Dmrt1 is the only male pathway gene tested indispensable for sex determination and functional testis development in tilapia.

Sex is determined by multiple factors derived from somatic and germ cells in vertebrates. We have identified amhy, dmrt1, gsdf as male and foxl2, foxl3, cyp19a1a as female sex determination pathway genes in Nile tilapia. However, the relationship among these genes is largely unclear. Here, we found that the gonads of dmrt1;cyp19a1a double mutants developed as ovaries or underdeveloped testes with no germ cells irrespective of their genetic sex. In addition, the gonads of dmrt1;cyp19a1a;cyp19a1b triple mutants still developed as ovaries. The gonads of foxl3;cyp19a1a double mutants developed as testes, while the gonads of dmrt1;cyp19a1a;foxl3 triple mutants eventually developed as ovaries. In contrast, the gonads of amhy;cyp19a1a, gsdf;cyp19a1a, amhy;foxl2, gsdf;foxl2 double and amhy;cyp19a1a;cyp19a1b, gsdf;cyp19a1a;cyp19a1b triple mutants developed as testes with spermatogenesis via up-regulation of dmrt1 in both somatic and germ cells. The gonads of amhy;foxl3 and gsdf;foxl3 double mutants developed as ovaries but with germ cells in spermatogenesis due to up-regulation of dmrt1. Taking the respective ovary and underdeveloped testis of dmrt1;foxl3 and dmrt1;foxl2 double mutants reported previously into consideration, we demonstrated that once dmrt1 mutated, the gonad could not be rescued to functional testis by mutating any female pathway gene. The sex reversal caused by mutation of male pathway genes other than dmrt1, including its upstream amhy and downstream gsdf, could be rescued by mutating female pathway gene. Overall, our data suggested that dmrt1 is the only male pathway gene tested indispensable for sex determination and functional testis development in tilapia.

Antibody inhibition of influenza A virus assembly and release.

Antibodies are frontline defenders against influenza virus infection, providing protection through multiple complementary mechanisms. Although a subset of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has been shown to restrict replication at the level of virus assembly and release, it remains unclear how potent and pervasive this mechanism of protection is, due in part to the challenge of separating this effect from other aspects of antibody function. To address this question, we developed imaging-based assays to determine how effectively a broad range of mAbs against the IAV surface proteins can specifically restrict viral egress. We find that classically neutralizing antibodies against hemagglutinin are broadly multifunctional, inhibiting virus assembly and release at concentrations 1-20-fold higher than the concentrations at which they inhibit viral entry. These antibodies are also capable of altering the morphological features of shed virions, reducing the proportion of filamentous particles. We find that antibodies against neuraminidase and M2 also restrict viral egress and that inhibition by anti-neuraminidase mAbs is only partly attributable to a loss in enzymatic activity. In all cases, antigen crosslinking-either on the surface of the infected cell, between the viral and cell membrane, or both-plays a critical role in inhibition, and we are able to distinguish between these modes experimentally and through a structure-based computational model. Together, these results provide a framework for dissecting antibody multifunctionality that could help guide the development of improved therapeutic antibodies or vaccines and that can be extended to other viral families and antibody isotypes.IMPORTANCEAntibodies against influenza A virus provide multifaceted protection against infection. Although sensitive and quantitative assays are widely used to measure inhibition of viral attachment and entry, the ability of diverse antibodies to inhibit viral egress is less clear. We address this challenge by developing an imaging-based approach to measure antibody inhibition of virus release across a panel of monoclonal antibodies targeting the influenza A virus surface proteins. Using this approach, we find that inhibition of viral egress is common and can have similar potency to the ability of an antibody to inhibit viral entry. Insights into this understudied aspect of antibody function may help guide the development of improved countermeasures.

Photocatalytic Optical Hollow Fiber with Enhanced Visible-light-driven CO2 Reduction.

