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Ammonia (NH

Indirectly monitoring Listeria monocytogenes (LMs) via gas sensor detecting metabolites 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (3H-2B) biomarker is a newly-emerged strategy. However, such sensors are required to simultaneously endow with outstanding selectivity, high sensitivity and ppb-level detection limit, which remains technologically challenging. Herein, we have developed highly selective and sensitive 3H-2B sensors with zinc oxide nanorods decorated with cobaltosic oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NRs / Co3O4 NPs), which have been synthesized by an optimized hydrothermal and annealing process. Specifically, the ZnO NRs / Co3O4 NPs exhibit ultrahigh sensitivity toward 5 ppm 3H-2B (Ra / Rg = 550 at 260 oC). Meanwhile, the sensor prototypes enable to detect as low as 10 ppb 3H-2B, show excellent long-term stability, and present remarkable selectivity through interfering selectivity survey and principal component analysis (PCA). Such outstanding sensing performance is attributed to the the modulated electron depletion layer by n / p heterojunction and abundant gas diffusion pathways of radial architectures, which is testified via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test, Mott-Schottky measurement and ultraviolet-visible absorption analysis. Our highly selective and sensitive ZnO NRs / Co3O4 NPs are potential in real-time detection of 3H-2B biomarker of LMs.

Due to the small weight and large flexibility, membrane structures are prone to vibration under external excitation. Furthermore, it may affect the normal function of membrane structures. In view of the limitation of traditional perturbation method and small deflection theory in solving strongly nonlinear vibration problem of membranes. an improved multi-scale method is proposed in this paper to investigate the characteristics of strongly nonlinear vibration of membrane. Firstly, based on the large deflection theory of membrane and the improved multi-scale method, the strongly nonlinear damped vibration control equation of membrane with consideration of geometrical non-linearity is solved. Then, the analytical expressions of the frequency and displacement functions of the strongly nonlinear vibration of membranes are obtained, which are compared with the numerical results. Furthermore, the vibration characteristics of the membrane under the initial displacement are explained together with the experimental results. The results show that the improved multi-scale method is more suitable for solving the strongly nonlinear vibration of membranes than the traditional perturbation method, since the accuracy is higher. Therefore, such a discovery exhibit exposes a more accurate theoretical method for the vibration control and design of membranes.

In this study, the mechanical and electrical properties of Zn–Sb thin films with different Zn contents were focused; the corresponding improvement mechanism is also discussed. It is found that the maximum phase transition temperature of the film is 250 °C when the Zn content is about 50 at%. The crystallization activation energy of the film also reached a maximum of 4.549 eV. The micro-structure analysis result of these annealed films through XRD showed that when the Zn content is less than 50 at.%, the Sb crystallization firstly reduces the amorphous thermal stability of the material, while the film with the highest crystallization activation energy forms the ZnSb phase. Besides, adding N element greatly increases the resistance ratio of the film before and after the phase change and the phase change temperature point, the maximum temperature reaches 265 °C, and the resistance ratio reaches 104 orders of magnitude. The doping of N also increases the density of the deposited film. When the N content is less, some N elements fill the defects caused by physical deposition, increase the density of the film, and increase the phase transition temperature of the film. The N atoms in the film are more likely to bond with Zn when N content is high, forming a Zn–N bond, and even forming a Zn3N2 phase, so that the phase transition temperature of the film is lowered.

Indirectly monitoring halitosis via the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) biomarkers using gas sensors is a newly emerging technique. However, such H2S sensors are required with critically high selectivity and sensitivity, as well as a ppb-level detection limit, which remains technologically challenging. To address such issues, here, we have developed highly sensitive and selective H2S sensors with NiO/WO3 nanoparticles (NPs), which have been synthesized by firstly hydrolyzing WO3 NPs and subsequently decorating with NiO NPs in a hydrothermal process. Theoretically, the NiO/WO3 NPs assist in forming a thicker electron depletion layer, adsorbing more oxygen species O2- to oxidize H2S and finally release more electrons. Beneficially, 2.1 wt % NiO/WO3 NPs show high sensitivity to H2S (Ra/Rg = 15031 ± 1370 @ 10 ppm, 100 °C), which is 42.6-fold higher than that of the pristine WO3 NPs (Ra/Rg = 353 ± 5.6 @ 10 ppm, 100 °C). Further, the H2S sensor shows ppb-level detection limit (Ra/Rg = 4.95 ± 2.9 @ 0.05 ppm, 100 °C) and high selectivity. Practically, NiO/WO3 NP sensor prototype has been employed to detect the simulated exhaled halitosis compared with that of gas chromatography, revealing a close concentration of H2S. Our investigation offers an experimental base in future intelligent medical applications.

