Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of changes in serum levels of growth hormone (cGH) in common carps (Cyprinus carpio)

The aim of the present study was to purify the common native carp growth hormone (ncGH), produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to common native carp growth hormone (ncGH), and further enhance the sensitivity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for ncGH. Additionally, we investigated changes in serum ncGH levels in carps raised in different environmental conditions. The recombinant grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) growth hormone was purified and used as antigen to immunize the rabbit. The natural ncGH was isolated from the pituitaries of common carp. SDS-PAGE and Western blot utilizing the polyclonal anti-rgcGH antibody confirmed the purification of ncGH from pituitaries. Purified ncGH was then used as an immunogen in the B lymphocyte hybridoma technique. A total of 14 hybridoma cell lines (FMU-cGH 1-14) were established that were able to stably secrete mAbs against ncGH. Among them, eight clones (FMU-cGH1-6, 12 and 13) were successfully used for Western blot while nine clones (FMU-cGH 1-7, 9 and 10) were used in fluorescent staining and immunohistochemistry. Epitope mapping by competitive ELISA demonstrated that these mAbs recognized five different epitopes. A sensitive sandwich ELISA for detection of ncGH was developed using FMU-cGH12 as the coating mAb and FMU-cGH6 as the enzyme labeled mAb. This detection system was found to be highly stable and sensitive, with detection levels of 70 pg/mL. Additionally, we found that serum ncGH levels in restricted food group and in the net cage group increased 6.9-and 5.8-fold, respectively, when compared to controls, demonstrating differences in the GH stress response in common carp under different living conditions.The aim of the present study was to purify the common native carp growth hormone (ncGH), produce monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to common native carp growth hormone (ncGH), and further enhance the sensitivity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for ncGH. Additionally, we investigated changes in serum ncGH levels in carps raised in different environmental conditions. The recombinant grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) growth hormone was purified and used as antigen to immunize the rabbit. The natural ncGH was isolated from the pituitaries of common carp. SDS-PAGE and Western blot utilizing the polyclonal anti-rgcGH antibody confirmed the purification of ncGH from pituitaries. Purified ncGH was then used as an immunogen in the B lymphocyte hybridoma technique. A total of 14 hybridoma cell lines (FMU-cGH 1-14) were established that were able to stably secrete mAbs against ncGH. Among them, eight clones (FMU-cGH1-6, 12 and 13) were successfully used for Western blot while nine clones (FMU-cGH 1-7, 9 and 10) were used in fluorescent staining and immunohistochemistry. Epitope mapping by competitive ELISA demonstrated that these mAbs recognized five different epitopes. A sensitive sandwich ELISA for detection of ncGH was developed using FMU-cGH12 as the coating mAb and FMU-cGH6 as the enzyme labeled mAb. This detection system was found to be highly stable and sensitive, with detection levels of 70 pg/mL. Additionally, we found that serum ncGH levels in restricted food group and in the net cage group increased 6.9-and 5.8-fold, respectively, when compared to controls, demonstrating differences in the GH stress response in common carp under different living conditions

Effect of Colloidal Silica on the Hydration Behavior of Calcium Aluminate Cement

The effect of colloidal silica (CS) on the hydrate phases and microstructure evolution of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) was investigated. Samples hydrated with CS were obtained and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), hydration heat measurement and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The results revealed that SiO2 nanoparticles may affect the hydrates crystallization process. There was a compact structure in the CAC paste with CS, while petal-shaped hydrates with a porous structure were formed in the pure CAC paste. The maximum value of electrical conductivity for CAC paste with CS suggested that the early stage of hydration for CAC was accelerated. However, the hydration heat curves revealed that the late stage of the CAC hydration process was inhibited, and the hydration degree was reduced, this result was in accordance with Thermogravimetry-Differential scanning calorimetry(TG-DSC) curves. The fitting results of hydration heat curves further showed that the hydration degree at NG (nucleation and crystal growth) process stage was promoted, while it was limited at the phase boundaries stage, and the diffusion stage in the hydration reaction was brought forward due to the addition of CS. According to these results and analyses, the differences in the hydration process for CAC with and without CS can be attributed to the distribution and nucleation effect of SiO2 nanoparticles