A visible-light-driven CO2 reduction optical fiber is fabricated using graphene-like nitrogen-doped composites and hollow quartz optical fibers to achieve enhanced activity, selectivity, and light utilization for CO2 photoreduction. The composites are synthesized from a lead-based metal-organic framework (TMOF-10-NH2 ) and g-C3 N4 nanosheet (CNNS) via electrostatic self-assembly. The TMOF-10-NH2 /g-C3 N4 (TMOF/CNNS) photocatalyst with an S-type heterojunction is coated on optical fiber. The TMOF/CNNS coating, which has a bandgap energy of 2.15 eV, has good photoinduced capability at the coating interfaces, high photogenerated electron-hole pair yield, and high charge transfer rate. The conduction band potential of the TMOF/CNNS coating is more negative than that for CO2 reduction. Moreover, TMOF facilitates the CO desorption on its surface, thereby improving the selectivity for CO production. High CO2 photoreduction and selectivity for CO production is demonstrated by the TMOF/CNNS-coated optical fiber with the cladding/core diameter of 2000/1000 µm, 10 wt% TMOF in CNNS, coating thickness of 25 µm, initial CO2 concentration of 90 vol%, and relative humidity of 88% RH under the excitation wavelength of 380-780 nm. Overall, the photocatalytic hollow optical fiber developed herein provides an effective and efficient approach for the enhancement of light utilization efficiency of photocatalysts and selective CO2 reduction.

Developing the E. coli platform for efficient production of UMP-derived chemicals.

5-Methyluridine (5-MU) is a prominent intermediate for industrial synthesis of several antiviral-drugs, however, its availability over the past decades has overwhelmingly relied on chemical and enzymatic strategies. Here, we have realized efficient production of 5-MU in E. coli, for the first time, via a designer artificial pathway consisting of a two-enzyme cascade (UMP 5-methylase and phosphatase). More importantly, we have engineered the E. coli cell factory to boost 5-MU production by systematic evaluation of multiple strategies, and as a proof of concept, we have further developed an antibiotic-free fermentation strategy to realize 5-MU production (10.71 g/L) in E. coli MB229 (a ΔthyA strain). Remarkably, we have also established a versatile and robust platform with exploitation of the engineered E. coli for efficient production of diversified UMP-derived chemicals. This study paves the way for future engineering of E. coli as a synthetic biology platform for acceleratively accessing UMP-derived chemical diversities.

Heterogeneous Porous Synergistic Photocatalysts for Organic Transformations.

Recent interest has surged in using heterogeneous carriers to boost synergistic photocatalysis for organic transformations. Heterogeneous catalysts not only facilitate synergistic enhancement of distinct catalytic centers compared to their homogeneous counterparts, but also allow for the easy recovery and reuse of catalysts. This mini-review summarizes recent advancements in developing heterogeneous carriers, including metal-organic frameworks, covalent-organic frameworks, porous organic polymers, and others, for synergistic catalytic reactions. The advantages of porous materials in heterogeneous catalysis originate from their ability to provide a high surface area, facilitate enhanced mass transport, offer a tunable chemical structure, ensure the stability of active species, and enable easy recovery and reuse of catalysts. Both photosensitizers and catalysts can be intricately incorporated into suitable porous carriers to create heterogeneous dual photocatalysts for organic transformations. Notably, experimental evidence from reported cases has shown that the catalytic efficacy of heterogeneous catalysts often surpasses that of their homogeneous analogues. This enhanced performance is attributed to the proximity and confinement effects provided by the porous nature of the carriers. It is expected that porous carriers will provide a versatile platform for integrating diverse catalysts, thus exhibiting superior performance across a range of organic transformations and appealing prospect for industrial applications.

Metal-Free Cyanation of gem-Difluoroalkenes via Azide-Mediated C-C Double Bond Fragmentation.

Activation and cleavage of C-C double bonds are long-standing challenges in synthetic chemistry. Herein, we report an unprecedented azide-mediated C-C double bond fragmentation of gem-difluoroalkenes under mild and metal-free conditions, enabling the efficient synthesis of structurally diverse aromatic nitriles in moderate to good yields. This protocol is also amenable to the cyanation of gem-dichloro and dibromo alkenes. This reaction features simple operation and good functional group compatibility and can be implemented at a gram scale.

