ARIMA model for predicting chronic kidney disease and estimating its economic burden in China.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important global public health issue. In China, CKD affects a large number of patients and causes a huge economic burden. This study provided a new way to predict the number of patients with CKD and estimate its economic burden in China based on the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. METHODS: Data of the number of patients with CKD in China from 2000 to 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease. The ARIMA model was used to fit and predict the number of patients with CKD. The direct and indirect economic burden of CKD were estimated by the bottom-up approach and the human capital approach respectively. RESULTS: The results of coefficient of determination (0.99), mean absolute percentage error (0.26%), mean absolute error (343,193.8) and root mean squared error (628,230.3) showed that the ARIMA (1,1,1) model fitted well. Akaike information criterion (543.13) and Bayesian information criterion (546.69) indicated the ARIMA (1,1,1) model was reliable when analyzing our data. The result of relative error of prediction (0.23%) also suggested that the model predicted well. The number of patients with CKD in 2020 to 2025 was predicted to be about 153 million, 155 million, 157 million, 160 million, 163 million and 165 million respectively, accounting for more than 10% of the Chinese population. The total economic burden of CKD from 2019 to 2025 was estimated to be $179 billion, $182 billion, $185 billion, $188 billion, $191 billion, $194 billion and $198 billion respectively. CONCLUSION: The number of patients with CKD and the economic burden of CKD will continue to rise in China. The number of patients with CKD in China would increase by 2.6 million (1.6%) per year on average from 2020 to 2025. Meanwhile, the total economic burden of CKD in China would increase by an average of $3.1 billion per year. The ARIMA model is applicable to predict the number of patients with CKD. This study provides a new perspective for more comprehensive understanding of the future risk of CKD.

Short stature and melanocytic nevi in a girl with ARID1B-related Coffin-Siris syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Coffin-Siris syndrome (CSS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, and characteristic facial features. Few patients with cutaneous phenotype in this rare syndrome have been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we describe a 12-year-old Chinese girl diagnosed with CSS, who was referred to our hospital because of intellectual disability and short stature. Prominent characteristics of the cutaneous system were observed: (1) A congenital giant nevus from the left frontal and temporal regions to the entire left scalp; and (2) multiple melanocytic nevi on the face and trunk. Whole exome sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous variant in the ARID1B gene. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) was given for short stature, and resulted in significantly improved height. No enlargement or malignant transformation of nevi occurred within 4 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The symptoms in cutaneous system is noteworthy,which may be a neglected phenotype in CSS.The therapeutic response of growth hormone is effective in this patient and no tumor related signs were found.

[Clinical features and FGFR3 mutations of children with achondroplasia]. / è½¯éª¨å‘è‚²ä¸å ¨æ‚£å„¿çš„ä¸´åºŠç‰¹å¾åŠFGFR3åŸºå› å˜å¼‚åˆ†æž.

OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical features and fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene mutations of children with achondroplasia (ACH) through an analysis of 17 cases. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data and FGFR3 gene detection results of 17 children with ACH who were diagnosed from January 2009 to October 2021. RESULTS: Of the 17 children with ACH, common clinical manifestations included disproportionate short stature (100%, 17/17), macrocephaly (100%, 17/17), trident hand (82%, 14/17), and genu varum (88%, 15/17). The common imaging findings were rhizomelic shortening of the long bones (100%, 17/17) and narrowing of the lumbar intervertebral space (88%, 15/17). Major complications included skeletal dysplasia (100%, 17/17), middle ear dysfunction (82%, 14/17), motor/language developmental delay (88%, 15/17), chronic pain (59%, 10/17), sleep apnea (53%, 9/17), obesity (41%, 7/17), foramen magnum stenosis (35%, 6/17), and hydrocephalus (24%, 4/17). All 17 children (100%) had FGFR3 mutations, among whom 13 had c.1138G>A hotspot mutations of the FGFR3 gene, 2 had c.1138G>C mutations of the FGFR3 gene, and 2 had unreported mutations, with c.1252C>T mutations of the FGFR3 gene in one child and c.445+2_445+5delTAGG mutations of the FGFR3 gene in the other child. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies the unreported mutation sites of the FGFR3 gene, which extends the gene mutation spectrum of ACH. ACH is a progressive disease requiring lifelong management through multidisciplinary collaboration.

De novo sequence of the mitochondrial genome of Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Sarcoptiformes) including 22 tRNA sequences and the largest non-coding region.

