Synthesis of Ferrocenyl Chalcone-Containing Aminourea Schiff Bases and Their Detection on Tryptophan.

In this paper, 1-phenyl-3-ferrocenylenone aminourea Schiff bases were synthesized by a novel method. A multifunctional molecular probe (Probe A) of 1-phenyl-3-ferrocenylenone, carbon-based solid acid, aminourea, and anhydrous ethanol was synthesized by adding them to a vessel at elevated temperatures and refluxing for the synthesis of a multifunctional molecular probe (Probe A) of 1-phenyl-3-ferrocenylenone aminourea Schiff base, and it was found that it recognizes tryptophan (Trp) in solution, and that the catalyst can be reused more than five times after recycling. This method is characterised by low cost, high efficiency, green environment and no waste acid. Fluorescence and UV spectra show that probe A specifically recognizes tryptophan (Trp) without interference by other amino acids or pH and time does not affect it within 45 min. The lowest limit of detection for Trp was 1.307 × 10- 4 mol/L for probe A. The binding ratios of probe A to Trp were measured to be 1:1 by Job's plotting method, respectively. The complexation constant of probe A with Trp was found to be 2.733 × 107 L/mol according to the Benesi-Hildebrand equation. The bonding mechanism was explored through IR spectroscopy and ¹H NMR titration.

Inhibiting effects of humic acid on iron flocculation hindered As removal by electro-flocculation on air cathode iron anode.

Activated carbon air cathode combined with iron anode oxidation-flocculation synergistic Arsenic (As) removal was a new groundwater purification technology with low energy consumption and high efficiency for groundwater with high As concentration. The presence of organic matter such as humic acid (HA) had ambiguous effects on formation of organic colloids in the system. The effects of the particle size distribution characteristics of these colloids on the formation characteristics of flocs and the efficiency of As purification was not clear. In this work, we used five different pore size alumina filter membranes to separate mixed phase solutions and studied the corresponding changes in iron and arsenic concentrations in the presence and absence of humic acid conditions. In the presence of HA, the arsenic concentration of < 0.05 µm particle size components was 1.01, 1.28, 3.07, 7.69, 2.85 and 1.24 times of that in the absence of HA. At the same time, the arsenic content in 0.05-0.1 µm and 0.1-0.45 µm particle size components was also higher than that in the system without HA, which revealed that the presence of HA hindered the flocculation behavior of As distribution to higher particle sizes in the early stage of the reaction. The presence of HA affected the flocculation rate of iron flocs from small to large particle size fractions and it had limited effect on the behavior of large-size flocs in adsorption of As. These results provide a theoretical basis for targeted, rapid, and low consumption synergistic removal of arsenic and organic compounds in high arsenic groundwater.

Gas Sensors Based on Semiconductor Metal Oxides Fabricated by Electrospinning: A Review.

Electrospinning has revolutionized the field of semiconductor metal oxide (SMO) gas sensors, which are pivotal for gas detection. SMOs are known for their high sensitivity, rapid responsiveness, and exceptional selectivity towards various types of gases. When synthesized via electrospinning, they gain unmatched advantages. These include high porosity, large specific surface areas, adjustable morphologies and compositions, and diverse structural designs, improving gas-sensing performance. This review explores the application of variously structured and composed SMOs prepared by electrospinning in gas sensors. It highlights strategies to augment gas-sensing performance, such as noble metal modification and doping with transition metals, rare earth elements, and metal cations, all contributing to heightened sensitivity and selectivity. We also look at the fabrication of composite SMOs with polymers or carbon nanofibers, which addresses the challenge of high operating temperatures. Furthermore, this review discusses the advantages of hierarchical and core-shell structures. The use of spinel and perovskite structures is also explored for their unique chemical compositions and crystal structure. These structures are useful for high sensitivity and selectivity towards specific gases. These methodologies emphasize the critical role of innovative material integration and structural design in achieving high-performance gas sensors, pointing toward future research directions in this rapidly evolving field.

