Validation of an Ion-Pair Reverse Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for the Detection of Major Components and Related Substances in Diquafosol Sodium Eye Drops.

A simple, feasible, isocratic elution, and stable reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography method was established and verified. The chromatographic conditions are as follows: EF-C18H, 4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm column; column temperature 30 °C; for the mobile phase 27.2 g of KH2PO4 and 8.5 g of tetrabutylammonium hydrogen sulfate were taken, 2500 mL of water was added to dissolve, and the pH was adjusted to 6.7 with phosphoric acid:methanol solution with a ratio of 84:16 (V:V). The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min; the injection volume was 10 µL; and the wavelength was 262 nm. According to the current ICH guidelines, the developed method was verified, and the system suitability, specificity, LOD, LOQ, linearity, range, accuracy, repeatability, durability, and solution stability of the proposed method were verified. The validation results demonstrated that the LOQ for the method was 0.05% and the LOD was 0.02%. The content was detected within the concentration range of 300 to 900 µg/mL. The relationship between concentration and measurement was linear, with an r2 of >0.999. The concentration of impurities ranged from 0.3 to 4.5 µg/mL. A good linear correlation was observed within the range of g/mL, with a coefficient of determination r2 greater than 0.999. The accuracy and repeatability met the specified criteria.

Identifying a Novel Endoplasmic Reticulum-Related Prognostic Model for Hepatocellular Carcinomas.

From the standpoint of the ER (endoplasmic reticulum), we were interested in identifying hub genes that impact clinical prognosis for HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) patients and developing an ER-related prognostic model. Using TCGA-LIHC (The Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma) and GSE14520 datasets, we conducted a series of analyses, which included differential gene screening, clinical prognostic analysis, Lasso regression, nomogram prediction, tumour clustering, gene functional enrichment, and tumour infiltration of immune cells. Following our screening for ER-related genes (n = 1975), we conducted a Lasso regression model to obtain five hub genes, KPNA2, FMO3, SPP1, KIF2C, and LPCAT1, using TCGA-LIHC as a training set. According to risk scores, HCC samples within either the TCGG-LIHC or GSE14520 cohort were categorized into high- and low-risk groups. Compared to the high-risk group of HCC patients, patients in the low-risk group had a better prognosis of OS (overall survival) or RFS (relapse-free survival). For TCGA-LIHC training set, with the factors of risk score, stage, age, and sex, we plotted a nomogram for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival predictions. Our model demonstrated better clinical validity in both TCGA-LIHC and GSE14520 cohorts. Additionally, events related to biological enzyme activity, biological metabolic processes, or the cell cycle were associated with the prognostic risk of ER. Furthermore, two HCC prognosis-associated tumour clusters were identified by ER hub gene-based consensus clustering. Our findings indicated a link between ER prognostic signature-related high/low risk and tumour infiltration levels of several immune cells, such as "macrophages M2/M0" and "regulatory T cells (Tregs)." Overall, we developed a novel ER-related clinical prognostic model for HCC patients.

Research on Locally Resonant Characteristics of Pipelines with Periodic Structure.

In this paper, the propagation characteristics of vibration waves in periodic pipelines were studied based on the band theory of phononic crystals, and we analyzed the influence of the geometrical structure parameters on the band gap characteristics of pipelines. The results show that, by increasing the number of layers of local resonant structure, both the initial frequency and the cutoff frequency of the band gap moved towards the lower frequency, while the width of the system band gap increased by 35 Hz, and the damping effect increased by 18.3 dB. By changing the thickness of the wall of the pipeline system, the width of the system band gap increased by 20 Hz, and the damping effect increased by 9.1 dB. The maximum vibration isolation of the offshore platform truss based on the periodic structure can be up to 7.93 dB. Therefore, it is feasible to apply the local resonant periodic structure to the vibration control of a practical offshore platform.

Successful treatment of advanced alveolar soft part sarcoma with camrelizumab combined with apatinib: a case report.

