ABSTRACT
For materials with coexisting phases, the transition from a random to an ordered distribution of materials often generates new mechanisms. Although the magnetic confinement effect has improved the electromagnetic (EM) performance, the transition from random to ordered magnetic confinement positions remains a synthetic challenge, and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Herein, precise control of magnetic nanoparticles is achieved through a spatial confinement growth strategy, preparing five different modalities of magnetic confined carbon fiber materials, effectively inhibiting magnetic agglomeration. Systematic studies have shown that the magnetic confinement network can refine CoNi NPs size and enhance strong magnetic coupling interactions. Compared to CoNi@HCNFs on the hollow carbon fibers (HCNFs) outer surface, HCNFs@CoNi constructed on the inner surface induce stronger spatial charge polarization relaxation at the interface and exhibit stronger magnetic coupling interactions at the inner surface due to the high-density magnetic coupling units at the micro/nanoscale, thereby respectively enhancing dielectric and magnetic losses. Remarkably, they achieve a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of -64.54 dB and an absorption bandwidth of 5.60 GHz at a thickness of 1.77 mm. This work reveals the microscale mechanism of magnetic confinement-induced different polarization relaxation and magnetic response, providing a new strategy for designing magnetic materials.
ABSTRACT
Understanding the roles played by centromeres in chromosome evolution and speciation is complicated by the fact that centromeres comprise large arrays of tandemly repeated satellite DNA, which hinders high-quality assembly. Here, we used long-read sequencing to generate nearly complete genome assemblies for four karyotypically diverse Papaver species, P. setigerum (2n = 44), P. somniferum (2n = 22), P. rhoeas (2n = 14), and P. bracteatum (2n = 14), collectively representing 45 gapless centromeres. We identified four centromere satellite (cenSat) families and experimentally validated two representatives. For the two allopolyploid genomes (P. somniferum and P. setigerum), we characterized the subgenomic distribution of each satellite and identified a "homogenizing" phase of centromere evolution in the aftermath of hybridization. An interspecies comparison of the peri-centromeric regions further revealed extensive centromere-mediated chromosome rearrangements. Taking these results together, we propose a model for studying cenSat competition after hybridization and shed further light on the complex role of the centromere in speciation.
Subject(s)
Centromere , Evolution, Molecular , Papaver , Centromere/genetics , Papaver/genetics , Genetic Speciation , Chromosomes, Plant/genetics , DNA, Satellite/genetics , KaryotypeABSTRACT
Integration of functional fillers into liquid metals (LM) induces rheology modification, enabling the free-form shaping of LM at the micrometer scale. However, integrating non-chemically modified low-dimensional materials with LM to form stable and uniform dispersions remain a great challenge. Herein, we propose a solvent-assisted dispersion (SAD) method that utilizes the fragmentation and reintegration of LM in volatile solvents to engulf and disperse fillers. This method successfully integrates MXene uniformly into LM, achieving better internal connectivity than the conventional dry powder mixing (DPM) method. Consequently, the MXene/LM (MLM) coating exhibits high electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance (105 dB at 20 µm, which is 1.6 times that of coatings prepared by DPM). Moreover, the rheological characteristic of MLM render it malleable and facilitates direct printing and adaptation to diverse structures. This study offers a convenient method for assembling LM with low-dimensional materials, paving the way for the development of multifunctional soft devices.
