Clinical diagnostic value of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for primary aldosteronism in patients with hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Primary aldosteronism (PA) is currently considered the most common cause of secondary and endocrine hypertension. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) as a new detection technique has been gradually applied in the diagnosis of PA. However, the diagnostic value of LC-MS/MS methods for PA has not been systematically clinically validated. The aim was to access the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of LC-MS/MS methods as screening tools in PA. Materials and methods: A literature search of PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Chinese databases was carried out to June 2022 with no language restriction. Data on sensitivity and specificity and other evaluation indicators were extracted and pooled with STATA and Meta-disc software. Heterogeneity was evaluated and meta-regression and subgroup analysis was performed to elucidate sources of heterogeneity. Results: 12 studies of the diagnostic test were suitable and included in the meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.83-0.93), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.82-0.91), and 55 (95% CI: 28-110), respectively. Subgroup analysis assessed the diagnostic power of LC-MS/MS based on the type of detection index. ARR and PAC based on LC-MS/MS methods have the higher diagnostic value compared with other indices, diagnostic odds ratios were 121.65 (95% CI: 36.28-407.98) and 49.85 (95% CI: 24.87-99.93). There was considerable heterogeneity among studies. Conclusion: LC-MS/MS methods had higher accuracy and reliability in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism. LC-MS/MS-based ARR and PAC can be further promoted and applied in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism.

A highly sensitive luminescent probe based on Ru(II)-bipyridine complex for Cu2+, l-Histidine detection and cellular imaging.

A ruthenium(II) bipyridyl complex conjugated with functionalized Schiff base (RuA) has been synthesized and functioned as a luminescent probe. The luminescence of RuA was greatly quenched by Cu2+ due to its molecular coordination with paramagnetic Cu2+. Subsequently, the addition of l-Histidine can turn on the luminescence of the RuA-Cu(II) ensemble, which can be attributed to the replacement of RuA in RuA-Cu(II) ensemble by l-Histidine. On the basis of the quenching and recovery of the luminescence of RuA, we proposed a rapid and highly sensitive on-off-on luminescent assay for sensing Cu2+ and l-Histidine in aqueous solution. Under the optimal conditions, Cu2+ and l-Histidine can be detected in the concentration range of 5 nM-9.0 µM and 50 nM-30 µM, respectively, and the corresponding detection limits were calculated to be 0.35 and 0.44 nM (S/N=3), separately. The proposed luminescent probe has been successfully utilized for the analysis of Cu2+ and l-Histidine in real samples (drinking water and biological fluids). Furthermore, the probe revealed good photostability, low cytotoxicity and excellent permeability, making it a suitable candidate for cell imaging and labeling in vitro.

[Photosynthetic capacity and water use efficiency of tropical montane rainforest seedlings or saplings in Hainan Island].

By using a Li-6400 portable photosynthesis system, this paper measured the maximal photosynthetic capacity (P(max)) and water use efficiency (WUE) of the seedlings or saplings of 150 species of tropical montane rainforest in Hainan Island. The results showed that among the test 150 species, Quercus bambusifolia (Fagaceae) had the highest P(max) (13.27 micromol x m(-2) x s(-1)) and Macaranga denticulate (Euphorbiaceae) had the highest WUE (5.99 mmol x mol(-1)), while Decaspermum cambodianum (Myrtaceae) had the lowest P(max) (1.35 micromol x m(-2) x s(-1)) and Sapium discolor (Euphorbiaceae) had the lowest WUE (2.4 mmol x mol(-1)). The average P(max) was the highest in Moraceae but the lowest in Myrtaceae, and the average WUE was the highest in Symplocaceae but the lowest in Moraceae. However, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among the families. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in P(max) and WUE were also observed among arbors and shrubs. The P(max) value increased significantly (P < 0.05) with the widening of families' geographical distribution range, in the order of narrow distribution families < medium distribution families < wide distribution families, while no significant differences were existed among their WUE (P > 0.05). The P(max) value also increased with the widening of species' geographical distribution range, in the order of endemic species in Hainan Island < tropical species < tropical-subtropical species < tropical-subtropical-temperate species, but WUE was opposite to P(max), namely, in the order of endemic species in Hainan Island > tropical-subtropical species > tropical species > tropical-subtropical-temperate species.

[Analysis on surveillance data regarding the level of Japanese encephalitis antibody in Heilongjiang. province, 2006].

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalent situation of Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus among healthy people in Heilongjiang province and to analyze its risk factors. METHODS: 7 national surveillance counties were selected and divided into 5 age groups as 1-2, 3-5, 6-10, 11-20 and 21-59 years and randomly sampled 7 person in each age group per county with the sample size as 1050. Quantitative Elisa test was used to detect Japanese encephalitis antibody IgG. RESULTS: The adjusted standard antibody positive rate of people on 1-59 year olds was 70.62%, with lowest in 3-5 age group, and increasing by age (chi2 for trend test = 40.52, P < 0.001). The overall titer of IgG was low in general population but was different with age (Kruskal-Wallis test chi2 = 76.9, P < 0.001). Older age and lower latitude seemed to be two risk factors on JE antibody IgG. CONCLUSION: JE virus infection had a long-term effect with low level, among general population. Age and latitude were two risk factors which suggesting the necessarily of strengthening the surveillance system for JE cases at risk in the prevalent areas on Heilongjiang province.