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To estimate the up-to-date prevalence of chronic kidney disease among the health check-up population in economically developed areas of China using estimated glomerular filtration rate, urinary albumin creatinine ratio, and kidney ultrasound. Healthcare data from 38,093 subjects in 10 megalopolises of China who had an annual health check-up in 2021 were used. The overall and stratified prevalence of chronic kidney disease by sex, age, region and comorbidity group was reported. The association between chronic kidney disease and covariates of demographics, and comorbidities were analyzed in the multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model. A total of 3837 CKD cases were detected meeting any of the three CKD diagnostic criteria, with a crude prevalence of 10.1% in the study population. Using one criterion of decreased glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria and kidney structural abnormalities alone detected 204 (5.3%), 3289 (85.7%) and 563 (14.7%) cases, respectively. The addition of kidney ultrasound detected 427 (11.1%) structural abnormality cases without decreased GFR and albuminuria. The most common abnormalities were renal masses, hydronephrosis due to obstruction and congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract. Female, older age, low city-tier, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia as well as early disease stages such as pre-hypertension, impaired fasting glucose and overweight were significantly associated with chronic kidney disease. Kidney ultrasound helps to amplify the detection of CKD patients, which is a supplement to kidney function and urine protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple types of molecular (genetic, genomic, epigenetic, etc.) measurements, environmental risk factors, and their interactions have been found to contribute to the outcomes and phenotypes of complex diseases. In each of the previous studies, only the interactions between one type of molecular measurement and environmental risk factors have been analyzed. In recent biomedical studies, multidimensional profiling, in which data from multiple types of molecular measurements are collected from the same subjects, is becoming popular. A myriad of recent studies have shown that collectively analyzing multiple types of molecular measurements is not only biologically sensible but also leads to improved estimation and prediction. In this study, we conduct an M–E interaction analysis, with M standing for multidimensional molecular measurements and E standing for environmental risk factors. This can accommodate multiple types of molecular measurements and sufficiently account for their overlapping as well as independent information. Extensive simulation shows that it outperforms several closely related alternatives. In the analysis of TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) data on lung adenocarcinoma and cutaneous melanoma, we make some stable biological findings and achieve stable prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene-environment (G-E) interactions have important implications for the etiology and progression of many complex diseases. Compared to continuous markers and categorical disease status, prognosis has been less investigated, with the additional challenges brought by the unique characteristics of survival outcomes. Most of the existing G-E interaction approaches for prognosis data share the limitation that they cannot accommodate long-tailed or contaminated outcomes. In this study, for prognosis data, we develop a robust G-E interaction identification approach using the censored quantile partial correlation (CQPCorr) technique. The proposed approach is built on the quantile regression technique (and hence has a solid statistical basis), uses weights to easily accommodate censoring, and adopts partial correlation to identify important interactions while properly controlling for the main genetic and environmental effects. In simulation, it outperforms multiple competitors with more accurate identification. In the analysis of TCGA data on lung cancer and melanoma, biologically sensible findings different from using the alternatives are made. • For prognosis data, this article delivers a robust gene-environment interaction identification approach. • A censored quantile partial correlation approach is proposed. • The proposed approach has satisfactory statistical and numerical properties. • In the analysis of TCGA data on lung cancer and melanoma, biologically sensible findings are made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In biomedical and epidemiological studies, gene-environment (G-E) interactions have been shown to importantly contribute to the etiology and progression of many complex diseases. Most existing approaches for identifying G-E interactions are limited by the lack of robustness against outliers/contaminations in response and predictor spaces. In this study, we develop a novel robust G-E identification approach using the trimmed regression technique under joint modelling. A robust data-driven criterion and stability selection are adopted to determine the trimmed subset which is free from both vertical outliers and leverage points. An effective penalization approach is developed to identify important G-E interactions, respecting the ‘main effects, interactions’ hierarchical structure. Extensive simulations demonstrate the better performance of the proposed approach compared to multiple alternatives. Interesting findings with superior prediction accuracy and stability are observed in the analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data on cutaneous melanoma and breast invasive carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the survival of cancer and many other complex diseases, gene–environment (G-E) interactions have been established as having essential importance. G-E interaction analysis can be roughly classified as marginal and joint, depending on the number of G variables analyzed at a time. In this study, we focus on joint analysis, which can better reflect disease biology and is statistically more challenging. Many approaches have been developed for joint G-E interaction analysis for survival outcomes and led to important findings. However, without rigorous statistical development, quite a few methods have a weak theoretical ground. To fill this knowledge gap, in this article, we consider joint G-E interaction analysis under the Cox model. Sparse group penalization is adopted for regularizing estimation and selecting important main effects and interactions. The "main effects, interactions" variable selection hierarchy, which has been strongly advocated in recent literature, is satisfied. Significantly advancing from some published studies, we rigorously establish the consistency properties under high dimensionality. An effective computational algorithm is developed, simulation demonstrates competitive performance of the proposed approach, and analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data on stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) further demonstrates its practical utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a significant application of CO2geological storage technology, CO2-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) considers impacts on ecosystems due to the risk of CO2leakage from oil-producing wells. It is critical to clarify the relationship between CO2leakage and vegetation growth, because large numbers of wells are situated in the midst of cropland. In this study, we calculated the net primary productivity (NPP) of crops to examine the correlation between oil-producing wells and crop growth using Pleiades’ high-spatial resolution remote-sensing imaging in a CO2-EOR experimental area in Shandong Province, China, basing our methods on the improved Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA) model. Atmospheric CO2concentrations at varying distances from one of the producing wells were collected by wireless sensors and hand-held equipment, and analysis was conducted in regard to the impact of CO2leakage from producing wells on crop growth according to a simple sampling method. The results indicated that increased CO2concentration resulting from leakage from producing wells has a slightly positive influence on crop productivity, with the influence ranges correlated with wind direction and velocity. The variance of NPP resulting from increased CO2concentration and wind direction ranged from 5.0 to 33.7%. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Academic libraries are a vital space for collaboration, socialization, research, and quiet study. To support these needs, they must offer a variety of environments, noise levels, and furniture to support varying student needs. However, it can be difficult to understand these specific needs and properly balance the types of spaces and seating alternatives to optimally meet them. This article describes a space usage study undertaken to determine patron needs and preferences and the resulting visualization of the data using Tableau Public. The project provided important insights into patron space preferences and use, and the methodology can be replicated at other institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sediment microbial fuel cell (SMFC) sensors using cathode as sensing element exhibited attractive prospects for online and in‐situ monitoring. However, the sensing performance of SMFC sensors to different types of contaminants was seldom reported. In this study, SMFCs were constructed in stimulated wetland to sense five types of contaminants, including oxidative heavy metals (Cu2+ and Cr6+), non‐oxidative heavy metals (Ni2+ and Zn2+), salt (NaCl), acid (HCl), and alkali (NaOH). The addition of Cu2+, Cr6+ or H+ triggered voltage peaks whereas the voltage dropped immediately following the addition of OH−. The addition of Ni2+ and Zn2+ did not trigger any obvious peaks. The NaCl solutions caused slight voltage peaks which were not increased with increasing concentrations. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) illustrated the reduction of Cu2+ and Cr6+ to elemental Cu and Cr3+ on the cathodic surface, indicating the contaminants that promote or inhibit electron consumption on cathode would cause voltage peaks or drops. The addition of heavy metals, OH− and NaCl significantly increased Simpson's diversity whereas Cu2+, Cr6+ and OH− significantly decreased the abundance of exoelectrogenic bacteria‐associated genera in the top‐layer soil. However, the influence of the contaminants on the abundance and diversity was attenuated in the middle and bottom layers, indicating that the exoelectrogenic bacteria could to some extent withstand these contaminants and guarantee the operation of the SMFC sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a localized enlargement of the abdominal aorta. Once ruptured AAA (rAAA) happens, repairing procedures need to be applied immediately, for which there are two main options: open aortic repair (OAR) and endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). It is of great clinical significance to objectively compare the survival outcomes of OAR versus EVAR using randomized clinical trials; however, this