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Mutations in the B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF), have been linked to a variety of solid tumors such as papillary thyroid carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to compare the DP-TOF, a DNA mass spectroscopy (MS) platform, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods for detecting multiple-gene mutations (including BRAFV600E) in thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration fluid. In this study, we collected samples from 93 patients who had previously undergone NGS detection and had sufficient DNA samples remaining. The MS method was used to detect multiple-gene mutations (including BRAFV600E) in DNA remaining samples. NGS detection method was used as the standard. The MS method’s overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 95.8%, 100%, 100%, and 88%, respectively in BRAFV600E gene mutation detection. With a kappa-value of 0.92 (95%CI 0.82–0.99), the level of agreement between these methods was incredibly high. Furthermore, when compared to NGS in multiple-gene detection, the MS method demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity, 82.9% and 100%, respectively. In addition, we collected the postoperative pathological findings of 50 patients. When the postoperative pathological findings were used as the standard, the MS method demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity, at 80% and 80%, respectively. Our findings show that the MS method can be used as an inexpensive, accurate, and dependable initial screening method to detect genes mutations and as an adjunct to clinical diagnosis.

Background Bronchopneumonia is a disease of the respiratory tract. It leads to other complications and endangers life and health. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) participates in the occurrence and development of bronchopneumonia. Nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) plays a key role in inflammatory diseases, but the function of NEAT1 in bronchopneumonia remains unclear. Methods RT-qPCR and Western blotting were performed to determine genes and proteins expressions. MTT was applied to test cell viability. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. RIP was used to investigate the correlation between NEAT1 and miR-155-5p. The interaction between miR-155-5p and NEAT1 or MyD88 was evaluated by the dual-luciferase reporter gene. Results NEAT1 and MyD88 were upregulated in BEAS-2B cells by LPS, while miR-155-5p was downregulated. Knockdown of NEAT1 inhibited LPS-induced BEAS-2B cells growth inhibition by inhibiting the apoptosis. In addition, NEAT1 silencing suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory responses in BEAS-2B cells via suppression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. Meanwhile, NEAT1 is directly bound to miR-155-5p to regulate MyD88/NF-κB axis, and overexpression of miR-155-5p increased cell proliferation and suppressed inflammatory factors expression levels and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, sh-NEAT1-induced inhibition of BEAS-2B cells injury was partially reversed by miR-155-5p inhibitor or MyD88 overexpression. Conclusion NEAT1 silencing suppressed LPS-induced BEAS-2B cells injury and inflammation by the mediation of miR-155-5p/MyD88/NF-κB axis. Thus, our study might shed new light on exploring the new strategies for the treatment of bronchopneumonia.

Magnesium slag (MS) is one of the main industrial solid wastes produced by the magnesium industry. Solving the problem of its disposal has attracted much attention with increasing amounts of solid wastes generated in the production of metallic magnesium. Because MS contains calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and silicon (Si), some have tried to use MS as Si-Ca-Mg fertilizer or for soil amendment in agriculture. However, in the magnesium metallurgical process, some pollutant elements are introduced into MS, resulting in the enrichment of these pollutants in MS, such as arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), fluorine (F) and chlorine (Cl). Research indicates that the enrichment of these pollutants can result in high levels, especially for Cd, Hg, Cu, Ni, F and Cl (0–4, 0–0.74, 20–127, 100–170, 2 277–14 800 and 133–1 000 mg kg−1, respectively) in some MS in China. These levels are often far beyond the limits (≤0.3, ≤0.5, ≤50 and ≤60 mg kg−1 for Cd, Hg, Cu and Ni, respectively) of the Chinese Risk Screening Values for Soil Contamination of Agricultural Land based on the Soil Environmental Quality Risk Control Standard for Soil Contamination of Agricultural Land (GB 15618-2018) or the critical reference values (≤800 and ≤200 for F and Cl, respectively). The elements Hg, Cu, Cr and F (detected in MS leachate at 0.00023–0.0052, 0.043–3.89, 0.026–0.171, and 1.43–8.52 mg L−1, respectively) also exceed the limits (Class IV–V) of the Chinese Standard for Groundwater Quality (GB/T 14848-2017). Based on the above results, it is suggested that without any pretreatment for reducing harmful pollutants MS should not be allowed to be applied for soil remediation or conditioning directly into farmlands in order to ensure soil health, food safety and environmental quality.