Gas sensors built with metal oxide semiconductors have attracted tremendous attention due to the growing demand for the detection of inflammable, explosive and toxic gases. Herein, to improve the sensing response, WO3 nanoparticles decorated with Ag and Pt bimetals (Ag and Pt/WO3 NPs) have been developed via combined hydrolysis and hydrothermal strategies. Such sensors prototypes show high response to acetone (Ra/Rg = 250 @ 100 × 10–6, 140 °C), which is 6.1 fold as high as that of the pristine WO3 NPs (Ra/Rg = 41 @ 100 × 10–6, 140 °C). Moreover, the recovery time of Ag and Pt/WO3 NPs was reduced from 138 to 13 s compared with that of the pristine WO3 NPs. The improved acetone sensing performance may be attributed to that the chemical and electronic sensitization of Ag and Pt to WO3 NPs increases adsorbed oxygen species, speeds up the reaction and thus boosts the sensing response. Our strategy that decoration of dual precious metals onto WO3 NPs improves the acetone sensing performance may be applied to the gas sensors of other sensing materials.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited therapeutic options. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of the aminopeptidase inhibitor tosedostat with capecitabine in advanced PDAC. Methods: We conducted a phase Ib/II trial of tosedostat with capecitabine as second-line therapy for advanced PDAC. Planned enrollment was 36 patients. Eligible patients were treated with capecitabine 1,000 mg/m 2 oral twice-daily days 1–14 and oral tosedostat in a dose de-escalation design on days 1–21 of each 21-day cycle. Primary endpoints were the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Sixteen patients were enrolled. Tosedostat 120 mg oral twice daily with capecitabine 1,000 mg/ 2 oral twice daily was the RP2D. There was one dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) (grade 3 acute coronary syndrome) during phase Ib. The most common treatment-related adverse events were gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhea), cardiac [QTc prolongation, decreased ejection fraction (EF)], and fatigue. The median PFS was 7.1 months, and the median treatment failure free survival was 3 months. Eight patients experienced stable disease for greater than 3 months. The study was closed early due to lack of drug availability. Conclusions: Tosedostat with capecitabine displayed tolerable toxicity, and prolonged disease control in a subset of patients. These data encourage further exploration of aminopeptidase inhibitors in pancreatic cancer.

