| 1. |
- Klionsky, Daniel J., et al.
(author)
-
Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy
- 2012
-
In: Autophagy. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1554-8635 .- 1554-8627. ; 8:4, s. 445-544
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In 2008 we published the first set of guidelines for standardizing research in autophagy. Since then, research on this topic has continued to accelerate, and many new scientists have entered the field. Our knowledge base and relevant new technologies have also been expanding. Accordingly, it is important to update these guidelines for monitoring autophagy in different organisms. Various reviews have described the range of assays that have been used for this purpose. Nevertheless, there continues to be confusion regarding acceptable methods to measure autophagy, especially in multicellular eukaryotes. A key point that needs to be emphasized is that there is a difference between measurements that monitor the numbers or volume of autophagic elements (e.g., autophagosomes or autolysosomes) at any stage of the autophagic process vs. those that measure flux through the autophagy pathway (i.e., the complete process); thus, a block in macroautophagy that results in autophagosome accumulation needs to be differentiated from stimuli that result in increased autophagic activity, defined as increased autophagy induction coupled with increased delivery to, and degradation within, lysosomes (in most higher eukaryotes and some protists such as Dictyostelium) or the vacuole (in plants and fungi). In other words, it is especially important that investigators new to the field understand that the appearance of more autophagosomes does not necessarily equate with more autophagy. In fact, in many cases, autophagosomes accumulate because of a block in trafficking to lysosomes without a concomitant change in autophagosome biogenesis, whereas an increase in autolysosomes may reflect a reduction in degradative activity. Here, we present a set of guidelines for the selection and interpretation of methods for use by investigators who aim to examine macroautophagy and related processes, as well as for reviewers who need to provide realistic and reasonable critiques of papers that are focused on these processes. These guidelines are not meant to be a formulaic set of rules, because the appropriate assays depend in part on the question being asked and the system being used. In addition, we emphasize that no individual assay is guaranteed to be the most appropriate one in every situation, and we strongly recommend the use of multiple assays to monitor autophagy. In these guidelines, we consider these various methods of assessing autophagy and what information can, or cannot, be obtained from them. Finally, by discussing the merits and limits of particular autophagy assays, we hope to encourage technical innovation in the field.
|
|
| 2. |
- Deng, Min, et al.
(author)
-
Genome-wide association analyses in Han Chinese identify two new susceptibility loci for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- 2013
-
In: Nature Genetics. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; 45:6, s. 697-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To identify susceptibility genes for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 506 individuals with sporadic ALS and 1,859 controls of Han Chinese ancestry. Ninety top SNPs suggested by the current GWAS and 6 SNPs identified by previous GWAS were analyzed in an independent cohort of 706 individuals with ALS and 1,777 controls of Han Chinese ancestry. We discovered two new susceptibility loci for ALS at 1q32 (CAMK1G, rs6703183, P-combined = 2.92 x 10(-8), odds ratio (OR) = 1.31) and 22p11 (CABIN1 and SUSD2, rs8141797, P-combined = 2.35 x 10(-9), OR = 1.52). These two loci explain 12.48% of the overall variance in disease risk in the Han Chinese population. We found no association evidence for the previously reported loci in the Han Chinese population, suggesting genetic heterogeneity of disease susceptibility for ALS between ancestry groups. Our study identifies two new susceptibility loci and suggests new pathogenic mechanisms of ALS.
|
|
| 3. |
- Shi, Wenming, et al.
