Lipidomic analysis of serum exosomes identifies a novel diagnostic marker for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) intricately involves disrupted lipid metabolism. Exosomes emerge as carriers of biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring. This study aims to identify lipid metabolites in serum exosomes for T2DM diagnosis. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from newly diagnosed T2DM patients and age and body mass index-matched healthy controls. Exosomes were isolated using exosome isolation reagent, and untargeted/targeted liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to identify and validate altered lipid metabolites. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of candidate lipid metabolites. RESULTS: Serum exosomes were successfully isolated from both groups, with untargeted LC-MS/MS revealing distinct lipid metabolite alterations. Notably, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (22:2(13Z,16Z)/14:0) showed stable elevation in T2DM-serum exosomes. Targeted LC-MS/MS confirmed significant increase of PE (22:2(13Z,16Z)/14:0) in T2DM exosomes but not in serum. PE (22:2(13Z,16Z)/14:0) levels not only positively correlated with hemoglobin A1C levels and blood glucose levels, but also effectively distinguished T2DM patients from healthy individuals (area under the curve = 0.9141). CONCLUSION: Our research sheds light on the importance of serum exosome lipid metabolites in diagnosing T2DM, providing valuable insights into the complex lipid metabolism of diabetes.

A novel benzo hemicyanine-based fluorescent probe for susceptible visualizing detection of phosgene.

Leakage and misuse of phosgene, a common and highly hazardous industrial chemical, have always constituted a safety risk. Therefore, it is crucial to develop sensitive detection methods for gaseous phosgene. This work describes the design and development of a new fluorescent dye based on benzohemicyanine, as well as the synthesis of fluorescent probes for the sensitive detection of gaseous phosgene. Due to the excellent intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effect from the strong electron-donating impact of the o-aminophenol group on benzo hemicyanine, the probe does not emit fluorescence. When the probe reacts with phosgene, the ICT effect is inhibited, and the result exhibits observable green fluorescence, thereby visualizing the response to phosgene. The probe offers exceptional sensitivity, a rapid response, and a low phosgene detection limit. In addition, we developed probe-loaded, portable test strips for the quick and sensitive detection of phosgene in the gas phase. Finally, the constructed probe-loaded test strips were utilized effectively to monitor the simulated phosgene leakage.

Regulation of friction pair to promote conversion of mechanical energy to chemical energy on Bi2WO6 and realization of enhanced tribocatalytic activity to degrade different pollutants.

Recently, friction-induced tribocatalysis has received tremendous attention through converting mechanical energy to chemical energy. However, its efficiency is much lower than those of photocatalysis and piezocatalysis, and its environmental application is limited in dye degradation. Herein, we developed a facile approach to improve the tribocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6 via adding trace polymer powders to form friction pairs with Bi2WO6. Among various polymers, PTFE was demonstrated to be the best counterpart of Bi2WO6. Subsequently, the PTFE dosage, stirring rate, magnetic bar size and number, and stirring mode were further optimized. The PTFE-promoted Bi2WO6 tribocatalysis was verified to possess excellent performance not only for removing different dyes, but also for degrading chlorophenols that are typical persistent organic pollutants. Multiple uses of the recycled catalysts indicated its good stability and prominent tribocatalytic durability. EPR measurements suggested the generation of hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical, which were determined to be continuously generated within 12 h at the rates of 0.88 µM h-1 and 85 µM h-1, respectively. Subsequently, a possible mechanism was proposed to explain the enhanced performance of the PTFE-promoted Bi2WO6 tribocatalysis. Finally, on basis of the detected intermediates, the degradation pathways of Rhodamine B and 2,4-Dichlorophenol during tribocatalysis were suggested.

A benzo BODIPY based fluorescent probe for selective visualization of hypochlorous acid in living cells and zebrafish.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is an essential endogenous reactive oxygen species in biological systems, playing a critical role in various physiological processes. Real-time monitoring of HOCl concentration in living organisms is essential for understanding its biological functions and pathological roles. In this study, we developed a novel fluorescent probe based on benzobodipy, BBDP, for rapid and sensitive detection of HOCl in aqueous solutions. The probe exhibited a significant fluorescence turn-on response to HOCl based on its specific oxidation reaction towards diphenylphosphine, with high selectivity, instantaneous response (less than 10 s), and low detection limit (21.6 nM). Furthermore, bioimaging results illustrated that the probe could be applied for real-time fluorescence imaging of HOCl in live cells and zebrafish. The development of BBDP may provide a new tool for exploring the biological functions of HOCl and its pathological roles in diseases.

