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[Display omitted] • PM2.5 greatly deteriorated the fibrosis process in pre-existing pulmonary fibrosis via ferroptosis. • HO-1-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction was related to ferroptosis and exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis induced by PM2.5. • NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy participated in the ferroptosis and exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis induced by PM2.5. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been widely reported to contribute to the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases. The direct hazardous effect of PM2.5 on the respiratory system at high concentrations in vitro and in vivo have been well identified. However, its effect on the pre-existing respiratory diseases of patients at environment-related concentrations remains unclear. Diesel exhaust PM2.5 as a primary representative of ambient PM2.5 fine particles were used to investigated the effect of PM2.5 on the fibrosis progression of existing pulmonary fibrosis disease models. This study reported that PM2.5 could result in the enhanced sensitivity to fibrotic response, which may be ascribed to ferroptosis induced by PM2.5 in damaged lung areas. Proteomic analysis revealed that the upregulation of HO-1 as a key mechanism in the ferroptosis and exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis induced by PM2.5. As a result, HO-1 degraded heme-containing protein and released iron in fibrotic cells, leading to generation of mitochondrial ROS and impaired mitochondrial function. Transmission electron microscopic assay verified that PM2.5 entered the mitochondria of fibrotic cells and was accompanied by significant mitochondrial morphological changes characterized by increased mitochondrial membrane density and reduced mitochondrial size. The HO-1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin and mitochondrion-targeted antioxidant Mito-TEMPO significantly attenuated PM2.5-induced ferroptosis and exacerbation of fibrosis. In addition, AMPK-ULK1 axis-triggered autophagy activation and NCOA4-mediated degradation of ferritin by autophagy were found to be related to the PM2.5-induced ferroptosis of fibrotic cells. As evidenced by the inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyladenine or AMPK inhibitor, NCOA4 knockdown decreased intracellular iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, thereby relieving PM2.5-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cell death in fibrotic cells. Overall, this study provided experimental support for the idea that PM2.5 greatly deteriorates fibrosis process in pre-existing pulmonary fibrosis, and HO-1-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy are jointly required for the PM2.5-induced ferroptosis and enhanced fibrosis effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method for phase-shifted fiber Bragg grating (PS-FBG) inscription in single mode fiber by fusion splicing technique and femtosecond laser is presented. The PS-FBG is produced by exposing the fusion spliced fiber with femtosecond laser through a uniform phase mask. The transmission spectrum of the PS-FBG shows a nonlinear red shift during the inscription process, and two or three main dips can be observed due to the formation of one or two FBG-based Fabry–Pérot structures by controlling the exposure intensity and time of the laser. For a peak power density of 4.8×10 13 W/cm 2 , the induced refractive index modulation can reach to 6.3×10 −4 in the fiber without sensitization. The PS-FBG's temperature, strain and pressure characteristics are also experimentally studied. These PS-FBGs can be potentially used for multiple wavelength fiber lasers, filters and optical fiber sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the arc stability during underwater wet welding in boric acid solutions with various concentrations, a real-time electrical signal acquisition system is established. Four methods for determining the arc stability, i.e., dynamic characteristics, probability distribution of voltage and current, current and voltage cyclograms, and coefficients of variation of voltage and current, were adopted. There were two short-circuited modes, which referred to the long-periodic short-circuits model and the short-periodic short-circuits model. Metal transfer images of the two modes were obtained, and the proportion of the long-periodic model increased with the concentration of boric acid in aqueous solution. The arc stability during underwater wet welding deteriorated with increasing the boric acid concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estrogen plays an essential role in the development of mammalian oocytes, and recent studies suggest that it also regulates primordial follicle assembly in the neonatal ovaries. During the last decade, potential exposure of humans and animals to estrogen-like endocrine disrupting chemicals has become a growing concern. In the present study, we focused on the effect of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a widespread plasticizer with estrogen-like activity, on germ-cell cyst breakdown and primordial follicle assembly in the early ovarian development of mouse. Neonatal mice injected with DEHP displayed impaired cyst breakdown. Using ovary organ cultures, we revealed that impairment was mediated through estrogen receptors (ERs), as ICI 182,780, an efficient antagonist of ER, reversed this DEHP-mediated effect. DEHP exposure reduced the expression of ERβ, progesterone receptor (PR), and Notch2 signaling components. Finally, DEHP reduced proliferation of pregranulosa precursor cells during the process of primordial folliculogenesis. Together, our results indicate that DEHP influences oocyte cyst breakdown and primordial follicle formation through several mechanisms. Therefore, exposure to estrogen-like chemicals during fetal or neonatal development may adversely influence early ovarian development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tibetan Plateau Vortex (TPV) is mainly divided into east moving (E-TPV), northeast moving (NE-TPV) and so on according to its moving path after moving off the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Based on the database of TPV from 1979 to 2018, this paper mainly makes statistical analysis on the NE-TPV in summer. According to its moving-off position, NE-TPV is subdivided into westward vortex (denoted as NE I -TPV) and eastward vortex (denoted as NE II -TPV). In terms of source, structure, circulation, moving speed, life history and influence on precipitation, the characteristics of two types of NE-TPVs were analyzed and compared with E-TPV to reveal the activity characteristics of the NE-TPVs and the similarities and differences between them. The results show that: (1) The NE I -TPV is mainly generated in the northwest of the TP, while the NE II -TPV and E-TPV are generated in the whole TP. There are mainly three centers of vortex sources: west, middle and east. The eastern sources of TPV with different paths differ greatly in north-south location and concentration. The eastern source of NE I -TPV is northward and concentrated, while the E-TPV is southward and dispersed, and NE II -TPV is between the former two. (2) The intensity of NE II -TPV is stronger than that of NE I -TPV before moving off, and the ascending motion of these two is located near the vortex center. After moving off, the relative vorticity and vertical velocity of both of them weakened significantly, and the maximum upward movement of NE I -TPV moved to the northeast of the vortex, while the NE II -TPV is similar to E-TPV, and its rising region is located in the southeast of the vortex. (3) The moving direction before moving off and moving-off position of TPV is mainly affected by the 200 hPa westerly fluctuations, while after moving off, the moving direction is mainly affected by 500 hPa troughs and ridges. Among them, the Hetao High-Pressure Ridge is particularly important in blocking NE-TPV. (4) Besides the influence of altitude difference, the moving speed of TPV is closely related to its moving direction, so the TPV moving eastward move faster. (5) NE II -TPV and E-TPV have longer mean life history than NE I -TPV, meanwhile, they often result in a wider range of precipitation and a higher proportion of rainstorms. The precipitation of NE I -TPV is mainly located in the Hexi Corridor. While the precipitation of NE II -TPV is mainly located in the eastern part of Northwest China. • According to its moving-off position, the northeast moving Tibetan Plateau Vortex (NE-TPV) is subdivided into westward vortex (denoted as NE I -TPV) and eastward vortex (denoted as NE II -TPV). • It is found that TPV mainly has three sources, which are located in the west, the middle and the east of the TP. The eastern source of TPVs with different paths is quite different. • After moving off the TP, the maximum ascending motion of NE I -TPV is located in the northeast side of the vortex, while that of NE II -TPV is located in the southeast side of the vortex, just like the E-TPV. • On the one hand, the moving speed of TPV is affected by the altitude difference. On the other hand, it is also related to the moving direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The crack initiation and propagation of short carbon fiber reinforced geopolymer matrix composites (Cf/geopolymer composites) during bending test were observed in situ by environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Lots of micro cracks initiate, and then propagate on the side of the beam sample with the increase of the bending load. A nearly elastic response of load–displacement curve and significant deformation of the composites are observed at the initial stages. The propagation of the micro cracks ceases, and these cracks tend to close to some extent while the main crack forms. The fiber bridging effect in the micro and main cracks effectively keeps the composites integrity and makes the composites exhibit a non-catastrophic fracture behavior. A simple mode for the damage behavior of the composites during the bending test is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) has been confirmed as one of the pathogenesis underlying vascular cognitive impairment. A series of pathological changes, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, are involved in this pathophysiology and contribute to cognitive impairment and neuropathological alterations. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) of Buqi Huoxue Tongnao (BQHXTN) prescription possesses a remarkable clinical efficacy for treating patients with CCH, but still lacks a scientific foundation for its pharmacological mechanisms., Purpose: To investigate the role and underlying mechanism of the effects of BQHXTN on CCH both in vitro and in vivo., Methods: In this study, we established a two-vessel occlusion (2-VO) induced CCH model in Sprague-Dawley rats, an oxygen-glucose deprivation model in BV2 cells, and a steatosis cell model in L02 cells to reveal the underlying mechanisms of BQHXTN by behavioral test, histopathological analysis and the detection of pro-inflammatory cytokine, apoptotic factors and reactive oxide species. Donepezil hydrochloride and Buyang Huanwu decoction were used as positive drugs., Results: Compared with the 2-VO group, BQHXTN treatment at three doses significantly enhanced the memory and learning abilities in the Y-maze and novel object recognition tests. The hematoxylin-eosin staining indicated that BQHXTN protected against hippocampal injury induced by CCH. Of note, in both in vivo and in vitro experiments, BQHXTN prominently inhibited the production of IL-1β, TNF-α, cleaved-caspase 3, and iNOS by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway, consequently exerting anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant effects. Moreover, it provided the first initial evidence that BQHXTN treatment mitigated dyslipidemia by increasing the LXRα/CYP7A1 expression, thereby delaying the neuropathological process., Conclusion: In summary, these findings firstly revealed the pharmacodynamics and mechanism of BQHXTN, that is, BQHXTN could alleviate cognitive impairment, neuropathological alterations and dyslipidemia in CCH rats by activating PI3K/AKT and LXRα/CYP7A1 signaling pathways, as well as providing a TCM treatment strategy for CCH., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