In this study, we de novo sequenced and analyzed the circular mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Tyrophagus putrescentiae. It was 14,156 bp long and contained a complete set of 37 genes, contrary to the initial published sequences; it included 22 tRNA sequences and the largest non-coding region. The mtDNA gene order of T. putrescentiae was found to be identical to that of Aleuroglyphus ovatus, Caloglyphus berlesei, and Rhizoglyphus robini (all Acaroidea). Most tRNAs of T. putrescentiae lack at least a D-arm or T-arm. Tyrophagus putrescentiae tRNAs also shared considerable structural and sequence similarity with the tRNAs of other reported Acaroidea species that have the full set of tRNAs. The largest non-coding region was located between trnF and trnS1, and it contained a microsatellite-like (AT)n sequence, short palindromic sequences, and several hairpin loops, as observed in other reported Acaroidea species (excepting Tyrophagus longior).

[A predictive analysis of the association between clinical phenotypes and genotypes in children with Becker muscular dystrophy/Duchenne muscular dystrophy].

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between clinical phenotypes and genotypes in children with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD)/Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) so as to provide a theoretical basis for disease management, gene therapy, and prenatal diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data and gene detection results of 52 children with BMD/DMD. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) was used to detect the DMD gene. The children with negative results of MLPA were further screened by exon chip capture combined with next-generation sequencing (NGS). The mothers of 20 probands were validated by sequencing. RESULTS: The pathogenic genes for BMD/DMD were detected in 50 children by MLPA and NGS, with a detection rate of 96%. Among the 52 children, 36 (69%) had gene deletion, 7 (13%) had duplication, and 7 (13%) had micromutation. Among the 43 children with deletion/duplication, 32 had DMD and 11 had BMD; 37 children (86%) met the reading frame rule, among whom 27 (96%) had DMD and 10 (67%) had BMD. All 7 children with micromutation had DMD. CONCLUSIONS: The reading frame rule has an extremely high predictive value for DMD but a limited predictive value for BMD.

[Effect of Fuzi Lizhong decoction in reducing liver injury of rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver via activating AMPK and suppressing NF-κBp65 pathway].

To investigate the protective effect and relevant mechanism of Fuzi Lizhong decoction (FZLZD) on liver of rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), totally 32 male SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, model group, Yishanfu (YSF) group (200 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹) and FZLZD group (10 g·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹), with 8 rats in each group. Rat model of NAFLD was prepared through the intragastric administration with fat emulsion for 4 weeks. After the successful modeling, rats in each administration group were continuously administered for 4 weeks. After 8 weeks, the rats in each group were put to death, and the pathological changes in liver tissue were detected by HE staining. Automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect fasting serum lipid levels (T-Chol, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C) and liver functions (ALT, TP, ALB) of rats in each group. The rat liver index was calculated by weighing method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the secretion of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in liver tissue. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expressions of fat metabolism-related factors SREBP-1c and FASN in liver tissue. Western blot was used to detect the p-AMPK and p-NF-κBp65 protein expressions in liver tissue. The results of HE staining showed that compared with the control group, the pathological changes in liver tissue in the model group rats were obvious; specifically, the outline of hepatic lobule was unclear, the hepatic cells showed diffuse steatosis of adipose tissue, and were accompanied by inflammatory infiltration, nuclear condensation, coloring deep; compared with the model group, liver lesions of all of the treatment groups were significantly alleviated; especially, the FZLZD group showed the most significant degree of remission. The results of serum test showed that the levels of serum lipids (T-Chol, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C), liver functions (ALT, TP, ALB) and liver index in model group were significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.01); compared with the model group, the indexes of serum lipid and liver function of rats in each treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and those in FZLZD group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while those in YSF group were not significantly changed. The results of ELISA and qRT-PCR showed that compared with the control group, the secretion levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and the mRNA levels of SREBP-1c and FASN in the liver tissue of model group rats were significantly increased (P<0.01); compared with model group, the secretion levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and the mRNA levels of SREBP-1c, FASN in liver tissue of rats in each treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.01); compared with YSF group, the secretion levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and the mRNA levels of SREBP-1c and FASN in FZLZD group were significantly different (P<0.01). Western blotting showed that compared with the model group, the protein expression of p-AMPK in liver tissue of rats in FZLZD group was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the protein expression of p-NF-κBp65 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). FZLZD can significantly improve hepatic pathological changes, reduce serum lipid levels, promote liver function and liver index in NAFLD rats, which may be associated with the activation of the AMPK pathway and thereby the inhibition of the expressions of SREBP-1c and FASN, and the inhibition of the NF-κBp65 pathway and thereby the reduction of the release of inflammatory factors.

