Search

Cutaneous toxicities are common adverse effects following epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) therapy. Zinc deficiency causes diverse diseases, including skin toxicities. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of zinc deficiency in patients with EGFR-TKI-induced skin toxicities.This retrospective study enrolled 269 patients with diverse skin disorders who visited our hospital between January 2016 and December 2017. The skin toxicity severities and plasma zinc levels of 101 EGFR-TKI-treated cancer patients were analysed and compared with those of 43 non-EGFR-TKI-treated cancer patients and 125 patients without cancer but presenting cutaneous manifestations. Additionally, the role of zinc in erlotinib-induced skin eruptions was established in a 14-day-murine model. Clinical features were further evaluated following systemic zinc supplementation in EGFR-TKI-treated cancer patients.EGFR-TKI-treated patients demonstrated severe cutaneous manifestations and a significant decrease in plasma zinc levels than those of the control groups. The serum zinc level and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) 5.0 grading of EGFR-TKI-induced skin toxicities showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.29; p 0.0001). Moreover, erlotinib treatment decreased the plasma zinc levels and induced periorificial dermatitis in rats confirming zinc deficiency following EGFR-TKI treatment. Zinc supplementation to the EGFR-TKI-treated cancer patients showed a significant decrease in the CTCEA grading (p 0.0005 for mucositis and p 0.0.0001 for all other cases) after 8 weeks.Skin impairment following EGFR-TKI therapy could be ameliorated through zinc supplementation. Thus, zinc supplementation should be considered for cancer patients undergoing EGFR-TKI therapy.

The phototoxicity of UV light limits the application of conventional azobenzene-based photoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymers in the biomedical field. This paper reports a tetra-ortho-methox...

BACKGROUND High rates of posttreatment discomfort, infection, recurrence, and increased time to return to work have been noted after nail plate avulsion resulting from epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor(EGFR-TKI)-induced paronychia, which may even interrupt the course of treatment for EGFR-TKI therapy. Thus, we conducted this study to determine how effectively a topical β-blocker, betaxolol, prevents EGFR-TKI-induced paronychia. METHODS This case-control cohort study included a total of 131 non-small-cell lung cancer patients. The prevention group comprised 40 patients treated with topical betaxolol 0.25% solution to prevent paronychia while they received EGFR-TKI therapy. The control group comprised 91 patients who did not preventively use topical betaxolol 0.25% solution while receiving EGFR-TKI therapy. The patients' age, gender, antineoplastic regimen, duration of antineoplastic treatment before the appearance of lesions, number of involved digits (fingernails or toenails) with lesions, grading of paronychia, and pain score were recorded. RESULTS In terms of the cumulative incidence of paronychia, significant differences (P

The use of e-cigarettes has become more common in China, but the research on e-cigarettes in China, while growing, is still limited. This study examined the characteristics and patterns of e-cigarette use, and analyzed the possible mediators between cigarette cessation intention and e-cigarette use in a Chinese smoking population.This was a cross-sectional study conducted in mainland China. By convenience sampling method, the participants were recruited from 85 major commercial streets of several large cities in China. The study interviewers completed face-to-face interviews and uploaded the completed questionnaires into the online survey platform. The participants were contacted for clarification if any problems were detected. Logistic regression yielded adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for ever use of e-cigarettes. We further conducted a mediation analysis to estimate the effect of possible mediators.From July to August 2020, a total of 738 smokers were invited to participate in this study; 613 smokers were identified as eligible and 609 smokers were included in this analysis. Of them, 24 (3.94%) participants were currently using e-cigarettes, and 165 (27.09%) participants have ever used e-cigarettes. The participants with younger age were more likely to have ever used e-cigarettes, ranging from 37.5% in the 18-29 years age group to 6.5% in the 60-69 years age group. After controlling for demographic characteristics and nicotine dependence, the ever use of e-cigarettes was significantly associated with younger age, higher education level, higher monthly income, previous smoking cessation attempts and quitting intention. With the mediation analysis, the education level is confirmed as a mediating factor, and approximately 42.86% of the effects were mediated through the channel of higher socioeconomic status.This is the first study to examine the possible mediators between cigarette cessation intention and e-cigarette use in a Chinese smoking population. The findings revealed that high socioeconomic status, particularly higher education level, was a major mediating factor.

The trans to cis isomerization of the azobenzene chromophore in most azobenzene-based photoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) is initiated by UV irradiation. This limits the application of these materials in cases where UV light toxicity is an issue, such as in biological systems, food monitoring, and drug delivery. Herein we report a tetra-ortho-methyl substituted azobenzene, (4-[(4-methacryloyloxy)-2,6-dimethyl phenylazo]-3,5-dimethyl benzenesulfonic acid (MADPADSA). The photoswitching of MADPADSA could be induced by visible-light irradiation (550 nm for trans to cis and 475 nm for cis to trans) in 4-hydroxyethylpiperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) buffer-ethanol (4:1, v/v) at pH 7.0, however, the photoisomerization was slow. With the use of MADPADSA as a functional monomer, NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ as a substrate, 4-ethylphenol (4-EP) as a template, a novel photoresponsive surface molecularly imprinted polymer NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@MIP was obtained. The NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@MIP displayed rapid visible-light-induced photoswitching. The NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ substrate could efficiently increase the trans to cis isomerization rate of the photoresponsive MIP on its surface, which was faster than that of the corresponding azobenzene monomer MADPADSA. Possible reasons for this effect were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@MIP displayed good specificity toward 4-EP with a specific binding constant (Kd) of 3.67 × 10−6 mol L−1 and an apparent maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of 10.73 μmol g−1, respectively. NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@MIP was applied to determine the concentration of 4-EP in red wine with good efficiency and a limit of detection lower than the value that could cause an unpleasant off-flavor.

