Paper-based sensor based on lead-free manganese halide for the determination of water content in organic solvents.

A highly stable and luminescent lead-free manganese(II) halide hybrid MnBr4(TMN)2 (C34H42Br4MnN4) was designed and synthesized by introducing a large cationic organic spacer. The MnBr4(TMN)2 displays high luminescence with quantum yields up to 77% and possesses turn-off fluorescence behavior (Ex/Em=365/546 nm) for water. These properties make the MnBr4(TMN)2 a promising candidate as an alternative indicator for the detection of water with potential applications for the fabrication of LEDs. Herein, a paper-based sensor based on MnBr4(TMN)2 is described for the determination of water content in organic solvents. The mechanism of water sensing can be tentatively explained by fluorescence quenching originating from the destruction of water due to the Mn-Br bonds of MnBr4(TMN)2. The MnBr4(TMN)2-based paper sensor exhibits an excellent discrimination ability of water content in the range 0-25.0% with a detection limit of 0.27%. Satisfactory recoveries (94.91±4.09% to 103.23±2.38%) are obtained in spiked ethanol solvent samples, which demonstrate that the MnBr4(TMN)2-based paper sensor is capable of detecting water content in real ethanol solvent samples.

Pathogenicity comparison between QX-type and Mass-type infectious bronchitis virus to different segments of the oviducts in laying phase.

BACKGROUND: The QX-type infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has become the predominant genotype worldwide in recent years and has caused serious economic losses to the chicken industry. The most significant feature of QX IBV is that its infection in the early growing stage can cause abnormal oviduct development, resulting in a high proportion of 'false layers' in poultry flocks of laying hens and breeders. However, few studies have evaluated whether infections of QX-type IBV in laying stages can also cause severe pathological changes in the oviduct. METHODS: In this study, 300-day-old specific-pathogen-free chickens were infected either with the QX-type strain QXL or Massachusetts (Mass)-type strain M41 to compare their pathogenicity on different segments of the oviduct. RESULTS: Both the QXL and M41 strains successfully replicated in all segments of the oviduct; however, the QXL strain was more highly distributed in mucosal layer and caused severe lesions in the lamina propria, including interstitial dilation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and distinct expansion of tubular glands. Moreover, the QXL strain induced high expression of proinflammatory cytokines and cytotoxic molecules in the majority of segments in the oviduct. Further research found that the QXL strain may affected the formation of shell membranes and eggshells by inhibiting the expression of type I collagen and CaBP-D28k. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the QX-type IBV is more pathogenic than Mass-type IBV to oviduct in laying phase. Collectively, these findings provide detailed information on the pathological changes in different segments of the oviduct in laying phase, which could offer a better understanding about the pathogenicity of IBV.

HE4 is associated with clinical risk prognostic factors and survival outcome in primary fallopian tube carcinoma patients.

AIM: To explore whether HE4 was associated with clinical risk prognostic factors and survival outcome in primary fallopian tube carcinoma patients. METHODS: Ninety-six primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) patients from March 2011 to June 2019 were enrolled in this study. Serum CA125 and HE4 concentrations were measured at four time points including primary diagnosis, postsurgery, pre-recurrence, and recurrence. The relations between clinical risk prognostic factors with HE4 concentrations were investigated, and multivariate survival analysis was used to calculate the hazard ratios between HE4 levels with recurrence-free survival and overall survival. RESULTS: HE4 were significantly elevated in poor performance status, advanced stage, high histological grade and residual tumor diameter >1 cm, and positive lymph node status, respectively, compared with those in well performance status, early stage, low histological grade, residual tumor diameter ≤1 cm, and negative lymph node status, respectively. Multivariate survival analysis indicated serum HE4 can predict outcome of recurrence-free survival and overall survival with hazard ratios of 9.92 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.95-33.32) and 3.12 (95% CI: 1.07-9.08), respectively. CONCLUSION: HE4 is associated with clinical risk prognostic factors in PFTC and contributes to predict survival outcome in PFTC cases.

Self-propelled Janus nanomotor as active probe for detection of pepsinogen by lateral flow immunoassay.

