Urine LMs quantitative analysis strategy development and LMs CWP biomarkers discovery.

Coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) is one of the most common inhalation occupational diseases. It is no effective treatment methods. Early diagnosis of CWP could reduce mortality. Lipid mediators (LMs) as key mediators in the generation and resolution of inflammation, are natural biomarkers for diagnosis inflammatory disease, such as CWP. The UHPLC-MRM technique was used to detect LMs in urine. The metabolic network of LMs in CWP and CT group samples was comprehensively analyzed. Screening for major difference compounds between the two groups. Aimed to contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of CWP. Urinary levels of 13-OxoODE, 9-OxoODE, and 9,10-EpOME were significantly higher in the CWP group compared with the CT group (P < 0.05). In the model group, the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) for 9-OxoODE,13-OxoODE,9,10-EpOME was 84.4%, 73.3%, and 80.9%, respectively. In the validation group, the area under the ROC was 87.0%, 88.8%, and 68.8% for 9-OxoODE,13-OxoODE,9,10-EpOME, respectively. According to the logistic regression model, the area under the ROC was 80.4% in the model group and 86.7% in the validation group. 13-OxoODE,9-OxoODE,9,10-EpOME could be used as biomarkers for early diagnosis. Significant abnormalities of LOX and CYP450 enzyme pathways were seen in CWP organisms. Changes in the CYP450 enzyme pathway may be associated with PAHs.

Analysis of serum metabolome of laborers exposure to welding fume.

OBJECTIVE: Welding fume exposure is inevitable of welding workers and poses a severe hazard to their health since welding is a necessary industrial process. Thus, preclinical diagnostic symptoms of worker exposure are of great importance. The aim of this study was to screen serum differential metabolites of welding fume exposure based on UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. METHODS: In 2019, 49 participants were recruited at a machinery manufacturing factory. The non-target metabolomics technique was used to clarify serum metabolic signatures in people exposed to welding fume. Differential metabolites were screened by OPLS-DA analysis and Student's t-test. The receiver operating characteristic curve evaluated the discriminatory power of differential metabolites. And the correlations between differential metabolites and metal concentrations in urine and whole blood were analyzed utilizing Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: Thirty metabolites were increased significantly, and 5 metabolites were decreased. The differential metabolites are mainly enriched in the metabolism of arachidonic acid, glycero phospholipid, linoleic acid, and thiamine. These results observed that lysophosphatidylcholine (20:1/0:0) and phosphatidylglycerol(PGF1α/16:0) had a tremendous anticipating power with relatively increased AUC values (AUC > 0.9), and they also presented a significant correlation of Mo concentrations in whole blood and Cu concentrations in urine, respectively. CONCLUSION: The serum metabolism was changed significantly after exposure to welding fume. Lysophosphatidylcholine (20:1/0:0) and phosphatidylglycerol (PGF1α/16:0) may be a potential biological mediator and biomarker for laborers exposure to welding fume.

The association between nasal mucosa bacteria and serum metals in children with nasal diseases.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) and adenoid hypertrophy (AH) are common nasal diseases in children. Studies have shown that heavy metals are environmental risk factors for nasal diseases, and the pathogenic mechanisms may be related to dysregulation of nasal mucosal microbiota. However, it is unclear how heavy metal exposure relates to the nasal mucosal microbiota in nasal diseases. Therefore, we explored serum metal exposure levels and nasal mucosal microbiota composition in children with different nasal disease, and further studied the potential correlation between metal exposure and disease-related taxa. There were 64 children recruited for this study. The 23 metals concentrations in serum were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and nasal mucosal bacteria was identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Nasal diseases (AR and AH) in children were associated with alterations in the abundance and diversity of the nasal mucosal microbiota. The nasal microbiota of children with AR showed lower diversity, while the microbiota of children with AH showed higher diversity. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size showed 108 differentially abundant taxa between AR and control groups, 35 differentially abundant taxa among large adenoid, moderate adenoid and small adenoid groups. The serum zinc concentration was negatively correlated with Pielou's eveness index and Simpson's Index in children classified by adenoid size. The spearman correlation analysis showed that multiple disease-related taxa were closely associated with metal concentrations in serum. Our findings may support a link between metal exposure and the diversity and composition of nasal bacteria in children with nasal disease, which present new evidence for the effects of metals on children health.