CYP1A2 Polymorphism and Drug Co-administration Affect the Blood Levels and Adverse Effects of Pirfenidone.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in metabolic enzymes and co-administration of drugs may affect the blood concentration of pirfenidone effective in pulmonary fibrosis. To provide a basis for the precise clinical use of pirfenidone, the authors analyzed the correlation between steady-state pirfenidone trough concentration and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and examined the impact of CYP1A2*1C (rs2069514) and *1F (rs762551) variants and co-administration on pirfenidone blood concentrations and ADRs. METHODS: Forty-four patients were enrolled. The blood concentration of pirfenidone was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. CYP1A2*1C and *1F genotypes were determined using direct SNP sequencing. Additional information related to drug associations was collected to screen factors affecting drug metabolism. RESULTS: The highest predictive value of ADRs was observed when the steady-state trough concentration of pirfenidone was 3.18 mcg·mL-1 and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.701 (P = 0.024). The pirfenidone concentration-to-dose ratio (C/D) in CYP1A2*1F homozygous AA mutants was lower than that in C carriers (CC+AC) (1.28 ± 0.85 vs. 2.03 ± 1.28 mcg·mL-1; P = 0.036). Adverse drug reaction (ADR) incidence in the homozygous AA mutant group (28.0%) was significantly lower than that in the C carriers (CC+AC) (63.2%; P = 0.020), and ADR incidence in the A carriers (AC+AA) was considerably lower than that in the CC group (85.7%; P = 0.039). The C/D value of the combined lansoprazole/rabeprazole group was lower than that of the noncombination group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The ADR incidence was positively correlated with pirfenidone blood concentration. The CYP1A2 (rs762551) AA genotype is associated with lower pirfenidone concentrations and fewer ADRs. Lansoprazole/rabeprazole co-administration reduced pirfenidone concentrations. Randomized controlled trials should further explore personalized dosing of pirfenidone and combination therapies.

The Clinical Significance and the Potential Regulatory Mechanism of the LncRNA OIP5-AS1 in Paediatric Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia Blood Through the MiR-150-5p/PDCD4 Axis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to elucidate the clinical significance and regulatory mechanism of the long non-coding RNA OIP5-AS1 in severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) among paediatric patients. METHODS: qRT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA levels of OIP5-AS1. ROC curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic significance of OIP5-AS1. Short-term prognostic significance was evaluated through Kaplan-Meier survival. An in vitro cell model was developed using LPS-induced MRC-5 cells. CCK-8, flow cytometry, and ELISA were conducted to measure cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammatory factor levels. The association between miR-150-5p and PDCD4 was confirmed through DLR assays. RESULTS: Elevated OIP5-AS1 were observed in paediatric patients with SCAP, which enabled effective differentiation from healthy individuals. High expression of OIP5-AS1 correlated with reduced survival rates. OIP5-AS1 knockdown attenuated cell viability suppression and the promotion of apoptosis and inflammatory factors induced by LPS. However, this attenuation was reversed by reduced levels of miR-150-5p. miR-150-5p was identified as a target of PDCD4 and OIP5-AS1. CONCLUSION: Increased OIP5-AS1 levels show potential as a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for paediatric patients with SCAP. This study illustrates its role in regulating cell viability, apoptosis, and the inflammatory response via the miR-150-5p/PDCD4 axis, acting as a ceRNA.

Impaired sensitivity to thyroid hormones is associated with different grades of hypertension: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Accumulating evidence suggests a potential link between thyroid function with hypertension. However, the research results are limited, and there is no research to explore the relationship between central and peripheral thyroid hormones (THs) sensitivity and different grades of hypertension in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aims to prove the complex interaction between thyroid system and blood pressure, and provides new ideas for the assessment of hypertension in patients with CHD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Calculate parameters representing central and peripheral sensitivity to THs. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between central and peripheral THs sensitivity of CHD patients and different grades of hypertension, especially in different ages, sexes, blood glucose levels, smoking, and drinking statuses. Among the 34,310 participants, 19,610 (57.16 %) were diagnosed with hypertension. The risk of hypertension and TSHI (OR: 0.88; 95 % CI: 0.87-0.90; P < 0.001), TT4RI (OR: 0.998; 95 % CI: 0.998-0.999; P < 0.001), TFQI (OR: 0.63; 95 % CI: 0.60-0.67; P < 0.001), PTFQI (OR: 0.63; 95 % CI: 0.59-0.67; P < 0.001) was negatively associated. The risk of hypertension was positively associated with FT3/FT4 (OR: 1.20; 95 % CI: 1.17-1.22; P < 0.001). After stratified analysis, these associations remained significant at different ages, sexes, blood glucose levels, grades of hypertension, smoking, and drinking statuses (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the decrease in central THs sensitivity index and the increase in peripheral THs sensitivity index are associated with a higher risk of hypertension in CHD patients.

