastrointestinal mucosal injury in patients with chronic kidney disease: an in vitro caco-2/THP-1 macrophage coculture model study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and possible underlying mechanism of La2(CO3)3 deposition on GI mucosal inflammation. Our results showed that La2(CO3)3 can dissolve in artificial gastric fluids and form lanthanum phosphate (LaPO4) precipitates with an average size of about 1 µm. To mimic the intestinal mucosa and epithelial barrier, we established a Caco-2/THP-1 macrophage coculture model and a Caco-2 monoculture model, respectively. Our findings demonstrated that the medium of THP-1 macrophages stimulated by LaPO4 particles can damage the Caco-2 monolayer integrity in the coculture model, while the particles themselves had no direct impact on the Caco-2 monolayer integrity in the monoculture model. We measured values of trans-epithelial electrical resistance and detected images using a laser scanning confocal microscope. These results indicate that continuous stimulation of LaPO4 particles on macrophages can lead to a disruption of intestinal epithelium integrity. In addition, LaPO4 particles could stimulate THP-1 macrophages to secrete both IL-1ß and IL-8. Although LaPO4 particles can also promote Caco-2 cells to secrete IL-8, the secretion was much lower than that produced by THP-1 macrophages. In summary, the deposition of La2(CO3)3 has been shown to activate macrophages and induce damage to intestinal epithelial cells, which may exacerbate inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease. Therefore, patients taking lanthanum carbonate, especially those with gastrointestinal mucosal inflammation, should be mindful of the potential for drug deposition in the GI system.

Siloxene-Functionalized Laser-Induced Graphene via COSi Bonding for High-Performance Heavy Metal Sensing Patch Applications.

Here, 2D Siloxene nanosheets are newly applied to functionalize porous laser-induced graphene (LIG) on polydimethylsiloxane, modify the surface chemical properties of LIG, and improve the heterogeneous electron transfer rate. Meanwhile, the newly generated COSi crosslink boosts the binding of LIG and Siloxene. Thus, the Siloxene/LIG composite is used as the basic electrode material for the multifunctional detection of copper (Cu) ions, pH, and temperature in human perspiration. Moreover, to enhance the sensing performance of Cu ions, Siloxene/LIG is further modified by carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The fabricated Siloxene-CNT/LIG-based Cu-ion sensor shows linear response within a wide range of 10-500 ppb and a low detection limit of 1.55 ppb. In addition, a pH sensor is integrated to calibrate for determining the accurate concentration of Cu ions due to pH dependency of the Cu-ion sensor. The polyaniline-deposited pH sensor demonstrates a good sensitivity of -64.81 mV pH-1 over the pH range of 3-10. Furthermore, a temperature sensor for accurate skin temperature monitoring is also integrated and exhibits a stable linear resistance response with an excellent sensitivity of 9.147 Ω °C-1 (correlation coefficient of 0.139% °C-1 ). The flexible hybrid sensor is promising in applications of noninvasive heavy-metal ion detection and prediction of related diseases.

Comparative study on inhibitory effects of ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid on Salmonella Enteritidis biofilm formation.

Biofilm cells exhibit higher resistance than their planktonic counterparts to commonly used disinfectants in food industry. Phenolic acids are promising substitute offering less selective pressure than traditional antibiotics. This study aims to evaluate the inhibitory effects of ferulic acid (FA) and p-coumaric acid (p-CA) on Salmonella Enteritidis biofilm formation and explore the underlying inhibitory mechanisms. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of FA and p-CA were 1.0 and 0.5 mg/ml, respectively. The sub-inhibitory concentration (1/8 MIC) significantly decreased biofilm formation without growth inhibitory effects. The biomass and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of S. Enteritidis biofilm as well as the bacterial swimming and chemotaxis abilities were significantly decreased when exposed to sub-MIC concentrations of FA and p-CA. These two phenolic acids showed high affinity to proteins involved in flagella motility and repressed the S. Enteritidis biofilm formation-related gene expressions. Furthermore, these two phenolic acids maintained high antibiofilm efficiency in simulated food processing conditions. This study provided valuable information of multiple phenotypic and molecular responses of S. Enteritidis to these two phenolic acids.

A rime ice-inspired bismuth-based flexible sensor for zinc ion detection in human perspiration.

