Morphology Adjustment and Optimization of CuS as Enzyme Mimics for the High Efficient Colorimetric Determination of Cr(VI) in Water

Metal sulfide is often utilized as a catalyzed material to form colorimetric response system for some heavy metal detection. While the aggregation effect and conventional morphology limited the catalyzed efficiency. Herein, a robust method based on morphology adjustment was proposed to improve the dispersibility and catalytic performance of CuS. The results demonstrated when the solvent ratio of ethylene glycol and dimethyl sulfoxide arrived at 3:1, it displayed an optimal structure which is like a patulous flower. Meanwhile, an optimal surface binding energy (ΔE) of 120.1 kcal/mol was obtained via theoretical calculation model. The flower-like structure caused a 2-fold increase in the catalytic level. Subsequently, the CuS was employed to make colorimetric detection of Cr(VI) in water. The assay results exhibited a linear range of the Cr(VI) from 60 to 340 nM, the limit of detection was 1.07 nM. In the practical tests for Qianhu lake water, the spiked recoveries were 93.6% and 104% with the RSD of 4.71% and 3.08%. Therefore, this CuS-based colorimetric method possesses a satisfactory application prospect for the Cr(VI) determination in water

Dual Application: p-CuS/n-ZnS Nanocomposite Construction for High-Efficiency Colorimetric Determination and Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline in Water

Herein, CuS was incorporated with ZnS to form a novel nanocomposite via cation exchange, and the product was then employed for dual application of the colorimetric determination and photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline (TC) in water. The formed p–n heterojunction provided an improved gap width and electron mobility, which could rapidly catalyze H2O2 to produce plenty of •OH, supporting a color conversion with TMB. Meanwhile, the addition of TC could lead to the further enhancement in colorimetric signal, and the distinction level was sensitive to the target amount. Additionally, under light conditions, the p-CuS/n-ZnS could produce •O2−, •OH, and h+ through photocatalysis, and these ions could degrade the TC via oxidation. In the colorimetric determination of TC, the signal responses were obtained within 10 min, and the detection limit was 20.94 nM. The recovery rates were 99% and 106% for the water samples from Ganjiang river. In the photocatalytic degradation, the TC was degraded by 91% within 120 min, which was threefold that of ZnS. Meanwhile, the morphology feature of the p-CuS/n-ZnS remained after multiple uses, suggesting a favorable material stability. This strategy provides application prospects for the monitoring and control of antibiotics in water

FBLN-1 from a soluble source is incorporated into the ECM.

<p>Cycloheximide treated and untreated human ASM cells were stimulated with or without 10 ng/ml TGF-β₁ in quiescing medium or soluble FBLN-1 containing medium for 72 hours (n = 7). The incorporation of FBLN-1 into the matrix was detected by ECM ELISA and data were expressed as absorbance at 450 nm–570 nm. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM and analysed by one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni’s multiple comparison test, *P<0.05, ***P<0.001. V: vehicle; CHX: cycloheximide; S: soluble FBLN-1 containing medium; T: TGF-β₁.</p

TGF-β₁ decreased soluble FBLN-1 from human ASM cells.

<p>Soluble FBLN-1 released from human ASM cells was detected by western blot, following 72 hours stimulation with 10 ng/ml TGF-β₁ (panel A). Data from COPD (black bar, n = 9) group and non-COPD (grey bar, n = 9) group were expressed as fold change relative to control (panel B). Data were expressed as mean ± SEM and analysed by two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post tests, ***P<0.001, compared with control.</p

TGF-β₁ increased the deposited and cellular FBLN-1 in human ASM cells.

<p>After 72 hours stimulation with 10 ng/ml TGF-β₁, the deposition of FBLN-1 by human ASM cells obtained from COPD (black bar, n = 10) and non-COPD (grey bar, n = 7) was measured by ELISA and data were expressed as absorbance at 450 nm–570 nm (panel A). Cellular FBLN-1 and GAPDH from COPD and non-COPD ASM cells were detected by western blot (panel B). Data from COPD (black bar, n = 8) and non-COPD (grey bar, n = 7) group were normalized to GAPDH and expressed as fold change relative to control (panel C). Data were expressed as mean ± SEM, two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post tests, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001, compared with control.</p

Characteristics of volunteers.

<p>T, transplant; R, resection; B, bronchoscopy; M, male; F, female; Y, yes; N, no; N/A, not available; FEV₁%, forced expiratory volume in 1 second of predicted %; FVC%, forced vital capacity of predicted %; Ca, carcinoma; SCCa, small cell carcinoma; NSCCa, non-small cell carcinoma; NSCLC: non-small cell lung carcinoma; IPF: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.</p

Construction of China cardiovascular health index

Abstract Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not only the primary cause of death in developed western countries, but also its disease burden is increasing in China. The purpose of constructing population cardiovascular health index is to monitor, compare and evaluate disease burden, influencing factors and prevention and control levels of Chinese population cardiovascular disease in order to provide evidence to improve population cardiovascular health. Methods This study collected multi-source data and constructed China Cardiovascular Health Index (CHI) using literature review, questionnaire surveys, Delphi method and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model. Results China CHI system included 52 indices of 5 dimensions, which were prevalence status of CVD, exposure of risk factors, prevention and control of risk factors, treatment situation and public health policy and service ability. The weights of 5 dimensions from high to low were successively prevention and control of risk factors 0.3656, prevalence status of CVD 0.2070, treatment situation 0.1812, public health policy and service ability 0.1458, and exposure of risk factors 0.1004. Conclusion China CHI is a comprehensive evaluation system raised to effectively control the prevalence of CVD. In the future, we should strengthen and improve CVD monitoring and big data usage, to ensure these indices to reflect the practical situations and to become utility of controlling CVD