Liver transcriptome analyses of acute poisoning and recovery of male ICR mice exposed to the mushroom toxin α-amanitin.

Approximately 70-90% of mushroom poisoning deaths are caused by α-amanitin-induced liver injury resulting from RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) inhibition. Liver regeneration ability may contribute greatly to individual survival after α-amanitin poisoning. However, it is unclear what cellular pathways are activated to stimulate regeneration. We conducted dose-effect and time-effect studies in mice that were intraperitoneally injected with 0.33-0.66 mg/kg α-amanitin to establish a poisoning model. The liver/body weight ratio, serological indices, and pathology were evaluated to characterize the liver injury. In the time-effect study, the liver transcriptome was analyzed to explore the mRNA changes resulting from RNAP II inhibition and the underlying pathways associated with recovery. Based on the two animal studies, we established a poisoning model with three sequential liver states: early injury, regulation, and recovery. The mRNA changes reflected by the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the transcriptome could be used to illustrate the inhibition of RNAP II by α-amanitin. DEGs at four key time points were well matched with the three liver states, including 8-h downregulated genes in the early injury state, 16-h and 72-h upregulated genes in the regulation state, and 96-h upregulated/downregulated genes in the recovery state. By clustering analysis, the mTOR signaling pathway was screened out as the most promising potential pathway promoting recovery. The results of our investigations of the pathways and events downstream of the mTOR pathway indicated that the activation of mTOR probably contributes crucially to liver regeneration, which could be a promising basis for drug development.

[Development of the certified reference material of chromium in freeze-dried human urine].

OBJECTIVE: To develop the certified reference material in freeze-dried human urine. METHODS: Normal human urine was collected, mixed and filtered as a matrix, then the urine was prepared by adding standard, mixing, sub-packaging, and freeze-drying; After the homogeneity and stability were tested by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, the urine were determined by two methods in seven independent laboratories and the uncertainty of the certified reference material was evaluated. RESULTS: The minimum sample intake of the developed certified reference material was 0.50 mL, and the homogeneity was good. The freeze-dried material was stable for 12 months at ≤4 ℃, and the reference material was stable at 4 ℃ after reconstitution for the 7 d. The standard value and uncertainty of the two levels were(16.0±1.0) µg/L and(30.7±2.1) µg/L(k=2), respectively. CONCLUSION: The certified reference material of chromium in freeze-dried human urine in this research met the national certified reference material requirements and could be used for the quality control of the detection of chromium in laboratory human urine.

Disassembly of Dimeric Cyanine Dye Supramolecular Assembly by Tetramolecular G-quadruplex Dependence on Linker Length and Layers of G-quartet.

Cyanine dyes have been widely applied in various biological systems owing to their specific photochemical properties. Assembly and disassembly process of cyanine dyes were constructed and regulated by special biomolecules. In this paper, dimeric cyanine dyes with different repeat units (oligo-oxyethylene) in linker (TC-Pn) (n = 3-6) were found to form H-aggregates or mixture aggregates in PBS. These aggregates could be disassembled into dimer and/or monomer by (TGnT) tetramolecular G-quadruplexes (n = 3-6, 8), which were affected by the linker length of dimeric cyanine dyes and layers of G-quartets. The 1H-NMR titration results suggest that the binding mode of dimeric cyanine dye with TGnT might be on both ends-stacking like a clip. This binding mode could clearly explain that matching structures between dimeric cyanine dyes and TGnT quadruplexes could regulate the disassembly properties of aggregates. These results could provide clues for the development of highly specific G-quadruplex probes.

Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection among coal workers' pneumoconiosis patients in China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) patients. To estimate the prevalence of LTBI and identify its associated risk factors among CWP patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of LTBI. Participants were screened for active TB or a history of TB by X-ray and those that underwent QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT) test. A standardized questionnaire was completed and risk factors were assessed for acquiring TB. Log-binomial regression was used to estimate the LTBI prevalence ratio (PR) in relation to risk factors. RESULTS: Of 244 individuals with CWP (median age 67 years; all male), 162 (66.4%) were QFT positive. In Multivariate analysis, poor workplace ventilation (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 1.26) and intake of fruits regularly (≥4 days of every week) (APR = 0.81) (all p < 0.05) were associated with a decreased risk of QFT. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a high prevalence of LTBI among individuals with CWP in China. Poor workplace ventilation may be an important contributing factor for LTBI. Regular monitoring and dust control measures need to be improved in workplaces to ensure the safety of workers. Moreover, intake of fruits regularly may be a protective factor for LTBI. However, the effect of fruits should be further studied.

Baseline blood levels of manganese, lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc in residents of Beijing suburb.

Baseline blood concentrations of metals are important references for monitoring metal exposure in environmental and occupational settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the blood levels of manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) among the residents (aged 12-60 years old) living in the suburb southwest of Beijing in China and to compare the outcomes with reported values in various developed countries. Blood samples were collected from 648 subjects from March 2009 to February 2010. Metal concentrations in the whole blood were determined by ICP-MS. The geometric means of blood levels of Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd were 11.4, 802.4, 4665, 42.6, and 0.68 µg/L, respectively. Male subjects had higher blood Pb than the females, while the females had higher blood Mn and Cu than the males. There was no gender difference for blood Cd and Zn. Smokers had higher blood Cu, Zn, and Cd than nonsmokers. There were significant age-related differences in blood levels of all metals studied; subjects in the 17-30 age group had higher blood levels of Mn, Pb, Cu, and Zn, while those in the 46-60 age group had higher Cd than the other age groups. A remarkably lower blood level of Cu and Zn in this population as compared with residents of other developed countries was noticed. Based on the current study, the normal reference ranges for the blood Mn were estimated to be 5.80-25.2 µg/L; for blood Cu, 541-1475 µg/L; for blood Zn, 2349-9492 µg/L; for blood Pb, <100 µg/L; and for blood Cd, <5.30 µg/L in the general population living in Beijing suburbs.

[Distribution of copper and zinc level in urine of general population in eight provinces of China].

OBJECTIVE: To describe the distribution of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in urine samples of generalpopulation in eight provinces of China, to analyze their characteristics of distribution between different region, gender and age-cohorts, and to provide the baseline of themetabolites in the general population. METHODS: From 2009 to 2010, 18 120 subjects from the general population aged from 6 to 60 years old were recruited from 24 areas among 8 provinces of China mainland by random sampling. The environmental and physical condition characteristics were collected from questionnaires, and urine samples were collected at the mean time. The levels of Zn and Cu in urine were measured using ICP-MS. Data were analyzed by statistical methods to compare the distribution characteristics of Zn and Cu among populations with different ages and genders. RESULTS: Totally, the median of Cu and Zn in urine were 9.28 and 115.47 µg/L respectively; and the inter-quartile range of Cu and Zn were 2.66-16.09 and 35.32-265.15 µg/L respectively. The median of Cu in male and female were 9.90 and 8.60 µg/L (Z=-5.63, P<0.001), and Zn in male and female were 140.44 and 95.27 µg/L (Z=-14.79, P<0.001). The median of Cu among the groups aged 6-12, 13-16, 17-20, 21-30, 31-45 and 46-60 years old were 9.30, 10.14, 9.67, 9.33, 8.38 and 8.74 µg/L (χ2=70.94, P<0.001), respectively, and the median of Zn 130.83, 132.07, 139.34, 109.3, 78.74 and 109.51 µg/L ((χ2=146.00, P<0.001), respectively.There was statistically significant differences in urinary Cu and Zn levels between male and female, and among the different age groups. CONCLUSION: The Cu and Zn levels and distribution in urine among general population between 2009 and 2010 in China were reported in this article. These basic data in China will provide scientific and reliable reference for further scientific research.

