The objective of this investigation is to analyze the levels and clinical relevance of serum PYCARD (Pyrin and CARD domain-containing protein, commonly known as ASC-apoptosis-associated speck-like ...protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain), interleukin-38 (IL-38), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in individuals afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Our study comprised 88 individuals diagnosed with RA who sought medical attention at the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University during the period spanning November 2021 to June 2023, constituting the test group. Additionally, a control group of 88 individuals who underwent health assessments at the same hospital during the aforementioned timeframe was included for comparative purposes. The study involved the assessment of IL-38, IL-6, PYCARD, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels in both groups. The research aimed to explore the correlations and diagnostic efficacy of these markers, employing pertinent statistical analyses for comprehensive evaluation.
The test group had higher expression levels of PYCARD, IL-6, and IL-38 than the control group (P < 0.05). Based on the correlation analysis, there was a strong relationship between PYCARD and IL-38 (P < 0.01). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.97, 0.96, and 0.96 when using combinations of PYCARD and anti-CCP, IL-38 and anti-CCP, and IL-6 and anti-CCP for predicting RA, respectively. Importantly, all three of these pairs demonstrated superior AUC values compared to PYCARD, IL-38, IL-6, ESR, or anti-CCP used as standalone diagnostic indicators.
PYCARD, IL-6, and IL-38 exhibit promising potential as novel diagnostic markers and may constitute valuable tools for supporting the diagnosis of RA.
In this work, a highly sensitive and selective method for detecting folic acid (FA) was developed using D‐penicillamine (DPA) stabilized Ag/Cu alloy nanoclusters (DPA@Ag/Cu NCs). The yellow emission ...of DPA@Ag/Cu NCs was found to be quenched upon the addition of FA to the system. The fluorescence intensity quenching value demonstrated a linear relationship with FA concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1200 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.3 nM. Furthermore, the detection mechanism was investigated through various characterization analyses, including high resolution transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectra, ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectra, and fluorescence lifetime. The results indicated that the fluorescence quenching induced by FA was a result of electron transfer from FA to the ligands of DPA@Ag/Cu NCs. The selectivity of the FA sensor was also evaluated, showing that common amino acids and inorganic ions had minimal impact on the detection of FA. Moreover, the standard addition method was successfully applied to detect FA in human serum, chewable tablets and FA tablets with promising results. The use of DPA@Ag/Cu NCs demonstrates significant potential for detecting FA in complex biological samples.
In this work, a sensor was developed for detecting folic acid (FA) using D‐penicillamine stabilized Ag/Cu alloy nanoclusters (DPA@Ag/Cu NCs). Experimental results demonstrated a linear relationship between FA concentrations and fluorescence quenching of DPA@Ag/Cu NCs, with a low detection limit of 5.3 nM, based on the fluorescence quenching mechanism caused by electron transfer. Moreover, this approach was successfully applied to FA in complex biological samples.
Display omitted
► Systematic relationships of the Oriental microhylid frogs are assessed. ► Subfamily Microhylinae forms four clades with unresolved relationships. ► Relationships of two enigmatic ...genera Phrynella and Gastrophrynoides are determined. ► Current infrageneric taxonomy of Microhyla requires reassessments.
We estimated the genealogical relationships and assessed systematic relationships among 45 out of 89 named species and four unnamed taxa from 11 of 14 genera of the Oriental microhylids from 1767bp sequences of the mitochondrial DNA genes 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference methods. Monophyly was rejected for the subfamily Microhylinae, and our data reveal four well-supported clades whose relationships to each other are unresolved: (A) Microhyla, Calluella, and Glyphoglossus, (B) Chaperina, (C) Kaloula, Phrynella, and Metaphrynella, and (D) Micryletta. They were genetically as divergent from each other as from another Oriental subfamily Kalophryninae, and could be recognized as distinct subfamilies. Within Clade A, our data reveal three well-supported subclades whose relationships to each other are unresolved: (AI) Microhyla-I, (AII) Calluella and Glyphoglossus, and (AIII) Microhyla-II. Of the two enigmatic Malaysian genera, whose subfamilial placement has been undetermined, Phrynella was found to be the sister species of Metaphrynella in Clade C, whereas Gastrophrynoides was grouped in the Papua-Australian subfamily Asterophryinae. Currently recognized subgenera and species groups within Microhyla based on morphology were not supported phylogenetically, and require thorough reassessments.
