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Recently, multiple-cross polarization (multiCP) has attracted much interest owing to its favorable performance as a solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance quantitative method. Relating investigations revealed that the setup of multiCP parameters relies on the properties of the samples. Diverse types of samples require different parameters. To improve the tolerance to sample properties, an improved method named MLGCP-1 was proposed in this work, which employed Lee-Goldburg cross polarization technique. L-alanine, L-valine and their mixtures were chosen as model samples to evaluate the performance of MLGCP-1 method. multiCP experiments were also conducted for comparison. Based on the test of molecular group ratio, it was revealed that the range of contact time tp of MLGCP-1 was larger than that of multiCP, which improved from 1.0~1.3 ms to 0.8~2.0 ms. Moreover, according to the study of L-valine and mixtures, it was revealed that the range of tp was influenced by the difference of cross relaxation time TCH. Large TCH difference limited tp range for quantification. This manner was in accordance with multiCP. However, the tp range of MLGCP-1 was markedly enlarged in comparison with multiCP, presenting higher tolerance to the sample properties.

DNA barcoding based on a fragment of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in the mitochondrial genome is widely applied in species identification and biodiversity studies. The aim of this study was to establish a comprehensive barcoding reference database of fishes in the Taiwan Strait and evaluate the applicability of using the COI gene for the identification of fish at the species level. A total of 284 mitochondrial COI barcode sequences were obtained from 85 genera, 38 families and 12 orders of fishes. The mean length of the sequences was 655 base pairs. The average Kimura two parameter (K2P) distances within species, genera, families, orders and classes were 0.21%, 6.50%, 23.70% and 25.60%, respectively. The mean interspecific distance was 31-fold higher than the mean intraspecific distance. The K2P neighbor-joining trees based on the sequence generally clustered species in accordance with their taxonomic classifications. High efficiency of species identification was demonstrated in the present study by DNA barcoding, and we conclude that COI sequencing can be used to identify fish species.

Abstract: A novel xanthene dye was designed and synthesized from rhodamine B, hydrazine hydrate and 4-chloro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole. The sensing activity of the new rhodamine dye toward metal ions was carefully investigated. In H2O/CH3CN (1/1, v/v), the dye showed high selectivity and sensitivity to Cu2+ by remarkable absorption and fluorescence enhancement, while in H2O/CH3CN (99/1, v/v), the dye behaved as a high selective and sensitive turn-on fluorescent sensor for Fe3+. The detection was essentially insensitive to H+ concentration between pH 2.6 and 10.9. The sensing mechanism was explored by IR and LC–mass spectroscopic techniques and the LC–mass analysis results indicated that a 1:1 complex was formed between Cu2+ (or Fe3+) and the sensor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Previous studies indicate a link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and unhealthy dietary patterns or nutrient intake. However, it remains unclear whether ultra-processed foods (UPF) contribute to an increased risk of NAFLD. This study aimed to explore how ultra-processed food consumption correlates with severe NAFLD using the UK Biobank data., Methods: This prospective cohort study included 143,073 participants from the UK Biobank. UPF consumption levels were determined using the NOVA classification and quantified from 24-h dietary recall data. The association between UPF consumption and severe NAFLD (hospitalization or death) was initially examined using Cox proportional hazards models with intake quartiles. Nonlinear associations were investigated using penalized cubic splines fitted in the Cox proportional hazards models. Adjustments were made for general characteristics, sociodemographic factors, body mass index (BMI), and lifestyle., Results: Throughout the median follow-up period of 10.5 years, 1,445 participants developed severe NAFLD. The adjusted models indicated a significant increase in severe NAFLD risk in higher UPF intake groups compared to the lowest quartile (HR: 1.26 [95% CI: 1.11-1.43]). Subgroup analysis revealed that individuals with a BMI of 25 or higher were at greater risk in the highest quartile of UPF consumption. Sensitivity analyses yielded results consistent with these findings., Conclusion: Higher consumption of UPF is associated with an increased risk of severe NAFLD. Reducing the intake of UPF can be a potential approach to lower the risk of NAFLD., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)