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare and highly malignant mesenchymal tumor that primarily affects adolescents and young adults. ASPS is characterized by a slow growth rate, high metastatic potential, and resistance to conventional therapies. The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has revolutionized the treatment of advanced malignancies, improving the objective response rate (ORR) and prolonging patient survival. The combination of immunotherapy with targeted therapies can overcome resistance to treatment with ICIs alone. Although substantial progress has been made in various solid tumors, the clinical relevance of ICIs, used alone or in combination with other therapies, in patients with ASPS remains unclear. This is a case report of a 32-year-old man who was diagnosed with advanced ASPS. After 8 months of anlotinib treatment, the patient's disease progressed and new cerebellar metastases were detected. Radiotherapy was administered in addition to camrelizumab combined with apatinib to treat the brain metastases. The patient achieved partial remission (46%) after 3 months of treatment and did not present any severe side effects. This is the first reported case of the successful treatment of advanced ASPS with camrelizumab combined with apatinib. This case supports the use of a novel treatment regimen for patients with inoperable ASPS or ASPS that is resistant to conventional therapies.

Risk Factors for Cognitive Impairment in High-Grade Glioma Patients Treated with Postoperative Radiochemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Fractionated radiotherapy as well as concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy such as temozolomide for postoperative high-grade glioma (HGG) patients improves progression-free survival and overall survival. Multiple factors such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, tumor grade, residual tumor volume, and genetic modifications might play a role in the formation of cognitive impairment. The risk factors of cognitive impairment in postoperative patients with HGG receiving radiotherapy and chemotherapy remains a concern in this population. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for cognitive impairment in patients of postoperative HGG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 229 patients with HGG who underwent surgery were analyzed. Cognitive impairment was defined as a decrease of Cognitive Assessment Montreal (MoCA)'s score in at least two cognitive domains or any MoCA's score of less than 26 points at the time of study compared with baseline level. Multiple potential risk factors including methylated status of the O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter, glioma World Health Organization (WHO) grade, residual tumor volume, education, and sex were analyzed. Cox univariate and multivariate regression analysis was used to detect the significant risk factors for cognitive impairment. RESULTS: At the end of follow-up among the 229 patients, 147 patients (67%) developed cognitive impairment. 82 patients (36%) remained in normal cognitive condition. In multivariate analysis, unmethylated MGMT promoter (hazard ratio [HR], 1.679; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.212 to 2.326; p=0.002), glioblastoma (HR, 1.550; 95% CI, 1.117 to 2.149; p=0.009), and residual tumor volume > 5.58 cm3 (HR, 1.454; 95% CI, 1.047 to 2.020; p=0.026) were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment. CONCLUSION: Methylated status of the MGMT promoter, glioma WHO grade, and residual tumor volume might be risk factors for the cognitive impairment in postoperative patients with HGG.

Primary giant cell malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the lung: a rare case report and literature review.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) usually involves the extremities. Among MFH, primary giant cell malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the lung is extremely rare, with nonspecific symptoms. A 45-year-old woman was first diagnosed as sclerosing hemangioma due to long-term persistent cough and blood in sputum. One year later, the condition became worse and hemoptysis occurred. At the second visit, the same mass was found to be larger than the previous one. Lobectomy was performed and the primary giant cell MFH of the lung was confirmed. Renal and sacrum metastasis occurred six months after operation. The efficacy of hypofractionation radiotherapy and immuno targeted follow-up therapy is significant. At present, there is no standard treatment plan. For the patients in the early stage, surgical resection is the main treatment method; but for the patients in the middle and late stage, the treatment is relatively single. So early diagnosis and treatment are particularly important, In this paper, we first report the use of pembrolizumab combined with anlotinib in a patient with advanced giant cell MFH of the lung, with failure of routine treatment. The development of the disease had successfully delayed and satisfactory results were observed. Therefore, it is very necessary to emphasize the choice of treatment plan to improve the prognosis of patients.

