Novel Magnetic Fe3O4/α-FeOOH Nanocomposites and Their Enhanced Mechanism for Tetracycline Hydrochloride Removal in the Visible Photo-Fenton Process.

Magnetic Fe3O4/α-FeOOH heterojunction nanocomposites (denoted as Fe-NCs) have been synthesized by a fast one-pot hydrothermal method. The obtained Fe-NCs contain rich micropores with a high surface area of 135.15 m2/g. The different phases in the composites can efficiently enhance the visible-light absorption, improving the separation and transfer of photogenerated electron-hole pairs during the photocatalytic reaction. Thus, they show excellent degradation and mineralization of tetracycline (TC) over a wide pH range (5-9) in the visible photo-Fenton reaction. Especially, the catalyst exhibits the highest adsorption capacity toward TC at a neutral pH, which facilitates the surface reactions of TC with active species. Experiments evidence that the high production of photogenerated holes and superoxide radicals (O2 •-) in Fe-NCs are favorable to the high catalytic efficiency. Combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, the possible pathway toward TC degradation was proposed.

[Polymorphisms of vascular diseases-related genes in Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study].

OBJECTIVE: To study the polymorphisms of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease genes using Taqman single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping kits. METHODS: A total of 2000 subjects were recruited from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS), and 15 SNPs were detected using Taqman SNP genotyping kits and an ABI 7900HT real time PCR system. The data were tested for the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and then compared with the data of the Chinese population from the International HapMap Project (HapMap_HCN). RESULTS: (1) All genotype data of the 15 SNPs were consistent with the Hardy-Weinberg rules. (2) The significant differences were observed among two SNPs, rs4220 and rs5368 and the HapMap_HCN (rs4220 28.2% vs 17.8%; chi(2) = 4.891, P = 0.028; rs5368 22.1% vs 32.2%, chi(2) = 5.137, P = 0.024). Comparing other gene bank data, such as AFD-CHN-PANEL, the Allele Frequency Database (ALFRED) and JBIC-allele, it would be most likely that our observations represent differences between the Northern and Southern populations in China. CONCLUSION: Such Biobank study provided a useful platform for the study of the role of genetic and environmental determinants on cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease.

[Effect of physical activity strength on the diabetes mellitus prevalence in the elderly under the influence of International Physical Activity Questionnaire].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) physical activity intensity on to the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among Chinese elderly. METHODS: A total number of 1996 residents aged 50 or above living in Guangzhou city were recruited from the phase 3 of the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study. Information on physical activity and fasting plasma glucose status was derived from standardized interviews and laboratory assays. RESULTS: Among the participants who were classified as physically active (60.0%), moderate active (29.8%) and inactive (10.2%), the prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus were 9.1%, 12.0% and 14.2%, respectively. After adjustment on age, sex, obesity and other potential confounding factors, data from logistic regression model showed that the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for diabetes on subjects in physically moderate active and active group were 0.75(0.46-1.26)and 0.60(0.38-0.97) respectively with P for trend as 0.03, when comparing to those physically inactive ones. CONCLUSION: Promotion of physical activity might have had some effects in reducing the risk of diabetes mellitus among the older adults.