CXCR4 enhances the inhibitory effects of bone mesenchymal stem cells on lung cell apoptosis in a rat model of smoking-induced COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide, and the available treatments are unsatisfactory, resulting in a major economic burden. As cellular therapy is commonly used for lung disease, we investigated a treatment with CXCR4-overexpressing BMSCs in a COPD model. We extracted and purified Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from SD rats. COPD apoptosis model was established by cigarette smoke exposure. BMSCs (1 × 106 cells per injection)were transplanted in vivo twice a month during model establishment, and alveolar rupture in the lung was assessed. Lung cell apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) analysis, and the concentrations of apoptotic proteins in the lungs were detected by Western blotting. We successfully isolated BMSCs and established CXCR4-overexpressing BMSCs. qRT‒PCR and Western blotting detection both reveal that CXCR4 mRNA level and protein both significantly higher expression in CXCR4-BMSCs than the pBABE-BMSCs. Continuous cigarette smoke exposure caused alveolar septal rupture: In the model group, the alveolar mean linear intercept in the first month was significantly lower than that in the third month (p < 0.05). In the third month, the alveolar mean linear intercept values of the control and CXCR4-BMSC groups were lower than those of the model group (control group p < 0.01, CXCR4-BMSC group p < 0.05), and TUNEL staining revealed that the apoptosis rates of the control and CXCR4-BMSC groups were significantly lower than those of the model group (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the levels of the apoptotic proteins cleaved caspase-8, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP-1 were higher in the model group than in the control group (p < 0.05) and significantly lower in the CXCR4-BMSC group than in the model group (p < 0.05). The transplantation of CXCR4-overexpressing BMSCs during COPD model generation significantly inhibited apoptosis via the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. CXCR4 enhances the inhibitory effects of bone mesenchymal stem cells on lung cell apoptosis in a rat model of smoking-induced COPD.

Comprehensive Comparison of Two Color Varieties of Perillae Folium by GC-MS-Based Metabolomic Approach.

Perillae Folium (PF), the leaf of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt, is extensively used as culinary vegetable in many countries. It can be divided into two major varietal forms based on leaf color variation, including purple PF (Perilla frutescens var. arguta) and green PF (P. frutescens var. frutescens). The aroma of purple and green PF is discrepant. To figure out the divergence of chemical composition in purple and green PF, gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was applied to analyze compounds in purple and green PF. A total of 54 compounds were identified and relatively quantified. Multivariate statistical methods, including principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least-squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) and clustering analysis (CA), were used to screen the chemical markers for discrimination of purple and green PF. Seven compounds that accumulated discrepantly in green and purple PF were characterized as chemical markers for the discrimination of the purple and green PF. Among these 7 marker compounds, limonene, shisool and perillaldehyde that from the same branch of the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway were with relatively higher contents in purple PF, while perilla ketone, isoegomaketone, tocopheryl and squalene on other branch pathways were higher in green PF. The results of the present study are expected to provide theoretical support for the development and utilization of PF resources.

Synthesis of osthol-based botanical fungicides and their antifungal application in crop protection.

Plant pathogenic fungi decrease the quality and productivity of plant production. The botanical fungicides have better biocompatibility and rapid biodegradation, little or no cross resistance, and the structural diversity, and thus are beneficial to deal with plant fungal diseases. Osthole has been widely used as the commercial botanical fungicide against powdery mildew in China. In this article, a series of osthole derivatives were synthesized, which respectively contain different substituents on the benzene ring, at the C8-position and pyrone ring. All the target compounds were evaluated in vitro for their antifungal activity against resistant phytopathogenic fungi. Colletotrichum fragariae, Strawberry Botrytis Cinerea, Kiwifruit Botrytis Cinerea, Kiwifruit brown Rots, which are common in fruit fungal diseases. The compound C4 was identified as the most promising candidate with the EC50 values at 38.7 µg/mL against Colletotrichum Fragariae, 14.5 µg/mL against Strawberry Botrytis Cinerea and 24.3 µg/mL against Kiwifruit Botrytis Cinerea, respectively, whereas the antifungal activity against resistant phytopathogenic fungi. of osthole is too low to be used (EC50 > 400 ppm). The results of mycelial relative conductivity determination, PI uptake and fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that the cell membrane of fungi is the key action site of C4. Besides, C4 has the potent inhibitory activity against both of plant and human pathogenic bacteria. Our studies showed that C4 was worthy for further attention as a promising botanical fungicide candidate in crop protection.

[Comparative analysis of chemical compositions of fruits of Perilla frutescens var. arguta and P. frutescens var. frutescens by pre-column derivatization with GC-MS].

