Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Five Indoles or Indazole Amide Synthetic Cannabinoids in Suspected E-Cigarette Oil by GC-MS

Objective To establish the GC-MS qualitative and quantitative analysis methods for the synthetic cannabinoids, its main matrix and additives in suspicious electronic cigarette （e-cigarette） oil samples. Methods The e-cigarette oil samples were analyzed by GC-MS after diluted with methanol. Synthetic cannabinoids, its main matrix and additives in e-cigarette oil samples were qualitatively analyzed by the characteristic fragment ions and retention time. The synthetic cannabinoids were quantitatively analyzed by using the selective ion monitoring mode. Results The linear range of each compound in GC-MS quantitative method was 0.025-1 mg/mL, the matrix recovery rate was 94%-103%, the intra-day precision relative standard deviations （RSD） was less than 2.5%, and inter-day precision RSD was less than 4.0%. Five indoles or indazole amide synthetic cannabinoids were detected in 25 e-cigarette samples. The main matrixes of e-cigarette samples were propylene glycol and glycerol. Additives such as N,2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropyl butanamide （WS-23）, glycerol triacetate and nicotine were detected in some samples. The content range of synthetic cannabinoids in 25 e-cigarette samples was 0.05%-2.74%. Conclusion The GC-MS method for synthesizing cannabinoid, matrix and additive in e-cigarette oil samples has good selectivity, high resolution, low detection limit, and can be used for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple components; The explored fragment ion fragmentation mechanism of the electron bombardment ion source of indole or indoxamide compounds helps to identify such substances or other compounds with similar structures in cases

Skp2 expression unfavorably impacts survival in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The correlation of S-phase kinase–associated protein 2 (Skp2) with metastasis and prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is controversial. The purpose of this study was to explore whether there was a correlation between the expression of Skp2 evaluated by immunohistochemistry and the clinical outcome of patients with operable ESCC, and to further determine the possible mechanism of the impact of Skp2 on survival.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Tissue microarrays that included 157 surgically resected ESCC specimens was successfully generated for immunohistochemical evaluation. The clinical/prognostic significance of Skp2 expression was analyzed. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the postoperative survival between groups. The prognostic impact of clinicopathologic variables and Skp2 expression was evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model. A cell proliferation assay and a colony formation assay were performed in ESCC cell lines to determine the function of Skp2 on the progression of ESCC <it>in vitro</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Skp2 expression correlated closely with the T category (<it>p</it> = 0.035) and the pathological tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (<it>p</it> = 0.027). High expression of Skp2 was associated with poor overall survival in resectable ESCC (<it>p</it> = 0.01). The multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that pathological T category, pathological N category, cell differentiation, and negative Skp2 expression were independent factors for better overall survival. <it>In vitro</it> assays of ESCC cell lines demonstrated that Skp2 promoted the proliferative and colony-forming capacity of ESCCs.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Negative Skp2 expression in primary resected ESCC is an independent factor for better survival. Skp2 may play a pro-proliferative role in ESCC cells.</p

Experimental study and weighting analysis of factors influencing gas desorption

Gas is one of the necessary contributing factors for coal and gas outburst accidents, and the gas desorbed in coal is the energy carrier in the outburst process. The study of gas desorption laws is the premise and basis for gas content determination and gas accident prevention. To solve the problem of inaccurate gas content measurement due to the unclear characteristics of rapid gas desorption in 0–10 s, the gas desorption experimental device was improved, the influence factors of gas desorption were studied experimentally, and a comprehensive analysis method was proposed based on the gas desorption rate, gas desorption efficiency, initial gas desorption amount and total desorbed gas. The experiment analysed five factors that affected gas desorption, including the degree of metamorphism, type of failure, particle size, pressure and temperature. The results show that there is a monotonically decreasing power function relationship between the initial gas desorption rate and time and a monotonically increasing logarithmic function relationship between the gas desorption amount and time; the curve has a limit value. The gas desorption amount is large in 0–10 s and increases slowly afterwards. Among the factors affecting gas desorption, their importance decreases in the order of pressure &gt; metamorphism &gt; particle size &gt; failure type &gt; temperature. This study is of great practical value for the calculation of gas losses in gas content determination, and the resulting gas desorption laws are of great importance in guiding gas control work

Testing and Data Reduction of the Chinese Small Telescope Array (CSTAR) for Dome A, Antarctica