The experience of shared decision-making for people with asthma: A systematic review and metasynthesis of qualitative studies.

OBJECTIVES: To identify, describe and synthesise the views and experiences of adults living with asthma regarding shared decision-making (SDM) in the existing qualitative literature METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of 10 databases (list databases) from inception until September 2023. Screening was performed according to inclusion criteria. Tools from the Joanna Briggs lnstitute were utilised for the purposes of data extraction and synthesis in this study. The data extraction process in this study employed the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation Model of Behaviour (COM-B model) as a framework, and a pragmatic meta-aggregative approach was employed to synthesise the collected results. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included in the metasynthesis. Three synthesised themes were identified: the capability of people living with asthma, the opportunities of people living with asthma in SDM, and the motivation of the people living with asthma in SDM. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified specific factors influencing people living with asthma engaging in SDM. The findings of this study can serve as a basis for the implementation of SDM in people living with asthma and provide insights for the development of their SDM training programs. The ConQual score for the synthesised findings was rated as low. To enhance confidence, future studies should address dependability and credibility factors. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This review contemplates the implementation of SDM from the perspective of people living with asthma, with the aim of providing patient-centred services for them. The results of this review can benefit the implementation of SDM and facilitate information sharing. It offers guidance for SDM skills training among adults living with asthma, fosters a better doctor-patient relationship and facilitates consensus in treatment decisions, thereby enabling personalised and tailored medical care. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Three nursing graduate students participated in the data extraction and integration process, with two students having extensive clinical experience that provided valuable insights for the integration.

Impairments in intrinsic functional networks in type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis of resting-state functional connectivity.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with abnormal communication among large-scale brain networks, revealed by resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC), with inconsistent results between studies. We performed a meta-analysis of seed-based rsFC studies to identify consistent network connectivity alterations. Thirty-three datasets from 30 studies (1014 T2DM patients and 902 healthy controls [HC]) were included. Seed coordinates and between-group effects were extracted, and the seeds were divided into networks based on their location. Compared to HC, T2DM patients showed hyperconnectivity and hypoconnectivity within the DMN, DMN hypoconnectivity with the affective network (AN), ventral attention network (VAN) and frontal parietal network, and DMN hyperconnectivity with the VAN and visual network. T2DM patients also showed AN hypoconnectivity with the somatomotor network and hyperconnectivity with the VAN. T2DM illness durations negatively correlated with within-DMN rsFC. These DMN-centered impairments in large-scale brain networks in T2DM patients may help to explain the cognitive deficits associated with T2DM.

Relationship between red cell distribution width/albumin ratio and carotid plaque in different glucose metabolic states in patients with coronary heart disease: a RCSCD-TCM study in China.