The present study compared the appearance and chemical composition of fruits of Perilla frutescens var. arguta(PFA) and P. frutescens var. frutescens(PFF). VHX-6000 3 D depth of field synthesis technology was applied for the appearance observation. The metabolites were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by pre-column derivatization combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). Finally, cluster analysis(CA), principal component analysis(PCA), and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were applied for exploring the differences in their chemical compositions. The results indicated that the size and color of PFA and PFF fruits were different. PFF fruits were significantly larger than PFA fruits. The surface color of PFA fruits was brown, while PFF fruits were in multiple colors, such as white, grayish-white, and brown. Amino acids, saccharides, organic acids, fatty acids, and phenolic acids were identified in PFA and PFF fruits. The results of CA, PCA, and OPLS-DA indicated significant differences in the content of components between PFA and PFF fruits. Three metabolites, including D-glucose, rosmarinic acid, and D-fructose, which were significantly higher in PFA fruits than in PFF fruits, were screened out as differential metabolites. Considering the regulation on the content of rosmarinic acid in Perillae Fructus in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition), the medicinal value of PFA fruits is higher than that of PFF. In conclusion, there are differences in appearance and chemical composition between PFA fruits and PFF fruits. These results are expected to provide fundamental data for specifying plant source and quality control of Perillae Fructus.

Design and synthesis of tricyclic terpenoid derivatives as novel PTP1B inhibitors with improved pharmacological property and in vivo antihyperglycaemic efficacy.

Overexpression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) induces insulin resistance in various basic and clinical research. In our previous work, a synthetic oleanolic acid (OA) derivative C10a with PTP1B inhibitory activity has been reported. However, C10a has some pharmacological defects and cytotoxicity. Herein, a structure-based drug design approach was used based on the structure of C10a to elaborate the smaller tricyclic core. A series of tricyclic derivatives were synthesised and the compounds 15, 28 and 34 exhibited the most PTP1B enzymatic inhibitory potency. In the insulin-resistant human hepatoma HepG2 cells, compound 25 with the moderate PTP1B inhibition and preferable pharmaceutical properties can significantly increase insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and showed the insulin resistance ameliorating effect. Moreover, 25 showed the improved in vivo antihyperglycaemic potential in the nicotinamide-streptozotocin-induced T2D. Our study demonstrated that these tricyclic derivatives with improved molecular architectures and antihyperglycaemic activity could be developed in the treatment of T2D.

Hepatoprotective Tetrahydrobenzocyclooctabenzofuranone Lignans from Kadsura longipedunculata.

Three new tetrahydrobenzocyclooctabenzofuranone lignan glucosides, longipedunculatins A-C (1-3), a new dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan glucoside, longipedunculatin D (4), a new dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan (5), five new tetrahydrobenzocyclooctabenzofuranone lignans (6-10), and two new simple lignans (11, 12) were isolated from the roots of Kadsura longipedunculata. Their structures and absolute configurations were established using a combination of MS, NMR, and experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism data. Compound 7 showed moderate hepatoprotective activity against N-acetyl-p-aminophenol-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells with a cell survival rate at 10 µM of 50.8%. Compounds 2, 7, and 12 showed significant in vitro inhibitory effects with an inhibition rate of 55.1%, 74.9%, and 89.8% on nitric oxide production assays at 10 µM.

Hepatoprotective Dibenzocyclooctadiene and Tetrahydrobenzocyclooctabenzofuranone Lignans from Kadsura longipedunculata.

Five new dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, longipedlignans A-E (1-5), five new tetrahydrobenzocyclooctabenzofuranones (6-10), and 18 known analogues (11-28) were isolated from the roots of Kadsura longipedunculata. Compounds 6-10 are new spirobenzofuranoid-dibenzocyclooctadiene-type lignans. Their structures and absolute configurations were established using a combination of MS, NMR, and electronic circular dichroism data. Spirobenzofuranoids 6 and 15 showed moderate hepatoprotective activity against N-acetyl- p-aminophenol-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells with cell survival rates at 10 µM of 52.2% and 50.2%, respectively.

Assignment of the absolute configuration of hepatoprotective highly oxygenated triterpenoids using X-ray, ECD, NMR J-based configurational analysis and HSQC overlay experiments.

