Defect-Rich Heterogeneous MoS2/rGO/NiS Nanocomposite for Efficient pH-Universal Hydrogen Evolution

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has been universally demonstrated to be an effective electrocatalytic catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, the low conductivity, few active sites and poor stability of MoS2-based electrocatalysts hinder its hydrogen evolution performance in a wide pH range. The introduction of other metal phases and carbon materials can create rich interfaces and defects to enhance the activity and stability of the catalyst. Herein, a new defect-rich heterogeneous ternary nanocomposite consisted of MoS2, NiS and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) are synthesized using ultrathin αNi(OH)2 nanowires as the nickel source. The MoS2/rGO/NiS-5 of optimal formulation in 0.5 M H2SO4, 1.0 M KOH and 1.0 M PBS only requires 152, 169 and 209 mV of overpotential to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 (denoted as η10), respectively. The excellent HER performance of the MoS2/rGO/NiS-5 electrocatalyst can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of abundant heterogeneous interfaces in MoS2/rGO/NiS, expanded interlayer spacings, and the addition of high conductivity graphene oxide. The method reported here can provide a new idea for catalyst with Ni-Mo heterojunction, pH-universal and inexpensive hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalyst

Knowledge and determinants regarding tuberculosis among medical students in Hunan, China: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. Insufficient TB knowledge may increase the risk of contracting the disease among medical students. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of TB knowledge and analyse related determinants among medical students. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed among final-year medical students from three main undergraduate medical universities in Hunan Province. TB knowledge, attitude and practice were assessed using a questionnaire. A t-test and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted to explore the association between TB knowledge and influencing factors. Results The total mean percentage of correct answers for TB knowledge was 44.4% (SD 13.5%), including 52.5% (SD 16.8%) for epidemiology and prevention, 35.7% (SD 16.1%) for diagnosis, and 47.5% (SD 22.7%) for treatment. Medical students who reported observing at least one TB case and an X-ray of a TB patient had a higher percentage of correct answers for epidemiology and prevention (54.4% vs 43.9%, p < 0.001; 54.3% vs 42.1%, p < 0.001), diagnosis (37.2% vs 29.0%, p < 0.001; 37.1% vs 27.5%, p < 0.001), treatment (50.0% vs 36.0%, p < 0.001; 49.5% vs 35.7%, p < 0.001) and total score (46.2% vs 36.2, p < 0.001; 46.0% vs 34.7%, p < 0.001). Older medical students (≥23 years) had greater knowledge than younger medical students (< 23 years) regarding diagnosis (37.2% vs 31.7%, p < 0.001). The multivariable linear regression analysis determined an association between observing at least one TB case and an X-ray of a TB patient and greater knowledge of epidemiology and prevention (β = 5.6, 95% CI: 2.3, 8.9; β = 8.2, 95% CI: 4.6, 11.8), diagnosis (β = 3.9, 95% CI: 0.8, 7.1; β = 5.7, 95% CI: 2.2, 9.2) and treatment (β = 10.1, 95% CI: 5.6, 14.5; β = 7.0, 95% CI: 2.2, 11.8) and a higher total score (β = 5.5, 95% CI: 2.9, 8.1; β = 6.6, 95% CI: 3.8, 9.5). Moreover, an older age (≥23 years) was associated with more accurate knowledge of diagnosis (β = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.8, 6.1) and a higher total score (β = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 4.6). Conclusion Poor TB knowledge was observed among medical students, which implied a need to innovate our current infectious disease curriculum to promote TB knowledge and practices among medical students