A double-phthalate-ester imprinted photoresponsive polymer was fabricated for simultaneous detection of phthalate esters. Specifically, three azobenzene derivatives with different steric characteristics (0, 2, and 4 methyl substituents at the ortho position) were used as functional monomers, supported by ZnO nanoscale support rods. Dibutyl phthalate and dicyclohexyl phthalate esters were used as double templates. The three photoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymers were fabricated with a triethanolamine trimethacrylate ester cross-linker, and were characterized by ultraviolet–visible absorption, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption analysis. Steric hindrance affected both photoresponsive properties and binding properties. As the steric hindrance increased, the trans→cis rate constant and the binding capacities decreased. Hence, the polymer with the least steric hindrance was used for the simultaneous detection of phthalate esters in plastic cups and toys. The doubly imprinted polymer was more effective for detection or extraction of the phthalate esters than was a single-phthalate-ester imprinted polymer.

In the investigation, we propose and demonstrate a stabilized and wavelength-selectable erbium-doped fiber (EDF) compound-ring laser with single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) oscillation covering both C-band and L-band ranges. Here, the dual-ring-cavity (DRC) scheme with an unpumped EDF-based saturable absorber (SA) is proposed in the EDF laser to guarantee SLM output. The proposed DRC of EDF laser can produce the mode-filter and ultra-narrowband auto-tracking filter effects to suppress the densely multi-longitudinal-mode (MLM) and extend the effective gain of EDF in a wavelength range of 1525.0–1580.0 nm. In addition, the observed output stabilities of power and wavelength in the proposed EDF DRC laser are also experimented and discussed.

A visible-light-responsive azobenzene derivative, 3,5-dichloro-4-((2,6-dichloro-4-(methacryloyloxy)phenyl)diazenyl)benzoic acid, was synthesized and used as the functional monomer to fabricate a visible-light-responsive core-shell structured surface molecularly imprinted polymer (PS-co-PMAA@VSMIP). After removal of the sacrificial PS-co-PMAA core, a hollow structured surface molecularly imprinted polymer (HVSMIP) was obtained. Both the PS-co-PMAA@VSMIP and HVSMIP were used for the detection of chlorpyrifos, a moderately toxic organophosphate pesticide. They exhibited good visible-light-responsive properties (550 nm for trans→cis and 440 nm for cis→trans isomerization for an azobenzene chromophore) in ethanol/water (9:1, v/v). Compared with the PS-co-PMAA@VSMIP, the HVSMIP had a larger surface area, pore volume, binding capacity, imprinting effect, maximum chemical binding capacity, dissociation constant, and photo-isomerization rate. The HVSMIP was applied to detect trace chlorpyrifos in fruit and vegetable samples. This was achieved by measuring the trans→cis rate constant of the HVSMIP in the sample solution, with good recoveries, low relative standard deviations, and a low detection limit.

As a moderately toxic organophosphorus pesticide, profenofos (PFF) is widely used in agricultural practice, resulting in the accumulation of a high amount of PFF in agricultural products and the environment. This will inevitably damage our health. Therefore, it is important to establish a convenient and sensitive method for the detection of PFF. This paper reports a photoresponsive surface-imprinted polymer based on poly(styrene-co-methyl acrylic acid) (PS-co-PMAA@PSMIPs) for the detection of PFF by using carboxyl-capped polystyrene microspheres (PS-co-PMAA), PFF, 4-((4-(methacryloyloxy)phenyl)diazenyl) benzoic acid, and triethanolamine trimethacrylate as the substrate, template, functional monomer, and cross-linker, respectively. PS-co-PMAA@PSMIP shows good photoresponsive properties in DMSO/H2O (3:1, v/v). Its photoisomerization rate constant exhibits a good linear relationship with PFF concentration in the range of 0~15 μmol/L. PS-co-PMAA@PSMIP was applied for the determination of PFF in spiked tomato and mangosteen with good recoveries ranging in 94.4–102.4%.

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of cryptococcal antigen-lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (CrAg-LFA) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC). Methods: The subjects collected from March 2015 to October 2018 in 4 hospitals were divided into the pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) group (n=72) and the non-pulmonary cryptococcosis (non-PC) group (n=236). The patients in the PC group were diagnosed by lung biopsy. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicted values of CrAg-LFA in the serum were 75.0%, 99.6%, 98.2%, and 92.9%, respectively, while those in the BALF were 93.1%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 97.9%, respectively. Hence, the sensitivity of the CrAg-LFA in BALF was significantly higher than that in the serum of the patients in the PC group (PConclusion: The CrAg-LFA is a rapid, simple and safe experimental method. CrAg-LFA in BALF samples can offer higher diagnostic value for PC than that noted in the serum samples of PC subjects. Furthermore, the BALF positive results were equivalent to the microbiological culture positive results in terms of diagnostic value.

With the rapid development of construction, the high quality of the construction material is required. Mixing carbon fiber in concrete attracts more and more attention as it can reinforce concrete. However, the science research and engineering application of carbon fiber reinforced concrete is relatively few. In this paper, the effects of different mixing amount of carbon fiber and the sand ratio in concrete and the curing time of concrete and relationships between these factors were investigated. Proper carbon fiber and sand ratio can promote the compressive strength of concrete and it has a good resistance to cracking. The compressive strength of concrete with different mixing amounts of carbon fiber peaks when the sand ratio was 31% and the compressive strength was better when the carbon fiber mixing amount was 0.2% and 1% than any other ratios after 28 days. When the sand ratio was 31%, the compressive strength of carbon fiber mixing amount increased with the increase of curing time and it reached the top when the carbon fiber ratio was 0.8%. The mixing amount of carbon fiber also had a great influence on the early compressive strength to some extent. We anticipate that the research can offer certain reference for engineering practice.