Mechanisms of miR-503 inhibiting radio-resistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting ERCC1 / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# Objective: To investigate the mechanism of miR-503 modulates radio-resistance of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by targeting excision-repair cross-complementing 1 (ERCC1). Methods: The expression level of miR-503 in radio-resistant ESCC tumor tissues and KYSE140 and KYSE140R cells was detected by qPCR. The miR-503 mimic, miR-503 inhibitor or si-ERCC1 was transfected into KYSE140 and KYSE140R cells.After radiation treatment, the colony formation assay and CCK-8 assay were used to detect the proliferation of KYSE140R cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis of KYSE140R cells. WB was used to detect changes in protein expression of ERCC1. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was used to validate the targeting relationship between miR-503 and ERCC1. Results: The expression level of miR-503 was down-regulated in radio-resistant tissues and ESCC cell lines (all P<0.01). Over-expression of miR-503 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of KYSE140R cells (all P<0.01). Dual-luciferase reporter assay validated that ERCC1 was a target gene of miR-503, and miR-503 negatively regulated the expression of ERCC1. Over-expression of miR-503 significantly down-regulated the expression of ERCC1 in KYSE140 and KYSE140R cells (both P<0.01), inhibited cell proliferation (both P<0.01), but significantly increased apoptosis rate (all P<0.01); knockdown of ERCC1 exhibited a similar effect, while knockdown of both ERCC1 and miR-503 reversed the above effects. Conclusion: Over-expression of miR-503 up-regulated the radio-sensitivity of KYSE140R cells by targeting ERCC1.

A prospective longitudinal evaluation of cognition and depression in postoperative patients with high-grade glioma following radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

AIM OF STUDY: The survival rate in high-grade glioma (HGG) patients receiving a combined regimen of radiotherapy (RT) and temozolomide after tumor resection was increased. However, cognitive deficits and depression after the treatments challenge the treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cognition and depression in postoperative patients with HGG following RT and chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six-five eligible patients were included in the study. Cognition and depression were examined at baseline (after surgery before RT), every 3 months during follow-up using mini-mental state examination and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), respectively. RESULTS: Our results showed that cognition was not significantly affected after treatments (F = 1.19, P = 0.32). However, significant differences between baseline and follow-ups were found regarding SDS scores (F = 3.26, P =0.0.01). SDS score at the 3rd month was significantly higher than that at baseline (t = -3.16, P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: This prospective study showed that although cognition was not significantly affected, the treatment caused depression, particularly at the 3rd month. These data implicated that interventions should be designed to deal with depression in the 3rd month.

Use of 18F-FDG PET/CT to predict short-term outcomes early in the course of chemoradiotherapy in stage III adenocarcinoma of the lung.

The purpose of the present prospective study was to evaluate the use of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in the assessment of therapy response and the prediction of short-term outcomes by maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean, respectively), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) following chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with stage III adenocarcinoma of the lung. The study included a total of 15 patients, all of whom underwent two serial 18F-FDG PET/CT scans prior to and following 60-Gy radiotherapy with a concurrent cisplatin/pemetrexed combined chemotherapy regimen. SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV and TLG were determined. Short-term outcomes were assessed according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) and the PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (PERCIST). Post-CRT SUVmax, ΔSUVmax, ΔMTV and ΔTLG varied significantly between responders and non-responders (P=0.009, P=0.015, P=0.006 and P=0.004, respectively). The differences in SUVmax, SUVmean, carcinoembryonic antigen, MTV and TLG between the responders and the non-responders at the initial 18F-FDG PET/CT scans were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The overall response rate was significantly higher (P=0.01) when evaluated using PERCIST compared with evaluation using RECIST. It was concluded that post-CRT SUVmax, ΔSUVmax, ΔMTV and ΔTLG may be used to differentiate the responders from the non-responders following CRT for stage III adenocarcinoma of the lung. This would aid in deciding whether or not to increase dosages or to incorporate a boost treatment without the requirement to suspend therapy.