Unveiling the Mechanism of Frictional Catalysis in Water by Bi12TiO20: A Charge Transfer and Contaminant Decomposition Path Study.

Tribocatalysis, as a new approach in environmental purification, has drawn increasing attention in the past few years. In this work, we successfully convert mechanical energy to chemical energy by Bi12TiO20, which was synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Under magnetic stirring, electrons transfer from the surface of Bi12TiO20 to the polytetrafluoroethylene-sealed magnetic bar due to their friction. Moreover, the holes that remain on Bi12TiO20 provide oxidation properties in the process for organic matter degradation. According to a series of tests, it is noticed that the shape of the stirring bar and the material of the reaction vessel have a remarkable influence on the removal efficiency of contaminants. Simultaneously, multiple tests reveal the high stability of Bi12TiO20. A great potential for Bi12TiO20 to control water pollutants under dark conditions during collection of ambient mechanical energy was clearly demonstrated in this study.

Parametric Investigation into the Shear Strength of Adhesively Bonded Single-Lap Joints.

In this paper, the shear strength of adhesively bonded single-lap joints were experimentally and numerically investigated. Based on the validated simulation, the effects of lap length, adhesive layer thickness, adhesive layer shape, adhesive layer overflow length, and laminate lay-up on the shear strength of adhesively bonded single-lap joints were studied. The load-displacement curves and shear strength under different parameters were compared. It was shown that the shear strength of single-lap joints gradually decreases with the increase of lap length and adhesive layer thickness, which were 53.83% and 16.15%, respectively. Considering the potential condition in fabrication, the adhesive layer shape and adhesive layer overflow length were also investigated. The adhesive with normal and triangle shape owned the comparable shear strength, which was higher than the arc one. The shear strength increased by 19.37% from 18.43 MPa to 22.00 MPa with increasing the adhesive layer overflow length to 50% of lap length. It was beneficial for shear strength to increase the adhesive layer overflow length to 50% of lap length. Among the selected four lay-ups, [0]16s had the highest shear strength, which was nearly 3 times greater than the one of [90]16s. In the real process preparation, increasing the number of 0° layers, selecting the appropriate lap length and thickness of the adhesive layer, and controlling the shape and length of the adhesive layer overflow are of great help to improve the tensile shear strength of the single-lap glue joint.

A Three-Dimensional Melamine Sponge Modified with MnOx Mixed Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Photothermal Catalysis of Formaldehyde.

Much attention has been paid to developing effective visible light catalytic technologies for VOC oxidation without requiring extra energy. In this paper, a series of sponge-based catalysts with rich three-dimensional porosity are synthesized by combining MnOx and graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) with commercial melamine sponges (MS) coated with polydopamine (PDA), demonstrating excellent photothermal catalytic performance for formaldehyde (HCHO). The three-dimensional porous framework of MS can provide a good surface for material modification and a reliable interface for gas-solid interaction. The grown layer of PDA framework not only increases the near-infrared wavelength absorption for improving the light-to-heat conversion of catalysts, but also brings excellent adhesion for the subsequent addition of MnOX and GCN. The efficient formaldehyde oxidation is attributed to the sufficient oxygen vacancies generated by co-loaded MnOX and GCN, which is conducive to the activation of more O2- in the oxidation process. As the surface temperature of catalyst rapidly increases to its maximum value at ca. 115 °C under visible light irradiation, the HCHO concentration drops from 160 ppm to 46 ppm within 20 min. The reaction mechanism is certified as a classical Mars-van Krevelen mechanism based on the photo-induced thermal catalysis process.

Synergistic catalysis of BiOIO3 catalyst for elimination of organic pollutants under simultaneous photo-irradiation and ultrasound-vibration treatment.