BACKGROUND: Red cell distribution width/albumin ratio (RAR) is thought to be associated with the prognosis of a variety of diseases, including diabetes and heart failure. To date, no studies have focused on the relationship between RAR and carotid plaque in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: A total of 10,267 patients with CHD were divided according to RAR quartiles (Q1: RAR ≤ 2.960; Q2: 2.960 < RAR ≤ 3.185; Q3: 3.185 < RAR < 3.441; Q4: RAR ≥ 3.441). Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between RAR and carotid plaques in CHD patients. The relationship between RAR and carotid plaques in according to sex, age and glucose regulation state groups were also assessed. RESULTS: Among the 10,267 participants, 75.43% had carotid plaques. After adjusting for confounding factors, RAR was found to be associated with carotid plaque formation (OR: 1.23; 95% CI 1.08-1.39). The risk of carotid plaque formation in the Q4 group was 1.24 times higher than that in the Q1 group. After multivariate adjustment, RAR was associated with the risk of carotid plaque in female (OR: 1.29; 95% CI 1.09-1.52). And the relationship between RAR and carotid plaques in patients younger than 60 years old (OR: 1.43; 95% CI 1.16-1.75) was stronger than that in those older than 60 years old (OR: 1.29; 95% CI 1.10-1.51). Under different glucose metabolism states, RAR had the highest correlation with the risk of carotid plaques in diabetes patients (OR: 1.28; 95% CI 1.04-1.58). CONCLUSIONS: RAR was significantly related to carotid plaques in patients with CHD. In addition, the correlation between RAR and the incidence of carotid plaque in patients with CHD was higher in women and middle-aged and elderly patients. In patients with CHD and diabetes, the correlation between RAR and carotid plaque was higher.

Seaweed polysaccharides treatment alleviates injury of inflammatory responses and gut barrier in LPS-induced mice.

Gastrointestinal (GI) disease is a common digestive tract disease effects health of millions of human globally each year, thus the role of intestinal microflora had been emphasized. Seaweed polysaccharides featured a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant activity and pharmacological action, but whether they can alleviate the dysbiosis of gut microbial ecology caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure has not been well conducted. In this study, we investigated the effects of different concentration of seaweed polysaccharides on LPS-induced intestinal disorder by using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Histopathological results indicated that the intestinal structure in the LPS-induced group was damaged. Furthermore, LPS exposure not only reduced the intestinal microbial diversity in mice but also induced considerable transformation in its composition, along with significant increase in pathogenic bacteria (Helicobacter, Citrobacter and Mucispirillum) and decrease in beneficial bacteria (Firmicutes, Lactobacillus, Akkermansia and Parabacteroides). Nonetheless, seaweed polysaccharides administration could recover the gut microbial dysbiosis and the loss of gut microbial diversity induced by LPS exposure. In summary, seaweed polysaccharides were effective against LPS-induced intestinal damage in mice via the modulation of intestinal microecology.

Fecal microbiota transplantation attenuates Escherichia coli infected outgrowth by modulating the intestinal microbiome.

BACKGROUND: Given the crucial role of gut microbiota in animal and human health, studies on modulating the intestinal microbiome for therapeutic purposes have grasped a significant attention, of which the role of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been emphasized. METHODS: In the current study, we evaluated the effect of FMT on gut functions in Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection by using mice model. Moreover, we also investigated the subsequently dependent variables of infection, i.e., body weight, mortality, intestinal histopathology, and the expression changes in tight junction proteins (TJPs). RESULTS: The FMT effectively decreased weight loss and mortality to a certain extent with the restoration of intestinal villi that resulted in high histological scores for jejunum tissue damage (p < 0.05). The effect of FMT on alleviating the reduction of intestinal TJPs was also proved by immunohistochemistry analysis and mRNA expression levels. Moreover, the abundance of health-threatening bacteria, belonging to phylum Proteobacteria, family Enterobacteriaceae and Tannerellaceae, genus Escherichia-Shigella, Sphingomonas, Collinsella, etc., were significantly increased, whereas beneficial bacteria, belonging to phylum Firmicutes, family Lactobacillaceae, genus Lactobacillus were decreased in the gut of infected mice. Furthermore, we sought to investigate the association of clinical symptoms with FMT treatment with modulation in gut microbiota. According to beta diversity, the microbial community of gut microbiota results reflected the similarities between non-infected and FMT groups. The improvement of the intestinal microbiota in FMT group was characterized by the significant high level of beneficial microorganisms with the synergistic decrease of Escherichia-Shigella, Acinetobacter, and other taxa. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a beneficial host-microbiome correlation following fecal microbiota transplanatation for controlling gut infections and pathogens-associated diseases.

Bactericidal effect of low-temperature atmospheric plasma against the Shigella flexneri.