BACKGROUND: The plants of the genus Kadsura are widely distributed in China, South Korea, and Japan. Their roots and stems are traditionally used to treat blood diseases and pain. The main bioactive constituents of Kadsura longipedunculata comprise highly oxygenated triterpenoids. Schiartane-type nortriterpenoids showed anti-HIV, anti-HBV, and cytotoxic bioactivities. For such compounds, the absolute configuration influences the bioactivities, and hence its unambiguous determination is essential. In this work, the absolute configurations of three highly oxygenated schiartane-type nortriterpenoids were unequivocally assigned using X-ray, ECD, and J-based configuration analysis and HSQC overlay data. METHODS: The ethanol extract of Kadsura longipedunculata Finet et Gagnep was purified by column chromatography using silica, Sephadex LH-20, and ODS as substrates. To help assign the absolute configuration of schiartane-type nortriterpenoids, X-ray diffraction analysis, ECD experiment compared to ab initio computed data, DP4+ analysis, HSQC overlay, NOESY, and J-based configuration analysis were carried out. Hetero- and homo-nuclear coupling constants were extracted from HETLOC experiments. RESULTS: Three new highly oxygenated triterpenoids, micrandilactone I (1), micrandilactone J (2), and 22,23-di-epi-micrandilactone J (3) were isolated. Their 2D structures were solved using NMR and HRESIMS data and their absolute configurations were elucidated using X-ray diffraction analysis, ECD experimental results compared to ab initio computed spectra, HSQC overlay, DP4+, NOESY, and J-based configuration analysis. Micrandilactone I (1) and 22,23-di-epi-micrandilactone J (3) showed moderate hepatoprotective activity against APAP-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells with cell survival rates of 53.0 and 50.2%, respectively, at 10µM (bicyclol, 49.0%), while micrandilactone J (2) was inactive. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first comprehensive stereochemical assignment of a non-crystalline schiartane-type nortriterpenoid like 3. This general protocol may contribute towards solving the problems hampering the assignment of the absolute configurations of other members of this class of nortriterpenoids.

Assignment of Absolute Configuration of a New Hepatoprotective Schiartane-Type Nortriterpenoid Using X-Ray Diffraction.

A new schiartane-type nortriterpenoid, micrandilactone H was isolated from Kadsuralongipedunculata Finet et Gagnep. Its 2D (two dimension) structure was elucidated by NMR spectroscopic analysis, and it is similar to that of Kadnanolactones H and the absolute configuration was established through X-ray diffraction and ECD data analysis. This represents the first complete assignment of the absolute configuration of a schiartane-type nortriterpenoid by X-ray diffraction and the ECD method. Micrandilactone H showed moderate hepatoprotective activity against N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells with cell survival rates of 56.84% at 10 µM.

Anti-inflammatory Hydrolyzable Tannins from Myricaria bracteata.

Twelve hydrolyzable tannins were obtained from the twigs of Myricaria bracteata, including two new hellinoyl-type dimers, bracteatinins D1 (1) and D2 (2); a new hellinoyl-type trimer, bracteatinin T1 (3); two known monomers, nilotinin M4 (4) and 1,3-di-O-galloyl-4,6-O-(aS)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-ß-d-glucose (5); six known dimers, tamarixinin A (6), nilotinin D8 (7), hirtellins A (10), B (9), and E (8), and isohirtellin C (11); and a known trimer, hirtellin T3 (12). The structures of the tannins were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis and comparisons to known tannins. All compounds were evaluated as free radical scavengers using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxy radicals and compared to the activity of BHT and Trolox. Compound 6 showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect on croton oil-induced ear edema in mice (200 mg/kg, inhibition rate 69.8%) and on collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1 mice (20 mg/kg, inhibition rate 46.0% at day 57).

Hounsfield unit for assessing bone mineral density distribution within lumbar vertebrae and its clinical values.