Background Known predictors of neurosyphilis were mainly drawn from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected syphilis patients, which may not be applicable to HIV-negative populations as they have different characteristics, particularly those with neurological symptoms. This study aimed to identify novel predictors of HIV-negative symptomatic neurosyphilis (S-NS). Methods From June 2005 to June 2015, 370 HIV-negative syphilis patients with neurological symptoms were recruited, consisting of 191 S-NS patients (including 123 confirmed neurosyphilis and 68 probable neurosyphilis patients) and 179 syphilis/non-neurosyphilis (N-NS) patients. Clinical and laboratory characteristics of S-NS were compared with N-NS to identify factors predictive of S-NS. Serum rapid plasma reagin (RPR), Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA), and their parallel testing format for screening S-NS were evaluated. Results The likelihood of S-NS was positively associated with the serum RPR and TPPA titers. The serum TPPA titers performed better than the serum RPR titers in screening S-NS. The optimal cut-off points to recognize S-NS were serum RPR titer ≥1:4 and serum TPPA titer ≥1:2560 respectively. A parallel testing format of a serum RPR titer ≥1:2 and serum TPPA titer ≥1:1280 screened out 95.8% of S-NS and all confirmed cases of neurosyphilis. S-NS was independently associated with male sex, serum RPR titer ≥1:4, serum TPPA titer ≥1:2560, and elevated serum creatine kinase. Concurrence of these factors increased the likelihood of S-NS. Conclusions Quantitation of serum TPPA is worthwhile and performs better than serum RPR in screening S-NS. Serum RPR, serum TPPA, male sex, and serum creatine kinase can predict S-NS. Moreover, patients with both a serum RPR titer

Introduction: Recently, neurosyphilis was found to be associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). Whether the association was specific to neurosyphilis among central nervous system (CNS) infections, and whether neurosyphilis is associated with other prevalent metabolic disorders deserves further study. Methods: An in-depth cross-sectional study was conducted with 74 neurosyphilis patients and 74 sex- and age-matched patients with other CNS infections. DM-, hypertension-, and dyslipidemia-related factors were compared between patients with neurosyphilis and those with other CNS infections. Results: The prevalence rates of hypertension and hyperlipidemia in neurosyphilis patients were 45.9 and 21.4%, respectively, which were higher than those in patients with other CNS infections (45.9 vs. 28.4%, p = 0.027; 21.4 vs. 8.3%, p = 0.028). In addition, neurosyphilis patients had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (BP; median 139 mm Hg; interquartile range [IQR] 121–151 mm Hg), ­diastolic BP (median 83 mm Hg; IQR 76–89 mm Hg), total cholesterol (median 4.86 mmol/L; IQR 3.80–5.51 mmol/L), low-density lipoprotein (median 3.39 mmol/L; IQR 2.52–3.95 mmol/L), and apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1; median 1.31 g/L; IQR 1.06–1.52 g/L) levels and lower apoB/A1 ratios (median 0.67; IQR 0.49–0.99) than patients with other CNS infections (p< 0.05). There were no differences in the DM-related factors between patients with neurosyphilis and those with other CNS infections (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Potential association between neurosyphilis and metabolic disorders was found among CNS infections. The results could have important implications for clinical practice, alerting more clinicians to this issue.

A copper-catalyzed direct aminosulfonylation of unactivated alkenes with sodium sulfinates for the efficient synthesis of sulfonylated pyrrolidones is described. This reaction features good functional group tolerance and wide substrate scope, providing an efficient and straightforward protocol to access this kind of pyrrolidones. Moreover, preliminary mechanistic investigations disclosed that a free-radical pathway might be invovled in the process.

Background: Early diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may be challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of cryptococcal antigen-lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (CrAg-LFA) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients with PC. Methods: A total pf 308 patients who were admitted to the departments of pulmonary and critical care medicine and thoracic surgery between March 2015 and October 2018, were divided into the PC group (n=72) and the non-PC group (n=236). PC was confirmed by 1) lung biopsy; 2) a positive culture of Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) from blood culture or biopsy specimen; 3) clinical data, pathogen detection, radiological imaging and the detection of the cryptococcal antigen in blood and BALF samples.Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predicted values of CrAg-LFA in the serum were 75.0%, 99.6%, 98.2%, and 92.9%, respectively, while those in the BALF were 93.1%, 100.0%, 100.0%, and 97.9%, respectively. The sensitivity of the CrAg-LFA in BALF was significantly higher than that in the serum of the patients in the PC group (PConclusion: CrAg-LFA is a rapid, simple, and safe experimental method. CrAg-LFA has a higher diagnostic value for PC when analyzing BALF samples compared to serum samples. Furthermore, the BALF positive results are equivalent to the microbiological culture-positive results in terms of diagnostic value.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a rapid and accurate method to identify microorganisms in clinical laboratories. This study isolates yeast-like microorganisms in the oral washes that are collected from non-bedridden nursing home residents, using CHROMagar Candida plates, and identifies them using Bruker MALDI-TOF MS. The ribosomal DNA sequences of the isolates are then examined. Three hundred and twenty yeast isolates are isolated from the oral washes. Candida species form the majority (78.1%), followed by Trichosporon/Cutaneotrichosporon species (8.8%). Bruker MALDI-TOF MS gives a high-level confidence, with a log(score) value of &ge, 1.8, and identifies 96.9% of the isolates. There are six inconclusive results (1.9%), and those sequences are verified as rare clinical species, including Candida ethanolica, Cutaneotrichosporon jirovecii, Exophiala dermatitidis, and Fereydounia khargensis. Almost all of the isolates have a regular color on the CHROMagar Candida plates. If the colonies are grouped by color on the plates, a specific dominant yeast species is present in each color group, except for purple or orange isolates. In conclusion, MALDI-TOF MS is verified as a fast, accurate and practical method to analyze oral yeasts in elderly subjects.