A nature-inspired special structure of bismuth is newly presented as Zn ion sensing layer for high-performance electrochemical heavy metal detection sensor applications. The rime ice-like bismuth (RIBi) has been synthesized using an easy ex situ electrodeposition method on the surface of a flexible graphene-based electrode. The flexible graphene-based electrode was fabricated via simple laser-writing and substrate-transfer techniques. The Zn ion sensing performance of the proposed heavy metal sensor was evaluated by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry after investigating the effects of several parameters, such as preconcentration potential, preconcentration time, and pH of acetate buffer. The proposed RIBi-based heavy metal sensor demonstrated a good linear relationship between concentration and current in the range 100-1600 ppb Zn ions with an acceptable sensitivity of 106 nA/ppb·cm2. The result met the requirements in terms of common human perspiration levels (the average Zn ion concentration in perspiration is 800 ppb). In addition, the heavy metal sensor response to Zn ions was successfully performed in human perspiration samples as well, and the results were consistent with those measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Besides, the fabricated Zn ion sensor exhibited excellent selectivity, repeatability, and flexibility. Finally, a PANI-LIG-based pH sensor (measurement range: pH 4-7) was also integrated with the Zn ion sensor to form a single chip hybrid sensor. These results may provide a great possibility for the use of the proposed flexible sensor to realize wearable perspiration-based healthcare systems. Graphical abstract.

The effect of continuous positive airway pressure on circulating malondialdehyde among obstructive sleep apnea patients: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been demonstrated to be associated with an increase of oxidative stress. However, whether circulating malondialdehyde (MDA), a widely used biomarker of oxidative stress, could be reduced by the treatment of OSA by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is debated. The present meta-analysis was performed to determine the effect of CPAP treatment on circulating MDA among patients with OSA. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science was performed for literature covering the period between 1967 and August 2019. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated to estimate the treatment effects of pre- and post-CPAP therapy. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies with 220 patients were included in this meta-analysis. A significant decrease in circulating MDA was observed after CPAP treatment (SMD = 1.164, 95% CI = 0.443 to 1.885, z = 3.16, p = 0.002) in OSA patients. Subgroup analyses revealed that CPAP therapy was associated with a significant decrease of circulating MDA in elder (SMD = 1.629, 95% CI = 0.265 to 2.994, z = 2.34, p = 0.019), more obese patients (SMD = 0.954, 95% CI = 0.435 to 1.473, z = 3.61, p = 0.000), more severe OSA patients (SMD = 0.879, 95% CI = 0.421 to 1.336, z = 3.76, p = 0.000), patients with therapeutic duration ≥ 3 months (SMD = 1.867, 95% CI = 0.563 to 3.172, z = 2.80, p = 0.005), and patients with good compliance (SMD = 1.004, 95% CI = 0.703 to 1.305, z = 6.54, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggested that CPAP therapy exerted significant lowering effects on circulating MDA, especially in elder, more obese, and more severe OSA patients and patients with good compliance as well as longer duration of CPAP application.

Dendrobium candidum aqueous extract attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy through the ERK signalling pathway.

CONTEXT: The pharmacological functions of Dendrobium candidum Wall. ex Lindl. (Orchidaceae) in cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether D. candidum aqueous extract (DCAE) can attenuate experimental cardiac hypertrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cardiac hypertrophy in SD rats was induced by subcutaneously injection of isoproterenol (2 mg/kg), once a day for ten days. Rats were gavaged with DCAE (0.13 and 0.78 g/kg) daily for one month. At the end of treatment, measurement of left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), heart-to-body weight ratio (HW/BW), left ventricular/tibia length (LV/TL), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels, haematoxylin-eosin staining, and Masson's trichrome staining were conducted. In cultured H9c2 cells, DCAE (2 mg/mL) and U0126 (10 µM) were added 2 h before the isoproterenol (10 µM) stimulus. Phalloidin staining was used to evaluate cellular hypertrophy. The mRNA expression of ANP and BNP was measured by qRT-PCR. The expression of p-ERK was determined by immunoblotting. RESULTS: DCAE treatment significantly reduced the following indicators in vivo: (1) the LVSP (16%); (2) HW/BW (13%); (3) LV/TL (6%); (4) ANP (39%); (5) BNP (32%). In cultured H9c2 cells, phalloidin staining showed that DCAE relieved cellular hypertrophy (53% reduction). Furthermore, immunoblotting showed that DCAE can significantly inhibit p-ERK protein expression in vivo and in vitro (39% and 27% reduction, respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: DCAE prevents cardiac hypertrophy via ERK signalling pathway and has the potential for treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.