In recent years, some reports, mainly from Chinese research, show that there has been an increasing trend in the use of ammonia-soda residue (ASR) (or called ammonia-soda white mud) as a soil conditioner in farmlands. Up to now, the studies on ASR have focused on its utilization for acid soil amendment in agriculture, but few studies have assessed its environmental risk. ASR contains pollutant elements such as mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and fluorine (F) and the purpose of this study was to review research on the environmental impacts of ASR application in agriculture. Observations obtained from 23 research reports indicate that the concentrations of Hg, Cd, Cu, F and Cl (0–170, 0.01–2.8, 4.5–200, 2000–24700 and 1 600–188 000 mg kg−1, respectively) in ASR may exceed the limits (≤0.5, ≤0.3 and ≤50 mg kg−1 for Hg, Cd and Cu, respectively) of Chinese Risk Screening Values for Soil Contamination of Agricultural Land (GB 15618-2018 2018) or the refereed critical value (≤800 and ≤200 mg kg−1 for F and Cl, respectively) based on Chinese research. The concentrations of the elements Hg, Cd, Cu, F and Cl in the leachate of ASR detected by the extraction tests also exceed the limits (Class IV–V) of the Chinese Standard for Groundwater Quality (GB/T 14848-2017 2017). Based on the above results, it is suggested that ASR without any pretreatment for reducing harmful pollutants should not be used for soil remediation or conditioning of farmlands, to ensure soil health, food safety and environmental quality.

Originally considered to be a plant pathogen, reports of phaeohyphomycosis due to Curvularia lunata (C. lunata) in animals and humans are increasing. However, studies on the pathogenesis, virulence, and epidemiology of C. lunata have rarely been discussed. In the present study, BALB/c mice were experimentally inoculated with C. lunata suspension by different routes and the course of infection was evaluated. In addition, the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of C. lunata against six commonly used antifungals was evaluated using the microdilution method. Inoculation resulted in skin lesions in animals inoculated intraperitonially and subcutaneously. Infection was confirmed by both mycological and histopathologic examination. C. lunata spores and hyphae were detected in the histopathologic sections stained with hexamine silver staining. In addition, voriconazole (VRC) demonstrated greater activity against C. lunata when compared to the other antifungals, whereas fluconazole (FLC) was the least active antifungal with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 8–16 μg/mL. Further studies are necessary to understand the pathogenicity of C. lunata and uncover the mystery of this fungus.

This study analyzed the in vitro drug sensitivity of Cryptococcus spp. from Guangxi, Southern China. One hundred three strains of Cryptococcus were recovered from 86 patients; 14 were HIV positive and 72 were HIV negative. Ninety-two strains were identified as Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii, while 11 strains were identified as Cryptococcus gattii (5 C. gattii sensu stricto and 6 Cryptococcus deuterogattii). The recovered strains were tested against commonly used antifungal drugs (fluconazole, amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine, itraconazole, and voriconazole) and to novel antifungal drugs (posaconazole and isavuconazole) using CLSI M27-A4 method. The results showed that all isolates were susceptible to most antifungal drugs, of which the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranges were as follows: 0.05–4 μg/ml for fluconazole, 0.25–1 μg/ml for amphotericin B; 0.0625–2 μg/ml for 5-fluorocytosine, 0.0625–0.25 μg/ml for itraconazole, 0.0078–0.25 μg/ml for voriconazole, 0.0313–0.5 μg/ml for posaconazole, 0.0020–0.125 μg/ml for isavuconazole for C. neoformans var. grubii isolates, and 1–16 μg/ml for fluconazole, 0.125–1 μg/ml for 5-fluorocytosine, 0.25–1 μg/ml for amphotericin B, 0.0625–0.25 μg/ml for itraconazole, 0.0156–0.125 μg/ml for voriconazole, 0.0156–0.25 μg/ml for posaconazole, and 0.0078–0.125 μg/ml for isavuconazole for C. gattii isolates. Furthermore, some C. neoformans var. grubii isolates were found to be susceptible-dose dependent to 5-fluorocytosine and itraconazole. In addition, a reduction in the potency of fluconazole against C. gattii is possible. We observed no statistical differences in susceptibility of C. neoformans var. grubii and C. gattii in the tested strains. Continuous observation of antifungal susceptibility of Cryptococcus isolates is recommended to monitor the emergence of resistant strains.