The feasibility of using nanomotors as active probes for lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is demonstrated. We synthesized Au@mSiO2@Pt Janus nanomotor, where nanolayer of Pt was deposited on the half side surface of the Au@mSiO2 nanoparticles, which can catalyze the decomposition of H2O2 to produce driving force for the nanomotor. Subsequently, the motion characteristics of the Au@mSiO2@Pt nanomotor in static fluidic environment and dynamic flow field was studied to pave the way for its practical application in lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA). At last, the Au@mSiO2@Pt nanomotor was modified with antibody and then used as active immunoassay probe in LFIA. We chose gastric function index, pepsinogen II (PG II) and pepsinogen II (PG II), as the target analytes. The results indicated that, compared with traditional Au nanoprobe, the nanomotor-based probe can significantly improve the sensitivity by increasing the probability and efficiency of antigen and antibody binding. A limit of detection (LOD) of 2.2 ng/mL for PGI, and 2.1 ng/mL for PG II was achieved. This work provides a new solution for enhancing the capability of immune detection, and we believe the nanomotor-based LFIA will have great potential in high-sensitivity point-of-care-testing in the future.

Fluorometric determination of ziram using CsPbBr3 quantum dots.

A strategy based on CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) is described for the determination of ziram pesticide. A facile and inert gas-free method was used for the synthesis of CsPbBr3 QDs. The obtained CsPbBr3 QDs displayed turn-off fluorescence behavior for ziram. The fluorescence intensity of the CsPbBr3 QDs (Ex/Em = 365/516 nm) was inversely proportional to the concentration of ziram (0.10 to 50.0 ppm) with a detection limit of 0.086 ppm. Notably, satisfactory recoveries (100 ± 0.25 to 107 ± 5.72%) were obtained in spiked fruit samples, which demonstrated that this method is capable of detecting ziram in real samples. In addition, the mechanism for the detection of ziram was investigated in detail. According to the results, this mechanism can be tentatively explained by fluorescence quenching originating from the increased surface defects and the structural changes of the CsPbBr3 QDs. The detection ability of this strategy shows promising applicability in food safety.

Evaluation of the reproductive system development and egg-laying performance of hens infected with TW I-type infectious bronchitis virus.

The prevalence of TW I-type infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has been increasing rapidly, and it has become the second most common genotype of IBV in China threatening the poultry industry. In this study, 1-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens infected with TW I-type IBV were continuously observed for 200 days. TW I-type IBV affected the respiratory, urinary, and female reproductive systems, resulting in a mortality rate of 10% as well as a decrease in egg quantity and an increase in inferior eggs. During the monitoring period, serious lesions occurred in the female reproductive system, such as yolk peritonitis, a shortened oviduct, and cysts of different sizes with effusion in the degenerated right oviduct. The infective viruses persisted in vivo for a long time, and due to the stress of laying, virus shedding was detected again after the onset of egg production. Our findings suggest that TW I-type IBV is deadly to chickens and could cause permanent damage to the oviduct, resulting in the poor laying performance of female survivors and decreasing the breeding value and welfare of the infected flock.

Lesion distribution characteristics of deep infiltrating endometriosis with ovarian endometrioma: an observational clinical study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the characteristics of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) lesion distribution when associated with ovarian endometrioma (OEM). METHODS: The present study analyzed retrospective data obtained by the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, between June 2008 to June 2016. A total of 304 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for complete removal of endometriosis by one experienced surgeon, and histological confirmation of OEM associated with DIE was conducted for each patient. Clinical data were recorded for each patient from medical, operative and pathological reports. Patients were then divided into two groups according to unilateral or bilateral OEM. Patients with unilateral OEM were subsequently divided into two subgroups according to OEM location (left- or right-hand side) and the diameter of the OEM (≤50 and > 50 mm). The distribution characteristics of DIE lesions were then compared between the groups. RESULTS: DIE lesions were widely distributed, 30 anatomical sites were involved. Patients with associated unilateral OEM (n = 184 patients) had a significantly increased number of DIE lesions when compared with patients with bilateral OEM (n = 120 patients; 2.76 ± 1.52 vs. 2.33 ± 1.34; P = 0.006). Compared with bilateral OEM with DIE, there was a higher rate of intestinal (39.1% vs. 18.3%; P < 0.01) and vaginal (17.4% vs. 6.7%; P < 0.01) infiltration by DIE lesions in unilateral OEM with DIE. The mean number of DIE lesions was not significantly correlated with the location or size of the OEM (2.83 ± 1.56 vs. 2.74 ± 1.53; P = 0.678; and 2.65 ± 1.42 vs. 2.80 ± 1.43; P = 0.518, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups with OEM ≤50 mm and > 50 mm. CONCLUSION: Lesion distribution characteristics in women diagnosed with histologically proven OEM associated with DIE were frequently multifocal and severe.

The BODIPY-Based Chemosensor for Fluorometric/Colorimetric Dual Channel Detection of RDX and PA.