has serious feasibility issues. In this study, with the Medicare data, we conduct an emulation analysis and explicitly "assemble" a clinical trial with rigorously defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 7826 patients are "recruited", with 3866 and 3960 in the OAR and EVAR arms, respectively. Mimicking but significantly advancing from the regression-based literature, we adopt a deep learning-based analysis strategy, which consists of a propensity score step, a weighted survival analysis step, and a bootstrap step. The key finding is that for both short- and long-term mortality, EVAR has survival advantages. This study delivers a new big data strategy for addressing critical clinical problems and provides valuable insights into treating rAAA using OAR and EVAR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: B cells were believed to act as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to promote T helper type 2 (Th2) cell responses. However, the role of lung B cells and its subpopulations in Th2 cell responses in asthma remains unclear. Objective: We leveraged an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment that has been shown to selectively deplete B cells in mice and investigated whether this treatment modulates Th2 cell responses and this modulation is related to lung follicular mature (FM) B cells in a murine model of asthma. Methods and results: We used a house dust mite (HDM)-induced asthma mouse model and found that anti-CD20 mAb treatment attenuates Th2 cell responses. Meanwhile, anti-CD20 mAb treatment did dramatically reduce the number of B cells, especially FM B cells in the lungs, but did not impact the frequency of other immune cell types, including lung T cells, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and regulatory T cells in wild-type mice. Moreover, we found that the suppressive effect of anti-CD20 mAb treatment on Th2 cell responses could be reversed upon adoptive transfer of lung FM B cells, but not lung CD19+ B cells without FM B cells in asthmatic mice. Conclusions: These findings reveal that anti-CD20 mAb treatment alleviates Th2 cell responses, possibly by depleting lung FM B cells in a Th2-driven asthma model. This implies a potential therapeutic approach for asthma treatment through the targeting of lung FM B cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histopathological imaging has been routinely conducted in cancer diagnosis and recently used for modeling other cancer outcomes/phenotypes such as prognosis. Clinical/environmental factors have long been extensively used in cancer modeling. However, there is still a lack of study exploring possible interactions of histopathological imaging features and clinical/environmental risk factors in cancer modeling. In this article, we explore such a possibility and conduct both marginal and joint interaction analysis. Novel statistical methods, which are "borrowed" from gene–environment interaction analysis, are employed. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) data is conducted. More specifically, we examine a biomarker of lung function as well as overall survival. Possible interaction effects are identified. Overall, this study can suggest an alternative way of cancer modeling that innovatively combines histopathological imaging and clinical/environmental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene–environment (G–E) interactions have important implications for cancer outcomes and phenotypes beyond the main G and E effects. Compared to main‐effect‐only analysis, G–E interaction analysis more seriously suffers from a lack of information caused by higher dimensionality, weaker signals, and other factors. It is also uniquely challenged by the "main effects, interactions" variable selection hierarchy. Effort has been made to bring in additional information to assist cancer G–E interaction analysis. In this study, we take a strategy different from the existing literature and borrow information from pathological imaging data. Such data are a "byproduct" of biopsy, enjoys broad availability and low cost, and has been shown as informative for modeling prognosis and other cancer outcomes/phenotypes in recent studies. Building on penalization, we develop an assisted estimation and variable selection approach for G–E interaction analysis. The approach is intuitive, can be effectively realized, and has competitive performance in simulation. We further analyze The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The outcome of interest is overall survival, and for G variables, we analyze gene expressions. Assisted by pathological imaging data, our G–E interaction analysis leads to different findings with competitive prediction performance and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was designed to produce a new parent‐report measure, the Diagnostic Receptive Expressive Assessment of Mandarin‐Infant Toddler Assessment of Communication and Language (DREAM‐IT) in order to provide norms for the developmental skills of children aged 0–36 months in four areas: expressive language, receptive language, cognitive play and social skills. Methodology: The scale was designed to be both broader and deeper than existing instruments that neglect one or more of these significant domains involved in early language. Items were chosen by a group of specialists with clinical experience working with the age group and with attention to the developmental literature. Caregivers were tested individually by a trained person who asked the questions and provided examples. In addition to an extensive health questionnaire, caregivers answered questions in Mandarin about