Multifunctional Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanocomposites with Improved Sensing Performance and Effective Removal Ability toward Hg(II)

In the present work, a multifunctional inorganic–organic hybrid nanomaterial (MMS–Py) was prepared by the immobilization of a pyrene-based receptor (Py) within the channels of magnetic mesoporous silica nanocomposites (MMS), and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption/desorption, superconducting quantum interference device, and photoluminescence spectra. This multifunctional nanomaterial exhibits superparamagnetic behavior, ordered mesoporous characteristics, and significantly improved fluorescence sensing properties that allow for highly sensitive and reproducible Hg²⁺ detection. The fluorogenical responses of MMS-Py are stable over a broad pH range. A detection limit of 1.72 ppb is obtained, which is 2 orders of magnitude lower than that based on bulk mesoporous materials. Additionally, this nanomaterial shows high performance in convenient magnetic separability and efficient removal of Hg²⁺. These results indicate that these multifunctional nanocomposites may find potential applications for simple detection and easy removal of Hg²⁺ in biological, toxicological, and environmental areas

QSOX1 regulates trophoblastic apoptosis in preeclampsia through hydrogen peroxide production.

OBJECTIVE: Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE), by inducing trophoblast cell death and consequent placental dysfunction. Quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase 1 (QSOX1) is upregulated in many types of cancer cells; it promotes disulfide bond formation as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. The aims of present study are to investigate the expression pattern of QSOX1 in placentae of pregnancies complicated by PE and the role of QSOX1 in the regulation of trophoblastic function, thus providing in-depth understanding of the putative involvement of QSOX1 in the development of PE. METHODS: Human term placenta from normal pregnancies and from pregnancies complicated by PE were collected to measure QSOX1 expression and H2O2 levels. Down-regulation of QSOX1 in HTR-8/Svneo cells was achieved by siRNA interference. An in vitro cellular PE model was generated by hypoxic incubation. Protein expression levels were assessed by Western blotting, and H2O2 levels were determined in the cell culture medium as well as in the cell lysate. Trophoblast apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining. RESULTS: QSOX1 was overexpressed in the PE placenta. Inhibition of QSOX1 expression in HTR-8/Svneo cells attenuated cell apoptosis and intracellular H2O2 levels. Hypoxia induced QSOX1 expression in HTR-8/Svneo cells and led to apoptosis of HTR-8/Svneo cells, and knock-down of QSOX1 rescued hypoxia induced trophoblast apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoxia induced up-regulation of QSOX1 and a consequent elevation in intracellular H2O2 increased apoptosis in placentae of pregnancies complicated by PE

Cohort Profile: The Chongqing Longitudinal Twin Study (LoTiS)

We aim to define the relative contribution of genetic factors and the environment to early onset morbidity of infancy and to identify specific ‘biomarkers’ and critical time points from pregnancy onwards for emergence of differences in illness in infancy-associated phenotypes, by establishing a longitudinal twin pregnancy birth cohort. The Chongqing Longitudinal Twin Study (LoTiS) cohort was established in January 2016 at Chongqing, China, with the aim of enrolling 300 women, aged 20–40 years, pregnant with twins, and their offspring. The women were followed up in early, middle and late pregnancy and at delivery, and their offspring were followed up at birth, 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36months of age. Currently, there were 439 participants recruited and 333 completed the visits during pregnancy. Maternal social demography, laboratory examinations, perinatal outcomes, neonatal outcomes, infantile growth data and assessment were collected. The study collaborated with Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Australia and the University of Birmingham, UK. Data were assessed at the website: [https://www.medscinet.com/Lotis/empty.aspx].</p