[Distribution of rubidium, cesium, beryllium, strontium, and barium in blood and urine in general Chinese population].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution of rubidium (Rb), cesium (Cs), beryllium (Be), strontium (Sr), and barium (Ba) in blood and urine in general Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 18 120 subjects aged 6~60 years were enrolled from 24 regions in 8 provinces in Eastern, Central, and Western China from 2009 to 2010 based on the method of cluster random sampling. Questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the data on living environment and health status. Blood and urine samples were collected from these subjects, and the levels of Rb, Cs, Be, Sr, and Ba in these samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The distribution of these elements in blood and urine in male or female subjects living in different regions was analyzed statistically. RESULTS: In the general Chinese population, the concentration of Be in the whole blood was below the detection limit (0.06 µg/L); the geometric mean (GM) of Ba in the whole blood was below the detection limit (0.45 µg/L), with the 95th percentile (P95)of 1.37 µg/L; the GMs (95% CI)of Rb, Cs, and Sr in the whole blood were 2 374(2 357~2 392) µg/L, 2.01 (1.98~2.05) µg/L, and 23.5 (23.3~23.7) µg/L, respectively; in males and females, the GMs (95%CI)of blood Rb, Cs, and Sr were 2 506 (2 478~2 533) µg/L and 2 248 (2 227~2 270) µg/L, 1.88 (1.83~1.94) µg/L and 2.16 (2.11~2.20) µg/L, and 23.4 (23.1~23.7) µg/L and 23.6 (23.3~23.9) µg/L, respectively(P<0.01, P>0.05, and P>0.05). In the general Chinese population, the GM of urine Be was below the detection limit (0.06 µg/L), while the GMs (95%CI)of urine Rb, Cs, Sr, and Ba were 854 (836~873) µg/L, 3.65 (3.56~3.74) µg/L, 39.5 (38.4~40.6) µg/L, and 1.10 (1.07~1.12) µg/L, respectively; in males and females, the GMs (95%CI)of urine Rb, Cs, Sr, and Ba were 876 (849~904) µg/L and 832 (807~858) µg/L, 3.83 (3.70~3.96) µg/L and 3.47 (3.35~3.60) µg/L, 42.5 (40.9~44.2) µg/L and 36.6 (35.1~38.0) µg/L, and 1.15 (1.12~1.19) µg/L and 1.04 (1.01~1.07) µg/L, respectively (all P< 0.01). Correlation analyses showed that there were weak correlations between blood Rb and urine Rb (r=0.197)and between blood Sr and urine Sr (r=0.180), but a good correlation between blood Cs and urine Cs (r=0.487). CONCLUSION: The levels of Rb, Cs, Be, Sr, and Ba in the general Chinese population are similar to those reported in other countries, and there is a significant difference in the concentration of each element among the populations living in different regions, as well as significant differences in blood Rb, urine Rb, urine Cs, urine Sr, and urine Ba between males and females.

[Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons monohydroxy metabolites level in urine of general population in eight provinces of China].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons monohydroxy metabolites in urine of general population in China among 8 provinces, provide the baseline of the metabolites in the general population. METHODS: From 2009 to 2010, 18 120 subjects of general population aged 6-60 years old were recruited from 24 areas among 8 provinces in east, west and central areas of China mainland by cluster random sampling. The information of the living environment and health condition were collected by questionnaire and spot urine samples were collected, 4 680 urine samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, and monohydroxy metabolites distribution in urine among groups of gender and ages were analysed. RESULTS: Geometric means (GM) of 2-naphthol, 1-naphthol, 3-phenanthrol and 1-hydroxypyrene concentration in urine (95%CI) were 1.85 (1.75-1.95), 1.55 (1.50-1.61), 0.57 (0.54-0.59) and 0.82 (0.78-0.85) µg/L, respectively;and median are 2.44, <0.50, 0.72 and 0.90 µg/L, respectively. The concentration between male and female were significantly different (P < 0.01), and the concentration among the groups of population were significantly different (P < 0.01), the GM of 2-naphthol among the groups of population aged 6-12, 13-16, 17-20, 21-30, 31-45 and 46-60 years old were 1.60, 1.56, 1.69, 2.23, 1.91 and 1.86 µg/L (χ(2) = 17.90, P < 0.01), the GM of 1-naphthol in the groups were 1.30, 1.16, 1.53, 1.68, 1.80 and 1.52 µg/L (χ(2) = 76.22, P < 0.01), the GM of 3-phenanthrol in the groups were 0.78, 0.76, 0.55, 0.42, 0.50 and 0.99 µg/L (χ(2) = 66.48, P < 0.01), the GM of 1-hydroxypyrene in the groups were 0.77,0.64, 1.00, 0.84, 0.84 and 0.57 µg/L (χ(2) = 51.48, P < 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: The distribution of monohydroxy metabolites levels in urine of general population were different, it provided a basic data for the further study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons biomonitoring in the population.

[Distribution of manganese, cobalt and molybdenum in blood and urine among general population in 8 provinces of China].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluated the manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) levels in blood and urine among general population in China, and thereby to analyze their prevalent features. METHODS: From 2009 to 2010, a total of 18 120 subjects of general population aged 6-60 years were recruited from 24 districts in 8 provinces in eastern, central and western China mainland, by cluster random sampling method. The information about their living environment and health status were collected by questionnaire, and their blood and urine samples were also collected.Inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to test the Mn, Co and Mo levels of blood and urine samples, and the Mn, Co, Mo distribution in blood and urine among groups of population in different ages and genders were then analyzed. RESULTS: Among general population in China, the geometric mean (GM) of Mn concentration in blood was 8.98 µg/L. The Mn concentration in blood among males and females were separately 8.14 µg/L and 9.88 µg/L (Z = -18.84, P < 0.01). The GM of Mn concentration in urine was 0.63 µg/L. The Mn concentration in urine among males and females were separately 0.62 µg/L and 0.63 µg/L (Z = -0.67, P > 0.05). The geometric mean (GM) of Co concentration in blood was 0.194 µg/L. The Co concentration in blood among males and females were separately 0.166 µg/L and 0.225 µg/L (Z = -23.04, P < 0.01). The GM of Co concentration in urine was 0.282 µg/L. The Co concentration in urine among males and females were separately 0.260 µg/L and 0.307 µg/L (Z = -7.35, P < 0.01). The GM of Mo concentration in blood was 0.25 µg/L. The Mo concentration in blood among male and female group were separately 0.27 µg/L and 0.23 µg/L (Z = -5.03, P < 0.01). The GM of Mo concentration in urine was 27.7 µg/L. The Mo concentration in urine among males and females were 29.8 µg/L and 25.6 µg/L (Z = -6.31, P < 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: The Mn, Co and Mo levels in blood and urine varied by gender and area among general population in China, the study provided basic data evidence for the following Mn, Co and Mo biological monitoring studies in near future.