[Effects of three Wenyang Jianpi Tang on cell proliferation and apoptosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver cells].

To investigate the effects of Sijunzi Tang, Lizhong Tang and Fuzi Lizhong Tang on the cell proliferation and apoptosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver cells through the nonalcoholic fatty liver cell model established by inducing L02 cells with oleic acid. Different concentrations of oleic acid were added into L02 cells to induce the nonalcoholic fatty liver cell model. Oil red O staining was used to observe fatty droplets of fatty liver cells. Automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect the levels of aspartic transaminase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), total cholesterol(TC), and triglyceride(TG) in the cell supernatants. There were five groups, namely normal group, model group, model and Sijunzi Tang group, model and Lizhong Tang group, and model and Fuzi Lizhong Tang group. The cell proliferation and apoptosis of the five groups were detected by MTT colorimetry test and flow cytometer. The expressions of PCNA, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8, cleaved caspase-9, Bax and Bcl-2 proteins of the five groups were detected by Western blot. The oil red O staining results showed that the optimum concentration of oleic acid that was used to induce nonalcoholic fatty liver cell models was 80 mg•L-1. The levels of AST, ALT, TC and TG in the nonalcoholic fatty liver cell supernatants were higher than that in normal liver cell supernatants(P<0.01). MTT colorimetry test and flow cytometer results showed that all of Sijunzi Tang, Lizhong Tang and Fuzi Lizhong Tang could effectively promote the cell proliferation, and inhibit the cellular apoptosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver cells(P<0.01). And Fuzi Lizhong Tang showed the best effect. Western blot results showed that Sijunzi Tang, Lizhong Tang and Fuzi Lizhong Tang could down-regulate the expressions of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8, cleaved caspase-9 and Bax proteins, and up-regulate the expressions of PCNA and Bcl-2 proteins of nonalcoholic fatty liver cells. And Fuzi Lizhong Tang showed the best effect. In conclusion, all of Sijunzi Tang, Lizhong Tang and Fuzi Lizhong Tang could effectively promote the cell proliferation, and inhibit the cellular apoptosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver cells. And Fuzi Lizhong Tang showed the best effect. The pharmacodynamic mechanism may be related to the expressions of key factors in pathways related with proliferation and apoptosis mediated by the three decoctions.

[The Latest Research Progress of Coupling between BiOX and Semiconductor Photocatalyst].

The heterojunction was formed between two kinds of coupling semiconductors , which improved the charge separation efficiency of system, widened the spectral response range of catalysts and improved photocatalytic propertirs of catalysts. The process of preparation of semiconductors coupling was easily affected by preparation methods and reaction temperature and so on, which would cause the changes in crystal structure and surface properties of coupling semiconductors, thus photocatalytic quantum efficiency of coupling semiconductors was increased. In this article, the following three aspects were mainly discussed. (1) About the coupled system of halogen bismuth oxide and oxide, because generaling BiOX with the semiconductor material compound, the efficient heterojunction structure could be formed, photocatalytic performances of the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants were improved. (2) About the coupled system of AgX and BiOX, compared with the pure AgI or BiOI, composite photocatalytic materials of AgI/BiOI had higher photocatalytic reactivity in visible light. (3) About the coupled system of halogen bismuth oxide and other compounds, after Bi2S3 coupled with BiOX, photoproduction electronic migrated in the two kinds of catalysts, the separation efficiency of electrons and holes was improved, and photocatalytic performances of coupling compound were improved. In addition, in recent years, the latest research progress of the preparation method, the influencing factors of the photocatalytic performance and improving the utilization efficiency of visible light of semiconductors coupling at home and abroad was reviewed in this paper. Finally, the main problems and the future striving direction in semiconductors coupling were presented.

[A Study on Preparation and Photocatalytic Activity of Mn-BiOCl].

Using Bi2O3 and MnC2 x 4H2O as raw materials, with HCl as solvent, photocatalysts of Mn-BiOCl with different molar ratio of Mn and Bi were prepared by a hydrolysis method. The obtained samples were characterized by XRD, HRTEM, TEM, UV-Vis DRS and SPS. The UV light photocatalytic activity of Mn-BiOCl was evaluated by using methyl orange as model compounds of photocatalytic reaction. The active species in the degradation process of methyl orange were studied. The results show that the Mn content of Mn-BiOCl photocatalysts has an important effect on the catalytic activity. When the molar ratio of Mn and Bi is 0.25%, the as-prepared Mn-BiOCl photocatalyst has the highest catalytic activity toward the degradation of methyl orange. Photocatalytic degradation rate of methyl orange can reach 95.1%.