ABSTRACT
This study identified phenolic compounds in five flaxseed varieties and evaluated their antioxidant activities. Results showed significant variations in phenolic acids and flavonoids among the varieties. Longya 16 had the lowest flavonoid content, Longya 13 had the lowest phenolic acid content, while Longya 10 exhibited the highest content and diversity of polyphenols, including six flavonoids (vitexin, quercitrin, quercetin, apigenin, kaempfero1, (+)-dihydroquercetin) and five phenolic acids (gallic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid). Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, and cell-based assays under tBHP-induced oxidative stress. Flaxseed polyphenol extracts significantly reduced ROS, MDA, and GSSG levels and increased SOD and CAT activities, preserving cell vitality and morphology. These findings confirmed the significant antioxidant activity of flaxseed polyphenols, providing a theoretical basis for their application in antioxidative functional areas.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Acute primary angle closure (APAC) is an emergency ophthalmic presentation and a major cause of irreversible blindness in China. However, only a few studies have focused on the characteristics of optic disc hemorrhage (ODH) during an APAC attack, including its shape, depth, location, scope, and duration after intraocular pressure (IOP) control, along with changes in the optic nerve. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of ODH and optic nerve changes in patients during their first APAC episode. Methods: This retrospective study involved 32 eyes from 32 patients with APAC who received sequential treatment and analyzed the following parameters: the highest IOP and its duration, ODH, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), and mean deviation (MD). We compared parameters obtained from the affected eye (ODH group) and contralateral unaffected eye (control group), as well as intragroup comparisons. Results: The mean IOP in the ODH group was 64.28 ± 10.36 mmHg, with a duration of 4.44 ± 2.35 days. Flame and splinter shapes accounted for 84.38% of the ODH. The mean ODH duration was 4.81 ± 3.25 weeks. ODH during APAC was isolated to one sector in 59.38% of cases, mostly occurring in the temporal superior and temporal inferior (each accounting for 21.88% of the cases). There was a positive correlation between the extent of hemorrhage and the highest IOP duration (p < 0.001). RNFLT was significantly thickened within 72 h post-IOP control but was thinned by 2 weeks. By 6 months, the thinning stabilized, and there was no difference noted between the ODH and control groups at 12 months. MD partly improved at 6 months post-IOP control, and ODH scope significantly affected the MD (p < 0.001). The duration of high IOP was positively correlated to the ODH scope and MD damage. Discussion: Timely and effective IOP management is essential for recovering visual function following an APAC attack.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Centromeres play a crucial and conserved role in cell division, although their composition and evolutionary history in green algae, the evolutionary ancestors of land plants, remains largely unknown. RESULTS: We constructed near telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assemblies for two Trebouxiophyceae species, Chlorella sorokiniana NS4-2 and Chlorella pyrenoidosa DBH, with chromosome numbers of 12 and 13, and genome sizes of 58.11 Mb and 53.41 Mb, respectively. We identified and validated their centromere sequences using CENH3 ChIP-seq and found that, similar to humans and higher plants, the centromeric CENH3 signals of green algae display a pattern of hypomethylation. Interestingly, the centromeres of both species largely comprised transposable elements, although they differed significantly in their composition. Species within the Chlorella genus display a more diverse centromere composition, with major constituents including members of the LTR/Copia, LINE/L1, and LINE/RTEX families. This is in contrast to green algae including Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Coccomyxa subellipsoidea, and Chromochloris zofingiensis, in which centromere composition instead has a pronounced single-element composition. Moreover, we observed significant differences in the composition and structure of centromeres among chromosomes with strong collinearity within the Chlorella genus, suggesting that centromeric sequence evolves more rapidly than sequence in non-centromeric regions. CONCLUSIONS: This study not only provides high-quality genome data for comparative genomics of green algae but gives insight into the composition and evolutionary history of centromeres in early plants, laying an important foundation for further research on their evolution.
Subject(s)
Chlorella , Humans , Chlorella/genetics , Centromere/genetics , Plants/genetics , DNA Transposable Elements , Telomere/geneticsABSTRACT
Transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) demonstrate a massive potential in constructing lightweight, multifunctional wearable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shields for application in various fields. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to develop a facile, scalable approach to prepare the MXene-based macrostructures characterized by low density, low thickness, high mechanical flexibility, and high EMI SE at the same time. Herein, the ultrathin MXene/reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/Ag foams with a porifera-inspired hierarchically porous microstructure are prepared by combining Zn2+ diffusion induction and hard template methods. The hierarchical porosity, which includes a mesoporous skeleton and a microporous MXene network within the skeleton, not only exerts a regulatory effect on stress distribution during compression, making the foams rubber-like resistant to wrinkling but also provides more channels for multiple reflections of electromagnetic waves. Due to the interaction between Ag nanosheets, MXene/rGO, and porous structure, it is possible to produce an outstanding EMI shielding performance with the specific surface shielding effectiveness reaching 109152.4 dB cm2 g-1. Furthermore, the foams exhibit multifunctionalities, such as transverse Joule heating, longitudinal heat insulation, self-cleaning, fire resistance, and motion detection. These discoveries open up a novel pathway for the development of lightweight MXene-based materials with considerable application potential in wearable electromagnetic anti-interference devices.