[Study of distribution and influencing factors of lead and cadmium in whole blood and urine among population in 8 provinces in China].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in blood and urine among general population in China, and thereby analyze their prevalent features. METHODS: A total of 18 120 subjects from general population aged 6-60 years were recruited from 24 districts in 8 provinces in eastern, central and western China mainland from 2009 to 2010, by cluster random sampling method. The blood samples and urine samples of these people were collected. The questionnaire survey was used to collect the information of the living environment and health conditions.Inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry was applied to test the Pb and Cd levels in the samples, and the distribution of Pb and Cd in blood and urine for different ages, genders, areas and life habits were then analyzed. RESULTS: Among the general population in China, the geometric mean (GM) of blood Pb concentration was 34.9 µg/L; the GM of blood Pb in male and female groups were 40.1 and 30.4 µg/L (Z = -28.05, P < 0.05), respectively; the GM from eastern, central and western China were 31.2, 38.8 and 58.9 µg/L (χ(2) = 1 483.33, P < 0.05) , respectively. The GM of urine Pb of the whole population was 1.05 µg/L;while the GM in male and female groups were 1.06 µg/L and 1.05 µg/L (Z = -0.73, P > 0.05) , respectively;the values from eastern, central and western China were 0.76, 2.85 and 3.22 µg/L (χ(2) = 1 982.11, P < 0.05), respectively. The GM of blood Cd concentration among general population was 0.49 µg/L; and the values in male and female group were 0.60 and 0.41 µg/L (Z = -11.79, P < 0.05) , respectively; the GM from eastern, central and western China were 0.45, 0.65 and 0.67 µg/L (χ(2) = 69.87, P < 0.05), respectively; the GM of urine Cd concentration of the whole population was 0.28 µg/L, while the GM in male and female groups were 0.29 and 0.28 µg/L (Z = -3.86, P < 0.05), respectively; the values from eastern, central and western China were 0.29,0.42 and 0.18 µg/L (χ(2) = 402.76, P < 0.05), respectively. the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient for Cd in blood and Cd in urine was 0.22, for Pb in blood and Pb in urine was 0.21. Both the correlations were statistic significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Pb and Cd levels in blood and urine were relatively higher among general population in China varying by gender and area. There were positive correlations between Pb and Cd levels in blood and those in urine.

[Study of distribution and influencing factors of arsenic in whole blood and urine among population in 8 provinces in China].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluated the levels of arsenic (As) in blood and urine among general population in China and analyze its influencing factors. METHODS: A total of 18 120 subjects from general population aged 6-60 years were recruited from 24 districts in 8 provinces in eastern, central and western China mainland from 2009 to 2010, by cluster random sampling method. Blood samples and urine samples were collected, the information of the life-style was collected by questionnaire.Inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry was applied to test the As level in the samples, and the distribution of As in blood and urine for different ages, genders, areas and life habits were then analyzed. RESULTS: The geometric mean (GM) of blood As concentration among general population was 2.33 µg/L;the GM of blood As in male (2.35 µg/L) was higher than and female (2.30 µg/L) (Z = -1.42, P < 0.05); from eastern, central to western China, the blood As level were 2.94, 1.30 and 0.98 µg/L (χ(2) = 643.22, P < 0.05) , respectively; the GM in smokers (2.84 µg/L) was higher than non-smokers (2.27) (Z = -6.28, P < 0.05) ;the seafood consumer had a higher blood As level (2.59 µg/L) than people not consuming seafood (1.47 µg/L) (Z = -23.68, P < 0.05). The urine As level of the whole population was 13.72 µg/L;while its GM in male (14.10 µg/L) was higher than female (13.33 µg/L) (Z = -3.94, P < 0.05); the values from eastern, central to western China were 14.14, 16.02 and 9.57 µg/L (χ(2) = 353.89, P < 0.05), respectively;the level in smokers (16.06 µg/L) was higher than nonsmokers (13.70 µg/L) (Z = -2.63, P < 0.05); the level in seafood consumers (14.82 µg/L) was higher than people not consuming seafood (10.99 µg/L) (Z = -3.20, P < 0.05). The blood As level had a positive correlation with urine As level (correlation coefficient:0.285, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The As level in blood and urine varied by gender and area among general population in China, and related to life-styles. There was a positive correlation between As level in blood and that in urine.