[Analysis of optic crosstalk correction for pushbroom hyperspectral data].

Based on the imaging process of pushbroom hyperspectral imager, a correction method for optic crosstalk was developed. An area that has white calibration target was selected as reference data. The target pixels crosstalk quantity was gained using the subtraction between the two lines of reference data, and it was fitted to restrain noise. Using recursion method, crosstalk quantity of single pixel was calculated from the fitted function, and it could be used to correct the optical crosstalk of the whole data. Three PHI (pushbroom hyperspectral imager) data which have different ground scene were corrected. It was showed that optical crosstalk in corrected data is lightened obviously, and the data quality is improved effectively in both the spectral dimension and spatial dimension. The spectral changing caused by optical crosstalk is also corrected, and the bands with definition increased more than 50% accounts for 83% of the total bands. Optic crosstalk is obtained form hyperspectral data itself which is independent of other data source. It is proved that the correction method is valid, and it is applicable for different ground type. The correction method also provides a way to measure the optic crosstalk of hyperspectral imager in the lab.

[Study on synthesis and matching degree of energy level of terbium complexes using o-fluoro-benzoic acid as ligand].

Tb(2-FBA)3 x 2H2O and Tb(2-FBA)3 phen were synthesized using o-fluoro-benzoic acid (2-FBA) as the first ligand, and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) as the second ligand. Elemental analysis and IR spectra were employed to characterize the molecular composition of the two kinds of lanthanide complexes. The UV absorption spectra with same concentration show that the second ligand phen of Tb(2-FBA)3 phen absorbs the portion of the UV light instead of the first ligand 2-FBA. Liquid fluorescence spectra with same concentration show that the fluorescence intensity of Tb(2-FBA)3 x 2H2O is higher than that of Tb (2-FBA)3 phen. The analytical results show that the energy level of 2-FBA matches the lowest excited state energy level of Tb3+ (5D4) better than that of phen. The O-H oscillation of the crystal water in Tb(2-FBA)3 x 2H2O will greatly consume the absorbed energy by ligands, and cause the fluorescence intensity of Tb(2-FBA)3 x 2H2O significantly decline. The energy level of triplet state of the first ligand 2-FBA corresponding to the absorption peak 273 nm has poor matching degree with the 5D4 energy level of Tb3+. In this case, the emission intensity of Tb(2-FBA)3 x 2H2O is still stronger than that of Tb(2-FBA)3 phen. It illustrates that the energy level of the triplet state of the first ligand 2-FBA corresponding to 252 nm has much better matching degree with the lowest excited state of 5D4 energy level of Tb3+ than that of phen. It is the only way to compensate for energy loss by thermal vibration of water molecules and low energy transfer efficiency for poor matching degree between the energy level of corresponding to 273 nm of the first ligand 2-FBA and 5D4 energy level of Tb3+. By combining UV absorption spectra with fluorescence spectra of lanthanide complexes to qualitatively analyze energy level of ligands, the contribution of different types of ligands to the fluorescence properties can be preliminarily understood.

Identification and Validation of Diagnostic Model Based on Angiogenesis- and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition-Related Genes in Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a chronic cardiovascular disease. This study aims to discern potentially angiogenesis- and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes as biomarkers for MI diagnosis through bioinformatics. Methods: All datasets and angiogenesis- and EMT-related genes were collected from the public database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of MI and MI-related genes were acquired. DEGs, MI-related genes, and angiogenesis- and EMT-related genes were intersected to obtain hub genes. Functional enrichment, immune microenvironment, and transcription factors (TFs)-hub genes regulatory network analysis were performed. The diagnostic markers and models were developed and validated. Drug prediction and molecular docking were performed. Finally, diagnostic markers expressions were validated using RT-qPCR. Results: A total of 224 angiogenesis- and EMT-related genes, 2,897 DEGs, 1,217 MI-related genes, and 9 hub genes were acquired. The immune infiltration levels of plasma cells, T cells CD4 memory activated, monocytes, macrophages M0, mast cells resting, and neutrophils were higher in patients with MI. LRPAP1, COLGALT1, QSOX1, THBD, VCAN, PLOD1, and PLAUR as the diagnostic markers were identified and used to construct diagnostic models, which can distinguish MI from controls well. Then, 9 drugs were screened, and the binding energies ranged from -7.08 to -5.21 kcal/mol. RT-qPCR results showed that the expression of LRPAP1, PLAUR, and PLOD1 was significantly increased in the MI group. Conclusion: The 7 diagnostic markers may play potential roles in MI and could contribute to improved future diagnostics.