Study Design: Retrospective radiological analysis. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the distribution of bone mineral density (BMD) in lumbar vertebrae using the Hounsfield unit (HU) measurement method and investigate the clinical implications of HU values for assessing lumbar vertebrae BMD. Method: Two hundred and ninety-six patients were retrospectively reviewed and divided into six groups according to age: Group 1(20-29 years old), Group 2 (30-39 years old), Group 3 (40-49 years old), Group 4 (50-59 years old), Group 5 (60-69 years old), Group 6 (70-79 years old). Six different locations from each vertebra of L1-L5 were selected as regions of interest: the anterior, middle and posterior parts of the upper and lower slices of the vertebrae. HU values were measured for the six regions of interest, followed by statistical analysis. Results: The HU values of vertebrae showed a decreasing trend from young patients to elderly patients in Group 1 to Group 5. There was no significant difference in HU values among different vertebrae in the same age group. In all age groups, the HU values of the anterior and posterior part of the vertebral body were significantly different from L1 to L3, with the anterior part of the vertebral body having lower HU values than the posterior part. The HU values of the anterior and posterior part of the vertebral body of L4 and L5 were statistically significant only in Group 5 and Group 6, and the HU values of the anterior part of the vertebral body were lower than those of the posterior part. The HU values of posterior part of L4 and L5 in Group6 were higher than those in Group5. Conclusion: Bone mineral density in the lumbar vertebrae is not uniformly distributed, potentially attributed to varying stress stimuli. The assessment of local HU values in the lumbar spine is of significant importance for surgical treatment.

Abdominal surgery under ketamine anesthesia during second trimester impairs hippocampal learning and memory of offspring by regulating dendrite spine remodeling in rats.

Recent evidence showed that general anesthesia produces long-term neurotoxicity and cognitive dysfunction. However, it remains unclear whether maternal non-obstetric surgery under ketamine anesthesia during second trimester causes cognitive impairment in offspring. The present study assigned pregnant rats into three groups: 1) normal control group receiving no anesthesia and no surgery, 2) ketamine group receiving ketamine anesthesia for 2 h on the 14th day of gestation but no surgery, and 3) surgery group receiving abdominal surgery under ketamine anesthesia on the 14th day of gestation. On postnatal day 1, the offspring rats in Ketamine group and surgery group were assigned to receive intra-peritoneal injection of Senegenin (15 mg/kg), once per day for consecutive 14 days. The offspring's spatial perception, anxiety-like behavior, and learning and memory were evaluated. Then the offspring's hippocampal tissues were collected. The offspring of the surgery group were impaired in the spatial perception in the cliff avoidance test and the spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze test. Accordingly, the activity of histone deacetylases increased, the protein levels of NEDD9, BDNF, p-TrkB, Syn and PSD-95 decreased, and the density of dendritic spines reduced in the hippocampus of the offspring of the surgery group, and such effects were not seen in the offspring of the ketamine group, neither in the offspring of control group. Senegenin alleviated the learning and memory impairment, and increased the protein levels of NEDD9, BDNF, p-TrkB, Syn and PSD-95 and the density of dendritic spines in the offspring of the surgery group. ketamine anesthesia plus surgery during second trimester impairs hippocampus-dependent learning and memory, and the deficits could be rescued by treatment with Senegenin.

Chemical profiling and arginine kinase inhibitory activity of Angelica dahurica leaves.

Angelica dahurica is a medicinal herb of the Umbelliferae family. The dried root of A. dahurica, also known as Angelicae dahuricae Radix, is widely used in clinical treatment. However, the aboveground part of A. dahurica which accounted for over 70% of the total plant was abandoned in the field. In order to develop the value of the aboveground part of A. dahurica, the chemical constituents and arginine kinase (AK) inhibitory activity of A. dahurica leaves were studied. 85 volatile components were identified from A. dahurica leaves by GC-MS; 39 non-volatile components including sugars, amino acids and organic acids were identified by pre-column derivatization GC-MS analysis; and 7 coumarins were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by HPLC. Then, an inhibitory enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iEIA) was applied for evaluation of AK inhibitory activity. The extracts of A. dahurica leaves exhibited well inhibitory effects on AK. Further, potential AK inhibitors were screened by grey relational analysis and their inhibitory activities were validated by iEIA. l-aspartic acid exhibited strongest inhibitory effect on AK with its IC50 value was 0.558 mM, which was much lower than that of chlorpheniramine (6.644 mM). The obtained chemical profiles displayed chemical diversity of A. dahurica leaves and will provide data support for the future development and utilization of A. dahurica leaves. The screened potential AK inhibitors from A. dahurica leaves could be candidates for development of antiallergic substances or insecticides.

