Imaging and Quantifying the Morphology and Nanoelectrical Properties of Quantum Dot Nanoparticles Interacting with DNA

Rapid detection and imaging the interactions between quantum dots (QDs) and DNA are of interest for research on applications as well as for determining their potential cytotoxicity. This paper introduces Kelvin force microscopy (KFM), an electric mode of atomic force microscopy, as a technique to examine the binding of QDs with DNA in vitro and in vivo. KFM provides information about the nanoelectrical properties of QDs and DNA that is complementary to the topography and phase images that conventional AFM provides. With this unique function, KFM demonstrated its ability in determining the morphological and electrical changes in DNA after exposure to QDs as well as to distinguishing individual QDs from DNA matrices. Our results indicated that the nonspecific binding with QDs led to transformation of polymeric DNA into pearl-like spheres. In vivo experiments showed that QDs could permeate into E. coli cells and bind with genomic DNA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first successful demonstration of KFM to detect single QD-DNA binding. KFM potentially can be used in characterization of nanomaterials and their interfacial interactions with biomolecular matrices

Protein Diet Restriction Slows Chronic Kidney Disease Progression in Non-Diabetic and in Type 1 Diabetic Patients, but Not in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Using Glomerular Filtration Rate as a Surrogate

<div><p>Background/ Objective</p><p>Studies, including various meta-analyses, on the effect of Protein Diet Restriction on Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) have reported conflicting results. In this paper, we have provided an update on the evidence available on this topic. We have investigated the reasons why the effect has been inconsistent across studies. We have also compared the effect on GFR in various subgroups including type 1 diabetics, type 2 diabetics and non-diabetics.</p><p>Method</p><p>We searched for Randomized Controlled Trials on this intervention from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and other information sources. The PRISMA guidelines, as well as recommended meta-analysis practices were followed in the selection process, analysis and reporting of our findings. The effect estimate used was the change in mean GFR. Heterogeneity across the considered studies was explored using both subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Quality assessment was done using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and sensitivity analyses.</p><p>Results</p><p>15 randomized controlled trials, including 1965 subjects, were analyzed. The pooled effect size, as assessed using random-effects model, for all the 15 studies was -0.95 ml/min/1.73m²/year (95% CI: -1.79, -0.11), with a significant p value of 0.03. The combined effect estimate for the non-diabetic and type 1 diabetic studies was -1.50 ml/min/1.73m²/year (95% CI: -2.73, -0.26) with p value of 0.02. The effect estimate for the type 2 diabetic group was -0.17 ml/min/1.73m²/year (95% CI: -1.88, 1.55) with p value of 0.85. There was significant heterogeneity across the included studies (I² = 74%, p value for Q < 0.0001), explained by major variations in the percentage of type 2 diabetic subjects, the number of subjects and overall compliance level to diet prescribed.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Our findings suggest that protein diet restriction slows chronic renal disease progression in non-diabetic and in type 1 diabetic patients, but not in type 2 diabetic patients.</p></div

Forest Plot of all the included studies ^a.

<p>The forest plot for all included studies pooled together using a random-effects model. ^a em, mean decline in experimental group; es, standard deviation in experimental group; en, number of subjects in experimental group; cm, mean decline in control group; cs, standard deviation in control group; cn, number of subjects in control group, MD, mean difference; I2, variability due to heterogeneity; Q, chi-square test; K, number of included studies.</p

The PRISMA flow diagram for the study selection process.

<p>From: Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, The PRISMA Group (2009). Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement. PLoS Med 6(6): e1000097. doi:<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed1000097" target="_blank">10.1371/journal.pmed1000097</a>.</p

Modeling the Primary Size Effects of Citrate-Coated Silver Nanoparticles on Their Ion Release Kinetics

Ion release is an important environmental behavior of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and characterization of Ag+ release is critical for understanding the environmental fate, transport, and biological impacts of AgNPs. The ion release kinetics of AgNPs with three primary diameters (20, 40, and 80 nm) were studied by dispersing them in quarter-strength Hoagland medium at two initial concentrations (300 and 600 μg/L). Ag+ release rates were found to depend on primary particle size and concentration, when other environmental factors (e.g., dissolved oxygen and protons) were kept constant. A kinetic model was developed to describe the Ag+ release based on the hard sphere theory using the Arrhenius equation. The model fitted the experimental data well with correlation coefficients of 0.97–0.99, and the model usefully interpreted the dependence of ion release kinetics on the primary particle size and concentration. Moreover, the effects of environmental factors (e.g., dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and salinity) potentially can be interpreted as well. This model provides fundamental insight into the ion release kinetics of AgNPs in aqueous environments, allowing us to better understand and predict the nanotoxicity of AgNPs