Hydrogen (H

Background: in recent years, n-3 PUFAs have been confirmed to be associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, but the link between n-3 PUFAs and stroke remains controversial. Objective: this study aimed to evaluate the association between n-3 PUFAs and stroke. Methods: we performed a comprehensive search of the following electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CNKI. Literature screening and quality assessment were performed according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cochrane's tool was used to assess the methodological components of each study, and the Stata 15.1 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. Results: a total of 18 RCTs were included, and the meta-analysis showed no differences in vascular disease-related death between the n-3 PUFA and control groups (RR, 0.95, 95 % CI: 0.89 to 1.01, p = 0.1140.05). However, there was a significant difference in the lower n-3 PUFA dose subgroup (RR, 0.93, 95 % CI: 0.87 to 0.99, p = 0.0340.05). Oral administration of n-3 PUFAs did not significantly reduce the risk of the following cerebrovascular accidents: stroke (RR = 1.00, 95 % CI: 0.93 to 1.07, p = 0.9830.05), ischemic stroke (RR = 0.99, 95 % CI: 0.896 to 1.094, p = 0.8410.05), hemorrhagic stroke (RR = 1.249, 95 % CI: 0.939 to 1.662, p = 0.1270.05) and TIA (RR = 1.016, 95 % CI: 0.882 to 1.170, p = 0.8240.05). The levels of TC (SMD, -0.167, 95 % CI: -0.193 to -0.141, p = 00.05) and TG (SMD, -0.065, 95 % CI: -0.087 to -0.042, p = 00.05) in the n-3 PUFA group were significantly decreased, but no significant improvement in the LDL (SMD, 0.022, 95 % CI: 0.005 to 0.040, p = 0.8890.05) and HDL (SMD, 0.008, 95 % CI: -0.009 to 0.025, p = 0.3680.05) levels was observed. Conclusion: this systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that treatment with low-dose n-3 PUFAs can reduce cerebrovascular disease-related death. After the oral administration of n-3 PUFAs, the levels of TC and TG decreased significantly, but n-3 PUFAs did not prevent the occurrence of cerebrovascular accidents or improve LDL or HDL levels.Antecedentes: en los últimos años se ha confirmado que los AGPI n-3 se relacionan con las enfermedades cardiovasculares y cerebrovasculares, pero el vínculo entre los AGPI n-3 y el ictus sigue siendo objeto de controversia. Objetivo: este estudio se propuso evaluar la relación entre AGPI n-3 e ictus. Métodos: se realizaron búsquedas en las siguientes bases de datos electrónicas: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science y CNKI. Se utilizó la herramienta de Cochrane para evaluar los componentes metodológicos de cada estudio y el software Stata para el metanálisis. Resutados: se incluyeron 18 ECA y el metanálisis no mostró diferencias en cuanto a la muerte relacionada con enfermedades vasculares entre los grupos de AGPI n-3 y de control (RR: 0,95, IC del 95 %: 0,89 a 1,01). Sin embargo, hubo una diferencia significativa en el subgrupo de dosis más baja de AGPI n-3 (RR: 0,93, IC del 95 %: 0,87 a 0,99). La administración oral de AGPI n-3 no redujo significativamente el riesgo de los siguientes accidentes cerebrovasculares: ictus (RR = 1,00, IC 95 %: 0,93 a 1,07), ictus isquémico (RR = 0,99, IC 95 %: 0,896 a 1. 094), ictus hemorrágico (RR = 1,249, IC 95 %: 0,939 a 1,662) y AIT (RR = 1,016, IC 95 %: 0,882 a 1,170). Los niveles de TC (DME: -0,167, IC del 95 %: -0,193 a 0,141) y TG (DME -0,065, IC del 95 %: -0,087 a -0,042) en el grupo de AGPI n-3 se redujeron significativamente, pero no hubo una mejora significativa en los niveles de LDL (SMD: 0,022, IC 95 %: 0,005 a 0,040) y HDL (SMD: 0,008, IC 95 %: -0,009 a 0,025). Conclusiones: esta revisión sistemática y metaanálisis sugiere que el tratamiento con PUFA n-3 en dosis bajas puede reducir la muerte relacionada con la enfermedad cerebrovascular. Después de la administración oral de PUFA n-3, los niveles de TC y TG disminuyeron significativamente, pero los PUFA n-3 no impidieron la aparición de accidentes cerebrovasculares ni mejoraron los niveles de LDL o HDL.

Indirect monitoring of

With the gradual advancement of engineering projects in my country, controlling the cost of engineering costs has become an issue of concern. This research mainly discusses the engineering cost based on computer informatization. Import the built BIM construction model into the construction simulation software to optimize and adjust the construction schedule. Through the construction simulation, the coordination of human resources and machines in the construction process is realized. In the engineering project, the quantity calculation software is used for modeling, and then the corresponding quota is taken, and the corresponding engineering quantity is obtained according to the component deduction rules in the software. You can create a new bidding project, import the completed measurement engineering file from the GTJ2018 measurement software into the GCCP5.0 pricing platform, the software will automatically set the unit price for each quota item, calculate the combined price, and then calculate the missing quota item manual replenishment is performed, and the report file format provided by the platform can quickly generate reports after the project quantity quota is taken. The optimization of this project in the design stage has reduced the project cost by about 6%. This research helps to improve the economic benefits of my country's construction projects.

The newly-emerged breath sensing detection of disease biomarkers (e.g., H2S and acetone) offers rapid and noninvasive early diagnosis of diseases (e.g., halitosis and diabetes). Utilizing a single sensor to monitor dual biomarkers may contribute to both miniaturized size and multi-detection if implemented, but remains challenging. Here, interconnected BiFeO3/Bi25FeO40 nanoparticles (NPs, ∼22.5 nm in diameter) synthesized via combined microwave hydrothermal and annealing methods have been developed to selectively detect dual biomarkers of halitosis and diabetes. The selective detection has been modulated by an n/p semiconducting transformation, and has been experimentally observed and theoretically interpreted, in which electron–hole pairs are modulated due to the synergistic effect of temperature-dependent adsorbed oxygen molecules and semiconducting band bending. Remarkably, the sensor prototypes enable the selective detection of both H2S (n-type mode) and acetone (p-type mode) biomarkers with superior stability and a ppb-level detection limit. Furthermore, practical human breath has been experimentally simulated. Critically, the sensors with a waterproof membrane have been tested by immersing them into water. Our strategy of the detection of dual exhaled biomarkers by a single gas sensor may contribute to the integration and miniaturization of sensors, for upcoming intelligent medical treatment.