A fluorometric/colorimetric dual-channel chemosensor based on a hydrazine-substituted BODIPY probe has been successfully fabricated for the detection of RDX and PA. The chemosensor displays turn-on fluorescence behavior upon RDX with a detection limit of 85.8 nM, while showing a turn-off response to PA with a detection limit of 0.44 µM. Meanwhile, an obvious color difference is observed by the naked-eye after the reaction for RDX. Thus, in application, a two-to-two logic gate is constructed for potential application in explosives detection. Additionally, portable equipment is also developed for in situ determination of RDX.

Predicted secreted protein analysis reveals synaptogenic function of Clstn3 during WAT browning and BAT activation in mice.

Promoting white adipose tissue (WAT) browning and enhancing brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity are attractive therapeutic strategies for obesity and its metabolic complications. Targeting sympathetic innervation in WAT and BAT represents a promising therapeutic concept. However, there are few reports on extracellular microenvironment remodeling, especially changes in nerve terminal connections. Identifying the key molecules mediating the neuro-adipose synaptic junctions is a key point. In this study, we used bioinformatics methods to identify the differentially expressed predicted secreted genes (DEPSGs) during WAT browning and BAT activation. These DEPSGs largely reflect changes of cytokines, extracellular matrix remodeling, vascularization, and adipocyte-neuronal cross-talk. We then performed functional enrichment and cellular distribution specificity analyses. The upregulated and downregulated DEPDGs during WAT browning displayed a distinctive biological pattern and cellular distribution. We listed a cluster of adipocyte-enriched DEPSGs, which might participate in the cross-talk between mature adipocytes and other cells; then identified a synaptogenic adhesion molecule, Clstn3, as the top gene expressed enriched in both mature white and brown adipocytes. Using Q-PCR and immunohistochemistry, we found significantly increased Clstn3 expression level during WAT browning and BAT activation in mice subjected to cold exposure (4 °C). We further demonstrated that treatment with isoproterenol significantly increased Clstn3 and UCP1 expression in differentiated white and beige adipocytes in vitro. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the secretion pattern was somewhat different between WAT browning and BAT activation. We reveal that Clstn3 may be a key gene mediating the neuro-adipose junction formation or remodeling in WAT browning and BAT activation process.

Targeted silencing of MYCL1 by RNA interference inhibits migration and invasion of MGC-803 gastric cancer cells.

MYCL1 protein expression encoded by a proto-oncogene MYCL1, a member of the MYC family, is correlated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients. Nevertheless, the role of MYCL1 in gastric cancer cells remains unknown. In this study, the expression levels of MYCL1 mRNA and protein were downregulated by lentiviral-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) in the MGC-803 gastric cancer cell line. Then, the influence of MYCL1 on the biological behaviour of gastric cancer cells was investigated. Finally, a stable animal model of the MGC-803 human gastric cancer tumour model in nude mice was made successfully. Functionally, silencing of MYCL1 inhibited migration and invasion of the MGC-803 line in vitro and was accompanied with some ultrastructural changes. These results provide some evidences that lentiviral-mediated MYCL1 silencing may be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of gastric cancer. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumours worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in China. Our previous study revealed that expression of MYCL1 in gastric cancer tissue was associated with poor prognosis of patients. However, the potential underlying mechanism is still unclear. In the current study, we displayed the influence of MYCL1 gene on invasion and migration phenotype of gastric cancer cells and provided a possible explanation from the aspect of structural alteration. Our results suggested that downregulation of MYCL1 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.

MFSD2A expression predicts better prognosis in gastric cancer.

Major facilitator superfamily domain containing-2A (MFSD2A) is reported to correlated with some tumors, but its clinical significance in gastric cancer (GC) is still unknown. The expression of MFSD2A and CD34 were examined on tissue microarrays of 170 set of GC and adjacent normal tissue (ANT) by immunohistochemistry. The relationship of MFSD2A with microvessel density (MVD) and clinicopathological characteristics was also investigated. MFSD2A expression is lower in GC tissue (35.3%) than in ANT (78.2%, P < 0.01). Mean MVD was higher in cancer tissue (49.7 ±â€¯5.46) than in ANT (19.3 ±â€¯2.19, P < 0.01), and higher in MFSD2A- GC (56.5 ±â€¯7.27), than in MFSD2A+ GC (24.8 ±â€¯4.31, P < 0.01). MFSD2A expression was significantly higher in moderately/well differentiated GC (47.4%) than in poorly differentiated GC (25.0%, P < 0.01) and in early-stage GC (46.4%) than in advanced GC (27.7%, P = 0.012). Patients with MFSD2A+ specimens (n = 60) had significantly better prognoses than the MFSD2A- group (n = 110; P < 0.0001). These results suggest that MFSD2A might affect angiogenesis and inhibit GC development and progression. MFSD2A may help predict prognosis and could be a therapeutic target in GC.