Aim To explore sustainability education in nursing students in two countries. Design Mixed methods including a sustainability survey and focus groups. Methods First-year undergraduate nursing students from two countries were invited to participate. 69 students from China and 32 students from England agreed to take part. Data were collected between December 2015 and February 2016. Students completed the Sustainability Attitudes in Nursing Survey (SANS_2) and a purposive sample were invited to participate in focus groups in each country. Results All students had a positive attitude towards sustainability. However, for these four items, the results indicated that Chinese nursing students rate them significantly higher in importance than English students: Climate change is an important issue for nursing Issues about climate change should be included in the nursing curriculum Sustainability is an important issue for nursing Sustainability should be included in the nursing curriculum. The qualitative data identified four themes: Student nurses' conceptual understanding of sustainability focused mostly on environmental aspects and clinical waste management; Promoting sustainability within nursing education: teaching and learning methods. Promoting sustainability within nursing education: evaluating and certifying learning. Factors to consider when introducing sustainability to nursing education. The paper outlines the similarities and differences between Chinese and English nursing students' perceptions. Conclusion Sustainability in nurse education has similar concerns across countries. Impact Sustainability is an important issue for student nurses but strategies promoting incorporation of sustainability issues within nursing curricula are needed.

The application of photoresponsive surface molecularly imprinted polymers based on azobenzene is limited by the UV light source required and their poor water solubility. Reducing the phototoxicity and solvent toxicity of the polymers therefore presents a challenge. In this work, an NIR-light-responsive surface molecularly imprinted polymer was fabricated by atom transfer radical polymerization using up-conversion nanoparticles as the core, a hydrophilic green-light-responsive azobenzene derivative as the functional monomer, and a drug as the template. The up-conversion nanoparticles core emitted green fluorescence in the range of 520–550 nm upon NIR irradiation (980 nm, 5 W cm−2), which was absorbed by the azobenzene containing molecularly imprinted polymers layer on the up-conversion nanoparticles surface. This caused the azobenzene chromophores to undergo trans→cis isomerization in phosphate buffered solution (pH = 7.4), thus resulting in NIR-light-induced drug release. The up-conversion fluorescence spectra were used to study the interaction mechanism between the azobenzene monomer and NIR light. Compared with structural analogues of the template (antifebrin and phenacetin), the NIR-light-responsive surface molecularly imprinted polymer showed excellent specificity of recognition for the template drug (paracetamol). The maximum adsorption capacity of the NIR-light-responsive surface molecularly imprinted polymer for loading of paracetamol was 16.80 μmol g−1. The NIR-light-responsive surface molecularly imprinted polymer was applied for NIR-light-induced paracetamol release in phosphate buffered solution (pH = 7.4) through porcine tissue. This work demonstrates the potential of drug delivery systems based on molecularly imprinted polymers for application in deep tissue delivery.

Background Because of the high prevalence and absence of cure for infection, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been acknowledged as a pressing public health issue. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activate the human innate immune system and the polymorphisms in TLRs may alter their function. The present study aimed to investigate the association between TLR polymorphisms and disease progression of chronic HBV infection. Methods During the study period, 211 treatment-naïve patients with chronic HBV infection were recruited, and blood samples were collected from each individual. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry was employed to genotype the selected TLR polymorphisms after human genome extraction. In addition, HbsAg, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were quantified using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate the association between TLR polymorphisms and hepatitis activity, liver function parameters, HbsAg level, and cytokine level. Results We did not observe any mutations in rs4986790, rs4986791, and rs5743708 among all study subjects. A logistic regression revealed that mutations in rs3804099 and rs4696480 were associated with milder hepatitis activity. Consistent with the logistic regression, improved liver function parameters and reduced level of both HbsAg and cytokines were also correlated with the mutant carriers of rs3804099 and rs4696480. Conclusions TLR mutations were significantly associated with milder hepatitis activity among patients with chronic HBV infection. Therefore, we conclude that the activation of TLR pathways may further intensify the inflammation of hepatocytes, and leads to progression of disease.

A new photoresponsive surface molecularly imprinted polymer shell (PMIPS) was developed for determination of trace griseofulvin from milk. The PMIPS was prepared by surface imprinting technique using poly(styrene-co-methacrylic acid) (PS-co-PMMA) microspheres as the sacrificial substrate, griseofulvin as the template, a photoresponsive azobenzene derivative 4-((4-(methacryloyloxy)phenyl)diazenyl)-3,5-dimethyl benzenesulfonic acid as the functional monomer, and triethanolamine trimethacrylate as the cross-linker. The PMIPS was obtained after the removal of the sacrificial PS-co-PMMA core from the surface imprinted core-shell microspheres, PS-co-PMAA@PMIP. Compared with PS-co-PMAA@PMIP, PMIPS displayed better properties such as higher surface area and pore volume, rapid photo-isomerization rate, and higher adsorption capacities, specific binding constant and binding density. The PMIPS could efficiently detect griseofulvin in complex samples such as milk.