The smaller size fraction of plastics may be more substantially existing and detrimental than larger-sized particles. However, reports on nanoplastics (NPs), especially their airborne occurrences and potential health hazards to the respiratory system, are scarce. Previous studies limit the understanding of their real respiratory effects, since sphere-type polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles differ from NPs occurring in nature with respect to their physicochemical properties. Here, we employ a mechanical breakdown method, producing NPs directly from bulk plastic, preserving NP properties in nature. We report that among four relatively high abundance NP materials PS, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE) with a size of 100 nm, PVC induced slightly more severe lung toxicity profiles compared to the other plastics. The lung cytotoxicity of NPs is higher than that of commercial PS NPs and comparable to natural particles silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) and anatase titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ). Mechanistically, BH3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid) transactivation-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)-mediated ferritinophagy or ferroptosis are likely common mechanisms of NPs regardless of their chemical composition. This study provides relatively comprehensive data for evaluating the risk of atmospheric NPs to lung health.

Introduction: Most people with schizophrenia in China are supported by their family members in community. The patient's family is confronted with severe care burden and pressure, which directly affects the caregiver's own health and social life, and indirectly affects the patient's rehabilitation. Adequate family resources can reduce the burden and pressure on families. But there is an absence of systematic family resource indicators for people with schizophrenic disorder in China., Objectives: This study aimed to develop a set of family resource indicators for people with schizophrenic disorder in China., Design: Preliminary family resource indicators were generated and refined by literature review and an expert consultation meeting. Two rounds of email-based Delphi survey were carried out to identify family resource indicators., Setting: Two rounds of email-based Delphi survey were performed from July to September 2021 in Beijing, China., Participants: There were 15 mental health doctors from community health service centres and four psychiatrists from tertiary hospitals, and two primary care researchers from universities in the first and second rounds Delphi survey., Results: All the 21 experts participated in both rounds of Delphi survey. A total of 46 indicators achieved consensus for inclusion in the final set of indicators after two rounds of Delphi survey. The final set of indicators was grouped into 10 domains: financial support (three indicators), psychological and spiritual support (eight indicators), medical treatment (three indicators), information and education (three indicators), structural support (two indicators), external family resources included social resources (five indicators), cultural resources (two indicators), economic resources (seven indicators), environmental resources (four indicators) and medical resources (nine indicators)., Conclusions: A set of 46 family resource indicators for people with schizophrenic disorder in community was identified by an iterative Delphi process in Beijing, China. However, the indicators still need to be validated by testing in further studies., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