A novel role for Bcl2l13 in promoting beige adipocyte biogenesis.

Bcl2l13 is a member of the Bcl-2 family that has been found to play a central role in regulating apoptosis. Recently Bcl2l13 has been reported to induce mitophagy as a functional mammalian homolog of Atg32. However, the role of Bcl2l13 in adipose tissue has not been investigated yet. In the present study, we found that Bcl2l13 expression was increased in white adipose tissue browning process stimulated by cold exposure or ß3-adrenergic agonist CL-316,243 in vivo as well as during brown adipocytes differentiation in vitro. Moreover, Bcl2l13 disruption dramatically inhibited the browning program of preadipocytes, evidenced by reduced Prdm16, Ucp1, Dio2 and Adrb3 expression. Our findings revealed that the inhibition effect of Bcl2l13 disruption on browning program may be independent of altering autophagy activity, but through regulating mitochondrial dynamic and biogenesis, supported by decreased mitochondrial fission/fussion genes, PGC-1α and mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes expression. Taken together, our study uncovered a novel function of Bcl2l13 in adipocytes differentiation and promoting browning program.

Clinical Significance and Characteristic Clinical Differences of Cytolytic Vaginosis in Recurrent Vulvovaginitis.

AIM: The study aimed to evaluate whether cytolytic vaginosis (CV) has important clinical implications for recurrent vulvovaginitis and to identify clinical differences between CV and vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC). METHODS: Medical histories, physical examinations and laboratory findings were used to diagnose and assess the prevalence rates of various vulvovaginal infections among 536 women with recurrent vulvovaginitis. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to compare age, menstrual cycle phase at episode onset, symptoms/signs of infection and discharge characteristics between CV and VVC with single infection. RESULTS: Among the 484 women with a single-infection recurrent vulvovaginitis, the prevalence of CV (n = 143; 26.7%) was second only to VVC (n = 196; 36.6%). CV symptoms occurred predominantly during the ovulatory and luteal phases. Meanwhile, VVC episodes were not concentrated premenstrually, but rather occurred throughout the menstrual cycle. Significant differences were found in the vaginal pH, discharge characteristics and frequency of inflammatory symptoms between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: CV is clinically important, because it is a common cause of recurrent vulvovaginitis. To distinguish CV from VVC, gynecologists should consider the patient's medical history, physical and laboratory findings, vaginal pH and vaginal discharge characteristics.

Management of ureteral endometriosis with hydronephrosis: Experience from a tertiary medical center.

AIM: We report the clinical characteristics and experience of the surgical management of ureteral endometriosis in our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with hydronephrosis resulting from ureteral endometriosis. RESULTS: Forty-six patients with different degrees of hydronephrosis were included in the study; 35% had urinary tract symptoms. Concomitant involvement of the ipsilateral ovary occurred in more than two-thirds of the patients. Four patients had nephrectomy, one of which involved ureterolysis because of hydronephrosis recurrence six months later. CONCLUSIONS: Hydronephrosis may be caused by uncommon reasons, such as ureteral endometriosis, which can even cause silent loss of renal function. Routine ultrasound scanning of the upper urinary tract for severe stages of endometriosis is very important in order to detect any potential ureteral lesions. Ureterolysis should be considered as the first surgical step, not only to avoid iatrogenic ureteral injuries but also to better evaluate ureter involvement for further procedures. To warrant tension-free and lesion-free anastomosis, it is wise to perform ureteroneocystostomy for long-term sound results.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of serum human epididymis protein 4 in patients with primary fallopian tube carcinoma.

AIM: The aim of our study was to assess the levels of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) with the common tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) in the diagnosis and monitoring of therapy for primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC). METHODS: Serum HE4 and CA125 levels from 82 PFTC patients and 154 patients with benign pelvic masses as the control were measured by Roche electrochemiluminescent immunoassay. HE4 determinations for surgery response and recurrence monitoring were assessed in PFTC patients. RESULTS: Serum HE4 and CA125 concentrations were significantly higher in PFTC patients compared with those seen in patients with benign pelvic masses (P < 0.001). Compared with CA125, HE4 had higher specificity, but lower sensitivity whether at early or advanced stage, and the combination of HE4 + CA125 led to higher sensitivity and specificity. HE4 + CA125 performed significantly better than CA125 or HE4 alone in early stage patients. In early stage the sensitivity was 35.7% for HE4 and 64.3% for CA125, while sensitivity for the combination of HE4 and CA125 could reach 71.4%. Furthermore, the two markers were associated with the progression and histology of PFTC. Serum HE4 level was closely correlated with surgical therapy. PFTC patients displayed a greater decline in the level of HE4 compared with CA125 (76.4% vs 55.7%). Combined with CA125, HE4 elevation better predicted recurrence in PFTC patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that serum HE4 levels are closely associated with PFTC and the outcome of surgical therapy and recurrence in Chinese patients.