ABSTRACT
In recent years, difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis (D2T RA) has attracted significant attention from rheumatologists due to its poor treatment response and the persistent symptoms or signs experienced by patients. The therapeutic demands of patients with D2T RA are not properly met due to unclear pathogenic causes and a lack of high-quality data for current treatment options, creating considerable management difficulties with this patient population. This review describes the clinical challenges associated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and explores contributing factors associated with inappropriate response to DMARDs that may lead to D2T RA and related immunological dysregulation. It is now understood that D2T RA is a highly heterogeneous pathological status that involves multiple factors. These factors include but are not limited to genetics, environment, immunogenicity, comorbidities, adverse drug reactions, inappropriate drug application, poor adherence, and socioeconomic status. Besides, these factors may manifest in the selection and utilization of specific DMARDs, either individually or in combination, thereby contributing to inadequate treatment response. Finding these variables may offer hints for enhancing DMARD therapy plans and bettering the condition of D2T RA patients.
Subject(s)
Antirheumatic Agents , Arthritis, Rheumatoid , Biological Products , Humans , Antirheumatic Agents/therapeutic use , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy , Biological Products/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Compared with traditional metal materials, carbon-based materials have the advantages of low density, high conductivity, good chemical stability, etc., and can be used as reliable alternative materials in various fields. Among them, the carbon fiber conductive network constructed by electrospinning technology has the advantages of high porosity, high specific surface area and rich heterogeneous interface. In order to further improve the conductivity and mechanical properties of pure carbon fiber films, tantalum carbide (TaC) nanoparticles were selected as conductive fillers. The crystallization degree, electrical and mechanical properties of electrospun TaC/C nanofibers at different temperatures were investigated. As the carbonization temperature increases, the crystallization degree and electrical conductivity of the sample also increases, while the growth trend of electrical conductivity is markedly slowed. The best mechanical properties of 12.39 MPa was achieved when the carbonization temperature was 1200 °C. Finally, through comprehensive analysis and comparison, it can be concluded that a carbonization temperature of 1200 °C is the optimum.
ABSTRACT
Significant improvements in long-read sequencing technologies have unlocked complex genomic areas, such as centromeres, in the genome and introduced the centromere annotation problem. Currently, centromeres are annotated in a semi-manual way. Here, we propose HiCAT, a generalizable automatic centromere annotation tool, based on hierarchical tandem repeat mining to facilitate decoding of centromere architecture. We apply HiCAT to simulated datasets, human CHM13-T2T and gapless Arabidopsis thaliana genomes. Our results are generally consistent with previous inferences but also greatly improve annotation continuity and reveal additional fine structures, demonstrating HiCAT's performance and general applicability.
Subject(s)
Arabidopsis , Centromere , Humans , Genomics/methods , Tandem Repeat Sequences , Arabidopsis/geneticsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has a high incidence, and severe cases can lead to spinal deformity and even joint fusion, which causes a huge burden on patients life, work and psychology. Tongdu Shujin decoction (TDSJ) has a definite effect in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis, so we designed a randomized controlled trial to observe the efficacy of TDSJ in the treatment of AS, and to evaluate its safety. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 80 eligible patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to a treatment group TDSJ and a control group (celecoxib capsules in combination with thalidomide tablets) for 8 weeks. Visual analogue scale, bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index, bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index, and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores will be used as primary indicators. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, spinal mobility (figure-ground distance, occipital tubercle-wall distance, Schober test) will be used as secondary indicators. Vital signs (respiration, heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, electrocardiogram), blood routine, urine routine, stool routine, liver function, and renal function will be used as safety indicators. The primary and secondary indicators will be detected at 0th and 8th week, while safety indicators at 0th, 4th, and 8th week. DISCUSSION: This study will provide high-quality clinical evidence for the efficacy and safety of TDSJ in the treatment of AS.