The structural morphology of mesenteric artery vessels is of significant importance for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. However, developing automated vessel segmentation methods for this purpose remains challenging. Existing convolution-based segmentation methods have limitations in capturing long-range dependencies, while transformer-based models require large datasets, making them less suitable for tasks with limited training samples. Moreover, over-segmentation, mis-segmentation, and vessel discontinuity are common challenges in vessel segmentation tasks. To address these issues, we propose a parallel encoding architecture that combines transformers and convolutions to retain the advantages of both approaches. The model effectively learns position deviations and enhances robustness for small-scale datasets. Additionally, we introduce a vessel edge capture module to improve vessel continuity and topology. Extensive experimental results demonstrate the improved performance of our model, with Dice Similarity Coefficient and Average Hausdorff Distance scores of 81.64% and 7.7428, respectively., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Zhang, Xu, Wang, Lin, Crookes, He and Hua.)

This study was performed to determine the effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) treatment on pulmonary fibrosis and investigate the circFOXP1-mediated autophagic mechanism of hucMSCs treatment. Pulmonary fibrosis models were established by spraying bleomycin in mice and TGF-β1 treatment of MRC-5 cells. Results showed that hucMSCs were retained in lung and hucMSCs treatment alleviated pulmonary fibrosis. Morphological staining indicated that hucMSCs-treated mice had thinner alveolar walls, effectively improved alveolar structure, significantly reduced alveolar inflammation, and decreased collagen deposition than control mice. Fibrotic proteins, including vimentin, α-SMA, collagens I and III, and the differentiation-related protein S100 calcium-binding protein A4 was reduced considerably in the hucMSCs-treated group. The mechanistic study revealed that the inhibition of hucMSCs treatment on pulmonary fibrogenesis depended on downregulating circFOXP1, in which hucMSCs treatment promoted circFOXP1-mediated autophagy process via blocking the nuclear human antigen R (HuR) translocation and promoting the HuR degradation, leading to a marked decrease in autophagy negative regulators EZH2, STAT1, and FOXK1. In conclusion, hucMSCs treatment significantly improved pulmonary fibrosis by downregulating the circFOXP1-HuR-EZH2/STAT1/FOXK1 autophagic axis. hucMSCs can act as an effective treatment for pulmonary fibrosis., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been shown to be effective in protecting people from severe disease progression, hospitalisation and death. However, a wide range of side effects have been reported worldwide. New onset or flare-up of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an extremely rare adverse event following COVID-19 vaccination, with the majority of cases presenting with mild symptoms. Unfortunately, there have been cases of fatal complications. In this mini-review, we have summarised the clinical characteristics of a total of 35 currently reported cases of AIH after COVID-19 vaccination and suggest that patients with autoimmune diseases may be at higher risk of developing AIH after vaccination.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown cause. The most typical characteristic of IPF is gradual weakening of pulmonary elasticity and increase in hardness/rigidity with aging. This study aims to identify a novel treatment approach for IPF and explore mechanism of mechanical stiffness underlying human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hucMSCs) therapy. Target ability of hucMSCs was examined by labeling with cell membrane dye Dil. Anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect of hucMSCs therapy by reducing mechanical stiffness was evaluated by lung function analysis and MicroCT imaging system and atomic force microscope in vivo and in vitro . Results showed that stiff environment of fibrogenesis caused cells to establish a mechanical connection between cytoplasm and nucleus, initiating expression of related mechanical genes such as Myo1c and F-actin. HucMSCs treatment blocked force transmission and reduced mechanical force. For further exploration of mechanism, ATGGAG was mutated to CTTGCG (the binding site of miR-136-5p) in the full-length sequence of circANKRD42. Wildtype and mutant plasmids of circANKRD42 were packaged into adenovirus vectors and sprayed into lungs of mice. Mechanistic dissection revealed that hucMSCs treatment repressed circANKRD42 reverse splicing biogenesis by inhibiting hnRNP L, which in turn promoted miR-136-5p binds to 3'-Untranslated Region (3'-UTR) of YAP1 mRNA directly, thus inhibiting translation of YAP1 and reducing YAP1 protein entering nucleus. The condition repressed expression of related mechanical genes to block force transmission and reduce mechanical forces. The mechanosensing mechanism mediated directly by circANKRD42-YAP1 axis in hucMSCs treatment, which has potential general applicability in IPF treatment.

Aim: This study used CpG 684 as adjuvant of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine to detect a humoral and cellular immune response in mice., Materials & Methods: We used 10 and 20 µg CpG 684 as adjuvants of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine to immunize mice. IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgM binding antibodies were detected in serum by ELISA. The IFN-γ cytokine was detected by ELISPOT., Results: CpG 684 improved spike-specific IgG and IgM subtype binding antibodies and increased the neutralizing antibody titer against prototype, Delta and Beta strains. CpG 684 also improved cellular immune response., Conclusion: CpG 684 is an effective adjuvant for inactivated COVID-19 vaccine., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest disclosure The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest present., (© 2023 Future Medicine Ltd.)