Expression and prognostic value of Mycl1 in gastric cancer.

As a member of the Myc proto-oncogene family, MYCL1 has been found to be amplified and overexpressed in some malignancies. However, the clinical significance of Mycl1 expression in gastric cancer is still unknown. Mycl1 expression was detected on tissue microarrays of gastric cancer samples in 176 cases using immunohistochemical staining, and its association with clinicopathological factors and overall survival was also analyzed. Mycl1 showed greater expression in gastric cancer tissue than in adjacent normal tissue (62.5% vs 46.0%, respectively, P=0.002), and its expression was correlated with patient age, tumor differentiation, and TNM stage (P=0.007, 0.003, and 0.002, respectively). The Mycl1 positive group had an unfavorable outcome compared with the negative group (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that Mycl1 expression was an independent prognostic factor of gastric cancer (P=0.009). These results suggest that Mycl1 expression might be useful as a biomarker to predict prognosis and is a promising therapeutic target for patients with gastric cancer.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress induces up-regulation of hepatic ß-Klotho expression through ATF4 signaling pathway.

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) plays critical roles in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. ß-Klotho is the co-receptor for mediating FGF21 signaling, and the mRNA levels of this receptor are increased in the liver of human subjects with obesity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of ß-klotho expression remain poorly defined. Here, we report that elevation of ß-klotho protein expression in diet-induced obese mice and human patients is associated with increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In vivo study indicates that administration of the ER stressor tunicamycin in mice led to increased expression of ß-klotho in the liver. In addition, we show that ER stress is sufficient to potentiate FGF21 signaling in HepG2 cell and ATF4 signaling pathway is essential for mediating the effect of ER stress on ß-klotho expression. These findings demonstrate a link of ER stress with up-regulation of hepatic ß-klotho expression and the molecular mechanism underlying ER stress-regulated FGF21 signaling.

Early cervical cancer impact of peritoneal vaginoplasty combined with laparoscopic radical hysterectomy improved sexual function.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the impact of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) in combination with peritoneal vaginoplasty (PV) in improving sexual function after radical hysterectomy (RH) in patients with early cervical cancer. METHODS: A total of 79 patients with early-stage cervical cancer younger than 45 years were assigned to receive LRH in combination with PV (the LRH-PV group; n = 31) or LRH alone (the LRH group; n = 48). Other 40 healthy females were selected as controls (the control group). The sexual function was assessed with Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI). The FSFI scores and sexual function in the postoperative 1 year were compared between the LRH-PV and LRH groups, LRH-PV and control groups, and LRH and control groups, respectively. RESULTS: Patients with LRH-PV showed significantly higher scores in sexual satisfaction, lubrication, pain, and total score than those with LRH alone (P < 0.05) but were not statistically different in scores regarding sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm (P > 0.05). Healthy controls showed the highest in total scores and 6 domains among all subjects. In addition, the FSFI total scores in the LRH-PV group, LRH group, and LRH-PV + LRH group were significantly decreased compared with the control (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal vaginoplasty to lengthen the vagina improves sexual function of patients with early cervical cancer receiving LRH in sexual satisfaction, lubrication, and pain.

[SNP microarray analysis of retention abortion chorionic villus].

OBJECTIVE: To compare villus cell culture and karyotype analysis with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray technology for the detection of chorionic villus chromosome in patients with retention of abortion. METHODS: Forty cases were analyzed with the two methods. RESULTS: Chorionic villus culturing was successful in 29 cases, among which 10 were found to have an abnormal karyotypes. For the SNP microarray analysis, all 40 cases were successful, among which 16 were shown to have an abnormal molecular karyotype. CONCLUSION: SNP microarray technology is highly accurate and specific, which is particularly suitable for the detection of chromosomal deletions or duplications, uniparental disomy, low-percentage mosaicism and other chromosomal abnormalities. It has provided an effective supplement to the conventional chorionic villus culture and karyotype analysis.