AIM:To analyze the choroidal thickness alteration in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS). METHODS: Seventeen patients who were diagnosed with OSAHS initially and 31 healthy individuals were enrolled. Enhanced depth imaging choriodal scans were obtained by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Choroidal thickness of subfovea, 2mm superior, inferior, nasal and temporal to the fovea were measured and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Subfoveal choroidal thickness of the control group and the OSAHS group was 323.58±58.63μm and 316.82±46.43μm respectively, and the difference was unsignificant(t=0.409, P=0.684). Choroidal thickness at 2mm superior to the fovea of the control group and the OSAHS group was 318.29±56.89μm and 314.29±59.8μm respectively, and the difference was unsignificant(t=0.229, P=0.820). Choroidal thickness at 2mm inferior to the fovea of the control group and the OSAHS group was 308.42±54.95μm and 291.65±55.37μm respectively, and the difference was not significant(t=1.009, P=0.318). Choroidal thickness at 2mm temporal to the fovea of the control group and the OSAHS group was 308.23±54.62μm and 302.76±46.97μm respectively, and the difference was not significant(t=0.347, P=0.730). Choroidal thickness at 2mm nasal to the fovea of the control group and the OSAHS group was 266.23±58.10μm and 277.12±63.99μm respectively, and the difference was not significant(t=-0.599, P=0.552). There were no significant differences among subgroups after grading based on the severity of sleep apnea hypopnea index and blood oxygen concentration. CONCLUSION: Compared with healthy individuals, choroidal thickness of patients with OSAHS decreases slightly(except for the location of 2mm nasal to the fovea), but the alteration is not significant. The severity of OSAHS has no effect on the choroidal thickness for the patients first diagnosis of OSAHS.

A novel insecticidal gene cry1Ah was cloned from Bacillus thuringiensis isolate BT8 previously for plant genetic engineering improvement. Truncated active Cry1Ah toxin has a toxicity level similar to that of the full-length Cry1Ah toxin. In this study, plant expression vector pMhGM harboring truncated cry1Ah gene was transformed into maize (Zea mays L.) immature embryos by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation at which maize alcohol dehydrogenase matrix attachment regions (madMARs) were incorporated on both sides of the gene expression cassette to improve gene expression. A total of 23 PCR positive events were obtained with a transformation efficiency of 5% around. Bioassay results showed that events 1-4 and 1-5 exhibited enhanced resistance to the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis). These two events were further confirmed by molecular analysis. Southern blot suggested that a single copy of the cry1Ah gene was successfully integrated into the maize genome. Western blot and ELISA showed that the foreign gene cry1Ah was expressed stably at high level in maize and could be inherited stably over generations. The results of a bioassay of T1-T4 transgenic maize plants indicated that the transgenic plants were highly toxic to the Asian corn borer and their resistance could be inherited stably from generation to generation. Thus, events 1-4 and 1-5 are good candidates for the breeding of insect-resistant maize.

We report the highly efficient and chemoselective oxidation of benzylic alcohols catalyzed by sodium copper chlorophyllin in water, producing corresponding arylcarbonyl compounds. Importantly, the catalytic system exhibits a wide substrate scope and high functional group tolerance. Moreover, secondary alcohols and even diarylmethanes were smoothly oxidized to the desired aryl ketones with excellent yields.