Subject(s)
Drugs, Chinese Herbal , Spondylitis, Ankylosing , Humans , Spondylitis, Ankylosing/diagnosis , Treatment Outcome , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use , Body Temperature , Randomized Controlled Trials as TopicABSTRACT
Immune-mediated inflammation contributes to the development of psoriasis. However, long-term treatment with global immunosuppressive agents may cause a variety of side effects including recurrent infections. Kaempferol (KP), a natural flavonol, present in various plants is proposed to be useful for the treatment of psoriasis patients. Nevertheless, an explicit understanding of KP induced mechanisms is a prerequisite for its use in clinics. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic effects and potential mode of action of KP using IFN-γ induced HaCaT cells and imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice. In this study, we found KP reduced intracellular ROS production, inhibited rhIFN-γ-induced IFN-γR1 expression, and up-regulated SOCS1 levels in HaCaT cells. In addition, KP inhibited rhIFN-γ-induced phosphorylation of JAK-STAT signaling molecules in HaCaT cells. Most importantly, KP alleviated imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions in mice, histopathology and proportion of DCs in the skin. Besides, it reduced the population of γδT17 cells in the lymph nodes of the psoriatic mice and also decreased the gene expression of many proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin IL-23, IL-17A, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß in addition to down-regulation of the proinflammatory JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Thus, KP modulated IFN-γ induced JAK-STAT signaling pathway by inducing IFN-γR1 expression and up-regulating SOCS1 expression. In addition, KP also ameliorated imiquimod-induced psoriasis by reducing the dendritic cell numbers, and γδT17 cell population, along with down- modulation of the JAK-STAT pathway.
Subject(s)
Keratinocytes , Psoriasis , Animals , Mice , Imiquimod/pharmacology , Kaempferols/pharmacology , Kaempferols/therapeutic use , Janus Kinases/metabolism , Signal Transduction , STAT Transcription Factors/metabolism , Psoriasis/chemically induced , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Psoriasis/pathology , Skin/pathology , Interferon-gamma/metabolism , Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling Proteins/metabolism , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Disease Models, AnimalABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Water delivery tube reflux during gastrointestinal endoscopy examination is widespread and it is the leading cause of water injection bottle pollution. AIM: To evaluate the application effect of a new anti-reflux water injection tube device in preventing the contamination of endoscopy water injection bottles. METHODS: A total of 520 cases received gastrointestinal endoscopy examination were included. Patients were randomly divided into the experimental and control group. The experimental group used the anti-reflux injection tube device to assist with water injection, and the control group used the ordinary delivery tube. After every five cases of gastrointestinal endoscopy, water from the injection bottles was collected. Visual inspection, crystalline violet staining, microbial culture, and microbial species analysis were performed to analyze the contamination state of the water samples. RESULTS: The contamination rate in the experimental group was 5.66%, significantly lower than 76.47% in the control group. Crystalline violet staining confirmed that microorganisms existed in contaminated water samples. Microbiological culture results showed that the experimental group's undetectable rate of bacteria and fungi was 100%, significantly higher than that of the control group (19.61% for bacteria and 25.49% for fungi). The mean values of the total bacterial and fungal colonies of the control samples were 9.80 × 106 cfu/ml and 9.18 × 106 cfu/ml, respectively. The microbial species in the contaminated samples of the control group were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Proteus mirabilis. CONCLUSION: The anti-reflux water injection tube device can effectively prevent the contamination of the endoscopy water injection bottles caused by the reflux of the ordinary water supply tube.