Development of efficiently catalytic strategy for oxidative purification of organic pollutants is of great significance. Photocatalysis has become one of the most important technologies in the past half a century, but the inefficiency of photocatalysts drastically suppresses its practical application. This work proposes a synergistic photopiezocatalysis of BiOIO3 under simultaneous photo-irradiation and ultrasound-vibration treatment to degrade various organic pollutants. Different from the high recombination of photo-excited charges in photocatalysis, the ultrasound-induced stress deforms the pyroelectric BiOIO3 to form a piezoelectric potential that drives photo-/thermo-generated free electrons and holes in catalyst to diffuse along opposite directions. In comparison with the single photocatalysis and piezocatalysis, the photopiezocatalysis possesses a synergistic effect, presenting evidently enhanced catalytic performance for decomposing a variety of organic dyes and a persistent organic pollutant 2,4-DCP. No apparent decrease in activity during successive five runs demonstrates that the photopiezocatalysis of BiOIO3 has a high stability and reusability. Finally, a plausible photopiezocatalysis mechanism is proposed based on the determination of active species produced on catalyst and intermediates during pollutant degradation. Our findings provide a new insight to promote charge separation and meanwhile develop an efficient synergistic photopiezocatalysis for environment remediation.

miR-188-5p suppresses cellular proliferation and migration via IL6ST: A potential noninvasive diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer.

Previously, serum miR-188-5p is differentially expressed in breast cancer, but the diagnostic potential of circulating miR-188-5p as well as its regulatory mechanism in breast cancer remain uncertain. Herein, serum miR-188-5p was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction in patients with breast cancer, breast fibroadenoma, and healthy subjects. Circulating miR-188-5p was abnormally elevated in patients with breast cancer as compared with these other two groups, and was reduced in patients with breast cancer following surgical treatment. Increased serum miR-188-5p corresponded to lymph node metastasis status and TNM stages of breast cancer. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the ability to circulate miR-188-5p to distinguish between patients with breast cancer and either noncancerous patients or patients with breast fibroadenoma yielded corresponding areas under the curve of 0.894 and 8.814. miR-188-5p was downregulated in the highly malignant cancer line MDA-MB-231 relative to the less malignant MCF-7 cells. In vitro, functional analyses conducted via transfecting cells with mimics and inhibitors revealed miR-188-5p to suppress breast cancer cell proliferation and migration, which was mediated by its downstream target IL6ST. Comparison of intracellular and exosomal miR-188-5p levels indicated that miR-188-5p was selectively sorted into exosomes derived from MDA-MB-231 cells rather than those from MCF-7 cells. However, exosomal miR-188-5p levels in the serum of patients with breast cancer were reduced compared to healthy controls and did not differ relative to patients with breast fibroadenoma. In summary, miR-188-5p acts in a tumor-suppressive manner in breast cancer progression and may serve as a noninvasive early diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer.

PAH mutation spectrum and correlation with PKU manifestation in north Jiangsu province population.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a common autosomal recessive disorder of phenylalanine metabolism and mainly results a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase gene (PAH). The incidence of various PAH mutations have race and ethnicity differences. We report a spectrum of PAH mutations complied from 35 PKU children who are all Chinese Han population from north Jiangsu in this study. All 13 exons and their flanking intron sequences of PAH were determined by Ion Torrent PGM™ sequencing. The relationship of genotype and phenotype was analyzed based on the sum of the arbitrary value (AV) values of the two alleles. We identified 61 mutations, with a frequency of 87.14%, among 70 alleles of 35 patients. The most prevalent mutations were R243Q (26.23%), R241C (9.84%) and V399V (8.20%). Furthermore, the consistency between prediction of the biochemical phenotype and the observed phenotype was 81.25%, with the highest consistency observed in classic PKU (87.50%). A significant correlation was found between pretreatment levels of phenylalanine and AV sum (r = -0.87, P < 0.05). Finally, our study constructs PAH mutation spectrum by next generation sequencing (NGS), and reveals that the PAH genotypes and biochemical phenotypes were significantly correlated. These offers facilitate the provision of appropriate genetic counseling for PKU patients.

A ternary photocatalyst of graphitic carbon nitride/cadmium sulfide/titania based on the electrostatic assembly using two-dimensional semiconductor nanosheets.

Herein, we employed the exfoliated two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (CNNS) and titania nanosheets (TNS) as building blocks, and these negatively charged nanosheets were flocculated by Cd2+ ions with a followed sulfidation treatment to produce a ternary heterostructure photocatalyst of CNNS/CdS/TNS. This novel nanocomposite exhibited outstanding absorption in visible spectral region, and meanwhile its gradient band structure and the closed interface promoted the separation of photo-generated charge. The relative content of CNNS and TNS in the ternary nanocomposite was optimized, and the optimal photocatalyst with a CNNS/TNS mass ratio of 98:2 could rapidly remove 10mgL-1 rhodamine B (RhB) in 20min under visible light irradiation. The calculated rate constant of CNNS/CdS/TNS was 56.87, 12.18, and 6.67 times higher than those of the restacked CNNS and TNS and the individual CdS, as well as 8.31, 6.22 and 2.57 times higher than those of binary CNNS/TNS, CdS/TNS and CdS/CNNS photocatalysts, respectively. Moreover, this nanocomposite possessed a superior durability and universality for degradation of RhB in different concentration and other organic pollutants, including dyes and colorless compounds. Finally, the possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed based on the theoretical calculation and the active species quenching experiment.