The CuI atom in the title compound, [CuCl(C18H14N4)], is N,N′-chelated by the N-heterocyclic ligand and coordinated by one Cl− anion in a distorted trigonal geometry. In the crystal, the CuI atom is disordered over two positions in a 0.667 (6):0.333 (6) ratio. The deviation of the Cu atom from the N/N/Cl coordination plane is 0.013 (3) Å for the major component and 0.073 (6) Å for the minor component. Two methylene C atoms are also disordered over two positions in a 0.667 (6):0.333 (6) ratio.

In the title compound, [Zn(C7H4O6S)(C19H12N4)2(H2O)], the ZnII ion is coordinated by two N,N′-bidentate 2-phenyl-1H-1,3,7,8-tetraazacyclopenta[l]phenanthrene ligands, one O-monodentate 5-sulfosalicylate dianion and a water molecule. This results in a distorted cis-ZnO2N4 octahedral coordination geometry for the metal ion. In the crystal, molecules are expanded into a three-dimensional supramolecular motif via O—H...O, O—H...N and N—H...(O,S) hydrogen bonds. In addition, π–π stacking interactions between the aromatic rings of the polycyclic ligands consolidate the sturcture [shortest centroid–centroid distance = 3.501 (2) Å].

There are two molecules in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C19H12N4, with dihedral angles of 2.41 (10) and 10.53 (12)° between the fused ring system and the pendant phenyl ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked into chains by N—H...N hydrogen bonds and aromatic π–π stacking interactions [shortest centroid–centroid distance = 3.6176 (16) Å] complete the structure.

The complete molecule of the title compound, [MnCl2(C18H10N4)2], is generated by crystallographic twofold symmetry with the Mn atom lying on the rotation axis. The Mn coordination geometry is a distorted cis-MnCl2N4 octahedron, arising from two N,N′-bidentate dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (DPPZ) ligands and two chloride ions. In the crystal structure, neighbouring mononuclear units pack together through π–π contacts between the DPPZ rings [shortest centroid–centroid distance = 3.480 (2) Å], leading to a chain-like structure along [001]. C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds complete the structure.

In the title compound, [Pb(NO3)2(C13H8N4)2], the PbII atom (site symmetry 2) is hexacoordinated by four N atoms from two N,N′-bidentate imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (L) ligands and two O atoms from two weakly coordinated nitrate ions [Pb—O = 2.872 (5) Å] in an irregular arrangement, which may be ascribed to the stereochemically active lone pair of electrons on the metal ion. In the crystal, intermolecular bifurcated N—H...(O,O) hydrogen bonds connect the molecules into chains propagating along [100]. Adjacent chains interact by strong aromatic π–π stacking interactions, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.483 (2) Å.

The Ir centre in the title complex, [Ir(C11H6F2N)2(C6H4NO2)], is six-coordinated in a slightly distorted octahedral IrC2N3O fashion.

In the title compound, [CdCl2(C18H14N4)2]·0.5H2O, the Cd atom assumes a distorted octahedral trans-CdCl2N4 geometry arising from its coordination by two N,N′-bidentate 10,11,12,13-tetrahydro-4,5,9,14-tetraazabenzo[b]triphenylene (TBBT) molecules and two chloride ions. In the crystal, π–π aromatic stacking interactions between adjacent TTBT rings are seen, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.604 (3) Å. An O—H...Cl hydrogen bond between the half-occupied water molecule and one chloride ion also occurs.

In the title adduct, 2C18H14N4·C8H6O4, the centrosymmetric 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid molecule makes two O—H...·N hydrogen bonds to adjacent 10,11,12,13-tetrahydro-4,5,9,14-tetraazadibenzo[a,c]anthracene (TTBT) molecules. Aromatic π–π stacking interactions occur between TTBT rings [centroid–centroid distance = 3.570 (3) Å], leading to a two-dimensional supramolecular structure in the crystal.