BACKGROUND Knee stability has an important role in the gait of hemiplegic stroke patients. However, factors affecting knee stability have not been assessed concerning gait. The purpose of this study was to explore whether co-contraction of the lower limb muscles contributes to the knee stability during the stance phase of the gait cycle in hemiplegic stroke patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 30 hemiplegic stroke patients, ages 36-79 years, were instructed to walk at their natural speed. The root mean square of surface electromyography was used to measure activities of the biceps femoris and rectus femoris muscles, while the co-contraction ratio was computed based on the root mean squares. The peak angle of knee extension was acquired in the stance phase by 3D kinematic analyses. Lower limb function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer scale for lower limb motor assessment. RESULTS A statistically significant increase of the muscle co-contraction ratio of the involved extremity was observed compared with that of the uninvolved extremity (t=-4.066, P

The stability for a hydrogen sensor is of crucial importance under a low-temperature range (e.g., 200-400 K), especially in critical environments (e.g., aerospace). However, the "reverse sensing behavior" of Pd-based sensing materials at low temperatures limits their wide application. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) hydrogen-sensing material of interconnected Pd nanoparticles supported on zeolite-AFI (zeolite-AFI@Pd NPs) is designed for the hydrogen sensor at low temperature. The interconnected Pd NPs of ∼15 nm in diameter are achieved onto the zeolite-AFI framework by reduction-controlled self-assembly growth, followed by partially etching-off zeolite. The 3D structure provides a larger surface ratio for improving hydrogen adsorption onto Pd, and more space for PdHx intermediate expansion, which effectively facilitates response to hydrogen and suppresses the α-β phase transition. Remarkably, there is no "reverse sensing behavior" observed in zeolite-AFI@Pd NPs, though temperature is as low as to 200 K compared with that of pristine Pd nanowires at 287 K. Furthermore, the zeolite-AFI@Pd NPs sensors yield excellent sensing response and high stability to hydrogen at temperature from 200 to 400 K. Such Zeolite-AFI@Pd NPs sensors are expected to detect hydrogen leakage, especially in critical environments of low temperature.

This work investigated the structure and antioxidant activity of Maillard reaction products of whey protein peptides grafted with galactose through ultrasound assisted water bath heating. The Maillard reaction time was 180 min including 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min ultrasound assisted water-bath heating performed at the beginning of the reaction. The results revealed that the intermolecular motion of the amino group and the carboxyl group of each amino acid was accelerated, and the secondary structures of whey protein peptides were changed by grafted galactose through ultrasound assisted heating. When subjected to the ultrasound treatment for 60 min, the reducing power of whey protein isolate (WPI) and conjugated whey protein peptides (WPP) reached 0.481 and 0.686, respectively. Additionally, the ABTS+ radical-scavenging activity of WPI and WPP reached 42.19% and 49.05%, respectively. These results were significantly higher (P Ga showed significant structural, differences and higher antioxidant activity than WPI Ga (P

In this study, hematite (α-Fe2O3) micro-spheres coated with ultrafine particles (MSUPs) have been obtained for sensitive acetone sensors via first hydrothermal process with NH4F as the morphological regulator and then annealing of akaganeite. The role of fluoride ion concentration in precursor solution on the morphology has been demonstrated, and the corresponding reaction mechanism was discussed as well. The α-Fe2O3 MSUPs with 0.45 M NH4F (F0.5) in the precursor solution showed the highest response towards acetone compared to other α-Fe2O3 samples. Our α-Fe2O3 MSUPs sensors have potential in sensitive acetone detection.

Smart and reliable palladium (Pd)-based sensors that are able to operate in a large temperature range especially at low temperatures are highly desired but remain challenging because of the “revers...