[Distribution of copper and zinc in blood among general population from 8 provinces in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the level of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in whole blood among general population from 8 provinces in China, and to analyze the characteristics of distribution among different regions. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in 8 provinces from eastern, middle and western China between 2009 and 2010, including 13 110 subjects from 24 regions, and the blood and urine samples were collected. The ICP-MS was applied to test the content of ICP-MS in blood samples, and the results were used to analyze the characteristics of contents and distributions of Zn and Cu among population from different ages, genders and regions groups. RESULTS: Totally, the mean (95%CI) contents of Cu and Zn in blood were 795 (791-799)µg/L and 3 996(3 976-4 015) µg/L, respectively. The characteristics of distribution of Cu content were as followed, the content of males were lower than it of females (male:767 µg/L; female: 822 µg/L, t = -13.302, P < 0.01). The contents of blood Cu in groups of people aging 6-12, 13-16, 17-20, 21-30, 31-45 and 46-60 years old were separately 860(853-868), 758(748-769), 734(728-734), 782(774-790), 811(795-827) and 820(815-826) µg/L. The differences showed statistical significance (F = 78.77, P < 0.01). The blood Cu content of people in eastern China (800µg/L) were also significantly higher than it in middle (774 µg/L)and western China (782 µg/L) (F = 10.94, P < 0.01). Distribution of blood Zn content showed characteristics as follows: the Zn content was higher in males than in females (male 4 085 µg/L and female 3 908 µg/L, t = 8.78, P < 0.01). The contents of blood Zn in groups of people aging 6-12, 13-16, 17-20, 21-30, 31-45 and 46-60 years old were separately 3 306 (3 261-3 350), 3 888 (3 839-3 937), 3 948 (3 902-3 994), 4 272(4 228-4 315), 4 231(4 180-4 281) and 4 250 (4 205-4 294)µg/L, which showed significant statistical differences (F = 233.68, P < 0.01). The blood Zn content of people in eastern China (3 938 µg/L) were significantly lower than it in middle (4 237 µg/L)and western China (4 105 µg/L) (F = 53.16, P < 0.01). In addition, the study also compared the relation between content of Cu and Zn and the frequency of eating seafood. The results found that the frequency of eating seafood could influence the content of Cu and Zn (Cu: F = 13.54, P < 0.01; Zn: F = 200.20, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The contents and distributions of Cu and Zn in blood differs among people from different groups in ages, genders and regions. The baseline data of this study provided reliable scientific evidence for further research.

H-Aggregation of Squaraine Dye as Generic Colorimetric Molecules to Detect Cu2.

An infrared squaraine dye was utilized to detect Cu2+ in solvents based on H-aggregates of squaraine dye. H-aggregates are a type of aggregation with enhanced photophysical properties compared to monomers. In the presence of a Ca2+ solution, F-Cl offers exceptional H-aggregators that can be transformed into monomers by adding Cu2+. Furthermore, this mode successfully demonstrated fluorescence changes in HeLa cells cultured in vitro after the addition of Ca2+ or Cu2+. A highly specific detection of Cu2+ was achieved using this transformation mode.

Pyruvate is modified by tea/coffee metabolites and reversely correlated with multiple system atrophy and Parkinson's disease.

Introduction: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disorder. Although diverse biomarkers have been established for Parkinson's disease (PD), no widely accepted markers have been identified in MSA. Pyruvate and lactate are the end-product of glycolysis and crucial for brain metabolism. However, their correlation with MSA remains unclear. Moreover, it is elusive how lifestyles modify these metabolites. Methods: To investigate the correlation and diagnostic value of plasma pyruvate and lactate levels in MSA and PD. Moreover, we explored how lifestyle-related metabolites interact with these metabolites in determining the disease risk. We assayed the 3 metabolites in pyruvate/lactate and 6 in the tea/coffee metabolic pathways by targeted mass spectrometry and evaluate their interactions and performance in diagnosis and differentiation between MSA and PD. Results: We found that 7 metabolites were significantly different between MSA, PD and healthy controls (HCs). Particularly, pyruvate was increased in PD while significantly decreased in MSA patients. Moreover, the tea/coffee metabolites were negatively associated with the pyruvate level in HCs, but not in MSA and PD patients. Using machine-learning models, we showed that the combination of pyruvate and tea/coffee metabolites diagnosed MSA (AUC = 0.878) and PD (AUC = 0.833) with good performance. Additionally, pyruvate had good performance in distinguishing MSA from PD (AUC = 0.860), and the differentiation increased (AUC = 0.922) when combined with theanine and 1,3-dimethyluric acid. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that pyruvate correlates reversely with MSA and PD, and may play distinct roles in their pathogenesis, which can be modified by lifestyle-related tea/coffee metabolites.