Using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography to estimate the length of gross tumor and involvement of lymph nodes in esophagogastric junction carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal approach for estimating the length of gross tumor and involvement of the lymph nodes with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in esophagogastric junction carcinoma (EGJC). The result was verified with pathologic examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with diagnosed and untreated EGJC were enrolled. The length of the gross tumor was measured using different approaches with PET/CT: Standardized uptake value (SUV) 1.5-5.5 in intervals of 1.0 and 10%-50% of maximum SUV (SUVmax) on 18F-FDG PET/CT in intervals of 10%. The results were expressed as L1.0-L5.0, and L10%-L50%, respectively. The pathological length of gross tumor (Lpath) was calculated based on the shrinkage ratio of primary tumor. The measurable lymph nodes were measured on PET/CT preoperatively, labeled during operation, and examined for pathology. RESULTS: Lpath was 6.87 ± 2.25 cm, L30% and L2.5 were 6.61 ± 1.76 cm and 7.56 ± 1.89 cm, respectively. L30% was closer to Lpath than other % SUVmax, L2.5 was closer to Lpath than other absolute SUV thresholds. The diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT for lymph nodes was best at the cutoff SUV of 2.7, providing sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 83.7% for detecting lymph node metastases. CONCLUSIONS: The tumor length with 30% SUVmax as the threshold was closest to the actual pathological length of EGJC. The diagnostic efficiency of 18F-FDG PET/CT was best at the cutoff SUVmax of 2.7 for detecting lymph node metastases in EGJC.

The effect of 580 nm-based-LED mixed light on growth, adipose deposition, skeletal development, and body temperature of chickens.

Though previous study indicated that the 580 nm-yellow-LED-light showed an stimulating effect on growth of chickens, the low luminous efficiency of the yellow LED light cannot reflect the advantage of energy saving. In present study, the cool white LED chips and yellow LED chips have been combined to fabricate the white × yellow mixed LED light, with an enhanced luminous efficiency. A total 300 newly hatched chickens were reared under various mixed LED light. The results indicated that the white × yellow mixed LED light had "double-edged sword" effects on bird's body weight, bone development, adipose deposition, and body temperature, depending on variations in ratios of yellow component. Low yellow ratio of mixed LED light (Low group) inhibited body weight, whereas medium and high yellow ratio of mixed LED light (Medium and High groups) promoted body weight, compared with white LED light (White group). A progressive change in yellow component gave rise to consistent changes in body weight over the entire experiment. Moreover, a positive relationship was observed between yellow component and feed conversion ratio. High group-treated birds had greater relative abdominal adipose weight than Medium group-treated birds (P = 0.048), whereas Medium group-treated birds had greater relative abdominal adipose weight than Low group-treated birds (P = 0.044). We found that mixed light improved body weight by enhancing skeletal development (R2 = 0.5023, P = 0.0001) and adipose deposition (R2 = 0.6012, P = 0.0001). Birds in the Medium, High and Yellow groups attained significantly higher surface temperatures compared with the White group (P = 0.010). The results suggest that the application of the mixed light with high level of yellow component can be used successfully to improve growth and productive performance in broilers.

Hypofractionated postoperative irradiation in localized renal cell cancer: A case report and pertinent literature review.