An ideal way to boost the selectivity of sensing materials is that improving the sensitivity of the target gas while suppressing that of other interfering ones. Here, the "screening behavior" of the Li doped WO

Indirectly monitoring halitosis via the detection of hydrogen sulfide (H

e16242 Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly fatal disease, and multiple studies have shown that African Americans (AA) have a higher incidence of PC compared with Whites and have a higher risk of PC-related mortality. Differences in known risk factors for PC including cigarette smoking, obesity, diabetes and family history have been demonstrated to not fully account for the racial disparity in incidence. Furthermore, differing mortality rates by race are not entirely attributable to variables such as access to care and disparate management. Whether there are molecular and biologic differences in PC that could explain these disparities is a question that has important scientific and clinical consequences. Unfortunately, most large studies of genomic alterations in PC include very few AA patients (pts). This study tries to characterize molecular alterations seen in AA pts with PC. Methods: The electronic medical record was queried for all self-identified Black or AA pts who were diagnosed with PC and had molecular profiling from November 2015 to November 2021. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics and molecular genomics were analyzed. The primary outcome was percent of patients with specific KRAS mutations. The secondary outcome was differences in KRAS mutations by gender. Results: We identified 50 AA pts with PC who underwent molecular profiling, 19 of whom (38%) were female. As expected, most (66%) were advanced stage at diagnosis. 32 pts (64%) had tissue-based molecular profiling with 18 (36%) having blood-based testing. A KRAS mutation was identified in 38 pts (76%). 15 (30%), 12 (24%), and 11 (22%) had G12V, G12D, and G12R mutations in KRAS, respectively. Men were more likely to have a G12D mutation (35.5% vs 5.3%, P = 0.018), and women were more likely to have a G12V mutation (47.4% vs 19.4%, P = 0.036). There was no significant difference in overall survival between men and women. 30 pts (60%) had additional mutations other than KRAS. 6 pts (12%) did not have a KRAS mutation detected despite the presence of other alterations. 4 pts had no mutations detected on molecular next generation sequencing, 3 of which had blood-based testing. Conclusions: In our review of genomic mutations of AA pts with PC, KRAS G12V mutations were most common. Only 24% of our studied population had KRAS G12D mutations. The frequency of specific KRAS mutations differs from what has been described in the literature among predominantly White pts with PC, where almost half of pts have a G12D mutation and 28% and 17% harbor G12V and G12R mutations, respectively. Two major limitations of this study are the small sample size which limits definitive comparisons between races, and the imperfect sensitivity of molecular profiling. KRAS is thought to be present in > 90% of PC, but the mutation was only identified in 76% of our pts. Further studies should be conducted to determine whether different molecular characteristics could account for racial disparities in PC mortality.

As a kind of emerging persistent organic pollutants, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and its salts have caused global ecosystem pollution. To develop rapid, sensitive and low-cost detection method of PFOS is of great importance. In this work, a novel sensing method has been proposed for the highly selective fluorescent visual detection of PFOS in aqueous solution based on carbon dots (CDs) and berberine chloride hydrate (BH). It was found that the fluorescence of CDs decreased apparently in the presence of berberine chloride hydrate in pH 6.09 Britton–Robinson (BR) buffer solution. When PFOS was added to the system, the fluorescence was restored slightly at 448 nm and enhanced apparently at 533 nm, but no phenomenon occurred with other perfluorinated compounds. As a consequence, an obviously distinguishable fluorescence color variation (from blue to light yellow) of solution was observed. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the enhanced fluorescence intensities at 533 nm are in proportion to the concentration of PFOS in the range of 0.22–50.0 μmol/L (R2 = 0.9919), with a detection limit of 21.7 nmol/L (3σ). The proposed approach has been successfully applied to the detection of PFOS in environmental water samples with RSD ≤ 1.1%.