China’s higher education has now entered a new stage of popularization. For this reason, the students’ demands expecting to the university are multiple with diversity, complexity and personality. We designed a Self-management System Model and implemented a real application test system for East China Normal University, which is based on the constructivism and evaluation theory, and B/S architecture. This system can be used to record the students’ online performance and fully reveal the students’ personality and talents. This system also can be used to promote students’ individual development.

Objectives Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease affecting millions of people globally and resulting in significant death rates each year. A fast, inexpensive alternative to traditional testing and monitoring techniques is desirable, since secretion of insulin and C-peptide is impaired in diabetes mellitus. Design and methods A highly sensitive immunoassay was developed for the simultaneous measurement of C-peptide and insulin levels in human serum, utilizing dual-label time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA) and magnetic particle technologies. This assay was characteristic for a single-step sandwich-type immunoassay, wherein antibody-coated magnetic particles were used as the solid phase and Eu 3 + and Sm 3 + chelate labels were used for detection. Results Antibody-coated magnetic particles in a TRFIA format performed well in addressing a number of quantitative needs. Conclusions The results of this assay correlated well with commercial chemiluminescence assays and provided a number a advantages, including reduced sample volume, reduced reagent and personnel costs and reduced assay time, while maintaining the required clinical sensitivity.

Current clinically assays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and chemiluminescence immunoassay, for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are inferior in terms of either sensitivity and accuracy or rapid and high-throughput analysis. A novel assay based on magnetic beads and time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay was developed for the quantitative determination of HBsAg in human serum. HBsAg was captured using two types of anti-HBsAg monoclonal antibodies (B028, S015) immobilized on to magnetic beads and detected using europium-labeled anti-HBsAg polyclonal detection antibody. Finally, the assay yielded a high sensitivity (0.02 IU/mL) and a wide dynamic range (0.02-700 IU/mL) for HBsAg when performed under optimal conditions. Satisfactory accuracy, recovery and specificity were also demonstrated. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 4.7-8.7% and 3.8-7.5%, respectively. The performance of this assay was further assessed against a well-established commercial chemiluminescence immunoassay kit with 399 clinical serum samples. It was revealed that the test results for the two methods were in good correlation (Y = 1.182X - 0.017, R = 0.989). In the current study, we demonstrated that this novel time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay could be used: as a highly sensitive, automated and high-throughput immunoassay for the diagnosis of acute or chronic hepatitis B virus infection; for the screening of blood or organ donors; and for the surveillance of persons at risk of acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B virus.

Based on the current color fastness standard of textiles at home and abroad, this paper gives a comparative analysis of the testing standard of related indicators, discuss the major color fastness of textiles including color fastness to water, to perspiration, to rubbing, to laundering. The quantified data of the sample test results show that there are some differences among the test methods, the equivalent of quantitative values and the requirements of indicator in GB, ISO, AATCC.

This paper is using the cocoon filament prices index from the website named the east-sericulture-shift-to-west engineering information system as the research background, seeking for the quantitative analysis and forecast of the cocoon filament price index and making forecast and evaluation for market operation. This paper respectively establishes the improved GM(1,1) model and Grey-Markov model and compares the prediction results of the two models. When using the Grey-Markov model, the data prediction accuracy is higher and it can reflect the volatility of the data.

Typical woven fabrics for bedding were selected from the market in this paper. Based on test and analysis results of the structural parameters, the relevant performance indicators were measured in consideration of mechanical properties,comfort and style of fabrics, and the test data were systematically integrated and the relevant quantitative data were ultimately obtained. Meanwhile, Fabric Assurance Tester was used to determine the style of the fabrics and tested indicators were chosen, following with normalized statistics and processing. In addition, SPSS software was applied for the correlation analysis between fabric properties and structural parameters through the correlation and partial correlation analysis.According to the results of correlation coefficient,partial correlation coefficient, the paper revealed the intrinsic link between the fabric’s structural parameters and its properties. As to the main factors of the structural parameters which greatly affect the performance of the fabrics, they will provide scientific evidence for the design and development of fabric.

Background Neurosyphilis (NS) is difficult to diagnose, especially in syphilis patients with negative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rapid plasma reagin (RPR) or Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) tests. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study and an analysis of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in syphilitic patients to identify a novel marker for the diagnosis of NS, with a focus on probable NS (NS with negative VDRL/RPR tests). For this purpose, CSF and serum MIF concentrations were determined in 43 NS and 43 syphilis/non-NS (N-NS) patients at the Zhongshan Hospital of the Medical College of Xiamen University from July 2014 to June 2015. Sixty-three blood donors were used as healthy controls. Results NS patients had higher CSF (median [IQR]: 8.77 ng/ml [4.76–19.13]) and serum (52.58 ng/ml [28.31–95.94]) MIF concentrations than N-NS patients did (4.08 [2.21–9.68] and 34.30 [19.77–59.75], respectively). Using a cut-off point of 6.63 ng/ml, CSF MIF had a sensitivity of 74.42% and a specificity of 67.74% for the diagnosis of NS. The sensitivity was higher than that of CSF RPR (39.53%) and increased protein (48.84%) tests and similar to that of CSF pleocytosis (67.44%). Additionally, the sensitivity of CSF MIF, which was 92.31% for the diagnosis of probable NS, was higher than that of CSF pleocytosis (65.38%) and increased protein (53.85%) tests. By integrating all CSF parameters (pleocytosis, increased protein and MIF), the sensitivity would be improved to 100% by parallel testing, which would avoid missed diagnoses. Moreover, the specificity would be improved to 100% by the serial testing algorithm, which would again avoid misdiagnosis. Conclusions CSF MIF concentrations can be used as a novel CSF marker to establish or exclude a diagnosis of NS.