BACKGROUND: Shigella flexneri (S. flexneri) is a common intestinal pathogenic bacteria that mainly causes bacillary dysentery, especially in low socioeconomic countries. This study aimed to apply cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) on S. flexneri directly to achieve rapid, efficient and environmentally friendly sterilization. METHODS: The operating parameters of the equipment were determined by plasma diagnostics. The plate count and transmission electron microscope were employed to calculate bacterial mortality rates and observe the morphological damage of bacterial cells. Measurement of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and superoxide anions were detected by 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH) and Dihydroethidium fluorescence probes, respectively. The fluorescence intensity (a. u.) reflects the relative contents. Additionally, the experiment about the single effect of temperature, ultraviolet (UV), and ROS on bacteria was conducted. RESULTS: The peak discharge voltage and current during plasma operation were 3.92kV and 66mA. After discharge, the bacterial mortality rate of 10, 20, 30 and 40 s of plasma treatment was 60.71%, 74.02%, 88.11% and 98.76%, respectively. It was shown that the intracellular ROS content was proportional to the plasma treatment time and ROS was the major contributor to bacterial death. CONCLUSION: In summary, our results illustrated that the plasma treatment could inactivate S. flexneri efficiently, and the ROS produced by plasma is the leading cause of bacterial mortality. This highly efficient sterilization method renders plasma a highly promising solution for hospitals, clinics, and daily life.

Exposure to MoS2 nanosheets or bulk activated Kruppel-like factor 4 in 3D Caco-2 spheroids in vitro and mouse intestines in vivo.

MoS2 nanosheets (NSs) are novel 2D nanomaterials (NMs) being used in many important fields. Recently, we proposed the need to evaluate the influences of NMs on Kruppel-like factors (KLFs) even if these materials are relatively biocompatible. In this study, we investigated the influences of MoS2 NSs or bulk on KLF4 signaling pathway in 3D Caco-2 spheroids in vitro and mouse intestines in vivo. Through the analysis of our previous RNA-sequencing data, we found that exposure to MoS2 NSs or bulk activated KLF4 expression in 3D Caco-2 spheroids. Consistently, these materials also activated KLF4-related gene ontology (GO) terms and down-regulated a panel of KLF4-downstream genes. To verify these findings, we repeatedly exposed mice to MoS2 NSs or bulk materials via intragastrical administration (1 mg/kg bodyweight, once a day, for 4 days). It was shown that oral exposure to these materials decreased bodyweight, leading to relatively higher organ coefficients. As expected, exposure to both types of materials increased Mo elements as well as other trace elements, such as Zn, Fe, and Mn in mouse intestines. The exposure also induced morphological changes of intestines, such as shortening of intestinal villi and decreased crypt depth, which may result in decreased intestinal lipid staining. Consistent with RNA-sequencing data, we found that material exposure increased KLF4 protein staining in mouse intestines and decreased two KLF4 downstream proteins, namely extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and serine/threonine kinase (AKT). We concluded that MoS2 materials were capable to activate KLF4-signaling pathway in intestines both in vivo and in vitro.

Carbon dot and silver nanoparticle-based fluorescent probe for the determination of sulfite and bisulfite via inner-filter effect and competitive redox reactions.

A new sensitive fluorescent probe (CDs-AgNP/H2O2) for detecting sulfite and bisulfite (SO32- and HSO3-) based on the inner-filter effect (IFE) between silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and carbon dots (CDs) was developed. Because of the spectral overlap between the absorption of AgNPs and the excitation of CDs, the fluorescence of CDs can be quenched by AgNPs owing to the IFE. H2O2 weakens the IFE and restores the fluorescence due to the oxidation of AgNPs by H2O2. However, the existence of SO32-/HSO3- can quench the fluorescence again as a result of redox reaction between SO32-/HSO3- and H2O2. The results showed a broad linear range of 20-200 µM with a low limit of detection (3.02 µM) toward SO32-/HSO3-. The combination of IFE and redox reaction led to improvement of the sensitivity and selectivity. The probe was implemented to measure SO32-/HSO3- in various agricultural products and foods with acceptable results (80.6 to 118.9% recovery).

Recent advances on the relationship between the delta-like noncanonical Notch ligand 1 system and central precocious puberty†.