Subject(s)
Bacteria , Water , Humans , Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Culture MediaABSTRACT
Background: Total glucosides of paeony (TGP), extracted from the Chinese medicine Paeonia lactiflora Pall., have been proven to be effective in various autoimmune diseases. We aim to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of TGP combined with different conventional therapeutic agents in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: Eight databases were searched for randomized controlled studies of TGP for SLE. The search time was set from the establishment of the databases to March 2022. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Evaluation Manual (5.1.0), RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis, and the certainty of the evidence was assessed by the GRADE methodology. Results: A total of 23 articles were included, including 792 patients overall in the treatment group and 781 patients overall in the control group. The meta-analysis results showed that TGP combined with conventional treatments was superior to the conventional treatments in reducing the SLE disease activity and the incidence of adverse reactions (SMDTGP+GC+CTX = -1.98, 95% Cl = [-2.50, -1.46], p < 0.001; SMDTGP+GC+HCQ = -0.65, 95% Cl = [-1.04, -0.26], p <0.001; SMDTGP+GC+TAC = -0.94, 95% Cl = [-1.53, -0.34], p < 0.05; SMDTGP+GC = -1.00, 95% Cl = [-1.64, -0.36], p < 0.05; and RRTGP+GC+CTX = 0.37, 95% Cl = [0.21, 0.64], p < 0.001). The results also showed that TGP helped improve other outcomes related to SLE disease activity, such as complement proteins (C3 and C4), immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM and, IgG), ESR, CRP, 24 h urine protein, and recurrence rate. In addition, TGP may also be effective in reducing the average daily dosage of glucocorticoids (GCs) and the cumulative dosage of cyclophosphamide (CTX). The certainty of the evidence was assessed as moderate to low. Conclusion: TGP is more effective and safer when used in combination with different conventional therapeutic agents. It helped reduce the disease activity of SLE and the incidence of adverse reactions. However, we should be cautious about these conclusions as the quality of the evidence is poor. Future studies should focus on improving the methodology. High-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) will be necessary to provide strong evidence for the efficacy of TGP for SLE. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42021272481.
ABSTRACT
Background: Identification of the high risk population for osteoporosis and timely prevention are the best strategies at present. Detailed epidemiological investigation in a well-defined population is necessary to explore the population-based characteristics and risk factors of osteoporosis, thus to facilitate better prevention programs. Method: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 1423 questionnaires were given out to the urban residents (female ≥ 40 years of age, male ≥50 years) who lived in the 27 Elderly-Care Inns interspersed among the seven central urban areas of Beijing. All participants were voluntary and underwent routine physical examination and spine and hip BMD measurements using the DXA instrument. The study protocols were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (JDZX2015079). Results: Altogether 1407 participants fulfilled the survey. Among 359 men, the prevalence of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and normal BMD were 18.1%, 56.6%, and 25.3%, respectively; among 1048 women, the corresponding figures were 40.3%, 42.8%, and 16.9%, respectively. After adjustment of age and BMI, both hands grip strength, height loss over 3 cm, serum levels of ß-CTx, PINP, and OST were the independent risk factors for osteoporosis in both men and women; besides, familial Alzheimer's disease history in men; and history of steatohepatitis and fracture, serum levels of PTH and ALT, age of menarche, age of menopause, and duration of menstruation in women were also risk factors of osteoporosis. In both genders, the cost-effective method, which adopted both hands grip strength, height loss over 3 cm, and medical history, indicated a good predictive ability to evaluate the risk of osteoporosis (in men AUC=0.730, 95%CI=0.642~0.817; in women AUC=0.769, 95%CI=0.724~0.813). Conclusions: In the population of elderly Beijing urban residents in Elderly-Care Inns, the prevalence of osteoporosis in women is higher than that in men and increases with aging more rapidly; the prevalence of osteopenia in men is higher than in women. The cost-effective method, including both hands grip strength, height loss over 3 cm, and familial Alzheimer's disease history in men; fracture and steatohepatitis history as well as menstrual history in women is recommended in identifying the high-risk subjects for osteoporosis.
Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Bone Diseases, Metabolic , Fatty Liver , Fractures, Bone , Osteoporosis , Absorptiometry, Photon/methods , Aged , Bone Density , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Fractures, Bone/epidemiology , Health Status , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Osteoporosis/etiology , Prospective Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Urban PopulationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and refractory autoimmune disease. Deficiency pattern (DP) and excess pattern (EP), as crucial types of Chinese medicine pattern diagnoses published by International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11), could provide new strategies for RA diagnosis. However, the biological basis of DP and EP of RA is not explicit. METHODS: 19 female RA DP patients, 41 female RA EP patients and 30 female healthy participants were included in the study. The serums of participants were collected and analyzed by metabolomics based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry to profile metabolic characteristics of RA DP and EP. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis results were obtained by using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and statistical analysis was performed by SAS version 9.4 for further identification of potential biomarkers. RESULTS: Serum metabolic profiling revealed 25 and 24 differential metabolites in RA DP and EP respectively, and 19 metabolites were common to RA DP and EP. Compared with DP group, L-Homocysteic acid, LysoPE(P-16:0/0:0), N(omega)-Hydroxyarginine and LysoPC(16:0/0:0) decreased (P < 0.05), and Pyruvic acid, D-Ribose, Gamma-Glutamylserine, PE(22:0/24:1(15Z)), Inosinic acid increased (P < 0.05) in EP group. Menawhile, S-Nitrosoglutathione, 5-Thymidylic acid, SN38 glucuronide, PE(22:0/24:0), PC(24:0/24:1(15Z)) and Bisdiphosphoinositol tetrakisphosphate increased significantly in DP group compared to EP group (P < 0.05). For the unique metabolites, bioinformatics analysis results showed that 5-Methoxytryptamine involved in Melatonin Degradation II and Superpathway of Melatonin Degradation is the key metabolite to RA DP. Meanwhile, GABA is the key metabolite in EP group, which involved in Glutamate Dependent Acid Resistance, GABA Receptor Signaling, Glutamate Degradation III (via 4-aminobutyrate) and 4-aminobutyrate Degradation I. Bioinformatics analysis between unique metabolites of RA DP and EP groups with human target genes for RA showed that 5-methoxytryptamine and LysoPC(18:1(9Z)/0:0), the unique metabolites of RA DP, might participate in colorectal cancer metastasis signaling, tumor microenvironment pathway, apoptosis signaling, MYC mediated apoptosis signaling, erythropoietin signaling pathway and LXR/RXR activation. Simultaneously, GABA, LysoPA(18:1(9Z)/0:0) and L-Targinine, the unique metabolites of RA EP, might participate in neuroinflammation signaling pathway, osteoarthritis pathway, glucocorticoid receptor signaling, ILK signaling, IL-17 signaling and HIF1α signaling. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that serum metabolomics preliminarily revealed the biological basis of RA DP and EP. 5-methoxytryptamine, LysoPC(18:1(9Z)/0:0) and GABA, LysoPA(18:1(9Z)/0:0), L-Targinine might be the predictors to distinguish the DP and EP of RA respectively. These interesting results provide thoughts for further study of traditional medicine patterns of ICD-11. It also contributes to provide strategy for personalized precision treatment of RA and further validation is needed.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: A large number of studies have explored the potential biomarkers for detecting liver cirrhosis in an early stage, yet consistent conclusions are still warranted. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a review and a meta-analysis of the existing studies that test the serum level of bile acids in cirrhosis as the potential biomarkers to predict cirrhosis. METHODS: Six databases had been searched from inception date to April 12, 2021. Screening and selection of the records were based on the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS). Mean difference (MD) and confidence intervals 95% (95% CI) were calculated by using the random effect model for the concentrations of bile acids in the meta-analysis, and I2 statistic was used to measure studies heterogeneity. This study was registered on PROSPERO. RESULTS: A total of 1583 records were identified and 31 studies with 2679 participants (1263 in the cirrhosis group, 1416 in the healthy control group) were included. The quality of included studies was generally high, with 25 studies (80.6%) rated over 7 stars. A total of 45 bile acids or their ratios in included studies were extracted. 