A Mild Catalytic Oxidation System: FePcOTf/H2O2 Applied for Cyclohexene Dihydroxylation.

Iron (III) phthalocyanine complexes were employed for the first time as a mild and efficient Lewis acid catalyst in the selective oxidation of cyclohexene to cyclohexane-1,2-diol. It was found that the catalyst FePcOTf shown excellent conversion and moderate selectivity relative to other iron (III) phthalocyanine complexes. The optimum conditions of the oxidation reaction catalyzed by FePcOTf/H2O2 have been researched in this paper. Iron (III) phthalocyanine triflate (1 mol %) as catalyst, hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, methanol as solvent, and a mole ratio of substrate and oxidant (H2O2) of 1:1 were used for achieving moderate yields of 1,2-diols under reflux conditions after eight hours.

Preparation and Catalytic Activity of Carbon Nanofibers Anchored Metallophthalocyanine in Decomposing Acid Orange 7.

Amine-modified CNFs (AN-CNFs) were first obtained through the Billups reaction from carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and were used as supports of cobalt tetracarboxylphthalocyanine (CoTCPc) for the catalytic oxidation of Acid Orange 7 (AO7) in the CoTCPc-AN-CNFs/H2O2 system. CNFs, AN-CNFs and CoTCPc-AN-CNFs were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy and N2 adsorption-desorption. The oxidative decoloration of AO7 in the presence of CoTCPcNa-AN-CNFs and H2O2 was investigated by UV-Vis absorption spectra. The results showed that AO7 was oxidized efficiently in the CoTCPcNa-AN-CNFs /H2O2 system. The benzene ring was first introduced between CNFs and MPcs. However, its catalytic efficiency and electronic properties would not weaken. New catalytic mechanism may display in this CoTCPcNa-AN-CNFs /H2O2 system.

Study on the relationship between different cytokines in the semen of infertility patients.

PROBLEM: The relationship between different cytokines in the semen of infertility patients was investigated. METHOD OF STUDY: Fifty-seven semen samples were collected from infertility and normal group at Lianyungang Maternal and Child Hospital. Routine analysis including determination of the levels of IL-23, IL-6, and TNF-α was carried out. RESULTS: Density, percentage of sperm moving forward, activity, survival rate, and proportion of normal morphology of sperm of normal group were significantly higher than those of infertility group (P<0.001). Amount and pH of the semen from the two groups showed no difference. However, there is a significant difference in IL-23 contents of semen in the normal (5.87 pg/mL) and abnormal (11.14 pg/mL) group (P<0.001). The correlation coefficients (R) of the contents of IL-23 to IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were 0.8706 (R(2)=0.758, P<0.001), 0.9725 (R(2)=0.9458, P<0.001), and 0.9499 (R(2)=0.9024, P<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: IL-23 contents of semen are different in the normal and abnormal group and have positive correlations between IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, respectively.

Activation of PAR2 or/and TLR4 promotes SW620 cell proliferation and migration via phosphorylation of ERK1/2.

Protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is a G-protein-coupled receptor and its activation has been associated with the pathogenetic progress in certain cancers. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), one member of Toll-like receptors family, is mainly contributed to the innate immune response. However, recent studies have shown that TLR4 is aberrantly expressed in various types of carcinomas and may correlate with tumor progression. Previously, we reported that PAR2 could be expressed in human colon cancer cell line (SW620) and its activation by some stimulants was able to facilitate cell proliferation and migration. In our recent preliminary experiment, it was found that SW620 cells also had TLR4 expression. Thus, we considered that PAR2 and TLR4 could have some collaborative roles in SW620 cells. In the current study, the cross-inducible expression of PAR2 and TLR4 on SW620 cells was investigated, and the functional roles of their activation on the behavior of SW620 cells were evaluated. It was found that activation of PAR2 with PAR2-AP (PAR2 agonist, 100 µM) enhanced TLR4 releasement and vice versa. The activation of PAR2 or TLR4 (with LPS, 100 ng/ml) could promote SW620 cell proliferation and migration, and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 but not p38MAPK, as well as the expression of interleukin 8 (IL-8) and tissue factor (TF). Whereas the caspase-7 expression was decreased under PAR2 or TLR4 activation. Furthermore, ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126, at 10 µM) could intervene in all regulating effects of PAR2 or/and TLR4. Collectively, this study demonstrated that both PAR2 and TLR4 activation on SW620 cells can trigger the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, regulate the expression of IL-8, TF and caspase-7, thereby promote the proliferation and migration of cells.