For localized the incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), nephrectomy is the standard treatment. As RCC is generally regarded as a radiation-resistant tumor, the value of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy is controversial. However, with new advance in radiotherapy (i.e., three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy [3DCRT] and intensity-modulated radiation therapy [IMRT]), target volume delineation, intensity modulation in treatment planning, and treatment delivery are more accurate with fewer adverse effect. A right renal tumor was identified in a 50-year-old man during a routine examination. T1N0M0 RCC was clinically diagnosed as the tumor was 3 cm × 3.5 cm and well-enhanced with intravenously infused contrast material in the arterial phase on computed tomography (CT). No metastases to regional lymph nodes or distant sites were evident. 3DCRT after the operation was carried out. A total dose of 50 Gy in 20 fractions over 28 days was delivered using a 15-MV X-ray. No clinical acute or chronic side effects were recorded during or after treatment, which was well tolerated. After radiotherapy, the patient came back to the hospital for a check regularly, with no evidence of recurrence and metastasis more than 11 years, and the CT for abdominal showed partial function of the right renal remained. The present case showed a good response with recovery after CRT of 50 Gy in 20 fractions for postoperative RCC. Although further experiences and longer follow-up are mandatory to conclude the optimal treatment schedule and efficacy of CRT for RCC, postoperative radiotherapy definitely reduces locoregional recurrences and with acceptable gastrointestinal toxicity if modern techniques (CRT and IMRT) are utilized.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Association Between the rs1138272 Polymorphism of the GSTP1 Gene and Cancer Susceptibility.

Background: We obtained conflicting results regarding the relationship between the genetic role of the rs1138272 C/T polymorphism of the GSTP1 (Glutathione S-Transferase pi) gene and the risk of various cancers. Methods: Using the presently available data, a meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the genetic relationship between the GSTP1 rs1138272 polymorphism and cancer susceptibility. Results: A total of 43 studies including 15,688 cases and 17,143 controls were recruited into our quantitative synthesis. In the overall population, we observed an increased risk of overall cancer cases, compared with unrelated controls, in the genetic models of allele T vs. allele C (P-association = 0.007, OR = 1.17), carrier T vs. carrier C (P-association = 0.035, OR = 1.11), TT vs. CC (P-association = 0.002, OR = 1.45), TT vs. CC+CT (P-association = 0.009, OR = 1.42), and CT+TT vs. CC (P-association = 0.027, OR = 1.13). We detected similar positive results within the Asian population. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the incidence of cancer for Africans under all genetic models (all P-association < 0.05, OR > 1). When targeting the Caucasian population, we detected a positive association with the TT vs. CC and TT vs. CC+CT models in the "Colorectal cancer" (P-association < 0.05, OR < 1) and "Head and neck cancer" (P-association < 0.05, OR > 1) subgroups. For the "Lung cancer" subgroup, we observed a slightly increased risk in Caucasians under the models of allele T vs. allele C, carrier T vs. carrier C, CT vs. CC, and CT+TT vs. CC (P-association < 0.05, OR > 1). Conclusion: The TT genotype of the GSTP1 rs1138272 polymorphism is likely related to the susceptibility to overall cancer in the Asian and African populations and, specifically, "Colorectal" and "Head and neck" cancers in the Caucasian population. In addition, the CT genotype of the GSTP1 rs1138272 polymorphism may be linked to the risk of lung cancer in Caucasians. Additional evidence is required to confirm this conclusion.

Nominal effective immunoreaction volume of magnetic beads at single bead level.

Immunomagnetic bead (IMB)-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been the tool frequently used for protein detection in research and clinical laboratories. For most ELISA reactions the recommended dosage of IMBs is usually according to their weight (mg) or mass fraction (w/v) instead of the bead number. Consequently, the processes occurring in the immediate vicinity of the IMBs have always been ignored by researchers and they cannot be revealed in detail during the ELISA reaction. In this paper, we established the relationship between number of IMBs and colorimetric results, and further proposed a new concept of "nominal effective immunoreaction volume (NEIV)" to characterize a single IMB during ELISA reaction. Results showed that the NEIV of a single IMB has a constant value, which is unrelated to the amount of beads and the concentration of antigen. Optimal results of the colorimetric ELISA are achieved when the incubation volume meets each IMB's NEIV and is no longer enhanced by increasing the incubation volume. Thus, the reliable and relatively precise number of IMBs for ELISA detection during practical application could be determined. Most importantly, a study using IMB's NEIV would lay the foundation for a kinetics analysis of IMBs and antigens for future study.

Serum miR-129 functions as a biomarker for colorectal cancer by targeting estrogen receptor (ER) ß.