Table1_Prevalence and adverse outcomes of pre-operative frailty in patients undergoing carotid artery revascularization: a meta-analysis.docx

IntroductionFrailty can lead to a decrease in the patient's resistance to interference such as injury and disease, and cause a series of complications. An increasing number of studies have found that pre-operative frailty exacerbates the occurrence of adverse events after carotid artery revascularization, but an integrated quantitative analysis is currently lacking. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of pre-operative frailty on patients undergoing carotid artery revascularization.MethodAccording to the PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched for relevant studies on Medline, Embase, Ovid, CINAHL, Web Of Science, and Cochrane Library from establishment until June 2023. Summarize the risk of adverse outcome events through OR and 95% CI.ResultsA total of 16 cohort studies were included, including 1692338 patients. Among patients who underwent carotid artery revascularization surgery, the prevalence of pre-operative frailty was 36% (95% CI = 0.18–0.53, P 2 = 94%), stroke (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.10–1.61, P = 0.003, I2 = 71%), myocardial infarction (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.51–2.30, P 2 = 61%), and non-home discharge (OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.85–3.09, P 2 = 63%).ConclusionThe results of this article show that patients undergoing carotid artery revascularization have a higher prevalence of pre-operative frailty, which can lead to an increased risk of postoperative death, stroke, myocardial infarction, and non-home discharge. Strengthening the assessment and management of frailty is of great significance for patient prognosis.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=416234, identifier: CRD42023416234.</p

Engineered Biochar Reclaiming Phosphate from Aqueous Solutions: Mechanisms and Potential Application as a Slow-Release Fertilizer

This work explored the potential application of an engineered biochar prepared from Mg-enriched tomato tissues to reclaim and reuse phosphate (P) from aqueous solution. Findings from batch sorption experiments suggested that, although sorption of P on the biochar was controlled by relatively slow kinetics, the maximum P sorption capacity of the biochar could reach >100 mg·g^–1. Mathematical modeling and postsorption characterization results indicated that the sorption was mainly controlled by two mechanisms: precipitation of P through chemical reaction with Mg particles and surface deposition of P on Mg crystals on biochar surfaces. Most of the P retained in the engineered biochar was bioavailable and could be released equally at multiple successive extractions. In addition, the P-laden biochar significantly stimulated grass seed germination and growth. These results suggested the postsorption biochar can be cycled back directly to soils as an effective slow-release P-fertilizer

Additional file 4 of Effects of fenclorim on rice physiology, gene transcription and pretilachlor detoxification ability

Additional file 4: Table S3. List of DEGs between Fen treatment and CK at 4 h

Effect of the Activation Process on the Microstructure and Electrochemical Properties of N‑Doped Carbon Cathodes in Li–O₂ Batteries

Lithium–oxygen (Li–O2) batteries have the potential to provide high energy densities; however, they suffer from low actual specific capacity and poor cycle performance. Hence, it is urgent to design a satisfactory oxygen electrode for a Li–O2 battery. In this study, carbonaceous materials, denominated CA, CB, and CC, from chitin were prepared by the three activators of H3PO4, KOH, and KHCO3 as oxygen electrode materials for Li–O2 batteries. The different carbon structural characteristics from the same precursor were regulated and controlled by different chemical reagents. Finally, the spherical particle cluster structure of CA has a high specific surface area, rich N doping, good connectivity, and uniform surface chemistry, so that CA acts as an oxygen electrode presenting excellent electron conductivity, providing sufficient, and stable electrochemical activity sites for oxygen reduction reaction and storing abundant discharge products. The electrochemical measurements indicate that at a current density of 0.02 mA/cm2, a CA-based battery delivers a high specific capacity of 16 600 mA h/g and a stable cycle performance of 210 cycles. This study proposes a functional carbonaceous material from chitin as a cathode oxygen electrode, which provides an economical and sustainable way for the improvement of oxygen electrodes and the application of Li–O2 batteries