Precocious puberty, as a common pediatric endocrine disease, can be divided into central precocious puberty and peripheral precocious puberty, even though most cases of precocious puberty are diagnosed as central precocious puberty. According to its etiology, central precocious puberty can be further divided into organic and idiopathic central precocious puberty. However, the mechanisms of idiopathic central precocious puberty have not yet been fully elucidated. Currently, four genes, including the kisspeptin gene, the kisspeptin receptor gene, the makorin ring finger protein 3, and the delta-like noncanonical Notch ligand 1, have been implicated in central precocious puberty cases, of which delta-like noncanonical Notch ligand 1 has been determined to represent a key, recently found central precocious puberty-related gene. In this review, we will not only highlight the latest discoveries on the relationship between the delta-like noncanonical Notch ligand 1 system and central precocious puberty but also explore the involvement of the system as well as the Notch signaling pathway in central precocious puberty occurrence.

An End-Tidal Carbon Monoxide Nomogram for Term and Late-Preterm Chinese Newborns.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a reference nomogram for end-tidal CO corrected for ambient CO (ETCOc) levels in term and late-preterm Chinese newborns and then assess its efficacy to identify hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective study by measuring concurrent ETCOc and total serum bilirubin (TSB) or transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) levels collected postnatally at 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours of age. ETCOc at the 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles at each epoch were used to construct the reference nomogram. We then explored the ability of predischarge ETCOc and TSB/TcB metrics to predict the development of hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy in early postnatal period and jaundice readmission in late postnatal period. RESULTS: Our nomogram, based on 990 measurements from 455 infants who were not nonhemolytic, displayed a steady line within 3 postnatal days, followed by a subsequent decline. From a cohort of infants with a serial ETCOc measurements (n = 130) and those readmitted (n = 21), we found that ETCOc and TSB/TcB ≥75th percentile can identify most hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia between 12 and 72 hours after birth with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.741. An ETCOc ≥1.7 ppm alone between 96 and 120 hours after birth can identify most hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia with an AUC of 0.816. In addition, 90.5% of readmitted infants had an ETCOc ≥75th percentile. CONCLUSIONS: An ETCOc reference nomogram during the first 5 postnatal days in nonhemolytic term and late-preterm newborns can be used to identify hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy in the early postnatal period and readmission in the late postnatal period.

Association between triglyceride glucose index and carotid artery plaque in different glucose metabolic states in patients with coronary heart disease: a RCSCD-TCM study in China.

BACKGROUND: The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index serves as a surrogate indicator of insulin resistance. However, there is limited evidence on the association between the TyG index and carotid artery plaque (CAP) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: The 10,535 CHD patients were divided according to TyG index quartiles (Q1: TyG index < 8.52; Q2: 8.52 ≤ TyG index < 8.93; Q3: 8.93 ≤ TyG index ≤ 9.40; Q4: TyG index > 9.40). The presence or absence of CAP was determined by carotid ultrasonography. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between the TyG index and CAP in CHD patients. The relationship between the TyG index and CAP in according to sex, age groups, and glucose metabolism states were also assessed. RESULTS: The baseline analysis showed that there were significant differences in related parameters among CHD patients divided into four groups according to the quartile of the TyG index. In the multi-adjusted modles, compared to Q1 of the TyG index, the odds ratios (OR) for Q4 of the TyG index for CAP were 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-1.47) in CHD patients. The association between the TyG index and CAP in female (OR: 1.35; 95% CI 1.29-1.43) was higher than that in male (OR: 1.20; 95% CI 1.13-1.27). The OR value of middle-aged (≤ 60 years old) patients (OR: 1.34; 95% CI 1.26-1.42) was higher than that in elderly (> 60 years old) patients (OR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.11-1.22). In different glucose metabolism states, the TyG index of CHD patients was significantly related to the risk of CAP, with the highest OR value observed for diabetes (OR: 1.36; 95% CI 1.26-1.46). CONCLUSIONS: The TyG index and CAP showed a significant association in CHD patients. This association between TyG index and CAP in CHD patients is higher in female than in male, and the association in middle-aged and elderly patients is higher than that in elderly patients. In the condition of DM, the association between TyG index and carotid artery plaque in CHD patients is higher.