(author)
-
Urinary phthalate metabolites in relation to childhood asthmatic and allergic symptoms in Shanghai
- 2018
-
In: Environment International. - : PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD. - 0160-4120 .- 1873-6750. ; 121, s. 276-286
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Few studies can be found on phthalate exposure in relation to childhood asthma and allergic symptoms from Mainland China, where a persistent increase in prevalence of childhood asthma and allergic disease has been observed. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the exposure levels to phthalates and its relationship with asthmatic and allergic symptoms among children in Shanghai, which has the highest prevalence of childhood asthma in Mainland China. Methods: A follow-up study (2013-2014) of 434 children aged 5-10 years was conducted, based on the China, Children, Homes, Health (CCHH) study (2011-2012) in Shanghai, China. Information on asthmatic and allergic symptoms (wheeze, rhinitis, and eczema) were collected using validated questionnaires. Ten phthalate metabolites in morning urine samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the associations between symptoms and urinary phthalate metabolites controlling for demographics, family history of allergic diseases and other covariates. Results: Nine out of 10 phthalate metabolites were detected in all subjects (average detection rate of 93.2%). By multivariable logistic regression analyses, the 4th quartile of Mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) (reference: 1st quartile) had adjusted prevalence odds ratios (aPORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) of 2.27(1.06-4.88), 2.14(1.02-4.46) and 2.98(1.19-7.50) for wheeze, rhinitis and eczema, respectively, while those of Mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) were 2.23(1.08-4.62) and 2.96(1.02-8.60) for rhinitis and eczema, respectively. The highest quartile of mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate(MEHHP) and mono 2 ethyl 5 ox ohexyl phthalate(MEOHP) had aPORs and 95%CIs of 3.10(1.10-8.74) and 2.63(1.02-6.80) for eczema, respectively. By summing up the 4 low molecular weight metabolites (Sigma 4LMWP) and all 9 metabolites (Sigma(9)Total), the highest quartiles of Sigma 4LMWP and Sigma(9)Total were significantly associated with all symptoms. In most of the above associations, a significantly increasing trend from the 1st to the 4th quartile was observed. Subjects with 2 or 3 concomitant symptoms (reference: no symptoms) had significant positive associations with a higher level (the 4th quartile) of phthalate metabolites. Conclusions: Low MW metabolites such as MnBP and MiBP, high MW DEHP and the total amount of phthalate metabolites might have adverse health effects on asthma and allergic symptoms in Chinese children.
|
|
| 4. |
- Wang, Hao, et al.
(author)
-
In-situ growth of low-dimensional perovskite-based insular nanocrystals for highly efficient light emitting diodes
- 2023
-
In: Light. - : SPRINGERNATURE. - 2095-5545 .- 2047-7538. ; 12:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Regulation of perovskite growth plays a critical role in the development of high-performance optoelectronic devices. However, judicious control of the grain growth for perovskite light emitting diodes is elusive due to its multiple requirements in terms of morphology, composition, and defect. Herein, we demonstrate a supramolecular dynamic coordination strategy to regulate perovskite crystallization. The combined use of crown ether and sodium trifluoroacetate can coordinate with A site and B site cations in ABX(3) perovskite, respectively. The formation of supramolecular structure retard perovskite nucleation, while the transformation of supramolecular intermediate structure enables the release of components for slow perovskite growth. This judicious control enables a segmented growth, inducing the growth of insular nanocrystal consist of low-dimensional structure. Light emitting diode based on this perovskite film eventually brings a peak external quantum efficiency up to 23.9%, ranking among the highest efficiency achieved. The homogeneous nano-island structure also enables high-efficiency large area (1 cm(2)) device up to 21.6%, and a record high value of 13.6% for highly semi-transparent ones.
|
|
| 5. |
- Zhang, Lei, et al.
(author)
-
Prenatal exposure to parabens in association with cord serum adipokine levels and offspring size at birth
- 2022
-
In: Chemosphere. - : Pergamon Press. - 0045-6535 .- 1879-1298. ; 301
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Paraben exposure is linked to the release of adipokine such as leptin and adiponectin, and both paraben and adipokine may affect fetal growth. The present study aimed to explore the associations among maternal paraben exposure, adipokine level and offspring size.METHODS: 942 mother-newborn pairs from the Sheyang Mini Birth Cohort Study (SMBCS) were enrolled. Data of birth weight, length, head circumference and ponderal index (PI) were obtained from medical records. Maternal urinary parabens were determined by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Cord serum leptin and adiponectin were measured using ELISA assay. Generalized linear regression was applied to explore the associations among parabens, adipokines and offspring size.RESULTS: The median levels of leptin and adiponectin were 13.13 μg/L and 161.82 μg/mL. Benzylparaben level was positively associated with leptin (regression coefficient (β) = 0.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03-0.09; p < 0.01). Leptin level was positively associated with neonatal weight (β = 84.11, 95% CI: 63.22-105.01; p < 0.01), length (β = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.14-0.37; p < 0.01), head circumference (β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07-0.22; p < 0.01) and PI (β = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.08-0.39; p < 0.01). Adiponectin was positively associated with neonatal weight (β = 75.94, 95% CI: 29.65-122.23; p < 0.01) and PI (β = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.09-0.77; p = 0.01). Urinary propylparaben concentration (β = -0.10, 95% CI: 0.17 to -0.02; p = 0.01) was negatively associated with head circumference. Sex-stratified analyses indicated the negative association of propylparaben and head circumference was only remained in male neonates.CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal paraben exposure might affect cord serum leptin levels. Both paraben and adipokine levels may affect fetal growth, and sex-specific differences may exist.
|
|
| 6. |
- Chen, Fei'er, et al.