The Chinese Small Telescope ARray (hereinafter CSTAR) is the first Chinese astronomical instrument on the Antarctic ice cap. The low temperature and low pressure testing of the data acquisition system was carried out in a laboratory refrigerator and on the 4500m Pamirs high plateau, respectively. The results from the final four nights of test observations demonstrated that CSTAR was ready for operation at Dome A, Antarctica. In this paper we present a description of CSTAR and the performance derived from the test observations.Comment: Accepted Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics (RAA) 1 Latex file and 20 figure

Glucocorticoid Receptor β Acts As a Co-activator of T-Cell Factor 4 and Enhances Glioma Cell Proliferation

We previously reported that glucocorticoid receptor β (GRβ) regulates injury-mediated astrocyte activation and contributes to glioma pathogenesis via modulation of β-catenin/T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) transcriptional activity. The aim of this study was to characterize the mechanism behind cross-talk between GRβ and β-catenin/TCF in the progression of glioma. Here, we reported that GRβ knockdown reduced U118 and Shg44 glioma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that GRβ knockdown decreased TCF/LEF transcriptional activity without affecting β-catenin/TCF complex. Both GRα and GRβ directly interact with TCF-4, while only GRβ is required for sustaining TCF/LEF activity under hormone-free condition. GRβ bound to the N-terminus domain of TCF-4 its influence on Wnt signaling required both ligand- and DNA-binding domains (LBD and DBD, respectively). GRβ and TCF-4 interaction is enough to maintain the TCF/LEF activity at a high level in the absence of β-catenin stabilization. Taken together, these results suggest a novel cross-talk between GRβ and TCF-4 which regulates Wnt signaling and the proliferation in gliomas

Polimorfizm rs10830963 w genie receptora melatoniny 1B a cukrzyca ciążowa w populacji chińskiej — metaanaliza badań

Introduction: Studies have been conducted to investigate the association between rs10830963 of MTNR1B and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but with inconclusive results. We aimed to clarify these controversies, especially with regard to the association in the Chinese population. Material and methods: A systemic literature reference search inclusive to August 12, 2016 yielded 35 articles, from which 11 studies met the inclusion criteria for the final meta-analysis, including 3889 patients with GDM and 6708 controls. Results: We found statistically significant associations between rs10830963 and GDM using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) [GG genotype vs. CC genotype: OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.38–2.10; G allele vs C allele: OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.20–1.36; GG+CG vs. CC (dominant model): OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.20–1.44; GG vs CG+CC (recessive model): OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.26–1.58]. In subgroup analyses stratified by ethnicity, we also observed rs10830963 to be associated with significantly increased risk of GDM in all genetic models in the Chinese population. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis indicated that the rs10830963 polymorphism might serve as a risk factor of GDM in the Chinese population.Wstęp: Wyniki dotychczas badań przeprowadzonych w celu ustalenia związku między polimorfizmem rs10830963 w genie MTNR1B a ryzykiem cukrzycy ciążowej (gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM) nie pozwoliły na sformułowanie jednoznacznych wniosków. Niniejsze badanie przeprowadzono w celu wyjaśnienia tych kontrowersji, zwłaszcza w odniesieniu do występowania tych związków w populacji chińskiej. Materiał i metody: W wyniku przeszukania w sposób systematyczny piśmiennictwa obejmującego okres do 12 sierpnia 2016 roku wytypowano 35 artykułów, spośród których 11 badań spełniało kryteria włączenia do metaanalizy. Obejmowały one 3889 chorych z GDM i 6708 osób kontrolnych. Wyniki: Autorzy stwierdzili statystycznie istotny związek między polimorfizmem rs10830963 a GDM, obliczając ilorazy szans (odds ratio, OR) i 95-procentowe przedziały ufności (confidence interval, CI) [genotyp GG vs. genotyp CC: OR = 1,70; 95% CI: 1,38–2,10; allel G vs. allel C: OR = 1,27; 95% CI: 1,20–1,36; GG+CG vs CC (model dominujący): OR = 1,31; 95% CI: 1,20–1,44; GG vs. CG+CC (model recesywny): OR = 1,41; 95% CI: 1,26–1,58]. W analizach podgrup wydzielonych na podstawie pochodzenia etnicznego również stwierdzono, że polimorfizm rs10830963 wiąże się z istotnie wyższym ryzykiem GDM we wszystkich modelach genetycznych w populacji chińskiej. Wnioski: Przeprowadzona przez autorów metaanaliza wskazuje, że polimorfizm rs10830963 może być uważany za czynnik ryzyka GDM w populacji chińskiej