The Impact of Fentanyl on the Effective Dose of Remimazolam-Induced Sedation in Elderly Female Patients: An Up-and-Down Sequential Allocation Trial.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the influence of fentanyl on the effective dose of remimazolam-induced sedation in elderly female patients undergoing general anesthesia. Patients and Methods: Sixty female patients aged 65-80 years undergoing selective general anesthesia were randomized into two groups: Group R+F received an initial dose of remimazolam (7.5 mg) with fentanyl (1 µg/kg), while Group R received remimazolam alone. Dosing adjustments (±2.5 mg) were made based on the response of the preceding patient using the up-and-down allocation technique. The ED50 and ED95 were calculated using a sequential formula and probit regression. Probit regression was also used to assess the relative potency of remimazolam between groups. Sedation levels were evaluated using the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (MOAA/S) scale. Results: The ED50 for remimazolam was significantly lower in Group R+F compared to Group R (p= 0.007). Probit regression estimated the ED50 and ED95 values for Group R+F at 4.878 mg (95% CI, 3.845-5.859) and 8.184 mg (95% CI, 6.636-13.546), respectively. In contrast, Group R demonstrated ED50 and ED95 values of 6.733 mg (95% CI, 5.533-8.068) and 11.298 mg (95% CI, 9.101-19.617), respectively. Conclusion: This study provides compelling evidence that the administration of 1 µg/kg of fentanyl significantly reduces the required sedative dose of remimazolam by approximately 30% during induction in elderly patients. Importantly, the concomitant use of 1 µg/kg of fentanyl does not increase the risk of adverse effects such as hypotension, respiratory depression.

Comprehensive comparison of two colour varieties of Perillae folium by UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis combining with feature-based molecular networking.

Perillae Folium (PF), the leaf of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt is extensively used as a culinary vegetable and medicinal herb in many countries. Purple PF (P. frutescens var. arguta) and green PF (P. frutescens var. frutescens) are two of the main varieties. In this study, UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS assisted with feature-based molecular networking (FBMN) was applied for chemical characterization. In total, 82 metabolites, mainly phenolic acid derivatives were identified from PF. With the help of FBMN, five organic acid glucosides together with three N-phenylpropenoyl-L-amino acids (NPAs) were identified in PF for the first time. Multivariate statistical methods were utilized for comprehensive comparison of purple and green PF profiles. 12 compounds with their relative contents varied significantly between purple and green PF were screened out. Overall, the present study offers valuable insights for chemical elucidation of PF which would be helpful for comprehensive utilization of PF resource.

Interactions between microplastics and heavy metals in leachate: Implications for landfill stabilization process.

The emission of microplastics and heavy metals in landfills has attracted widespread attention for its stabilization process. Microplastics have become carriers of heavy metals due to their adsorption properties, affecting their environmental behavior. However, the effects of landfill stabilization on the interaction between microplastics and heavy metals in leachate are ambiguous. This work explored the abundance characteristics of microplastics and heavy metals in leachate from 10 landfills in Beijing. Overall, the average abundance of microplastics was 196.3 items/L, dominated by small particle size (20-50 µm) and film microplastics. The levels of Cr and As were much higher than other heavy metals. The average abundance of microplastics and polymer types tended to decrease as the landfill stabilization proceeded, and the surface composition of microplastics became more complex. Statistical analysis revealed that the correlations between microplastics and heavy metals in the leachate of landfill stabilization presented significant parabolic characteristics, and Cr and As were more susceptible to landfill stabilization with significant positive correlation with a wide range of microplastics such as 20-30 µm. These results were intended to provide a scientific basis for the treatment and disposal of waste leachate and the synergistic prevention and control of new and traditional pollutants.

The retinal oxygen metabolism and hemodynamics as a substitute for biochemical tests to predict nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Predicting the occurrence of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) using biochemical parameters is invasive, which limits large-scale clinical application. Noninvasive retinal oxygen metabolism and hemodynamics of 215 eyes from 73 age-matched healthy subjects, 90 diabetic patients without DR, 40 NPDR, and 12 DR with postpanretinal photocoagulation were measured with a custom-built multimodal retinal imaging device. Diabetic patients underwent biochemical examinations. Two logistic regression models were developed to predict NPDR using retinal and biochemical metrics, respectively. The predictive model 1 using retinal metrics incorporated male gender, insulin treatment condition, diastolic duration, resistance index, and oxygen extraction fraction presented a similar predictive power with model 2 using biochemical metrics incorporated diabetic duration, diastolic blood pressure, and glycated hemoglobin A1c (area under curve: 0.73 vs. 0.70; sensitivity: 76% vs. 68%; specificity: 64% vs. 62%). These results suggest that retinal oxygen metabolic and hemodynamic biomarkers may replace biochemical parameters to predict the occurrence of NPDR .