The metallic dopants in palladium (Pd) sensing materials enable modification of the d-band center of Pd, which is expected to tune the α–β phase transitions of the PdHx intermediate, thus improve the sensing stability to hydrogen. Here, the boosted hydrogen-sensing stability at ultra-low temperatures has been achieved with palladium/cobalt nanowires (PdCo NWs) as the sensing material. The various Co contents in PdCo NWs were modulated via AAO-template-confined electrodeposition. The temperature-dependent sensing evaluations were performed in 0.1–3 v/v% hydrogen. Such sensors integrated with PdCo NWs are able to stably detect hydrogen as low as 0.1 v/v%, even when the temperature is lowered to 273 K. In addition, the critical temperatures of “reverse sensing behavior” of the PdCo NWs (Pd82Co18: Tc = 194 K; Pd63Co37: Tc = 180 K; Pd33Co67: Tc = 184 K) are observed much lower than that of pristine Pd NWs (Tc = 287 K). Specifically, the Pd63Co37 NWs (∼37 at% Co content) sensor shows outstanding stability of sensing hydrogen against α–β phase transitions within the wide temperature range of 180–388 K, which is attributed to both the electronic interactions between Pd and Co and the lattice compression strain caused by Co dopants. Moreover, the “reverse sensing behavior” of the PdCo NWs is explicitly interpreted using the α–β phase transition model.

Complement receptor 1 (CR1) plays an important role in the development of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease (SAD) in Caucasians. However, the influence of CR1 (rs6656401A/G and rs3818361T/C) genetic polymorphisms on the risk of SAD remains controversial. A meta-analysis of 18 case–control studies was performed to derive a more precise association of CR1 (rs6656401A/G or rs3818361T/C) genetic polymorphism with the risk of SAD in Caucasians. A statistical difference was found in the dominant model (odds ratio (OR): 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16–1.30, P=0.00), recessive model (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.05–1.56, P=0.02), homozygote comparison (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.12–1.66, P=0.002) or heterozygote comparison (AG versus GG) (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.15–1.29, P=0.00) of CR1 rs6656401A/G. For CR1 rs3818361T/C, a statistical difference was observed in the dominant model (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.13–1.31, P=0.00), recessive model (OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.07–1.53, P=0.006), homozygote comparison (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13–1.62, P=0.001) or heterozygote comparison (TC versus CC) (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.11–1.29, P=0.00). In summary, despite some limitations, the present meta-analysis indicated that rs6656401A/G or rs3818361T/C polymorphism was related to SAD risk. Moreover, a carrier of rs6656401A/G or T carrier of rs3818361T/C in CR1 genetic polymorphism might be an increased factor for SAD in Caucasians.

Objective The antifolate chemotherapy agent pemetrexed has been widely used to treat non-small-cell-lung-cancer (NSCLC), but there is no clinically validated biomarker to select patients likely to respond. The aim of this study was to assess two proteins involved in DNA repair mechanisms, uracil DNA glycosylase (UDG) and BRCA1 as potential prognostic biomarkers in NSCLC patients treated with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy. Material and methods Formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded tumor specimens from 119 patients with advanced NSCLC treated with pemetrexed between 2004 and 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. Expression of UDG, BRCA1, and known prognostic factors ALK, TTF-1, thymidylate synthase and folylpolyglutamate synthase was assessed by immunohistochemistry using H-SCORE (product of percent stained cells and intensity of expression). Progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) served as reference endpoint. Results Most NSCLC tumor samples had UDG positivity in at least 5% of tumor cells and 34% samples had more than 50% positive tumor cells. Using the median expression value as threshold, high UDG expression (H-SCORE≥75) was significantly associated with shorter median PFS (3-year PFS 7% vs. 37%, p = 0.045) and a trend for shorter OS (3-year OS 15% vs 42%, p = 0.066) compared to patients with low UDG. In multivariable Cox analysis, the association between high UDG and shorter PFS was close to statistically significant (p = 0.08) at a significance level of 0.05 after controlling for age, gender, ALK- and TTF1-status with hazard ratio of 2.1. Grouping patients according to combined UDG and BRCA1 expression, patients with a profile of UDGhigh/BRCA1high had the shortest PFS and OS compared to all other patient groups (p = 0.007 and 0.02, respectively). Conclusion Our results demonstrate an important prognostic role for high UDG expression in pemetrexed-treated NSCLC patients, in addition to its previously reported role in pemetrexed cytotoxicity. High UDG expression was predictive of shorter PFS and OS, and patients with a combined profile of UDGhigh/BRCA1high had the poorest outcome following pemetrexed treatment.