Aberrantly expressed miRNAs widely participate in the signaling cascades of colorectal carcinogenesis. The present study aimed to identify a potential miRNA that serves as effective biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC). The expression of estrogen receptorß (ERß) was explored using immunohistochemistry. The possible miRNAs targeting ERß were predicted by TargetScan, and their expression patterns were validated using real time PCR. Dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to determine the potential binding of miR-129 in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of ERß. In vitro scratch assays and flow cytometry assays were conducted to determine the role of miR-129 on colon cancer cell migration and apoptosis. Proteins related to cell proliferation were determined using western blots. Compared with adjacent non-cancer tissues, the protein level of ERß was significantly decreased in CRC tissues, and compared with NC the level of miR-129 was significantly increased in blood and tissue samples. Dual luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that ERß was a direct target gene of miR-129. Further study showed that inhibition of miR-129 decreases HCT116 cell migration and enhances cell apoptosis. More importantly, we found that the silencing of ERß significantly decreased the activation of caspase3 but increased the protein expression of PCNA. Interestingly, miR-129 inhibitor-induced protein expression pattern changes could be reversed by the siRNA targeting ERß. The high expression level of circulating miR-129 in the tissue and blood samples of CRC patients contributes to aberrant colon cancer cell proliferation and migration mainly by targeting ERß.

Urachal adenocarcinoma that metastasized to breast was misinterpreted as primary breast mucinous carcinoma: A rare case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The urachus is a vestigial tubular structure that connects the urinary bladder to the allantois during early embryonic development. Urachal carcinoma develops in the urachus, which is an embryological remnant of the urogenital sinus and allantois. The estimated annual incidence of urachal carcinoma in the general population is 0.01% of all cancers in adults. Moreover, urachal carcinoma accounts for 0.34% to 0.7% of all bladder carcinoma cases. And breast metastasis is extremely rarer. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 42-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a palpable mass in the outer upper quadrant of the right breast, which was misinterpreted as a carcinoma that originated from the breast. Subsequently, she underwent surgery without any further meticulous examination. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed positivity for CK20, Villin, and CDX-2 and negativity for CK7. After further inspection, a mass was found in the bladder dome using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography. The mass was surgically removed. CONCLUSION: Pathologic and immunohistochemical examination confirmed that the mass was urachal mucinous adenocarcinoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma to the right breast. The patient has been followed up without recurrence for 8 months.

A nano-silver enzyme electrode for organophosphorus pesticide detection.

A nano-silver electrode immobilizing acetylcholinesterase (AChE) for the detection of organophosphorus (OPPs) pesticides is reported. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the surface structure of two kinds of electrodes fabricated with different sizes of silver powders and the interface between chitosan layer and nano-silver powder layer. Cyclic voltammetry was carried out to characterize the response of silver/chitosan electrode in the absence and in the presence of thiocholine (TCh). It was also used to evaluate the insulativity of the chitosan layer. An amperometric method was performed to measure the response of the electrode to TCh, which is the product of the enzymatic reaction for detecting organophosphorus pesticides indirectly. Although there are many kinds of nanoparticles, silver was chosen for its internal advantage in detecting TCh at low potential without further modification. The result shows nano-silver powder has better performance than usual silver powder, and the limit of detection of paraoxon is 4 ppb under optimized conditions. One percent (w/v) chitosan solution was used as binder for the immobilization of nano-silver powder and AChE, which made it possible for independent electrode fabrication at room temperature, whereas 3% (w/v) chitosan solution was used as insulating compound for controlling the electrode area. Unlike traditional organic insulating ink, chitosan is safe and environmentally friendly, and it is used as insulating material for the first time. The flexible nano-silver/AChE/chitosan electrode was evaluated in Chinese chives and cabbage, and the recoveries of standard addition were 105.11 and 96.41%, respectively. Owing to the antibacterial property of nano-silver and the biocompatibility, safety, and biodegradability of chitosan, the proposed method is safe, facile, environmentally friendly, and has great potential in organophosphorus pesticide detection for food safety. Graphical Abstract Current response of nano-silver electrode (a) and silver electrode (b) to thiocholine in 0.02 M PBS + KCl at 0.15 V; addition of thiocholine (0.09 mM) every 50 s (↓); inset: calibration curve of nano-silver (▲) and silver (◆) electrode.