Background: Peripheral nerve block is the main analgesic technique for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in elderly patients. Accurate delivery of the needle tip to the target nerve under ultrasound-guided is a prerequisite for successful nerve block. Failed needle-tip positioning in sciatic nerve (SN) or medial femoral cutaneous nerve (MFCN) block can be due to anatomical structure shadow. The aim of the study was to compare curved and straight needles in regard to the time needed to perform the nerve block for TKA in elderly patients., Methods: One hundred patients aged 65 to 80 years and ASA II-III, BMI 18-30 kg/m 2 , who underwent general anesthesia for unilateral TKA received the nerve block under ultrasound guidance after surgery, were included in this study. All patients were randomly divided into two groups (N.=50): straight needle group (Group S) and curved needle group (Group C). The primary outcome measure was the time needed to successfully perform the nerve block. Secondary outcomes included the number of attempts and needle redirections to achieve nerve blockade, as well as the satisfaction of patients and anesthesiologists., Results: Compared with group S, the performance time was shorter in group C (488.0±44.9 vs. 517.8±42.1 P=0.001). The procedural pain score was less in group C (1.8±0.4 vs. 2.4±0.6, P=0.000). The satisfaction score of the anesthesiologist (3.4±0.8 vs. 2.4±0.6, P=0.000) and patients (3.4±0.7 vs. 1.9±0.6, P=0.000) were higher in the curved needle group compared with the straight needle group., Conclusions: The use of a curved needle can reduce the time required to perform the nerve block, with reduction in the number of attempts and needle redirections. Curved needle also resulted in lesser procedural pain and higher satisfaction compared with the straight needle.

With the continuous development of nanobiotechnology in recent years, combining photothermal materials with nanotechnology for tumor photothermal therapy (PTT) has drawn many attentions nanomedicine research. Although nanomaterial-mediated PTT is more specific and targeted than traditional treatment modalities, hyperthermia can also damage normal cells. Therefore, researchers have proposed the concept of low-temperature PTT, in which the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) is inhibited. In this article, the research strategies proposed in recent years based on the inhibition of HSPs expression to achieve low-temperature PTT was reviewed. Folowing this, the synthesis, properties, and applications of these nanomaterials were introduced. In addition, we also summarized the problems of nanomaterial-mediated low-temperature PTT at this stage and provided an outlook on future research directions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Xin, Sun, Liu, Li, Wang, Chu, Sun and Deng.)

