Search

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a rapid and simple analytical method that provides qualitative and quantitative elemental information of samples without damaging them and does not require any sample preparation. Recently, an increasing number of studies have used LIBS to detect aerosols. This technique meets the requirements to be used in some practical applications, such as atmospheric monitoring and industrial processes. However, the unique properties of aerosols bring a level of uncertainty to the LIBS signals of the samples, which is an obstacle to overcome. This review attempts to summarize the relevant research regarding aerosol-LIBS, including the various apparatuses, conditional analysis methods, effects of plasma–particle interactions, means for improving signal intensity, and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in the Chinese population has been widely reported, but results were inconsistent and underpowered. To elucidate the variable results, a meta-analysis and systematic review were performed from all case-controlled studies relating MTHFR C677T polymorphism by pooling data on them. We estimated the pooled odds ratio with its 95% confidence intervals to assess this possible association. Finally, a total of 24 studies with 2339 cases and 4048 controls were included in the current meta-analysis. Significant association was found with VTE risk for all genetic models. Subgroup analyses by type of VTE further identified the above-mentioned association in deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism and splanchnic vein thrombosis. The findings from our meta-analysis support the associations of MTHFR C677T polymorphism with VTE risk in the Chinese population. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]