Association between GLIM-diagnosed malnutrition and quality of life in older patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Older patients with cancer have a higher risk for malnutrition and impaired quality of life (QoL). The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between malnutrition diagnosed according to the Global Leadership Initiative Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and QoL across various tumor types, and to evaluate the combined prognostic value of malnutrition and QoL in predicting survival among older patients with cancer. METHODS: This multicenter, observational cohort study included 5310 older patients with cancer and 2184 with malnutrition (moderate stage, n = 1023; severe stage, n = 1161). An empirical cumulative distribution curve was performed to illustrate the correlation between malnutrition and QoL. The primary objective was to investigate the association between malnutrition and QoL using logistic regression analysis. Survival analyses were performed to assess the combined prognostic value of malnutrition and QoL. RESULTS: The median age of the patients (66.9% male, 33.1% female) was 70 years (interquartile range [IQR] 67-74 years) years. The median QoL score was highest in patients without malnutrition (91.88 [IQR 84.44-97.44]), followed by those with moderate (86.15 [IQR 76.18-93.85) and severe (82.31 [IQR 69.87-91.11]) malnutrition. Logistics regression revealed that the risk for developing impaired QoL increased 1.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.64-2.38; P < 0.001) and 2.33 (95% CI 1.93-2.81; P < 0.001) times in patients with moderate and severe malnutrition, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that QoL in combination with GLIM criteria demonstrated a significant discriminative performance for survival and served as an independent prognostic factor among older patients with cancer, especially for lung and gastric cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition diagnosed according to the GLIM criteria was a predictor of impaired QoL. Additionally, the combination of QoL and malnutrition demonstrated utility for predicting survival outcomes in older patients with cancer.

[Raman spectra analysis of GaN : Er films prepared by ion implantation].

U-, n- and p-GaN : Er films were prepared by ion implantation method. Three carrier types of samples were studied by Raman spectra analysis. After Er+ ion implantation into GaN samples, new Raman peaks at wavenumber of 293, 362 (see text) 670 cm-1 appeared, where 293 cm-1 was considered as disordered activation of Raman scattering (DARS), 362 and 670 cm-1 may be associated with GaN lattice defects formed after ion implantation. The Ez (high) characteristic peak moves to the high frequency before and after GaN : Er samples annealing at 800 C, indicating that GaN lattice is under the compressive stress. The Lorenz fitting was used to analysed the occurrences of A1 (LO) peak in different samples which is composed of the uncoupled mode LO and the plasmon coupling mode LPP+, qualitatively pointing out the carrier concentration variation of a series of GaN : Er samples.

[Study on preparations and fluorescent properties of rare earth complex with property of fluorescence sensor].

Europium chloride, 2-thienylformyltrifluoroacetone and sodium silicate were used to synthesize new-style rare earth complex (Eu-TNS). By adding into dichloromethane solution containing Eu-TNS, the fluorescent intensities were enhanced gradually and regularly. High-resolution mass spectrometry was used to detect the formula of Eu-TNS, which belongs to multi-core rare-earth complex. Polarity of solution increasing by adding absolute ethanol will cause Eu-TNS to dissociate, which enhances the fluoresceot intensities of Eu-TNS solution. This rare earth complex Eu-TNS can be employed as fluorescence sensor to detect the content of ethanol in organic solvent.

[The Role of Platelet Exosomes in Atherogenic Thrombosis --Review].

Exosomes are subtypes of extracellur vesicles containing a variety of cell-specific proteins, lipids and nucleic acids released during cell activation or apoptosis, and play the role of intercellur communication mediators in different physiological and pathological processes. With the development of research in recent years, the role of platelet-derived exosomes in cardiovascular diseases has attracted extensive attention. This paper reviews the role of platelet-derived exosomes in atherosclerotic thrombosis and the potential role of platelet-derived exosomes as biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerotic thrombotic disease and the problems to be solved.

[Synthesis of SiO2 coated Eu(TTA)3phen and study on its fluorescent property].