The traditional preparation method of ratiometric probes faces challenges such as cumbersome preparation and low sensitivity. Thus, there is an urgent need to provide a simple method of preparing a ...highly sensitive ratiometric probe. Here, Eu3+-doped zinc-based organic framework (Eu/Zn-MOF) was prepared through hydrothermal method for the detection of tetracycline analogs (TCs). Under the same excitation conditions, the probe can simultaneously display valuable fluorescence and second-order scattering signals. The developed probe enabled specific identification and fast detection (1 min) of TCs, including tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, and chlortetracycline. The linear detection ranges of tetracycline, oxytetracycline, doxycycline and chlortetracycline were respectively 100 nM - 200 μM, 100 nM - 200 μM, 98 nM - 195 μM, and 97 nM - 291 μM, and the corresponding detection limits were respectively 15.79 nM, 20.83 nM, 15.31 nM, and 28.30 nM. The developed sensor was successfully applied to detect TCs in real samples, and the recovery rate was from 92.54 % to 109.69 % and the relative standard deviation was from 0.04 % to 2.97 %. Moreover, the heterometallic Eu/Zn-MOF was designed as a ratiometric neuron for Boolean logic computing and information encryption based on the specific identification of TCs. As a proof of concept, molecular steganography was successfully employed to encode, store, and conceal information by transforming the specific identification patterns of Eu/Zn-MOF into binary strings. This study is anticipated to advance the application of metal-organic frameworks in logic detection and information security, and bridging the gap between molecular sensors and the realm of information.
Heterometallic Eu/Zn-MOF-based ratiometric sensing platform was developed for identification of tetracycline analogs based on fluorescence/second-order scattering strategy, and its molecular informatization applications. Display omitted
•A simple method for the preparation of novel ratiometric probes was provided.•A rapid and specific tetracycline analogs (TCs) sensor was developed.•The sensor had a wide linear detection range.•The developed sensor was successfully utilized to detect TCs in real samples.•Developing an artificial ratiometric neuron for encrypting a specific information.
Abstract
C
36
H
26
N
2
O
4
Co, monolinic,
C
2/
c
(no. 15),
a
= 43.230(14) Å,
b
= 17.100(6) Å,
c
= 11.275(4) Å,
β
= 103.112(4)°,
V
= 8118(5) Å
3
,
Z
= 12,
R
gt
(
F
) = 0.0370,
wR
ref
(
F
2
) = 0.0931,
...T
= 100(2) K.
AIM: To investigate the expression of Th22 cells and related cytokines in colorectal cancer(CRC) tissues, and the probably mechanism.METHODS: CRC tumor and paratumor tissues were collected to detect ...the expression levels of Th22 cells and of related cytokines by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-q PCR).Interleukin(IL)-22 alone or with a STAT3 inhibitor was co-cultured with RKO cells in vitro to study the effects of IL-22 on colon cancer cells.IL-22 alone or with a STAT3 inhibitor was injected into a BALB/c nude mouse model with subcutaneously transplanted RKO cells to study the effects of IL-22 on colon cancer growth.RESULTS: The percentage of Th22 cells in the CD4+ T subset was significantly higher in tumor tissues compared with that in paratumor tissues(1.47% ± 0.083% vs 1.23% ± 0.077%, P < 0.05) as determined by flow cytometry.RT-qP CR analysis revealed that the m RNA expression levels of IL-22, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, CCL20 and CCL22 were significantly higher in tumor tissues compared with those in paratumor tissues.CCL27 mR NA also displayed a higher expression level in tumor tissues compared with that in paratumor tissues; however, these levels were not significantly different(2.58 ± 0.93 vs 2.30 ± 0.78, P > 0.05).IL-22 enhanced colon cancer cell proliferation in vitro and displayed anti-apoptotic effects; these effects were blocked by adding a STAT3 inhibitor.IL-22 promoted tumor growth in BALB/c nude mice; however, this effect was reversed by adding a STAT3 inhibitor.CONCLUSION: Th22 cells that accumulate in CRC may be associated with the chemotactic effect of the tumor microenvironment.IL-22 is associated with CRC development, most likely via STAT3 activation.