Biofortification of different maize cultivars with zinc, iron and selenium by foliar fertilizer applications

Fertilizer-based biofortification is a strategy for combating worldwide malnutrition of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se). Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of foliar treatments on concentrations of Zn, Fe, Se, N and bioavailability of Zn and Fe in grains of three maize cultivars grown at three locations. We compared the efficacy of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs), Zn complexed chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNPs), conventional ZnSO4 and a cocktail solution (containing Zn, Fe and Se). All treatments were foliar-applied at rate of 452 mg Zn L–1, plus urea. Applying ten-fold less Zn (at rate of 45.2 mg Zn L–1) plus urea in the form of ZnO-NPs, Zn-CNPs, or ZnSO4 resulted in no increase, or a negligible increase, in grain Zn concentration compared with deionized water. By contrast, among the different Zn sources plus urea applied by foliar sprays, conventional ZnSO4 was the most efficient in improving grain Zn concentration. Furthermore, foliar application of a cocktail solution effectively improved grain concentrations of Zn, Fe, Se and N simultaneously, without a grain yield trade-off. For example, the average grain concentrations were simultaneously increased from 13.8 to 22.1 mg kg–1 for Zn, from 17.2 to 22.1 mg kg–1for Fe, from 21.4 to 413.5 ug kg–1 for Se and from 13.8 to 14.7 g kg–1 for N by foliar application of a cocktail solution. Because grain yield was significantly negatively correlated with grain nutrient concentrations, the magnitude of increase in grain concentrations of Zn and Fe was most pronounced in the maize cultivar with the lowest grain yield (Zhengdan958 grown in Linyi). Foliar application of a cocktail solution also significantly decreased the phytic acid (PA) concentration, ratios of PA/Fe and PA/Zn in grains, indicating an increased bioavailability of Fe and Zn for human health. In conclusion, we found that a foliar application of a cocktail solution including Zn, Fe, Se and N was most effective for biofortification, but that the grains with the lowest yield contained the greatest concentration of these elements. This finding highlights the need to breed maize varieties that are capable of achieving both high grain yield and high grain nutritional quality to address food security and human health challenges

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a predictive index for liver and coagulation dysfunction in preeclampsia patients

Background Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a pregnancy disorder that is related to an enhanced immune response. Immune cell characteristics such as neutrophil or monocyte to lymphocyte ratios (NLR, MLR) are known to be related to kidney and liver dysfunction in hypertensive patients. Here, we aimed to analyze the correlations between NLR, MLR and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and liver, renal and coagulation functional parameters and the impacts of these immune cell profiles to the prognostic significance in PE patients. Methods Pre-delivery hematological and biochemical parameters of 320 first-time pregnant women registered at the Obstetrics Department of Yanbian University Hospital from 2016 to 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into normal pregnancy (normal, n = 161), mild PE (mPE, n = 28) and severe PE (sPE, n = 131) groups according to diagnostic criteria. Pearson correlation analysis were performed and area under the curve (AUC) were conducted for the diagnostic values of NLR, MLR and PLR. Results were validated with data from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH). Results Kidney functional indexes were adversative in mPE and sPE and liver and coagulation indexes were worse in sPE compared to normal groups. Among immune cells, lymphocytes were increased in mPE and sPE patients, resulted in reduced NLR, MLR and PLR in PE groups, more significant difference were shown in sPE. NLR and PLR were associated with CREA and/or BUN negatively and positive associations were observed with total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) in sPE. Only NLR showed positive associations with coagulation indexes (PT and APTT) in sPE. AUC analysis for NLR, MLR and PLR were 0.700, 0.656, 0.643, respectively, and NLR < 3.7 predicted hypertension (95% CI in all participants: 0.647–0.749, p < 0.001). Blood pressure, liver, kidney and coagulation indexes were worse at cut off value (NLR < 3.7), and this was validated with the data from SNUH. Conclusion NLR could be used as an independent predictor of liver and coagulation dysfunction in PE patients. Our results may provide non-invasive and efficient way of the risk assessment among PE patients.This work was financially supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (NRF-2019R1A2C1005720), Korean Society of Hypertension (2020) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC 31660284, NSFC31860288). The funding bodies played no role in the design of the study and collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and in writing the manuscript