mTOR: A Potential New Target in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The global prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) continues to rise, yet effective treatments are lacking due to the complex pathogenesis of this disease. Although recent research has provided evidence for the “multiple strikes” theory, the classic “two strikes” theory has not been overturned. Therefore, there is a crucial need to identify multiple targets in NAFLD pathogenesis for the development of diagnostic markers and targeted therapeutics. Since its discovery, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been recognized as the central node of a network that regulates cell growth and development and is closely related to liver lipid metabolism and other processes. This paper will explore the mechanisms by which mTOR regulates lipid metabolism (SREBPs), insulin resistance (Foxo1, Lipin1), oxidative stress (PIG3, p53, JNK), intestinal microbiota (TLRs), autophagy, inflammation, genetic polymorphisms, and epigenetics in NAFLD. The specific influence of mTOR on NAFLD was hypothesized to be divided into micro regulation (the mechanism of mTOR’s influence on NAFLD factors) and macro mediation (the relationship between various influencing factors) to summarize the influence of mTOR on the developmental process of NAFLD, and prove the importance of mTOR as an influencing factor of NAFLD regarding multiple aspects. The effects of crosstalk between mTOR and its upstream regulators, Notch, Hedgehog, and Hippo, on the occurrence and development of NAFLD-associated hepatocellular carcinoma are also summarized. This analysis will hopefully support the development of diagnostic markers and new therapeutic targets in NAFLD

Galacto-Oligosaccharide Alleviates Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a primary cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammation are important pathogenic factors contributing to ALD. We investigated the protective mechanism of galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) against ALD through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities by performing in vivo and in vitro experiments. Western blot and RT&#8210;PCR results indicated that the expression of cytochrome P450 protein 2E1 (CYP2E1) in liver tissues and L02 cells was reduced in the GOS-treated mice compared with the model group. In addition, GOS prominently reduced the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), increased the expression of the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins, and enhanced the antioxidant capacity. In addition, GOS decreased inflammation by reducing inflammatory factor levels and inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-&kappa;B) pathway. Based on these results, GOS may be a prospective functional food for the prevention and treatment of ALD

Biodegradation and Prospect of Polysaccharide from Crustaceans

Marine crustacean waste has not been fully utilized and is a rich source of chitin. Enzymatic degradation has attracted the wide attention of researchers due to its unique biocatalytic ability to protect the environment. Chitosan (CTS) and its derivative chitosan oligosaccharides (COSs) with various biological activities can be obtained by the enzymatic degradation of chitin. Many studies have shown that chitosan and its derivatives, chitosan oligosaccharides (COSs), have beneficial properties, including lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities, and have important application value in the medical treatment field, the food industry and agriculture. In this review, we describe the classification, biochemical characteristics and catalytic mechanisms of the major degrading enzymes: chitinases, chitin deacetylases (CDAs) and chitosanases. We also introduced the technology for enzymatic design and modification and proposed the current problems and development trends of enzymatic degradation of chitin polysaccharides. The discussion on the characteristics and catalytic mechanism of chitosan-degrading enzymes will help to develop new types of hydrolases by various biotechnology methods and promote their application in chitosan

Serum sirtuin-1 a potential marker in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction: To explore the value of serum sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in the diagnosis and evaluation of joint mobility of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials and Methods: Serum was randomly obtained from 212 RA patients,210 non-RA patients and 58 healthy controls in a large tertiary first-class hospital in Jiangxi province from November 2021 to June 2022. The level of serum Sirt1,anti-cyclic citrulline polypeptide antibody (anti-CCP), anti-mutant citrulline vimentin antibody (anti-MCV), rheumatoid factor (RF),high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were detected by ELISA, to explore the correlation between them and their value in the diagnosis and evaluation of joint range of motion of RA and statistically analyse their diagnostic efficiency. Results: ① The level of all markers was higher in the RA group than in the non-RA group and the healthy controls (p < 0.05). ② The AUC of the SIRT1 was 0.882, second only to the anti-MCV and anti-CCP. ③ The anti-CCP showed the highest sensitivity to RA diagnosis of 0.948. The specificity and positive predictive value of SIRT1 for the diagnosis of RA were the highest, which are 0.959 and 0.934 respectively. ④ In serial combination, SIRT1/anti-CCP、SIRT1/anti-MCV showed the highest specificity.SIRT1/anti-CCP in parallel combination had the highest sensitivity. ⑤ SIRT1 showed a significant correlation with other markers and DAS28 scores (p < 0.01). Conclusion: SIRT1 can be used as a new serological marker for RA diagnosis, which has a significant correlation with RA joint mobility and has a certain reference value in RA differential diagnosis, providing a new detection basis for RA differential diagnosis