High glucose reduces expression of podocin in cultured human podocytes by stimulating TRPC6.

The transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) channel and podocin are colocalized in the glomerular slit diaphragm as an important complex to maintain podocyte function. Gain of TRPC6 function and loss of podocin function induce podocyte injury. We have previously shown that high glucose induces apoptosis of podocytes by activating TRPC6; however, whether the activated TRPC6 can alter podocin expression remains unknown. Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy were used to examine both expression levels of TRPC6, podocin, and nephrin and morphological changes of podocytes in response to high glucose. High glucose increased the expression of TRPC6 but reduced the expression of podocin and nephrin, in both cultured human podocytes and type 1 diabetic rat kidneys. The decreased podocin was diminished in TRPC6 knockdown podocytes. High glucose elevated intracellular Ca2+ in control podocytes but not in TRPC6 knockdown podocytes. High glucose also elevated the expression of a tight junction protein, zonula occludens-1, and induced the redistribution of zonula occludens-1 and loss of podocyte processes. These data together suggest that high glucose reduces protein levels of podocin by activating TRPC6 and induces morphological changes of cultured podocytes.

Four New Cyclohexylideneacetonitrile Derivatives from the Hypocotyl of Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza).

Four new cyclohexylideneacetonitrile derivatives 1-4, named menisdaurins B-E, as well as three known cyclohexylideneacetonitrile derivatives--menisdaurin (5), coclauril (6), and menisdaurilide (7)--were isolated from the hypocotyl of a mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza). The structures of the isolates were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis. Compounds 1-7 showed anti-Hepatitis B virus (HBV) activities, with EC50 values ranging from 5.1 ± 0.2 µg/mL to 87.7 ± 5.8 µg/mL.

Xenon-enhanced dual-energy CT lung ventilation imaging: techniques and clinical applications.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the techniques, clinically relevant potential applications, and limitations of xenon-enhanced dual-energy CT of the chest. CONCLUSION: The functional evaluation of lung ventilation may be of great importance to patients with pulmonary disease. Many measures are used to assess pulmonary function, but the results are estimates of only global status rather than the regional distribution of disease. With the introduction of dual-energy CT, regional lung ventilation function can be assessed with inhaled xenon gas. This technique yields not only high-spatial-resolution anatomic information but also information about regional ventilation.

The mutual interactions based on amphipathic tetraoxacalix[2]arene[2]triazine: recognition cases of anion and cation investigated by a computational study.

The nature of anion···π (anion X1-4(-) = SCN(-), PF6(-), BF4(-) and NO3(-), respectively) interactions with electron-deficient and cavity self-tunable macrocyclic host tetraoxacalix[2]arene[2]triazine 1 as electron-acceptor (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2013, 135, 892) have been theoretically investigated with the density functional theory (B3LYP, M06-2X, M06-L, M06, M05-2X, M05, DFT-D3) and the second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) using a series of basis sets. The binding energies calculated are in good quantitative agreement with the experiments. The LMO-EDA (local molecular orbital energy decomposition analysis) results show that the major contributors of anion···π are electrostatic. The alkali metal cations M(+) (Na(+), K(+)) and alkaline earth metal cations M(2+) (Mg(2+), Ca(2+)) can also interact with 1 and, the cation···π binding of M(2+)···1 is stronger than that of M(+)···1, as well as their strength is gradually decreased along with an increase in the radius of M(+,2+). The investigation of interplay between the anion···π and the cation···π shows that the interactions among three-body, X(-), 1 and M(+) is varied with different phases. The polar solvent can strongly reduce the strength of the interaction, and the more increased the solvent polarity, the more reduced is the binding energy.

High PPP4C expression predicts poor prognosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The significance of Protein phosphatase 4 catalytic subunit (PPP4C) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) prognosis is not well understood. This work aimed to investigate the expression of PPP4C in DLBCL, investigate the correlation between PPP4C expression and clinicopathological parameters, and assess the prognostic significance of PPP4C. The mRNA expression of PPP4C was investigated using data from TCGA and GEO. To further analyze PPP4C expression, immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue microarray samples. Correlation analysis between clinicopathological parameters and PPP4C expression was conducted using Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Univariate and multivariate Cox hazard models were utilized to determine the prognostic significance of clinicopathological features and PPP4C expression. Additionally, survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. In both TCGA and GEO datasets, we identified higher mRNA levels of PPP4C in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. Upon analysis of various clinicopathological features of DLBCL, we observed a correlation between high PPP4C expression and ECOG score (P = 0.003). Furthermore, according to a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, patients with DLBCL who exhibit high levels of PPP4C had worse overall survival (P = 0.001) and progression-free survival (P = 0.002). PPP4C was shown to be an independent predictive factor for OS and PFS in DLBCL by univariate and multivariate analysis (P = 0.011 and P = 0.040). This study's findings indicate that high expression of PPP4C is linked to a poor prognosis for DLBCL and may function as an independent prognostic factors.