AIM: To identify the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase(MTHFR) polymorphisms and gastric cancer(GC) susceptibility.METHODS: Systematic searches were performed on the electronic ...databases PubMed, ISI, Web of knowledge, CNKI and Wanfang, as well as manual searching of the references of the identified articles. A total of 26 papers were included in this meta-analysis. Overall and subgroup analyses were performed. Odds ratio(OR) and 95%CI were used to evaluate the associations between MTHFR polymorphisms and GC risk. The I2 statistics were used to evaluate between-study heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was also performed.RESULTS: Increased risk was found for the MTHFRC677T polymorphism under four genetic models(TT + CT vs CC: OR = 1.23, P = 0.002; T vs C: OR = 1.15, P = 0.001; TT vs CC: OR = 1.37, P = 0.0005; TT vs CT + CC: OR = 1.17, P = 0.0008). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity suggested that C677 T polymorphism conferred a risk of GC in eastern but not in western populations. Stratification by tumor site showed an association between the C677 T polymorphism and gastric cardia cancer and non-cardia GC in the worldwide population and in eastern populations. Regardless of comparisons with controls or diffuse-type GC, a positive association was found for the C677 T polymorphism and an increased risk of intestinal-type GC in the whole population and in western populations. With regard to the A1298 C polymorphism, we found that genotype CC was significantly decreased and conferred protection against GC in eastern populations(CC vs AA: OR = 0.44, P = 0.03; CC vs AC + AA: OR = 0.46, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: MTHFR C677 T polymorphism is a risk factor for GC, and the A1298 C polymorphism may be a protective factor against GC in eastern populations.
A numerical model of heat transfer was developed to investigate the heat transfer of continuously cast billet with the aid of surface temperature tests by ThermaCAM™ researcher and nail shooting ...experiments. The effects of secondary cooling practice and casting speed on the solidification process and central segregation of carbon were investigated as well with the actual central segregation tests. The results show that the surface center and billet center temperatures exhibit a different pattern during solidification, and the solidified shell thickness is presented as an “S” type. With the increase of secondary cooling intensity and the decrease of casting speed, the end points of the solidus line and the liquidus line move forward, and the central segregation level of carbon decreases. The optimal casting condition is suggested for continuously cast high carbon billet with F-EMS (final electromagnetic stirring).
T help cell 17（Th17） ,recently identified as a new subset of CD4＋T cells,has been implicated in autoimmune diseases,tumor immunity,and transplant rejection.To investigate the role of Th17 in acute ...hepatic rejection,a rat model of allogeneic liver transplantation（Dark Agouti（DA） to Brown Norway（BN） ） was established and isogeneic liver transplantation（BN to BN） was used as controls in the study.The expression of Th17-related cytokines in the liver and peripheral blood was determined by immunohistochemistry,flow cytometry,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） ,or real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction（RT-qPCR） .Strong expression of interleukin-17A（IL-17A） ,IL-6,transforming growth factor-β（TGF-β） ,IL-8,and myeloperoxidase（MPO） was observed in liver allografts.The ratios of Th17 to CD4 ＋ lymphocytes in the liver and peripheral blood were dramatically increased in the allograft group compared with the control（P〈0.01） .Secreted IL-17 and IL-6 in liver homogenate and serum were significantly elevated in the allograft group,while secreted TGF-βwas increased in liver homogenate and decreased in serum compared with the control（P〈0.01） .The messenger RNA（mRNA） levels of IL-17,IL-21,and IL-23 were enhanced in the allografts compared with the control（P〈0.01） .Correlation analysis showed significant correlations between IL-17 and IL-6 and TGF-βand between IL-17 and IL-21 and IL-23.The present study demonstrates that Th17 plays a role in promoting rat liver allograft rejection.
PDF