New-style fluorescent material of SiO2/Eu(TTA)3 phen was synthesized by the method of dispersing Eu(TTA)3 phen in isopropanol and hydrolyzing TEOS. Fluorescence spectra showed that the emission intensities of SiO2/Eu(TTA)3 phen were much more stronger than that of Eu(TTA)3 phen by more than two times. At the same time, the peak at 617.4 nm became very sharp, which could not be observed for Eu(TTA)3 phen. This indicated that the structure of Eu(TTA)3 phen became more rigid after coated by SiO2. Thus, the emission intensity was enhanced largely. Life-time of SiOz/Eu(TTA)3 phen decreasing just confirmed the rigidity of SiO2/Eu(TTA)3 phen.

[Synthesis and characterization of new lanthanide complexes using pipemidic acid (PPA) and dioxane as ligands].

Eu(PPA)3 dioxane and Tb(PPA)3 dioxane were synthesized by firstly adopting dioxane as second ligand and using pipemidic acid (PPA) as first ligand. In contrast with two kinds of binary lanthanide complexes Eu(PPA)3 and Tb(PPA)3, the photoluminescent intensities of Eu (PPA)3 dioxane and Tb (PPA)3 dioxane are much stronger, especially for that of Tb(PPA)3 dioxane. The enhancement of photoluminescent intensities of Eu(PPA)3 dioxane and Tb(PPA)3 dioxane is because of the replacement of dioxane for water bonded to Eu3+ and Tb3+, by which the energy loss through heat oscillation will be inhibited. The as-synthesized lanthanide complexes were characterized by FT-IR, photoluminescence spectra and photoluminescence lifetime. The lifetime of Eu(PPA)3 dioxane and Tb(PPA) dioxane remarkably changed compared with those of Eu(PPA)3 and Tb(PPA)3. However, there is much difference for the lifetime change of as-synthesized lanthanide complexes formed by Eu3+ and Tb3+, which shows that there is different energy transfer process for the lanthanide complexes formed by Eu3+ and Tb3+. The synthesis of lanthanide complexes using dioxane as second ligand will provide a new method to detect the existence of dioxane.

Influence of cerium content on the microstructure and thermal expansion properties of suction cast Al-Cu-Fe alloys.

Low-expansion alloys are of great importance and can be used for the development of new aerospace materials. Herein, we report diverse rare earth quasicrystal alloys fabricated by the vacuum suction casting process. The effects of the addition of cerium (Ce) on the microstructure, thermal expansion properties and microhardness of the Al-Cu-Fe alloy were systematically investigated. This study discovered the tiny Al-Cu-Fe-Ce microstructure. A uniform distribution could be achieved after Ce addition amount is elevated. At the Ce addition amount of 1 at%, the lowest alloy thermal expansion coefficient was obtained. The alloy exhibited the maximum microhardness under these conditions. The microhardness of alloys containing 1 at% of Ce was approximately 2.4 times higher than the microhardness exhibited by alloys devoid of Ce additives. The coefficient of thermal expansion decreases by approximately 20%. The use of the suction casting process and the addition of an appropriate amount of Ce can potentially help design and develop Al-Cu-Fe-Ce alloys.

Effects of enzymatic treatments on the hydrolysis and antigenicity reduction of natural cow milk.

Cow milk (CM) allergy is one of the most common food allergies worldwide; the most abundant CM proteins, such as casein (CN), ß-lactoglobulin (ß-LG), and ɑ-lactalbumin (ɑ-LA), are all potentially allergenic. Reducing the antigenicity of CM continues to be a major challenge. However, previous studies have focused on the antigenicity of individual allergic CM proteins. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of different food-grade enzymes on the antigenicity of CN, ß-LG, ɑ-LA in natural CM. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) and molecular mass (MW) distribution of CM hydrolysates were assessed. Additionally, the residual antigenicity of CM hydrolysates was evaluated through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting with anti-CN, anti-ß-LG, and anti-ɑ-LA rabbit polyclonal antibodies. The results showed that Alcalase- and Protamex-mediated hydrolysis could efficiently reduce the antigenicity of CN, ß-LG, and ɑ-LA, inducing a higher DH, the loss of density of CM proteins, and the increasing levels of low MW (<3 kDa) peptides in CM hydrolysates. Further, Protamex and Alcalase could more efficiently hydrolyze the major allergenic components of CM than the other enzymes, which could represent an advantage for the development of hypoallergenic CM. These findings add further knowledge about the study and development of hypoallergenic CM.