The effect of metabolic syndrome on prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

PURPOSE: Metabolic syndrome (MetS), characterized by insulin resistance, is closely associated with the prognosis of various cancer types, but has not been reported in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The aim of this study is to examine how other clinicopathological variables and the MetS influence the prognosis of DLBCL. METHODS: Clinical and pathological data were collected from 319 patients with DLBCL who were admitted to our hospital between January 2012 and December 2020. The data accessible with SPSS 27.0 enables the utilization of various statistical methods for clinical data analysis, including independent sample t test and univariate and multivariate COX regression. RESULTS: The presence of MetS was linked to both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), in addition to other clinicopathological characteristics as age, IPI score, rituximab usage, and Ki-67 expression level. This link with OS and PFS indicated a poor prognosis, as shown by survival analysis. Subsequent univariate analysis identified IPI score, Ki-67 expression level, tumor staging, rituximab usage, lactate dehydrogenase expression level, and the presence or absence of MetS as factors linked with OS and PFS. Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed the independent risk factor status of IPI score, Ki-67 expression level, rituximab usage, and the presence of MetS in evaluating the prognosis of patients with DLBCL. CONCLUSION: This study's findings indicate that patients with pre-treatment MetS had a poor prognosis, with relatively shorter OS and PFS compared to those without pre-treatment MetS. Furthermore, the presence of MetS, IPI score, Ki-67 expression level, and rituximab usage were identified as independent risk factors significantly affecting the prognosis of DLBCL.

Multifunctional Siloxene-Decorated Laser-Inscribed Graphene Patch for Sweat Ion Analysis and Electrocardiogram Monitoring.

Potentiometric detection in complex biological fluids enables continuous electrolyte monitoring for personal healthcare; however, the commercialization of ion-selective electrode-based devices has been limited by the rapid loss of potential stability caused by electrode surface inactivation and biofouling. Here, we describe a simple multifunctional hybrid patch incorporating an Au nanoparticle/siloxene-based solid contact (SC) supported by a substrate made of laser-inscribed graphene on poly(dimethylsiloxane) for the noninvasive detection of sweat Na+ and K+. These SC nanocomposites prevent the formation of a water layer during ion-to-electron transfer, preserving 3 and 5 µV/h potential drift for the Na+ and K+ ion-selective electrodes, respectively, after 13 h of exposure. The lamellar structure of the siloxene sheets increases the SC area. In addition, the electroplated Au nanoparticles, which have a large surface area and excellent conductivity, further increased the electric double-layer capacitance at the interface between the ion-selective membranes and solid-state contacts, thus facilitating ion-to-electron transduction and ultimately improving the detection stability of Na+ and K+. Furthermore, the integrated temperature and electrocardiogram sensors in the flexible patch assist in monitoring body temperature and electrocardiogram signals, respectively. Featuring both electrochemical ion-selective and physical sensors, this patch offers immense potential for the self-monitoring of health.

Four-phonon scattering of so-As and improvement of the thermoelectric properties by increasing the buckling height.

In recent years, more and more thermoelectric (TE) materials have been discovered as the research boom of TE materials advances. However, due to the low conversion efficiency, most of the current TE materials cannot meet the commercial demand. The low-dimensional nanomaterials are promising to break the current status quo of low conversion efficiency of TE materials. Here, we predicted a stable two-dimensional TE material, namely so-As, based on density functional theory. The so-As has an ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity,κl= 1.829 W m-1K-1at 300 K, and when the temperature rises to 700 K theκlis only 0.788 W m-1K-1. This might be caused by the strong anharmonic interaction among the so-As phonon and the out-of-plane vibration of the low-frequency acoustic modes. Moreover, the maximumZTvalue of thep-type so-As is 0.18 at room temperature (0.45 at 700 K), while that of then-type can even reach 0.75 at 700 K. In addition, we have also studied the difference between the four- and three-phonon scattering rates. The increase of scattering channels leads to the ultra-lowκl, which is only 3.33 × 10-4W m-1K-1at room temperature, showing an almost adiabatic property. Finally, we adjust the TE properties of so-As by changing the buckling height. With the buckling height is increased by 2%, the scattering rate of so-As is extremely high. WhenTis 700 K, the maximumZTof then-type is 0.94 (p-type can also reach 0.7), which is 25% higher than the pristine one. Our work reveals the impact of buckling height on the TE figure of merit, which provides a direction for future search and regulation of the highZTTE materials.