Objectives: An investigation of the effects of different types of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) on laparoscopic left colic artery (LCA) radical resection of rectal cancer was conducted., Methods: Clinical data were collected from 92 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer with preservation of the LCA at Nantong University's Second Affiliated Hospital. All patients underwent full-abdominal dual-energy CT enhancement examination before surgery and 3D post-processing reconstruction of the IMA. Two radiologists with >3 years of experience in abdominal radiology jointly conducted the examination. A total of three types of IMA were identified among the patients: IMA type I (the LCA arising independently from the IMA), type II (LCA and sigmoid colon artery [SA] branching from a common trunk from IMA), and type III (LCA, SA, and superior rectal artery [SRA] branching from the IMA at the same point). The baseline data, pathological results, and intra-operative and post-operative indicators of the groups were analyzed., Results: The proportions of type I, type II, and type III IMA were 58.70% (54/92), 18.48% (17/92), and 22.82% (21/92), respectively. IMA typing was consistent with the preoperative CT evaluation results. The intra-operative blood loss of type III IMA patients [median (interquartile spacing), M (P25, P75): 52.00 (39.50, 68.50) ml] was higher than that of type I and II IMA patients [35.00 (24.00, 42.00) and 32.00 (25.50, 39.50) ml, respectively] (P<0.05). The incidence of anastomotic fistula in type III IMA patients (4 cases, 19.05%) was higher than that in non-type III IMA patients (1 case, 1.41%) (X 2 =6.679, P=0.010). The incidence of postoperative complications among the three types of IMA was not significantly different (P>0.05)., Conclusions: Among rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic LCA preservation, type III IMA patients had more intraoperative bleeding and a higher incidence of postoperative anastomotic fistula. However, this did not increase the risk of overall postoperative complications., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Family doctor service (FDS) is a scheme oriented to improving the access and continuity of primary care in China. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management is a core component of FDS. However, evidence on the quality of T2DM care is lacking and the potential association between FDS attributes and T2DM care is largely unknown. This study attempted to assess the process quality of T2DM care in general practice and explore the association between patient perceived FDS attributes and process quality of T2DM care., Methods: Total 400 patients were recruited from 5 community health service centers in two urban districts in Beijing. Questionnaire survey and extraction of data from electronic health record (EHR) were conducted to collect patient characteristics, patient perceived FDS attributes (accessibility, continuity and team-based care) and process quality indicators (monitoring and health counseling indicators). Chi-square test and a two-level generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) were used to explore the association between FDS attributes and process quality., Results: The utilization rate of all the 12 indicators in monitoring, 6 indicators in health counseling and all the 18 process indicators, was 12.8%, 23.8% and 6.0% respectively. Over half of the patients (56.8%) perceived all the 3 FDS attributes. There were statistically significant associations between accessibility of care and lipid (p = 0.008), electrocardiogram (p = 0.016), retinopathy (p = 0.037) and peripheral neuropathy (p = 0.006) monitoring and each of the 6 health counseling indicators (all the p values < 0.05). Regular follow up (p = 0.039), plasma blood glucose (p = 0.020), blood pressure (p = 0.026), body mass index (p = 0.044) and foot (p = 0.005) monitoring as well as each of the 6 health counseling indicators (all the p values < 0.05) were more likely to be received by patients when continuity of care was ensured. Patients who were managed by a GP team had higher utilization rate of glycosylated hemoglobin monitoring (p = 0.026) and each of the 6 health counseling indicators (all the p values < 0.05). When the patients perceived one more FDS attribute, the indicators they received significantly increased by 1.50 (coefficient = 1.50, p < 0.001). Patients between the age of 65 and 74 years received 1.15 more indicators than those under 65 (coefficient = 1.15, p = 0.003). Patients with more than ten years duration of T2DM received 0.74 more indicators (coefficient = 0.74, p = 0.028). Patients taking both insulin and oral medicine received 0.97 more indicators than those taking oral medication only (coefficient = 0.97, p = 0.027). Patients who were managed by GPs with on-job training experience received 1.19 more indicators (coefficient = 1.19, p = 0.040). Among the patients who had completed junior high school or below, having better self-report health status (≥ 60) received 2.40 less indicators (coefficient = -2.40, p = 0.004)., Conclusions: Improvement of key monitoring and health counseling indicators might be needed in T2DM care in general practice in Beijing, China. Policies for improving process quality of T2DM care should be considered., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the access to family resources by families living with schizophrenia from the perspective of primary care workers in Beijing, and provide evidence for appropriate and effective family resource coordination in primary care., Design: Qualitative research using individual in-depth interviews to identify the access to family resources by families living with schizophrenia from the perspective of primary care workers., Setting: This study was conducted from September to December 2021 in six urban community health service centres (CHSCs) in Beijing, China., Participants: 3 general practitioners and 10 mental health doctors selected by purposive sampling method from 6 CHSCs in urban Beijing were interviewed., Results: Five themes emerged from the insights of the primary care workers: most family resources are non-targeted for families living with schizophrenia, the publicity of family resources is difficult, burdensome application process of family resources, limited available community-based treatment options and stigma hindering effective communication between families and society., Conclusions: It is necessary to simplify the application process of family resources and provide primary care workers with systematic training regarding family resources. More family resources and improved public attitudes should be promoted for patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Increasing circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, circRNA biogenesis and circRNA-mediated crosstalk between mechanical stiffness and biochemical signals in IPF remain obscure. In this study, a novel circRNA-ankyrin repeat domain 42 (ANKRD42) from peripheral blood of patients with IPF, which participated in pulmonary fibrosis through the close communication of mechanical stiffness and biochemical signals, was identified. Mechanistic studies revealed that the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNP L) activated the circANKRD42 reverse splicing biogenesis. The biogenetic circANKRD42 sponged miR-324-5p to promote the AJUBA expression, which blocked the binding between phosphorylated yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and large tumor suppressor kinase 1/2 (LATS1/2), leading to increased YAP1 entering the nucleus. circANKRD42 also sponged miR-136-5p to promote the YAP1 translation. Accumulating YAP1 in nucleus bound to TEAD, which initiated the transcription of genes related to mechanical stiffness. Finally, the therapeutic effect of circANKRD42 was evaluated in mice and the association between circANKRD42 and clinicopathological features was analyzed in IPF patients. Our findings supported that circANKRD42 is a promising biomarker and a potential therapeutic target related to cytoskeleton tension for IPF treatment., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: This study was aimed to explore the clinical application of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) monoenergetic plus (mono+) imaging to evaluate anatomical variations in the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA)., Methods: The clinical and imaging data of 212 patients who had undergone total abdominal DECT were retrospectively analyzed. The post-processing mono+ technique was used to obtain 40-keV single-level images in the arterial phase. Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed to evaluate the relationship between the IMA root position and the spinal level, IMA length, and IMA branch type, as well as the position of the left colic artery (LCA) and inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) at the IMA root level., Results: The IMA root was located at the L3 level in 78.3% of cases and at the L2/L3 level in 3.3%. The highest vertebral level of IMA origin was L2 (4.2%), and the lowest was L4 (7.1%). The distance from the IMA root to the level of the sacral promontory was 99.58 ± 13.07 mm, which increased with the elevation of the IMA root at the spinal level. Of the patients, 53.8% demonstrated Type I IMA, 23.1% Type II, 20.7% Type III, and 2.4% Type IV. The length of the IMA varied from 13.6 to 66.0 mm. 77.3% of the IMAs belonged to Type A, the adjacent type, and 22.7% to Type B, the distant type., Conclusion: DECT mono+ can preoperatively evaluate the anatomical characteristics of the IMA and the positional relationship between the LCA and IMV at the IMA root level, which would help clinicians plan individualized surgery for patients., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Recombinant viral vectors represent an important platform for vaccine delivery. Our recent studies have demonstrated distinct innate immune profiles in responding to viral vectors of different families (e.g., adenovirus versus poxvirus): while human Ad5 vector is minimally innate immune stimulatory, the poxviral vector ALVAC induces strong innate response and stimulates type I interferon (IFN) and inflammasome activation. However, the impact of the innate immune signaling on vaccine-induced adaptive immunity in viral vector vaccination is less clear. Here, we show that Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA), another poxviral vector, stimulated a type I IFN response in innate immune cells through cGAS-STING. Using MVA-HIV vaccine as a model, we found that type I IFN signaling promoted the generation of humoral immunity in MVA-HIV vaccination in vivo . Following vaccination, type I IFN receptor-knockout (IFNAR1 -/- ) mice produced significantly lower levels of total and HIV gp120-specific antibodies compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Consistent with the antibody response, a type I IFN signaling deficiency also led to reduced levels of plasma cells and memory-like B cells compared to WT mice. Furthermore, analysis of vaccine-induced CD4 T cells showed that type I IFN signaling also promoted the generation of a vaccine-specific CD4 T-cell response and a T follicular helper (Tfh) response in mice. Together, our data indicate a role for type I IFN signaling in promoting humoral immunity in poxviral vector vaccination. The study suggests that modulating type I IFN and its associated innate immune pathways will likely affect vaccine efficacy. IMPORTANCE Viral vectors, including MVA, are an important antigen delivery platform and have been commonly used in vaccine development. Understanding the innate host-viral vector interactions and their impact on vaccine-induced immunity is critical but understudied. Using MVA-HIV vaccination of WT and IFNAR1 -/- mice as a model, we report that type I IFN signaling promotes humoral immunity in MVA vaccination, including vaccine-induced antibody, B-cell, and Tfh responses. Our findings provide insights that not only add to our basic understanding of host-viral vector interactions but also will aid in improving vaccine design by potentially modulating type I IFN and its associated innate immune pathways in viral vector vaccination.