A new method to manipulate broiler chicken growth and metabolism: Response to mixed LED light system.

Present study introduced a new method to manipulate broiler chicken growth and metabolism by mixing the growth-advantage LED. We found that the green/blue LED mixed light system (G-B and G × B) have the similar stimulatory effect on chick body weight with single green light and single blue light (G and B), compared with normal artificial light (P = 0.028). Moreover, the percentage of carcass was significantly greater in the mixed light (G × B) when compared with the single light (P = 0.003). Synchronized with body weight, the mixed light (G-B and G × B) had a significant improved influence on the feed conversion of birds compared with normal light (P = 0.002). A significant improvement in feed conversion were found in mixed light (G × B) compared with single LED light (P = 0.037). G group resulted in a greater high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level than B group (P = 0.002), whereas B group resulted in a greater low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level than G group (P = 0.017). The mixed light significantly increased the birds' glucose level in comparison with the single light (P = 0.003). This study might establish an effective strategy for maximizing growth of chickens by mixed LED technology.

Physiological responses to daily light exposure.

Long daylength artificial light exposure associates with disorders, and a potential physiological mechanism has been proposed. However, previous studies have examined no more than three artificial light treatments and limited metabolic parameters, which have been insufficient to demonstrate mechanical responses. Here, comprehensive physiological response curves were established and the physiological mechanism was strengthened. Chicks were illuminated for 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or 22 h periods each day. A quadratic relationship between abdominal adipose weight (AAW) and light period suggested that long-term or short-term light exposure could decrease the amount of AAW. Quantitative relationships between physiological parameters and daily light period were also established in this study. The relationships between triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (TC), glucose (GLU), phosphorus (P) levels and daily light period could be described by quadratic regression models. TG levels, AAW, and BW positively correlated with each other, suggesting long-term light exposure significantly increased AAW by increasing TG thus resulting in greater BW. A positive correlation between blood triiodothyronine (T3) levels and BW suggested that daily long-term light exposure increased BW by thyroid hormone secretion. Though the molecular pathway remains unknown, these results suggest a comprehensive physiological mechanism through which light exposure affects growth.

Ribosomal protein S6 kinase1 coordinates with TOR-Raptor2 to regulate thylakoid membrane biosynthesis in rice.

Ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K) functions as a key component in the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway involved in multiple processes in eukaryotes. The role and regulation of TOR-S6K in lipid metabolism remained unknown in plants. Here we provide genetic and pharmacological evidence that TOR-Raptor2-S6K1 is important for thylakoid galactolipid biosynthesis and thylakoid grana modeling in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Genetic suppression of S6K1 caused pale yellow-green leaves, defective thylakoid grana architecture. S6K1 directly interacts with Raptor2, a core component in TOR signaling, and S6K1 activity is regulated by Raptor2 and TOR. Plants with suppressed Raptor2 expression or reduced TOR activity by inhibitors mimicked the S6K1-deficient phenotype. A significant reduction in galactolipid content was found in the s6k1, raptor2 mutant or TOR-inhibited plants, which was accompanied by decreased transcript levels of the set of genes such as lipid phosphate phosphatase α5 (LPPα5), MGDG synthase 1 (MGD1), and DGDG synthase 1 (DGD1) involved in galactolipid synthesis, compared to the control plants. Moreover, loss of LPPα5 exhibited a similar phenotype with pale yellow-green leaves. These results suggest that TOR-Raptor2-S6K1 is important for modulating thylakoid membrane lipid biosynthesis, homeostasis, thus enhancing thylakoid grana architecture and normal photosynthesis ability in rice.