As a persistent organic pollutant, perfluorooctane sulfonate has drawn a worldwide attention. In this contribution, a novel molecularly imprinted polymer based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles was prepared for efficient separation and enrichment of perfluorooctane sulfonate in water samples. The polymer was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and N2 adsorption/desorption experiments. The static adsorption experiments and the adsorption kinetic tests were conducted. The results showed that the adsorbents had high adsorption capacity (21.10 mg/g) and short adsorption equilibration time (25 min). Meanwhile, the effect of mesoporous silica nanoparticles on the adsorption capacity was investigated. The results indicated that the mesoporous structure helped to increase the adsorption capacity of adsorbent to adsorbate. Besides, the adsorbents show good specificity and good reusability with the adsorption capacity of adsorbent toward perfluorooctane sulfonate decreasing

Freeze-dried banana powder represents an ideal source of nutrients and has not yet been used for probiotic incorporation. In this study, microencapsulation by freeze drying of probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei was made using whey protein isolate (WPI), fructooligosaccharides (FOS), and their combination (WPI + FOS) at ratio (1:1). Higher encapsulation yield was found for (WPI + FOS) microspheres (98%). Further, microcapsules of (WPI + FOS) were used to produce a freeze-dried banana powder which was analyzed for bacterial viability under simulated gastrointestinal fluid (SGIF), stability during storage at 4 °C and 25 °C, and chemical and sensory properties. Results revealed that (WPI + FOS) microcapsules significantly increased bacteria stability in the product over 30 days of storage at 4 °C averaging (≥ 8.57 log CFU/g) for L. acidophilus and (≥ 7.61 log CFU/g) for L. Casei as compared to free cells. Bacteria encapsulated in microspheres (WPI + FOS) were not significantly affected by the SGIF, remaining stable up to 7.05 ± 0.1 log CFU/g for L.acidophilus and 5.48 ± 0.1 log CFU/g for L.casei after 90 min of incubation at pH 2 compared to free cells which showed minimal survival. Overall, encapsulated probiotics enriched freeze-dried banana powders received good sensory scores; they can therefore serve as safe probiotics food carriers.

Macroautophagy/autophagy is considered to play key roles in tumor cell evasion of therapy and establishment of metastases in breast cancer. High expression of LC3, a residual autophagy marker, in primary breast tumors has been associated with metastatic disease and poor outcome. FIP200/Atg17, a multi-functional pro-survival molecule required for autophagy, has been implicated in brain metastases in experimental models. However, expression of these proteins has not been examined in brain metastases from patients with breast cancer. In this retrospective study, specimens from 44 patients with brain metastases of infiltrating ductal carcinoma of the breast (IDC), unpaired samples from 52 patients with primary IDC (primary-BC) and 16 matched-paired samples were analyzed for LC3 puncta, expression of FIP200/Atg17, and p62 staining. LC3-puncta+ tumor cells and FIP200/Atg17 expression were detected in greater than 90% of brain metastases but there were considerable intra- and inter-tumor differences in expression levels. High numbers of LC3-puncta+ tumor cells in brain metastases correlated with a significantly shorter survival time in triple-negative breast cancer. FIP200/Atg17 protein levels were significantly higher in metastases that subsequently recurred following therapy. The percentages of LC3 puncta+ tumor cells and FIP200/Atg17 protein expression levels, but not mRNA levels, were significantly higher in metastases than primary-BC. Meta-analysis of gene expression datasets revealed a significant correlation between higher FIP200(RB1CC1)/Atg17 mRNA levels in primary-BC tumors and shorter disease-free survival. These results support assessments of precision medicine-guided targeting of autophagy in treatment of brain metastases in breast cancer patients.

New Cu-doped dual-emission carbon dots (D-CDs) were synthesized rapidly and simply via a one-pot solvothermal method, and its special photoluminescence mechanism was studied. D-CDs have two fluorescence (FL) emission peaks under one-wavelength excitation and can be used as dual-signal sensor which is usually designed with two or more substances. The prepared CDs show excellent water solubility, photostability, salt tolerance, oxidation resistance, and special optical properties. The raw material ratio, solvent, pH, time, and synthesis temperature were optimized. The characterizations of CDs including transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction assignation of phases, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, FL spectrum, and ultraviolet-visible spectrum (UV-vis) were conducted. The investigation on mechanism indicates that the unique dual-emissive property is mainly caused by the energy-level gaps generated by the surface defects of CDs. The prepared D-CDs have good potential in dual-signal analysis and visualization sensing. To demonstrate the practical application, ferric ions, vitamin A acetate, and pH have been determined successfully.