Background: In an era of an increasingly ageing society, part of healthcare for older adults can be provided in patients' homes, and the need for home health care services (HHCSs) is increasing. This study sought to determine whether a gap exists between the views of community health professionals and the caregivers of disabled older adults towards HHCSs in Beijing, China., Methods: A cross-sectional study with two comparative questionnaire surveys was conducted in Beijing, China. One survey was administered to the caregivers of disabled older adults, and the other was administered to health professionals in community health service institutions (CHSIs). T-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to explore potential differences between the views of caregivers and community health professionals towards HHCSs., Results: We received 370 valid questionnaires from caregivers and 224 questionnaires from health professionals. Of the 370 caregivers, 314 (84.9%) were willing to apply for HHCSs for the older adults, but only 20.5% (N = 76) received HHCSs. Over 80% of the caregivers accepted out-of-pocket costs less than 100 yuan per visit. Caregivers' demands on home nursing services were significantly higher than those of health guidance services (Z = - 7.725, P < 0.001). Most of the 224 health professionals chose "health professionals' personal safety cannot be guaranteed" as a problem limiting the provision of HHCSs (N = 151, 40.8%). The health professionals' attitudes towards home nursing services were significantly less positive than those towards health guidance services (Z = - 10.081, P < 0.001). For home nursing services, health professionals' attitude scores were lower than the caregivers' demand scores (Z = - 4.960, P < 0.001), while for health guidance services, health professionals' attitude scores were higher than the caregivers' demand scores (Z = - 8.373, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Gaps exist between the views of caregivers and health professionals on HHCSs. Compared to health professionals with a higher willingness to provide health guidance services, caregivers need home nursing services. Feasible policies should be implemented to safeguard the rights and interests of health professionals, and qualified health professionals should be trained for HHCSs.

Background: Most schizophrenia patients are supported by main informal caregivers at home in China. This study aims to investigate the further needs of social supports for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients and to analyze influencing factors on the awareness and utilization of social supports in Beijing. The results of this study could potentially act as reference for health professionals to implement appropriate and effective support programs., Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. Awareness, utilization and influencing factors of social supports for main informal caregivers were investigated using questionnaires in 6 urban districts in Beijing. Meanwhile, individual in-depth interviews with 10 main informal caregivers from the urban districts of Beijing were conducted to identify the caregivers' perspective on social supports and their further needs., Results: Quantitative results showed that although the government provided multi-channel resources for schizophrenia patients and their families, awareness and utilization of the resources such as rehabilitation and relevant subsidies were less than 10.0 and 5.0% respectively. Most caregivers in in-depth interviews expressed that they had negative experiences with respect to obtaining social supports, and they emphasized that more support would be needed in terms of financial support, respect, and rehabilitation institutions., Conclusions: The awareness and utilization of social supports are low for main informal caregivers of schizophrenia patients. More services and improved public attitudes are needed for schizophrenia patients and their caregivers.

Background: General practitioners (GPs) play a significant role in dementia care. However, the knowledge and attitudes of them towards dementia care are poorly characterized. The present study aimed to investigate GPs' knowledge, attitudes and skills of dementia care in primary health settings in Beijing., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 27 community health service centers (CHSCs) in Beijing. The GPs' knowledge, attitudes and skills were assessed utilizing the Alzheimer's Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS), Dementia Care Attitude Scale (DCAS) and self-designed questionnaire, respectively., Results: A total of 341 participants returned the questionnaire. The overall mean score of GPs' dementia knowledge measured by the ADKS was 21.42 (SD = 2.73) out of 30 (71.4%), GPs' attitudes to dementia care was 36.25 (SD = 5.12) out of 50 (72.5%), and GPs' self-confidence on dementia care skills was 53.93 (SD = 9.57) out of 75 (71.9%). GPs' overall knowledge towards dementia care was limited and the attitudes were generally positive. They had low level recognition of their roles towards dementia care. The majority of GPs believed that dementia care was within a specialist's domain not that of general practice., Conclusion: GPs demonstrate low levels of dementia knowledge and skills, but express generally positive attitudes towards dementia in this study. It is much needed to translate detailed dementia care handbook, and adequate dementia knowledge training for GPs into practice to improve care outcomes for people with dementia in China. In addition, dementia management should be covered in the national basic package of public health services in primary care.

Inulavosin, a natural melanogenesis inhibitor, has been synthesized smoothly from readily available and inexpensive starting materials by using a Ga(OTf) 3 -catalyzed room temperature hetero Diels-Alder dimerization of salicyl alcohol derivative and a regioselective phenol monobromination as the key steps.

A coexpression network is a powerful tool for revealing genes' relationship with many biological processes. Mass transcriptomic and genomic data from different plant species provide the foundation for understanding the evolution of nodulation across the Viridiplantae at a systematic level. We used weighted coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to mine a nodule-related module (NRM) in Glycine max. Comparative genomic analysis of 78 green plant species revealed that NRM genes are recruited from different evolutionary nodes along with gene duplication events. A set of core coexpressed genes within legumes may play vital roles in regulating nodule environments essential for nitrogen fixation, including oxygen concentrations, sulfur transport, and iron homeostasis (such as GmCHY). The regulation of these genes occurred mainly at the transcription level, although some of them, such as sulfate transporters, may also undergo positive selection at protein level. We revealed that ancient orthologs and duplication events before the origin of legumes were preadapted for symbiosis. Conserved coregulated genes found within legumes paved the way for nodule formation and nitrogen fixation. These findings provide significant insights into the evolution of nodulation and indicate promising candidates for identifying other key components of legume nodulation and nitrogen fixation., (© 2019 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2019 New Phytologist Trust.)