Research Status and Prospect on Vanadium-Based Catalysts for NH3-SCR Denitration

Selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3 is one of the most widely used technologies in denitration. Vanadium-based catalysts have been extensively studied for the deNOx process. V2O5/WO3(MoO3)TiO2 as a commercial catalyst has excellent catalytic activity in the medium temperature range. However, it has usually faced several problems in practical industrial applications, including narrow windows of operation temperatures, and the deactivation of catalysts. The modification of vanadium-based catalysts will be the focus in future research. In this paper, the chemical composition of vanadium-based catalysts, catalytic mechanism, the broadening of the temperature range, and the improvement of erosion resistance are reviewed. Furthermore, the effects of four major systems of copper, iron, cerium and manganese on the modification of vanadium-based catalysts are introduced and analyzed. It is worth noting that the addition of modified elements as promoters has greatly improved the catalytic performance. They can enhance the surface acidity, which leads to the increasing adsorption capacity of NH3. Surface defects and oxygen vacancies have also been increased, resulting in more active sites. Finally, the future development of vanadium-based catalysts for denitration is prospected. It is indicated that the main purpose for the research of vanadium-based modification will help to obtain safe, environmentally friendly, efficient, and economical catalysts

In Situ ZrB₂ Formation in B₄C Ceramics and Its Strengthening Mechanism on Mechanical Properties

In order to reduce the sintering temperature and improve the mechanical properties of B4C ceramics, ZrB2 was formed in situ using the SPS sintering method with ZrO2 and B4C as raw materials. Thermodynamic calculations revealed that CO pressure affected the formation of ZrB2 at temperatures from 814 °C to 1100 °C. The experimental results showed that the ZrB2 grain size was 4C ceramics. With an increase in ZrO2 content, the Vickers hardness and flexural strength of the B4C ceramics first increased and then decreased, while the fracture toughness continuously increased. When the content of ZrO2 was 15 wt%, the Vickers hardness, fracture toughness and flexural strength of B4C ceramics were 35.5 ± 0.63 GPa, 3.6 ± 0.24 MPa·m1/2 and 403 ± 10 MPa, respectively. These results suggest that ZrB2 inhibits B4C grain growth, eliminates crack tip stress, and provides fine grain to strengthen and toughen B4C ceramics

Increased levels of plasma soluble Sema4D in patients with heart failure.

Semaphorin 4D (Sema4D/CD100) is a 150-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein expressed by platelets and T-cells. When these cells are activated, Sema4D is cleaved proteolytically, generating a biologically active 120-kDa fragment (soluble Sema4D) capable of targeting receptors on platelets, B-cells, endothelial cells and tumor cells. However, its plasma levels and significance in heart failure (HF) have not been reported. In this study, we established an ELISA and detected soluble Sema4D in human plasma. In healthy controls, plasma Sema4D levels were higher in men than women (5.15±3.30 ng/mL, n = 63, vs. 4.19±2.39 ng/mL, n = 63, P<0.05). In HF patients, plasma Sema4D levels were significantly higher than those in healthy controls (8.94±5.89 ng/mL, n = 157 vs. 4.67±2.99 ng/mL, n = 126, P<0.0001) with the highest levels being in HF patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) (10.45±5.76 ng/mL, n = 40). We also found that there was a higher percentage of Sema4D(high) CD3(+) (P<0.01), CD4(+) (P<0.001), and CD8(+) (P<0.01) T-cells in samples from HF patients, but no changes in Sema4D expression levels in B cells and platelets. Therefore, our investigation shows that plasma Sema4D levels are increased in HF patients, especially in those who also have diabetes. There was an accompanying increase in the Sema4D(high) population of T-cells, suggesting a potential role of these T-cells in heart failure