(author)
-
The effects of PM2.5 on asthmatic and allergic diseases or symptoms in preschool children of six Chinese cities, based on China, Children, Homes and Health (CCHH) project
- 2018
-
In: Environmental Pollution. - : Elsevier BV. - 0269-7491 .- 1873-6424. ; 232, s. 329-337
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The urbanization and industrialization in China is accompanied by bad air quality, and the prevalence of asthma in Chinese children has been increasing in recent years. To investigate the associations between ambient PM2.5 levels and asthmatic and allergic diseases or symptoms in preschool children in China, we assigned PM2.5 exposure data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project to 205 kindergartens at a spatial resolution of 0.1° × 0.1° in six cities in China (Shanghai, Nanjing, Chongqing, Changsha, Urumqi, and Taiyuan). A hierarchical multiple logistical regression model was applied to analyze the associations between kindergarten-level PM2.5 exposure and individual-level outcomes of asthmatic and allergic symptoms. The individual-level variables, including gender, age, family history of asthma and allergic diseases, breastfeeding, parental smoking, indoor dampness, interior decoration pollution, household annual income, and city-level variable-annual temperature were adjusted. A total of 30,759 children (average age 4.6 years, 51.7% boys) were enrolled in this study. Apart from family history, indoor dampness, and decoration as predominant risk factors, we found that an increase of 10 μg/m3 of the annual PM2.5 was positively associated with the prevalence of allergic rhinitis by an odds ratio (OR) of 1.20 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11, 1.29) and diagnosed asthma by OR of 1.10 (95% CI 1.03, 1.18). Those who lived in non-urban (vs. urban) areas were exposed to more severe indoor air pollution arising from biomass combustion and had significantly higher ORs between PM2.5 and allergic rhinitis and current rhinitis. Our study suggested that long-term exposure to PM2.5 might increase the risks of asthmatic and allergic diseases or symptoms in preschool children in China. Compared to those living in urban areas, children living in suburban or rural areas had a higher risk of PM2.5 exposure.
|
|
| 7. |
- Dai, Qingyuan, et al.
(author)
-
Severe dioxin-like compound (DLC) contamination in e-waste recycling areas : An under-recognized threat to local health
- 2020
-
In: Environment International. - : Elsevier. - 0160-4120 .- 1873-6750. ; 139
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) burning and recycling activities have become one of the main emission sources of dioxin-like compounds (DLCs). Workers involved in e-waste recycling operations and residents living near e-waste recycling sites (EWRS) are exposed to high levels of DLCs. Epidemiological and experimental in vivo studies have reported a range of interconnected responses in multiple systems with DLC exposure. However, due to the compositional complexity of DLCs and difficulties in assessing mixture effects of the complex mixture of e-waste-related contaminants, there are few studies concerning human health outcomes related to DLC exposure at informal EWRS. In this paper, we have reviewed the environmental levels and body burdens of DLCs at EWRS and compared them with the levels reported to be associated with observable adverse effects to assess the health risks of DLC exposure at EWRS. In general, DLC concentrations at EWRS of many countries have been decreasing in recent years due to stricter regulations on e-waste recycling activities, but the contamination status is still severe. Comparison with available data from industrial sites and well-known highly DLC contaminated areas shows that high levels of DLCs derived from crude e-waste recycling processes lead to elevated body burdens. The DLC levels in human blood and breast milk at EWRS are higher than those reported in some epidemiological studies that are related to various health impacts. The estimated total daily intakes of DLCs for people in EWRS far exceed the WHO recommended total daily intake limit. It can be inferred that people living in EWRS with high DLC contamination have higher health risks. Therefore, more well-designed epidemiological studies are urgently needed to focus on the health effects of DLC pollution in EWRS. Continuous monitoring of the temporal trends of DLC levels in EWRS after actions is of highest importance.
|
|
| 8. |
- Fang, Xin, et al.