Quantum dots (QDs) with novel photoproperties are not widely used in clinic diagnosis, and homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assays possess many advantages over current methods for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) detection. A novel QD-based homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assay was developed and used for detection of AFP, a primary marker for many cancers and diseases. QD-doped carboxyl-modified polystyrene microparticles (QPs) were prepared by doping oil-soluble QDs possessing a 605 nm emission peak. The antibody conjugates (QPs-E014) were prepared from QPs and an anti-AFP monoclonal antibody, and luminescent terbium chelates (LTCs) were prepared and conjugated to a second anti-AFP monoclonal antibody (LTCs-E010). In a double-antibodies sandwich structure, QPs-E014 and LTCs-E010 were used for detection of AFP, serving as energy acceptor and donor, respectively, with an AFP bridge. The results demonstrated that the luminescence lifetime of these QPs was sufficiently long for use in a time-resolved fluoroassay, with the efficiency of time-resolved Forster resonance transfer (TR-FRET) at 67.3% and the spatial distance of the donor to acceptor calculated to be 66.1A. Signals from TR-FRET were found to be proportional to AFP concentrations. The resulting standard curve was logY=3.65786+0.43863·logX (R=0.996) with Y the QPs fluorescence intensity and X the AFP concentration; the calculated sensitivity was 0.4 ng mL(-1). By assaying test samples against the standard curve, the coefficient of variations was

We developed a luminescent terbium sensor (LTS) based on energy resonance transfer for homogeneous bioassays. The effect of temperature on photoluminescence and time-resolved fluorescence of the LTS was investigated. When the temperature was increased from 277 K to 369 K, the photoluminescence quantum yield decreased by up to 25 %, time-resolved fluorescence decreased by up to 54 %, and the lifetime shortened dramatically. Studies showed that both photoluminescence and time-resolved fluorescence quantum yields were largely recovered after samples were heated from 298 to 310, 333 or 369 K and subsequently cooled to 298 K. These results indicate that the homogeneous bioassay with LTS is sensitive to temperature and should be conducted at a constant temperature to ensure the temperature effect does not influence data and to increase the accuracy of the results. The results of this study are important for LTS applications in homogeneous bioassays. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

On the basis of the intersection of TRIZ and industrial design, the paper studies the core elements of TRIZ, including principles, methods, rules, and analyses their significance in guiding industrial design practices, also gives research on the application methods of different cases in industrial design. By investigating the commonness of TRIZ and industrial design in products creating activities, the paper summarizes creativity principles and trends forecasting methods in industrial design, so that to found the structure of products innovation knowledge base which grows from creative science and industrial design.

Human mammary epithelial cells have different proliferative statuses and demonstrate a close relationship with age and cell proliferation. Research on this topic could help understand the occurrence, progression and prognosis of breast cancer. In this article, using significance analysis of a microarray algorithm, we analyzed gene expression profiles of human mammary epithelial cells of different proliferative statuses and different age groups. The results showed there were significant differences in gene expression in the same proliferation status between elderly and young groups. Three common differentially expressed genes were found to dynamically change with the proliferation status and to be closely related to tumorigenesis. We also found elderly group had less status-related differential genes from actively proliferating status to intermediate status and more status- related differential genes from intermediate status than the young group. Finally, functional enrichment analyses allowed evaluation of the detailed roles of these differentially-expressed genes in tumor progression.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of a prebreakfast high-protein snack upon postbreakfast hyperglycemia. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We studied 10 men and women with diet- and/or metformin-controlled type 2 diabetes. Metabolic changes after breakfast were compared between 2 days: breakfast taken only and soya-yogurt snack taken prior to breakfast. RESULTS There was a significant lower rise in plasma glucose on the snack day. The incremental area under the glucose curve was 450 ± 55 mmol · min/l on the snack day compared with 699 ± 99 mmol · min/l on the control day (P = 0.013). The concentration of plasma free fatty acids immediately before breakfast correlated with the increment in plasma glucose (r = 0.50, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS Consuming a high-protein prebreakfast snack results in almost 40% reduction of postprandial glucose increment. The second-meal effect can be applied simply and practically to improve postbreakfast hyperglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes.

Current clinically assays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and chemiluminescence immunoassay, for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are inferior in terms of either sensitivity and accuracy or rapid and high-throughput analysis. A novel assay based on magnetic beads and time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay was developed for the quantitative determination of HBsAg in human serum. HBsAg was captured using two types of anti-HBsAg monoclonal antibodies (B028, S015) immobilized on to magnetic beads and detected using europium-labeled anti-HBsAg polyclonal detection antibody. Finally, the assay yielded a high sensitivity (0.02 IU/mL) and a wide dynamic range (0.02-700 IU/mL) for HBsAg when performed under optimal conditions. Satisfactory accuracy, recovery and specificity were also demonstrated. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 4.7-8.7% and 3.8-7.5%, respectively. The performance of this assay was further assessed against a well-established commercial chemiluminescence immunoassay kit with 399 clinical serum samples. It was revealed that the test results for the two methods were in good correlation (Y = 1.182X - 0.017, R = 0.989). In the current study, we demonstrated that this novel time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay could be used: as a highly sensitive, automated and high-throughput immunoassay for the diagnosis of acute or chronic hepatitis B virus infection; for the screening of blood or organ donors; and for the surveillance of persons at risk of acquiring or transmitting hepatitis B virus.