In the title compound, [Fe(C6H2N2O4)(C18H10N4)(H2O)]n, the FeII ion adopts a slightly distorted octahedral mer-FeN3O3 geometry, arising from one N,N′-bidentate dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine ligand, one N,O-chelating pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylate dianion and one water molecule. An O-bonded symmetry-related dianion completes the coordination of the metal. The bridging dianion results in a one-dimensional polymeric chain. Aromatic π–π stacking interactions between ligands [centroid–centroid separations = 3.528 (2) and 3.741 (2) Å] and O—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds link the chains together, leading to a three-dimensional supramolecular network.

In the title compound, [Co(C6H2N2O4)(C14H8N4)(H2O)]n, the Co atom is bonded to one N,N′-bidentate pyrazino[2,3-f][1,10]phenanthroline (Pyphen) ligand, one N,O-bidentate pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylate (PZDC) dianion and one water molecule in a distorted octahedral mer-CoN3O3 geometry. The CoII atoms are bridged by the PZDC dianions, forming an infinite one-dimensional chain running along the b axis. Adjacent chains pack together through π–π stacking interactions [centroid–centroid separations = 3.498 (4) and 3.528 (4) Å], and O—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds involving the water molecule complete the structure.

In the title compound, [Zn(C6H2N2O4)(C18H10N4)(H2O)]n or [Zn(PZDC)(DPPZ)(H2O)]n (where DPPZ is dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine and H2PZDC is pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid), the Zn atom is six-coordinated in a slightly distorted octahedral coordination geometry by three N atoms from one DPPZ ligand and one PZDC2− dianion, three O atoms from two different PZDC2− ligands and one water molecule. Each PZDC2− dianion serves as a spacer, connecting adjacent metal atoms into a polymeric chain structure parallel to the b axis. The chain motif is consolidated into a three-dimensional supramolecular network by O—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen bonds and π–π aromatic stacking interactions involving adjacent DPPZ ligands and PZDC2− dianions with centroid–centroid separations of 3.522 (6) and 3.732 (8) Å, respectively.

The 1,4-dicarboxylate dianions in the title compound, [Mn(C12H6O4)(C19H12N4O)2]·0.5C12H8O4·H2O, bond to two 4-(1H-1,3,7,8-tetraazacyclopenta[l]phenanthren-2-yl)phenol-chelated Mn atoms to form a chain that features the metal atom in an octahedral coordination geometry. Adjacent chains interact with the uncoordinated water molecules to form a three-dimensional network. The naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid solvent molecule, which is disordered about a centre of inversion, occupies the space within the network but is not bonded to the network. One NH group is disordered equally over two positions.

Anthocyanins are widely found in plants and have significant functions. The accurate detection and quantitative assessment of anthocyanin content are essential to assess its functions. The anthocyanin content in plant tissues is typically quantified by wet chemistry and spectroscopic techniques. However, these methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive, tedious, expensive, destructive, or require expensive equipment. Digital photography is a fast, economical, efficient, reliable, and non-invasive method for estimating plant pigment content. This study examined the anthocyanin content of Rosa chinensis petals using digital images, a back-propagation neural network (BPNN), and the random forest (RF) algorithm. The objective was to determine whether using RGB indices and BPNN and RF algorithms to accurately predict the anthocyanin content of R. chinensis petals is feasible. The anthocyanin content ranged from 0.832 to 4.549 µmol g−1 for 168 samples. Most RGB indices were strongly correlated with the anthocyanin content. The coefficient of determination (R2) and the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of the BPNN and RF models exceeded 0.75 and 2.00, respectively, indicating the high accuracy of both models in predicting the anthocyanin content of R. chinensis petals using RGB indices. The RF model had higher R2 and RPD values, and lower root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) values than the BPNN, indicating that it outperformed the BPNN model. This study provides an alternative method for determining the anthocyanin content of flowers.