(author)
-
Sex Hormones, Gonadotropins, and Sex Hormone-binding Globulin in Infants Fed Breast Milk, Cow Milk Formula, or Soy Formula
- 2017
-
In: Scientific Reports. - : Nature Publishing Group. - 2045-2322. ; 7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Measurement of endogenous hormones in early life is important to investigate the effects of hormonally active environmental compounds. To assess the possible hormonal effects of different feeding regimens in different sample matrices of infants, 166 infants were enrolled from two U.S hospitals between 2006 and 2009. The children were classified into exclusive soy formula, cow milk formula or breast milk regimens. Urine, saliva and blood samples were collected over the first 12 months of life. Estradiol, estrone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels were measured in the three matrices. Lower estradiol and LH levels were found in urine and saliva samples of soy formula-fed boys compared to cow formula-fed boys. Higher LH level was found in urine samples of soy formula-fed girls compared to cow formula-fed girls. However, we found neither a neonatal testosterone rise in the boys nor a gender-specific difference in testosterone levels, which suggests that urinary testosterone levels may not accurately reflect blood levels during mini-puberty. Nevertheless, our study shows that blood, urine and saliva samples are readily collectible and suitable for multi-hormone analyses in children and allow examination of hypotheses concerning endocrine effects from dietary compounds.
|
|
| 9. |
- Gao, Jiacheng, et al.
(author)
-
Irvsp : To obtain irreducible representations of electronic states in the VASP
- 2021
-
In: Computer Physics Communications. - : ELSEVIER. - 0010-4655 .- 1879-2944. ; 261
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present an open-source program irvsp, to compute irreducible representations of electronic states for all 230 space groups with an interface to the Vienna ab-initio Simulation Package. This code is fed with plane-wave-based wavefunctions (e.g. WAVECAR) and space group operators (listed in OUTCAR), which are generated by the VASP package. This program computes the traces of matrix presentations and determines the corresponding irreducible representations for all energy bands and all the k-points in the three-dimensional Brillouin zone. It also works with spin-orbit coupling (SOC), i.e., for double groups. It is in particular useful to analyze energy bands, their connectivities, and band topology, after the establishment of the theory of topological quantum chemistry. Accordingly, the associated library -irrep_bcs.a - is developed, which can be easily linked to by other ab-initio packages. In addition, the program has been extended to orthogonal tight-binding (TB) Hamiltonians, e.g. electronic or phononic TB Hamiltonians. A sister program is presented as well. Program summary Program title: irvsp CPC Library link to program files: http://doi.org/10.1763/y9ds5nnm2f.1 Licensing provisions: GNU Lesser General Public License Programming language: Fortran 90/77 Nature of problem: Determining irreducible representations for all energy bands and all the k-points in 230 space groups. It is in particular useful to analyze energy bands, their connectivities, and band topology. Solution method: By computing the traces of matrix presentations of space group operators for the eigen-wavefunctions at a certain k-point in a given space group, one can determine irreducible representations for them.
|
|
| 10. |
- Gao, Lihua, et al.
(author)
-
Interfacial phenomenon and Marangoni convection of Fe–C melt on coke substrate under in situ observation
- 2023
-
In: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Nature. - 2045-2322. ; 13:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The interfacial phenomenon between liqiuid iron and coke is important for determining the melting efficiency in the blast furnace iron-making process. In this study, the interaction observed in the case of the iron-carbon (Fe–C) melt on coke substrate was investigated using a high-temperature vacuum wettability test equipment. The Fe–C melt did not wet and spread on the coke substrate with different graphitization degrees (r 0) at a high temperature of 1450 °C. The contact angles changed from 124.5° to 105.3°, and the r 0 increased from 9.30 to 50.00%, thus indicating a nonwetting state. The deepening of graphitization decreased the contact angle. Thereby, increasing the contact area between liquid iron and the carbonaceous material, which facilitated carbon dissolution. The irregular movements of Fe–C melt were observed in situ during the wetting process. The horizontal force of the droplet caused by interfacial tension and the contact angle; the Marangoni convection owing to the gradient of carbon concentration; and the impulse force caused by the generation, aggregation, and release of SiO bubbles at the interface were attributed to the driving force.
|
|