Quantum dots are not widely used in clinical diagnosis. However, the homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assay possesses many advantages over current methods for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a primary marker for many cancers and diseases. Therefore, a novel luminescent terbium chelates- (LTCs) and quantum dots-based homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assay was developed to detect CEA. Glutathione-capped quantum dots (QDs) were prepared from oil-soluble QDs with a 565 nm emission peak. Conjugates (QDs-6 F11) were prepared with QDs and anti-CEA monoclonal antibody. LTCs were prepared and conjugates (LTCs-S001) were prepared with another anti-CEA monoclonal antibody. The fluorescence lifetime of QDs was optimized for sequential analysis. The Forster distance (R0) was calculated as 61.9 A based on the overlap of the spectra of QDs-6 F11 and LTCs-S001. Using a double-antibody sandwich approach, the above antibody conjugates were used as energy acceptor and donor, respectively. The signals from QDs were collected in time-resolved mode and analyzed for the detection of CEA. The results show that the QDs were suitable for time-resolved fluoroassays. The spatial distance of the donor-acceptor pair was calculated to be 61.9 A. The signals from QDs were proportional to CEA concentration. The standard curve was LogY = 2.75566 + 0.94457 LogX (R = 0.998) using the fluorescence counts (Y) of QDs and the concentrations of CEA (X). The calculated sensitivity was 0.4 ng/mL. The results indicate that water-soluble QDs are suitable for the homogenous immunoassay. This work has expanded future applications of QDs in homogeneous clinical bioassays. Furthermore, a QDs-based homogeneous multiplex immunoassay will be investigated as a biomarker for infectious diseases in future research.

The method of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) was used to study the genetic diversity of eukaryotic picoplankton (0.2-5.0 microm) in the pelagic and littoral zones in 8 lakes with different trophic status in Nanjing. The objectives of this study were to confirm the difference of the genetic diversity of eukaryotic picoplankton among lakes and the main factors affecting this difference. T-RFLP indicated that there were various fingerprints among lakes and zones. The average terminal restriction fragments (T-RFs) in the littoral and pelagic zones were 16.4 and 15.9, respectively. The littoral zone in Lake Nan and the pelagic zone in Lake Mochou had 30 T-RFs and 27 T-RFs, respectively. The T-RFs were the least abundant (10) in the pelagic zone in Lake Baijia with relatively low trophic status. The genetic diversity of eukaryotic picoplankton was higher in the littoral zone than that in the pelagic zone except Lake Pipa and Mochou. The cluster analysis indicated that the similarities of the littoral zones and the pelagic zones were very high except Lake Baijia, Qian and Nan. The canonical correspondence analysis between the genetic diversity of eukaryotic picoplankton and environmental factors revealed the concentration of chlorophyll a had the most important impact on the eukaryotic picoplankton communities (p = 0.004). The results indicated that the genetic diversity of eukaryotic picoplankton is affected by the trophic status and has the difference in the pelagic and littoral zones.

To investigate the effects of aquatic plants on ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) at their root zones, four species of aquatic plants were selected, Phragmites communis, Typha angustifolia L., Potamogeton crispus L., and Limnanthemun nymphoides, which were widely used in ecological restorations. AOB in the samples were enumerated by most-probable-number (MPN) method. Nested polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) procedures were performed with ammonia oxidizer-selective primers. Main DGGE bands were excised from the gel and sequenced for phylogenetic affiliation. Results indicate that AOB densities are always higher at the root zones of emergent plants (Phragmites communis 2.8 x 10(5) cells/g and Typha angustifolia L.4.3 x 10(5) cells/g) than those of submerged and floating-leaved plant (Potamogeton crispus L. 9.3 x 10(4) cells/g and Limnanthemun nymphoides 7.7 x 10(4) cells/g). At the root zones, the oxidation-reduction potential is above zero and NH4+ concentration is lower than it in the bare surface sediment. Fourteen major bands were recovered from the DGGE gel, re-amplified and sequenced. Although the identified bands have their respective similar sequences in GenBank, most of them are related to Nitrosomonas-like. This type of bacteria would play an important role of nitrogen cycle in lake sediment after ecological restoration.

Combined effects of estrogenic compounds to high risk life-form were demonstrated, and the study method on combined effects of environmental contaminant mixture and environmental risk assessment were also discussed. A nonlinear aggression was determined on the changes of plasma vitellogenin concentration in crucian carp via the environmental pollutant exposure concentration, and the concentration-response relationship was determined for the single chemical of estradiol, ethynylestradiol, bisphenol A, and octylphenol, and that of the mixed compounds at equipotent concentrations. The combined effects of the four xenoestrogens were tested using indices of mixture toxicity and the biomathematical models of concentration addition or independent action. Weibull function was indicated as the best-fit function (R2or = 0.92) with curve estimation, the 95% confidence limits of effect concentration was achieved using the bootstrap method, the media effective concentration (EC50) with 95% confidence interval was 0.007 9 (0.006 8-0.010 0), 0.098 7 (0.090 0-0.111 0), 63.50 (56.58-70.62) and 250.59 (228.46-271.99) Mg x L(-1) respectively. Results suggested that estrogenic chemicals acted together in an additive manner and the combined effects can be accurately predicted in whole range of exposure concentration by the concept of similar joint action or concentration addition.It is proved as a scientific and feasible method to apply the model of joint action whereas the outcome of indices with a great deal of indetermination.