Association between sleep apnea and ultrasound-defined liver fibrosis: Results from NHANES 2017 to 2020.

Liver fibrosis is a critical factor in the advancement of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease towards cirrhosis. There is limited research exploring the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and liver fibrosis among community populations. The present study aimed to assess the association between sleep apnea (SA) and liver fibrosis based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Data were acquired from NHANES survey cycle 2017 to 2020. We assessed liver fibrosis by the median values of liver stiffness measurement (LSM). The diagnosis of SA was based on participants' response to sleep questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to validate the association of SA and liver fibrosis. A total of 7615 participants were included in this study. The LSM level of SA group was significantly higher than non-SA group. The proportion of liver fibrosis in SA group was markedly higher than that in non-SA group (14.0% vs 7.3%, P < .001). Univariate logistic analysis showed that SA was positively associated with liver fibrosis (OR = 2.068, 95%CI = 1.715-2.494, P < .001). Further multivariate logistic analysis revealed that SA was independently associated with increased risk of liver fibrosis after adjusting for confounding factors (OR = 1.277, 95%CI = 1.003-1.625, P = .048). The current study demonstrated an independent association between self-reported SA and increased risk of ultrasound-defined liver fibrosis in community-based sample.

Dual-energy CT lung ventilation/perfusion imaging for diagnosing pulmonary embolism.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and findings of combined dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) lung ventilation/perfusion imaging in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: This study was institutional review board-approved and written informed consent was obtained from each patient. Thirty-two subjects (aged 11-61 years) underwent combined xenon-enhanced ventilation and iodine-enhanced perfusion DECT. Ventilation, perfusion and morphological information were visually interpreted. Ventilation/perfusion information was classified as mismatch (differing patterns) or match (concordant patterns). Adverse reactions and radiation doses were recorded for each subject. RESULTS: Of 32 patients undergoing xenon-enhanced DECT, six patients reported adverse reactions (shortness of breath, n = 2; mild dizziness, n = 3; limb numbness, n = 1). Twenty-eight of 32 patients could be included into the data analysis. PE was detected in 10/28 patients. PE-related ventilation/perfusion mismatch was found in 17 lung lobes in 8/10 patients and matched ventilation/perfusion was detected in 2 patients. Eighteen patients had no PE. In this group, there was no case of a ventilation/perfusion mismatch. Matched ventilation/perfusion impairment was seen in one patient. The overall radiation dose from two DECT acquisitions was 4.8 ± 1.4 mSv (range 2.7-7.5 mSv). CONCLUSIONS: DECT lung ventilation/perfusion imaging is feasible and can visualise ventilation/perfusion match or mismatch in patients with suspected PE. KEY POINTS: • Combined dual-energy CT lung ventilation/perfusion imaging is feasible. • Combined dual-energy CT ventilation/perfusion imaging provides lung morphological and functional information. • Dual-energy CT can demonstrate ventilation/perfusion mismatch in patients with pulmonary embolism.

Lanthanum carbonate, a potent and selective phosphate binder, is transported and absorbed mainly via M cells in gastrointestinal tract.

This study aimed to investigate the transportation and absorption mechanism of lanthanum carbonate [La2(CO3)3] through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract using in vitro and in vivo models. The results demonstrated that La2(CO3)3 can be dissolved in gastric fluids and precipitated into lanthanum phosphate as the main transformed specie in intestinal fluid. Using Caco-2 cell monoculture and Caco-2/Raji B cell coculture models to simulate the intestinal epithelium and microfold (M) cells, it was found that the amount of lanthanum transported in Caco-2/Raji B coculture model was significantly higher than that in Caco-2 monoculture model (about 50 times higher), indicating that M cells play an important role in the intestinal absorption of La2(CO3)3. Furthermore, oral administration of La2(CO3)3 to Balb/c mice demonstrated that lanthanum can be absorbed by both Peyer's patches (PPs) and non-PPs intestinal epithelium, with a higher amount of absorption in the PPs per unit weight. This finding further confirmed that the lanthanum absorption in GI tract could be mainly due to the contribution of M cells. Meanwhile, the administration of La2(CO3)3 caused a marked lanthanum accumulation in liver, accompanied by the activation of Kupffer cells. This study clarified how La2(CO3)3 is absorbed through the GI tract to enter the body and would be helpful to evaluate its potential biological consequences of accumulation in human beings.