Tissue factor-factor VIIa regulates interleukin-8, tissue factor and caspase-7 expression in SW620 cells through protease-activated receptor-2 activation.

The tissue factor-factor VIIa (TF/VIIa) complex is believed to activate protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) and to trigger the malignant behavior of various types of cancer cells. In our previous study, it was demonstrated that TF and PAR2 were overexpressed in high metastatic potential colon cancer cells (SW620). Both PAR2 agonist (SLIGKV-NH2, PAR2-AP) and factor VIIa facilitated SW620 cell proliferation and migration. In the present study, the molecular mechanisms of TF/VIIa-induced SW620 cell proliferation and migration were investigated. It was found that factor VIIa (10 nM) significantly increased interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression at the mRNA and protein levels, enhanced TF mRNA expression and TF activity, and decreased caspase-7 expression at the mRNA and protein levels in the SW620 cells. These effects of factor VIIa were similar to those of PAR2-AP. All effects of factor VIIa were blocked by anti-TF and anti-PAR2 antibodies, but not by an isotype control antibody. Furthermore, both PAR2-AP and factor VIIa decreased the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The results of this study suggest that the TF/VIIa complex regulates IL-8, TF and caspase-7 expression in SW620 cells via PAR2 activation, thereby promoting colon cancer cell proliferation and migration. The p38MAPK signal transduction pathway may negatively regulate these processes.

[Investigation of the mechanisms of coagulation factor VIIa-induced colon cancer SW620 cell proliferation and migration].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms that coagulation factor VIIa promotes proliferation and migration of a colon cancer cell line (SW620 cells) in vitro. METHODS: The expression of interleukin 8 (IL-8), tissue factor (TF), caspase-7 and p-p38 MAPK in SW620 cells treated with factor VIIa or protease activated receptor 2 agonist (PAR2-AP) was measured by ELISA, Western-blotting and QT-PCR. RESULTS: Factor VIIa and PAR2-AP induced IL-8 expression at both mRNA and protein levels, upregulated TF mRNA expression and TF activity, but down-regulated caspase-7 mRNA and p-p38 MAPK levels in SW620 cells. The effects of factor VIIa were not only blocked by anti-TF but also by anti-PAR2 antibodies. CONCLUSION: Factor VIIa binds to TF on cell surface, forming a complex which activates PAR2, then provoking IL-8 and TF expression, and suppresses caspase-7 expression, thus promotes the tumor cell proliferation and migration. p38 MAPK may negatively regulate this process.

[Application of plasma prostate electrovaporization system in the treatment of rectal cicatricial stenosis].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, maneuver and efficacy of plasma prostate electrovaporization system in the treatment of rectal cicatricial stenosis. METHODS: According to similar procedure of transurethral resection prostate(TURP), intrarectal cicatriclectomy was performed with plasma prostate electrovaporization system in 7 patients with rectal low cicatricial stenosis after rectal cancer treatment (5 patients with transabdominal low anterior resection,2 patients with 3-dimension precise radiotherapy) to remove obstruction and dilate enteric cavity. RESULTS: Seven patients underwent 12 operations, including one operation in 3 patients, two operations in 3 patients, 3 operations in one patient. Resected rectal cicatricial tissue ranged from 5 to 15 g. Mean operation time was 41 min (25 to 40). Operation successful rate was 100% without complications such as perforation, bleeding and infection. All the patients had smooth defecation. CONCLUSION: Plasma prostate electrovaporization system is an effective treatment for rectal cicatricial stenosis with tiny trauma.

N'-(3,4-Dimethoxy-benzyl-idene)aceto-hydrazide.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(11)H(14)N(2)O(3), contains two independent mol-ecules with close conformations; the C=N-N-C torsion angle is 176.4 (1)° in both mol-ecules. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains running along the [01] direction.