Given the increasing exploitation of antibodies in different contexts such as molecular diagnostics and therapeutics, it would be beneficial to unravel properties of antigen-antibody interaction with modeling of computational protein-protein docking, especially, in the absence of a cocrystal structure. However, obtaining a native-like antigen-antibody structure remains challenging due in part to failing to reliably discriminate accurate from inaccurate structures among tens of thousands of decoys after computational docking with existing scoring function. We hypothesized that some important physicochemical and energetic features could be used to describe antigen-antibody interfaces and identify native-like antigen-antibody structure. We prepared a dataset, a subset of Protein-Protein Docking Benchmark Version 4.0, comprising 37 nonredundant 3D structures of antigen-antibody complexes, and used it to train and test multivariate logistic regression equation which took several important physicochemical and energetic features of decoys as dependent variables. Our results indicate that the ability to identify native-like structures of our method is superior to ZRANK and ZDOCK score for the subset of antigen-antibody complexes. And then, we use our method in workflow of predicting epitope of anti-Ebola glycoprotein monoclonal antibody-4G7 and identify three accurate residues in its epitope.

To explore the correlation of microRNA (miRNA) profiles with disease risk and severity in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). miRNA expression profiles in nasal mucosa samples from 8 AR patients and 8 matched non-atopic controls were detected by microarray. Twelve differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in microarray analysis were further validated in nasal mucosa samples from 48 AR patients and 50 controls by qPCR assay. Individual nasal symptom score (INSS) and total nasal symptom score (TNSS) were used to evaluated the disease severity of AR. AR patients could be distinguished from controls according to the principal component analysis (PCA) plot analysis in the microarray, and 27 down-regulated and 51 up-regulated DEMs were identified by volcano plot. qPCR validation disclosed that miR-126-5p, miR-19a-5p and miR-26a-5p expression was up-regulated in AR patients compared with controls. Multivariate logistic regression displayed that miR-126-5p, miR-19a-5p and miR-26a-5p are independent predictive factors for AR risk, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis exhibited that the combination of miR-126-5p, miR-19a-5p and miR-26a-5p predicts the risk of AR with a high area under curve (AUC) of 0.866 (95% CI: 0.797-0.936). In addition, expression of miR-126-5p, miR-19a-5p and miR-181c-3p were positively correlated with TNSS. Therefore, miRNA profiles distinguish AR patients from controls and the combination of miR-126-5p, miR-19a-5p and miR-26a-5p could serve as novel biomarker for AR risk., Competing Interests: None., (IJCEP Copyright © 2018.)

A non-enzymatic glucose sensor, based on the silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs)/poly (o-phenylenediamine) (PoPD) composites, is developed by the electrochemical polymerization of o-phenylenediamine and electrodeposition of silver nanoparticles on an indium tin oxide electrode. The Ag-NPs/PoPD composites are characterized by atomic force microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the proposed glucose sensor demonstrates a wide linear range from 0.15 to 13mmolL -1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. The proposed glucose sensor can be used to detect glucose in blood sample with a satisfactory result. In addition, the proposed sensor presents the advantages, such as facile preparation, low cost, high sensitivity and fast response time. It also exhibits good anti-interference performance and stability., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Study Question: Do N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GnT-V) and N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT-III) play an important role in early spontaneous miscarriage (ESM) in humans., Summary Answer: The dynamic balance between GnT-V and GnT-III expression in chorionic villi differed between early normal pregnancy and ESM and was associated with altered β1,6-N-acetylglucosamine (β1,6-GlcNAc) and bisecting N-acetylglucosamine (bis-GlcNAc) branched N-glycans on integrin β1., What Is Known Already: GnT-V contributes to metastasis, while GnT-III is recognized as a metastasis suppressor. It has been reported that GnT-V contributes to placentation in the early phase of pregnancy, possibly regulating trophoblast invasion. However, the expressions of GnT-V and GnT-III in ESM have not been reported., Study Design, Size, Duration: Villous samples from 6 to 9 weeks of gestation were collected in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2013 to September 2014 from 60 normal pregnant women undergoing elective termination of pregnancy and from 40 patients with a clinical diagnosis of ESM., Participants, Materials, Setting, Methods: Quantitative PCR and western blots were used to examine the GnT-V and GnT-III mRNA (Mgat5 and Mgat3) and protein expression, respectively, of chorionic villi in both the ESM group and the normal group from week 6 to week 9. We used immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry to detect the location of GnT-V and GnT-III. Lectin fluorescence and histochemistry were used to test the location of β1,6-GlcNAc and bis-GlcNAc branching in the normal and ESM groups. To assess the functional capacity of GnT-V and GnT-III in the chorionic villi between the two groups, we used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit to measure the activity of these enzymes. Using co-precipitated integrin α5β1 followed by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-L and PHA-E blotting, we investigated whether GnT-V and GnT-III could modify the N-glycosylation profile in terms of the β1,6-GlcNAc and bis-GlcNAc structures in integrin α5β1 during the first trimester in both groups., Main Results and the Role of Chance: In the normal group expression and activity of GnT-V and the concentration of its product, β1,6-GlcNAc were higher at week 9 than at weeks 6, 7 and 8 (P < 0.05). In contrast, the expression and activity of GnT-III and the concentration of its product, bis-GlcNAc were higher at week 6 than at weeks 7, 8 and 9 (P < 0.05). Compared with the normal group, the ESM group exhibited a lower expression of GnT-V and β1,6-GlcNAc (P < 0.05) and a higher expression of GnT-III and bis-GlcNAc (P < 0.05) with consistent changes in enzymatic activity. Immunofluorescence showed that GnT-V was located mainly in the cytoplasm of syncytiotrophoblasts (STBs) and chorionic villous cytotrophoblasts (CTBs), in both the ESM group and the normal group. β1,6-GlcNAc N-glycan was mainly located outside of the STB and CTB layer in normal villi and was expressed only rarely in the ESM villi. GnT-III was expressed primarily in the cytoplasm of STBs and expressed only very weakly in the CTBs of normal villi, whereas it was highly expressed in both the STBs and CTBs in the ESM group. bis-GlcNAc was primarily located outside of the STBs in the normal villi, whereas it was expressed much more abundantly outside of both the STBs and CTBs in the ESM group at each week of gestation. Moreover, decreased β1,6-GlcNAc-branched N-glycans and increased bis-GlcNAc-branched N-glycans on integrin β1 (P < 0.05) were observed in the ESM group., Wider Implications of the Findings: Our findings provide a new insight for studying the mechanism of clinical ESM in humans and it might be valuable for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of ESM., Limitations, Reasons for Caution: The study lacks experiments in vitro to disclose the precise mechanism by which GnT-V and GnT-III regulate ESM. In some cases, degradation of the tissues after the miscarriage event cannot be ruled out., Study Funding/competing Interests: This study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31271546). The authors have no competing interests., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Promotion of myofibroblast apoptosis is a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary fibrosis. This study investigated the antifibrotic effect of astaxanthin on the promotion of myofibroblast apoptosis based on dynamin-related protein-1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial fission in vivo and in vitro. Results showed that astaxanthin can inhibit lung parenchymal distortion and collagen deposition, as well as promote myofibroblast apoptosis. Astaxanthin demonstrated pro-apoptotic function in myofibroblasts by contributing to mitochondrial fission, thereby leading to apoptosis by increasing the Drp1 expression and enhancing Drp1 translocation into the mitochondria. Two specific siRNAs were used to demonstrate that Drp1 is necessary to promote astaxanthin-induced mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in myofibroblasts. Drp1-associated genes, such as Bcl-2-associated X protein, cytochrome c, tumour suppressor gene p53 and p53-up-regulated modulator of apoptosis, were highly up-regulated in the astaxanthin group compared with those in the sham group. This study revealed that astaxanthin can prevent pulmonary fibrosis by promoting myofibroblast apoptosis through a Drp1-dependent molecular pathway. Furthermore, astaxanthin provides a potential therapeutic value in pulmonary fibrosis treatment., (© 2015 The Authors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd and Foundation for Cellular and Molecular Medicine.)