36 increased in the cirrhosis group compared with those of the healthy controls by a qualitative summary, 5 decreased and 4 presented with mixing results. The result of meta-analysis among 12 studies showed that 13 bile acids increased, among which four primary conjugated bile acids showed the most significant elevation in the cirrhosis group: GCDCA (MD = 11.38 µmol/L, 95% CI 8.21-14.55, P < 0.0001), GCA (MD = 5.72 µmol/L, 95% CI 3.47-7.97, P < 0.0001), TCDCA (MD = 3.57 µmol/L, 95% CI 2.64-4.49, P < 0.0001) and TCA (MD = 2.14 µmol/L, 95% CI 1.56-2.72, P < 0.0001). No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of DCA (MD = - 0.1 µmol/L, 95% CI - 0.18 to - 0.01, P < 0.0001) and LCA (MD = - 0.01 µmol/L, 95% CI - 0.01 to - 0.02, P < 0.0001), UDCA (MD = - 0.14 µmol/L, 95% CI - 0.04 to - 0.32, P < 0.0001), and TLCA (MD = 0 µmol/L, 95% CI 0-0.01, P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis showed similar results. CONCLUSION: Altered serum bile acids profile seems to be associated with cirrhosis. Some specific bile acids (GCA, GCDCA, TCA, and TCDCA) may increase with the development of cirrhosis, which possibly underlay their potential role as predictive biomarkers for cirrhosis. Yet this predictive value still needs further investigation and validation in larger prospective cohort studies.
Subject(s)
Liver Cirrhosis , Metabolomics , Bile Acids and Salts , Biomarkers , Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/diagnosis , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
The simple design of a high-energy-density device with high-mass-loading electrode has attracted much attention but is challenging. Manganese oxide (MnO2 ) with its low cost and excellent electrochemical performance shows high potential for practical application in this regard. Hence, the high-mass-loading of the MnO2 electrode with wood-derived carbon (WC) as the current collector is reported through a convenient hydrothermal reaction for high-energy-density devices. Benefiting from the high-mass-loading of the MnO2 electrode (WC@MnO2 -20, ≈14.1 mg cm-2 ) and abundant active sites on the surface of the WC hierarchically porous structure, the WC@MnO2 -20 electrode shows remarkable high-rate performance of areal/specific capacitance ≈1.56 F cm-2 /45 F g-1 , compared to the WC electrode even at the high density of 20 mA cm-2 . Furthermore, the obtained symmetric supercapacitor exhibits high areal/specific capacitances of 3.62 F cm-2 and 87 F g-1 at 1.0 mA cm-2 and high energy densities of 0.502 mWh cm-2 /12.2 Wh kg-1 with capacitance retention of 75.2% after 10 000 long-term cycles at 20 mA cm-2 . This result sheds light on a feasible design strategy for high-energy-density supercapacitors with the appropriate mass loading of active materials and low-tortuosity structural design while also encouraging further investigation into electrochemical storage.
ABSTRACT
With the development of the electronic industry bringing convenience to people, a series of caused electromagnetic pollution problems (e.g., electromagnetic interference (EMI)) have recently also become urgent tasks. In this work, an anisotropic composite sponge consisting of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and chemical co-precipitated silver nanowire (AgNW)@Fe3O4 composites was successfully prepared. Due to the introduction of anisotropic structures and the synergistic effect among CNFs, AgNWs, and Fe3O4, this composite sponge exhibited low density (16.76 mg/cm3), good saturation magnetization (4.21 emu/g) and electrical conductivity (0.02 S/cm), and anisotropic EMI shielding ability. By adjusting the proportion (1:0.3) between AgNWs and Fe3O4 and their loading (0.15 vol%) inside the sponge, the reflection loss of the sponge with the improved interface impedance mismatch was only 2.3 dB, accounting for 7.2% of the total loss. It is expected to become a promising EMI shielding material, especially for effectively alleviating the secondary reflection EM pollution.