The methods of DGGE and cloning/sequencing were used to study the diversity and community structures of small planktons (0.8 - 20 microm) in different areas of Lake Taihu. DGGE indicated that there were markly various fingerprints in different areas and the diversities were higher in areas with low trophic status than those with relatively high trophic status. There were 23, 24 DGGE bands in East Taihu and Gonghu Bay, respectively (Shannon index were 3.135 and 3.178) and 18 bands in both Meiliang Bay and Wuli Bay (Both shannon index were 2.890). The result of cloning/sequencing indicated that there was a high diversity of small planktons in Lake Taihu and most of them phototrophic flagellate, heterotrophic flagellate, ciliate and fungi. There were various community structures in the three different clone libraries. In Meilang Bay, 28.6% OTUs(operational taxonomic unit)belonged to heterotrophic flagellate, followed by Cryptophyta (22.9%) and Chrysophyta (14.3%). In Central Lake, 25.7% OTUs belonged to Chrysophyta, followed by heterotrophic flagellate (20.0%) and Cryptophyta (14.3 %). In East Taihu, ciliates were the dominant group and only a few heterotrophic flagellates (40.9%) were detected. In addition, fungi were relatively abundant (12.2%) in this area.

To study the effect of proanthocyanidins on the COX-2 enzyme activity and COX-2 protein expression in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.After being pretreated with different concentrations of proanthocyanidins for 30 min, and then 1 mg x L(-1) LPS for 9 h, the effect of proanthocyanidins on the activity of COX-2 enzyme in RAW264.7 cells was analysed by radioimmunoassay (RIA). After being pretreated with different concentrations of proanthocyanidins for 30 min, and then 1 mg x L(-1) LPS for 9 h, the effects of proanthocyanidins on the expressions of COX-2 mRNA and protein in RAW264.7 cells were analysed by RT-PCR and Western blotting.The activity of COX-2 enzyme was not inhibited by proanthocyanidins (0. 8, 4 and 20 mg x L(-1), P0.05 vs LPS group), but the activity of COX-2 enzyme was significantly inhibited by 10 micromol x L(-01) NS-398 (P0.01 vs LPS group). The expression of COX-2 mRNA was inhibited by proanthocyanidins (0. 8, 4 and 20 mg x L(-1)). The expression of COX-2 protein was inhibited by proanthocyanidins (4 and 20 mg x L(-1)).Proanthocyanidins had no effect on the activity of COX-2 enzyme in LPS-induced RAW264. 7 cells. Proanthocyanidins inhibited significantly the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignant tumor in southern China. Radiotherapy is a major therapy for NPC in early phase,while proper chemotherapy is necessary for NPC in late phase. Some chemotherapeutic drugs have been used to treat tumors by inducing apoptosis of tumor cells. This study was to investigate effects of curcumin on proliferation,and apoptosis of NPC cell line CNE-2Z.CNE-2Z cells were treated with different concentrations of curcumin, inhibition rates of cell proliferation,and IC(50) of curcumin were detected by MTT method. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM), agarose gel electrophoresis,and Hoechst33258-PI fluorescence staining.Proliferation of CNE-2Z cells was inhibited obviously by curcumin in dose- and time-dependent manners. IC(50) of curcumin to CNE-2Z cells at 24,48,and 72 h were (24.05+/-0.47),(19.20+/-0.17),and (7.35+/-0.50) micromol/L, respectively. After treated with 5,10,and 20 micromol/L of curcumin for 24 h, apoptotic rates of CNE-2Z cells were (4.9+/-3.2)%,(10.7+/-2.7)%, and (14.7+/-0.5)%, respectively. After treated with 10,20 micromol/L of curcumin for 24 h, morphologic changes, such as chromatin shrinkage,nuclear condensation,and chromatin fragmentation,were observed in CNE-2Z cells by fluorescent staining, a fragmented DNA ladder was detected by electrophoresis.Curcumin may induce apoptosis, and inhibit proliferation of CNE-2Z cells.

False smut is an increasingly important rice disease in recent years, caused by a pathogen, Ustilaginoidea virens Cooke, Takahashi. The pathogen fungus grew well in PD medium, and could produce toxins, ustiloxins, which strongly inhibited the growth of radicle and embryo of plants. The rough ustiloxins were extracted with 100% methanol from the culture filtrate in the study. The antiserum against Ustiloxin A, the main component of the toxins, was raised by immunizing New Zealand rabbit. Elisa assay showed that the titers of the two antiserums obtained were 1: 20 000 and 1: 6 000, respectively. The specificity of the antiserums was also confirmed by Immuno-gold labeling.

In this paper, a novel time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA) protocol using magnetic particles for the simultaneous determination of α-fetoprotein (AFP) and the free β-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-hCG) in human serum is described. The new approach uses magnetic particles as an immobilization matrix and means of separation, while the luminescent europium and samarium chelates are used as probes. The proposed method was evaluated via a single-step, sandwich-type TRFIA immunoassay of AFP and free β-hCG as model analytes in serum. With the advantages of magnetic particles, the TRFIA immunoassay exhibited a wide dynamic range for AFP of 0.1-750 ng mL(-1), with a lower detection limit of 0.05 ng mL(-1). The dynamic range for free β-hCG was 0.16-450 ng mL(-1), with a lower detection limit of 0.08 ng mL(-1). Satisfactory specificity, reproducibility, and recovery of the immunoassay were demonstrated. Good correlations were obtained in the analysis of 446 human serum samples between the proposed method and a commercial TRFIA kit. These results demonstrate the feasibility and potential of the new method as a rapid and highly sensitive immunoassay that could be developed into a platform for multi-analyte determinations in clinical practice.