Objective: Psoriasis is an autoimmune-related chronic inflammatory skin disease strongly associated with the dysfunction of Th17 cells. Retinoic acid-related orphan nuclear receptor γt (RORγt) plays a critical role in the differentiation and maturation of Th17 cells and in cell-derived immunologic derangement. We conducted this study to investigate potential mechanism by which the derivative of digoxin selectively antagonizes RORγt transcriptional activity., Method: Using molecular docking in combination with molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), we detected the interaction between the derivative of digoxin (Dhd) and ROR transcription factor (RORα,RORβ and RORγt), and the results were further confirmed by bioluminescent assay., Result: Molecular docking demonstrated that Dhd could exclusively inhibit the conformation of RORγt; bioluminescent assay further indicated that RORγt was selectively antagonized by Dhd in a dose- and time-dependent manner., Conclusion: Dhd can selectively suppress RORγt transcriptional activity.

In this experiment, fenvalerate antibodies were immobilised on the electrode by the crosslinking with glutaraldehyde modified on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) via chitosan. Fenvalerate was measured by the increase of electron transfer resistance when the immune reaction occurred with Fe(CN)6(3-)/Fe(CN)6(4-) as the probe. Under optimal conditions, the change of resistance is in a linear relationship with the logarithm of the concentration in the range of 1.0×10(-3)∼1.0×10(1)mg/L (R=0.998) with a detection limit of 0.80 μg/L. This method bears such merits as simplicity of operation, high sensitivity, wide linear range, specificity, reproducibility and good stability. The immunosensor was applied in the detection of real samples of tea, achieving satisfactory results, and it could be regenerated after being placed alternately in 0.5 mol/L HCl and 0.5 mol/L NaOH solutions., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad3 signaling pathway has a central role in pathogenesis of lung fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated if all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) could attenuate fibrosis in bleomycin (BLM)-induced lung fibrosis in rats through regulating TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling. Beginning on day 14 after BLM administration, the ATRA I and II groups of rats received daily oral administration of ATRA for 14 days. All rats were killed on day 28. Lung tissue sections were prepared and subject to histological assessment, and expression levels of proteins involved in the TGF-β1 signaling cascade and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot procedure, and immunohistochemical or immunofluorescence staining. BLM significantly increased the alveolar septum infiltrates, inflammatory cell infiltrates, and collagen fibers. These BLM-induced changes were significantly ameliorated by ATRA treatment. In addition, BLM significantly increased levels of lung fibrosis markers α-SMA, hydroxyproline (Hyp), collagen I, Snail, and Twist, whereas significantly decreased E-cadherin expression. ATRA treatment largely reversed BLM-induced changes in these lung fibrosis markers. ATRA also blocked BLM-induced activation of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway in lung tissues, including expression of TGF-β1, Smad3, p-Smad3, zinc-finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 and 2 (ZEB1 and ZEB2), and the high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2). Our results suggest that ATRA may have potential therapeutic value for lung fibrosis treatment.

Electrochemical impedance immunosensor, with its high sensitivity from electrochemical impedance analysis and ideal specificity from the immunoassay, is increasingly used in the detection of a kind of phenoxy acid herbicides which is 2,4-Dichlorophenoxybutyric acid (2,4-DB). In this experiment, synthetic 2,4-DB antibodies were immobilized on the electrode by the crosslinking of L-Cysteine/glutaraldehyde, and 2,4-DB were measured by the increase of electron-transfer resistance when the immune reaction occurred, with Fe(CN)(6)(3-)/Fe(CN)(6)(4-) as the probe. Under optimal conditions, the change of resistance is in a linear relationship with the logarithm of the concentration in the range of 1.0×10(-7)-1.0×10(-3) g/L (R=0.994) with the detection limit of 1.0×10(-7) g/L (0.1 ppb). This method bears such merits as simplicity in operation, high sensitivity, wide linear range, specificity, reproducibility and good stability. The actual soybean samples were analyzed with the recovery of 82.8%-102.3%., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)