A hybridized nano-porous carbon reinforced 3D graphene-based epidermal patch for precise sweat glucose and lactate analysis.

Wearable electrochemical biosensors for perspiration analysis offer a promising non-invasive biomarker monitoring method. Herein, a functionalized hybridized nanoporous carbon (H-NPC)-encapsulated flexible 3D porous graphene-based epidermal patch was firstly fabricated for monitoring sweat glucose, lactate, pH, and temperature using simple, cost-effective, laser-engraved, and spray-coating techniques. The fabricated H-NPC-modified electrode significantly increased electrochemical surface area and electrocatalytic activity. Within the physiological sweat range (0-1.5 mM), the second-generation glucose sensor exhibited an excellent sensitivity of 82.7 µAmM-1cm-2 with 0.025 µM LOD. Moreover, the lactate biosensor exhibited an extraordinary linear range (0-56 mM) response owing to the incorporation of an outer diffusion limiting layer (DLL) that controls the lactate flux reaching the enzyme with comparable sensitivity (204 nAmM-1cm-2) and LOD (4 µM). Finally, we employed an analytical correction approach incorporating pH and temperature adjustments during on-body tests. In addition to connecting various carbon-based materials to limitless metal-organic frameworks as a transduction material, our research also paves the way for enabling these sensors to operate on pH and T correction independently while delivering accurate results.

The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and circulating tau levels: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that impairs memory, thinking, language, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest of tasks. Tau protein, the major component of neurofibrillary tangles, is considered a key mediator of AD pathogenesis. The association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and circulating tau remains unclear. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the relationship between OSA and circulating tau via quantitative analysis. METHODS: A systematic search of Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science were performed. The mean values of circulating total tau (T-tau) and phosphorylated tau (P-tau) in OSA and control groups were extracted. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by using a random-effect model or fixed-effect model. RESULTS: A total of seven studies comprising 233 controls and 306 OSA patients were included in this study. The meta-analysis showed that the circulating T-tau level was significantly higher in OSA patients than those in the control group (SMD = 1.319, 95% CI = 0.594 to 2.044, z = 3.56, p < .001). OSA patients also had significantly higher circulating P-tau level than control group (SMD = 0.343, 95% CI = 0.122 to 0.564, z = 3.04, p = .002). CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis demonstrated that both circulating T-tau and P-tau levels were significantly increased in OSA subjects when compared with non-OSA subjects. Larger sample-size studies on the association between OSA and circulating tau are still required to further validate our results.

[Effect of Jinhuang Fuzheng powder on cytokines of immunosuppressive mice with protein antibody micro-array].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Jinhuang Fuzheng powder on cytokines of immunosuppressive mice by using protein antibody micro-array. METHOD: The immunosuppressive mice model was established by subcutaneously injecting cyclophosphamide. Rats were orally administered with low, middle and high dose of Huangjin Fuzheng powder for 10 days, and fasted for 12 hours after the final administration. 1 mL blood was drawn from caudal veins and isolated hearts of rats of each group. A quantitative test was conducted for cytokines with cytokine antibody array. RESULT: Compared with the control group, IFN-gamma and RANTES of the CTX group decreased significantly (P<0.05). After the administration, IFN-gamma of low, middle and high-dose groups, and RANTES of the high-dose group increased significantly (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-13 and MCP-1 of the CTX group increased remarkably (P<0.01, P<0.05). After the administration, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-13 and MCP-1 of low, middle and high-dose groups decreased to varying degrees. GM-CSF, IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, M-CSF, TNF-alpha, KC and VEGF of the 13 types of cytokines showed no significant change. CONCLUSION: Jinhuang Fuzheng powder shows effect on 20 types of cytokines of immunosuppressive mice to varying degrees, which may be related to the regulatory immunosuppression of Th1/Th2 subgroup in mice.