their child's behaviour using a scale of 'not yet', 'sometimes' or 'always' or listing out words and/or sounds understood or said by the child. The 476 participating caregivers were recruited at maternal and child healthcare clinics centred in Chengdu, China, 191 of whom were tested a second time seven months later. The children were sampled in three‐month age‐bands from 0 to 36 months. The sample was balanced for child gender by age band, and parental education was balanced. Caregivers of 0–24‐month‐old children and caregivers of 12–36 months were each asked a different set of questions, to determine the appropriate age range and cutoff points for each question, requiring the sample size to be doubled for children aged 12–24 months. Results: The results were subject to item‐response theory analysis to remove outlying items, and the resulting internal reliability was high for each domain (average Cronbach's alpha=0.87). The final instrument (between 67 and 113 questions in total) was refined to include the least redundant questions that had the highest intercorrelations, with attention paid to coverage of all domains across the age range. Two scales were developed: one for children 0–18 months, the second for children aged 18–36 months. The longitudinal design permitted the creation of growth curves and norms for each domain for six‐month intervals from 0 to 36 months. A small sample of 32 parents of children with Down syndrome aged 18–36 months provided validation that the scales are highly sensitive to developmental delay. Conclusion: The instrument shows considerable promise for detecting early communication problems in children in China. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject: In China, efforts were made in recent years to develop language assessments for infants and toddlers, but limitations existed with the domains included and number of items included per age group. Many clinical practitioners also continued to rely on language subtests of general developmental scales, which were limited in depth and breadth of language skills tested and were never intended for diagnosis of language delay. What this paper adds to existing knowledge: This paper discusses the development of a valid caregiver report instrument for early communication and language skills of infants and toddlers in mainland China. The Diagnostic Receptive Expressive Assessment of Mandarin‐Infant Toddler (DREAM‐IT) includes foundational domains necessary for language and communication development in young children (receptive language, expressive language, cognitive play and social communication domains). The results show strong internal reliability (Cronbach's alpha) for each domain on a sample of 716 children sampled in three‐month age bands from 0 to 36 months. The external validity proved strong when tested on a group of 32 young children with Down syndrome. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work?: Besides helping to inform the diagnosis of language delays in infants and toddlers in China, the caregiver report instrument has special features to support clinical practitioners in a field that is just emerging in China. The unique support features include the automatic generation of a profile of relative strengths and weaknesses of the child on the report and the recommendation of child‐specific caregiver coaching videos on a companion app. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To modulate immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and overcome the cancerous resistance to chemotherapy for effectively tumor killing, the novel nano-assemblies were developed for tumor chemo-immunotherapy. The broken of polydopamine (PDA) sensitized the tumor cells for reducing the tumor resistance against doxorubicin (DOX) and effectively induced immunogenic tumor cell death (ICD), respectively. The neo-antigen generated by the ICD effect in situ could be greatly presented by the simvastatin (SIM) activated dendritic cells (DCs) for specific T cells production. [Display omitted] • To modulate immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and overcome the cancerous resistance to chemotherapy for effectively tumor killing, the SIM@NPs-PDA/DOX nano-assemblies, was developed to sequentially delivery doxorubicin (DOX), polydopamine (PDA) and simvastatin (SIM) for tumor chemo-immunotherapy. • The nano-assemblies were made of two kinds of lipopolymer, PDA-conjugated DSPE-PEG and DOX-absorbed DSPE-PEG. The SIM was subsequently loaded into the hydrophobic core during the self-assembling process. • The PDA was found the function of sensitizing the tumor cells for reducing the tumor resistance against DOX by deactivating AKT signaling pathway. • The neo-antigen generated by the immunogenic tumor cell death (ICD) effect in situ could be greatly presented by the SIM activated dendritic cells (DCs) for specific T cells production. The combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy is the first line treatment for many cancers. However, resistance to chemotherapy is a common phenomenon, as well as the failure of antigen presentation and T cell infiltration are the fundamental obstacle for effective combined oncotherapy. Many studies have clarified the importance of increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in reducing multidrug resistance (MDR) by disrupting oxidative balance and activating signaling pathways. Here, to modulate immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and overcome the cancerous resistance to chemotherapy for effectively tumor killing, the SIM@NPs-PDA/DOX nano-assemblies, was developed to sequentially delivery doxorubicin (DOX), polydopamine (PDA) and simvastatin (SIM) for tumor chemo-immunotherapy. When the nano-assemblies penetrated into tumor TME, PDA and DOX were released by the hypoxia and low acid condition of TME, which sensitized the tumor cells for reducing the tumor resistance against DOX and effectively induced immunogenic tumor cell death (ICD), respectively. The neo-antigen generated by the ICD effect in situ could be greatly presented by the SIM activated dendritic cells (DCs) for specific T cells production. Simultaneously, the released DOX was also expected to kill tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) for enhancing the specific T cell infiltration. In B16F10 and MCF-7 tumor cells with acquired drug resistance and relevant tumor models, the designed nano-assemblies showed powerful anti-tumor effects by reducing MDR, killing cancer cells and TAMs, promoting CD8+ T cells activation and infiltration. This study provides a novel nano-assemblies for effective onco-immuno-chemotherapy by overcoming cancer multidrug resistance and immuno-depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our previous studies have showed that sulfatide-reactive type II NKT (i.e. variant NKT, vNKT) cells inhibit the immunogenic maturation during the development of mature lung dendritic cells (LDCs), leading todeclined allergic airway inflammation in asthma. Nonetheless, the specific immunoregulatory roles of vNKT cells in LDC-mediated Th2 cell responses remain incompletely understood. Herein, we found that administration of sulfatide facilitated the generation of CD4+FoxP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells in the lungs of wild-type mice, but not in CD1d−/− and Jα18−/− mice, after ovalbumin or house dust mite exposure. This finding implies that the enhancement of lung Treg cells by sulfatide requires vNKT cells, which dependent on invariant NKT (iNKT) cells. Furthermore, the CD4+FoxP3+ Treg cells induced by sulfatide-reactive vNKT cells were found to be associated with PD-L1 molecules expressed on LDCs, and this association was dependent on iNKT cells. Collectively, our findings suggest that in asthma-mimicking murine models, sulfatide-reactive vNKT cells facilitate the generation of lung Treg cells through inducing tolerogenic properties in LDCs, and this process is dependent on the presence of lung iNKT cells. These results may provide a potential therapeutic approach to treat allergic asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cellular senescence-related biological processes may be involved in the pathogenesis of severe asthma. • The expression of ETS2, ETS1 and AURKA were increased in the severe asthma. • Two distinct senescence subtypes were identified in severe asthma with distinct immune microenvironment and molecular biological characteristics. • The random forest predictive model based on PEBP1 and MDH1 has good accuracy in predicting senescence subtypes of severe asthma. • Bezafibrate, EBPC and felodipine may be the potential therapeutical drugs for Cluster 1, while FK-888, trimethobenzamide and PD-0325901 may be the potential therapeutical drugs for Cluster 2. Recent studies have shown that cellular senescence is involved in the pathogenesis of severe asthma (SA). The objective of this study was to investigate the role of cellular senescence-related genes (CSGs) in the pathogenesis of SA. Here, 54 differentially expressed CSGs were identified in SA patients compared to healthy control individuals. Among the 54 differentially expressed CSGs, 3 CSGs (ETS2, ETS1 and AURKA) were screened using the LASSO regression analysis and logistic regression analysis to establish the CSG-based prediction model to predict severe asthma. Moreover, we found that the protein expression levels of ETS2, ETS1 and AURKA were increased in the severe asthma mouse model. Then, two distinct senescence subtypes of SA with distinct immune microenvironments and molecular biological characteristics were identified. Cluster 1 was characterized by increased infiltration of immature dendritic cells, regulatory T cells, and other cells. Cluster 2 was characterized by increased infiltration levels of eosinophils, neutrophils, and other cells. The molecular biological characteristics of Cluster 1 included aerobic respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, whereas the molecular biological characteristics of Cluster 2 included activation of the immune response and immune receptor activity. Then, we established an Random Forest model to predict the senescence subtypes of SA to guide treatment. Finally, potential drugs were searched for each senescence subgroup of SA patients via the Connectivity Map database. A peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist may be a potential therapeutic drug for patients in Cluster 1, whereas a tachykinin antagonist may be a potential therapeutic drug for patients in Cluster 2. In summary, CSGs are likely involved in the pathogenesis of SA, which may lead to new therapeutic options for SA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-assembled DNA nanostructure based on a DNA nanocreeper and multiplexed fluorescence supersandwich was designed for the sensitive and specific detection of tumour cells. This nanostructure could improve the binding affinity of current aptamers and trigger signal amplification, which provide potential for the discrimination of low abundant target cells in liquid biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Porphyromonas gingivalis , a clinically important oral pathogen causing periodontal disease, is difficult to culture in routine conditions. Hence, it is necessary to establish a reliable technique to detect