An Analysis of Targeted Serum Lipidomics in Patients with Pneumoconiosis - China, 2022.

Introduction: Pneumoconiosis emerges as the most critical and prevalent occupational disease in China at present, according to research. Studies indicate that pneumoconiosis may indeed impact the body's phospholipid metabolism. Methods: In this study, serum samples were taken from 46 paired participants, which included patients with pneumoconiosis and dust-exposed workers. We employed ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology in targeted lipidomics to investigate serum target phospholipids. Initially, a pilot study was conducted with a selection of 24 pneumoconiosis patients and 24 dust-exposed workers, using both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses to preliminarily identify significant differences in phospholipids. Subsequent to this, the remaining subjects were engaged in a validation study, wherein receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to further substantiate the screening potency of potential lipid biomarkers for pneumoconiosis. Results: The pilot study revealed significantly reduced serum levels of 16∶0 lysophosphatidylcholines (Lyso PC), 18∶0-18∶1 phosphatidylglycerol (PG), 18∶0-18∶1 phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), 18∶0 PE, and 18∶1 lysophosphatidylethanolamine（Lyso PE) in the case group in comparison to the control group. Additionally, 18∶0 PE, 18∶0-18∶1 PE, and 18∶1 Lyso PE emerged as significant phospholipids with superior diagnostic values [area under the curve (AUC)>0.7]. A diagnostic model was established, built on 16∶0 PC and 18∶0 PE (AUC>0.8). In the ROC analyses of validation studies, the 18∶0-18∶1 PE and this diagnostic model demonstrated excellent screening efficiency (AUC>0.7). Discussion: A significant divergence in phospholipid metabolism has been observed between pneumoconiosis patients and dust-exposed workers. The 18∶0-18∶1 PE present in serum could potentially function as a lipid biomarker for pneumoconiosis. Additionally, diagnostic models were developed relying on 16∶0 PC and 18∶0 PE, proving to have superior screening efficiency.

A cyanine dye probe for K+ detection based on DNA construction of G-quadruplex.

Potassium ion (K+) plays an important role in the maintenance of cellular biological process for human health. Thus, the detection of K+ is very important. Here, based on the interaction between thiamonomethinecyanine dye and G-quadruplex formation sequence (PW17), K+ detection spectrum was characterized by UV-Vis spectrometry. The single-stranded sequence of PW17 can fold into G-quadruplex in the presence of K+. PW17 can induce a dimer-to-monomer transition of the absorption spectrum of cyanine dyes. This method shows high specificity against some other alkali cations, even at high concentrations of Na+. Further, this detection strategy can realize the detection of K+ in tap water.

Determination of Parabens and Their Metabolites in Seminal Plasma from Chinese Men by Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).

Parabens are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that have estrogen-like activities and may cause male reproductive disorders. Here, we developed a method for the simultaneous determination of four parabens (MeP, EtP, n-PrP, n-BuP) and two metabolites (4-HB and 3,4-DHB) in human seminal plasma by UPLC-MS/MS. The method was used to analyze 144 seminal plasma samples from Chinese males. MeP, EtP, n-PrP, and 4-HB were the dominant compounds. MeP, EtP, and n-PrP were significantly correlated to each other. In addition, 4-HB was significantly correlated to MeP, EtP, n-PrP, and 3,4-DHB, respectively. The results provide direct evidence that parabens and their metabolites are widely distributed in the male reproductive system. The study presents the paraben metabolites levels in human seminal plasma for the first time.