this pathogen. Previously, our laboratory developed a new isothermal detection method, called MB-LAMP (molecular beacon-Loop-mediated isothermal amplification), which combines the advantages of LAMP and qPCR through the accurate and quantitative detection of LAMP products. This approach offers significant potential for the point-of-care detection of P. gingivalis. Here, MB-LAMP was used to detect P. gingivalis targeting a specific fragment, and the sensitivity was as high as 1.4 × 10−1 pg μL–1. The method showed no cross-reaction with 14 other bacterial pathogens. For clinical samples, this assay showed a high diagnostic sensitivity (100%) and specificity (100%), equivalent to that of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR). Moreover, detection with MB-LAMP was significantly faster than that with real-time qPCR, reducing the time required for clinical diagnosis. Finally, we established an absolute quantification method with MB-LAMP for P. gingivalis using pilot samples. Thus, the highly specific, sensitive, and rapid assay developed in this study makes it feasible to diagnose P. gingivalis. Highlights • Establishing the MB-LAMP method to detect Porphyromonas gingivalis. • Enabling sensitive and specific assay of this bacterium by MB-LAMP detection. • Reducing the time required for clinical diagnosis of fastidious bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The superlarge Dongfeng gold deposit is located in the Potouqing faults-alteration belt of the eastern part of the 'Zhao-Lai-gold ore belt', which belongs to the northwestern part of the Jiaodong area. Tectonically, ore bodies are controlled by faults and gold mainly occurs in the pyrite and polymetallic sulfide-bearing quartz vein. In this paper, Rb-Sr isotopic analysis is carried out with the beresite, which formed by hydrothermal metasomatism, and the Rb-Sr isochron age is 125.5±6.7Ma, indicating this deposit set up in the early Cretaceous of the late Yanshanian. Based on the relationship between the Dongfeng gold deposit and the Mesozoic granite, it is suggested that the formation of the gold deposit is a complex geological process of gradual enrichment and precipitation of the ore-forming elements. The initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of the beresite is 0.711502±0.000069, which indicates the ore-forming materials mainly come from the crust. Combined with the complex mineralization process of the Dongfeng gold deposit and the reported H-O isotopic data, it is suggested that the ore-forming materials are mainly derived from the crust with some mantle materials, while the oreforming fluids are originated primarily from magmatic hydrothermal and mantle with some precipitate water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for prevalent human respiratory adenoviruses. • Coupling with instrument-free DNA extraction device facilitating treating clinical samples. • A diagnostic platform enabling reliable screening test in resource-limited settings. Three human adenovirus (HAdV) genotypes, HAdV-7, HAdV-14, and HAdV-55, emerged as the most prevalent variants in China over the past decade and caused both sporadic, fatal cases and frequent, large outbreaks. Early diagnosis is essential to control infections and endemics. Here, we established a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay coupled with an instrument-free nucleic acid extraction device recently developed by our group; the assay could detect all the 3 prevalent HAdV genotypes. Specificity analysis showed no cross-reactivity with other common respiratory pathogens and the analytical sensitivity was as low as 10 copies/μL. All detection steps could be completed within 1 hour. The assay's performance was evaluated using clinical samples and compared with the gold standard RT-PCR method, showing highly consistent results. The LAMP assay developed here could be readily used in basic laboratory facilities and with minimal DNA extraction equipment, and as a reliable screening test in a resource-limited setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study established a constant-temperature fluorescence quantitative detection method, combining loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with molecular beacons. The advantages of LAMP are its convenience and efficiency, as it does not require a thermocycler and results are easily visualized by the naked eye. However, a major disadvantage of current LAMP techniques is the use of indirect evaluation methods (e.g., electrophoresis, SYBR Green I dye, precipitation, hydroxynaphthol blue dye, the turbidimetric method, calcein/Mn2+ dye, and the composite probe method), which cannot distinguish between the desired products and products of nonspecific amplification, thereby leading to false positives. Use of molecular beacons avoids this problem because molecular beacons produce fluorescence signals only when binding to target DNA, thus acting as a direct indicator of amplification products. Our analyses determined the optimal conditions for molecular beacons as an evaluation tool in LAMP: beacon length of 25-45 bp, beacon concentration of 0.6-1 pmol/μL, and reaction temperature of 60-65 °C. In conclusion, we validated a novel molecular beacon loop-mediated isothermal amplification method (MB-LAMP), realizing the direct detection of LAMP product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic system in situ generated from the iron carbonyl complex and chiral 22-membered tetraazadiphospha-macrocycle PAC exhibits high activity and excellent enantioselectivity in the transfer hydrogenation of various aromatic ketones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]