Primary Marker Research Articles

Comparative assessment of urea, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen in male and female patients with different age groups of chronic kidney disease in Shaheed Benazir Abad, Sindh

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a heterogeneous disorder that affects the structure and function of the kidney. The primary biochemical markers for diagnosis and evaluating stages of CKD include urea (Ur), blood nitrogen urea (BUN), and creatinine (Cr). In this study, we investigate three biochemical parameters such as Ur, BUN, and Cr levels in CKD patients’ gender-vice with different age groups. Blood samples (n = 300) of males and females were collected from the Biochemistry Lab, Peoples University of Medical and Health Science, Shaheed Benazirabad during the 2023 year. Blood samples (5ml) were collected from the individuals through venipuncture and centrifuged for further analysis. Reagent 1 (2-Oxoglutarate ADP Urease GLDH and NADH) and Reagent 2 (tris), Reagent 1 (Picric acid) and Reagent 2 (Sodium hydroxide) were used for Ur and Cr analysis. Reagent A1 (Sodium salicylate, sodium nitroprusside, phosphate buffer) Reagent A2 (Urease) reagent B (Sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide) reagent S (Glucose/Urea/Creatinine standard) used for BUN. Four age groups were studied in our research for both genders. The highest positive coefficient correlation was shown by Ur and BUN with ‘r’=0.99 in this study. The statistical analysis showed a significantly higher average value of Ur, Cr, and BUN in males comparatively than in females with the age group of 61-80 years old. Whereas in the young age group (1-20 years old), female showed a significantly higher value than in the male sex group. Our study revealed a significant variation of Ur, Cr and BUN in male and female with different age groups, as male possessed higher muscle mass with increased dietary protein intakes than females. These biochemical markers aid in the proper assessment and are used for several routine analyses of CKD with different age groups of genders

Nano fraction of pesticide induces genotoxicity and oxidative stress-dependent reticulum stress.

The implementation of nanotechnology in different sectors has generated expectations as a new source of use due to the novel characteristics that it will bring. Particularly, nano pesticides promise to be more sustainable and less harmful to the ecosystem and human health; however, most studies continue to focus on their efficacy in the field, leaving aside the effect on humans. This project aimed to evaluate the genotoxic effect of a nano-encapsulated pesticide on bronchial epithelial cells (NL-20) in vitro and elucidate the mechanism through which they induce damage. The nano fraction (NF) of the pesticide Karate Zeon® 5 CS was characterized and isolated, and the uptake into the cell and the changes induced in the cellular ultrastructure were evaluated. In addition, the primary markers of oxidative stress, reticulum stress, and genotoxicity were assessed using the micronucleus test. A 700 nm fraction with a Z potential of -40 mV was obtained, whose main component is polyurea formaldehyde; this allows the capsules to enter the cell through macropinocytosis and clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Inside, they induce oxidative stress activating a reticulum stress response via the BIP protein and the IRE-1 sensor, triggering an inflammatory response. Likewise, stress reduces cell proliferation, increasinggenotoxic damage through micronuclei; however, this damage is mainly induced by direct contact of the capsules with the nucleus. This pioneering study uses a nanometric encapsulated commercial pesticide to evaluate the molecular mechanism of induced damage. It makes it the first step in analyzing whether these substances represent a contaminant or an emerging solution.

Dys-R Questionnaire: A Novel Screening Tool for Dysbiosis Linked to Impaired Gut Microbiota Richness.

Practical and affordable tools to screen intestinal dysbiosis are needed to support clinical decision making. Our study aimed to design a new subjective screening tool for the risk of intestinal dysbiosis from a previously described nonvalidated questionnaire (DYS/FQM) and based on subjective and objective data. A total of 219 individuals comprised the chronic diseases (CD; n = 167) and healthy control (HC; 52 subjects) groups. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, body composition, lifestyle, past history, intestinal health, and dietary data were collected. The gut microbiota (GM) profile was assessed from fecal samples using the 16S rRNA sequencing. Scores for the new tool (Dys-R Questionnaire) were assigned using discrete optimization techniques. The association between Dys-R scores and dysbiosis risk was assessed through correlation, simple linear models, sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values. We found significant differences in the Chao1 Index between CD and HC groups (adjusted p-value = 0.029), highlighting lower GM richness as the primary marker for intestinal dysbiosis. DYS/FQM showed poor performance in identifying poor GM richness. Dys-R exhibited a 42% sensitivity, 82% specificity, 79% positive predictive value (PPV), and 55% negative predictive value (NPV) to identify poor GM richness. The new Dys-R questionnaire showed good performance in ruling out dysbiosis.

B-152 Estimation of Creatinine Reference Interval (RI) by the Indirect Method using an Unsupervised Machine Learning Tool and R Programming Language

Abstract Background Creatinine is widely used in diagnostic medicine as a primary renal marker. Clinical laboratory measurement of serum creatinine is not standardized, and the RI varies slightly between different manufacturers. Roche brings as reference ranges 0.5–0.9 mg/DL for women and 0.7–1.2 mg/dL for men. After clinical manifestations of elevated female results without clinical correspondence, the laboratory proceeded with reevaluation of RI. Methods We retrospectively studied the creatinine results of the laboratory database of samples run from January to October 2022 in two different technical areas in Brazil (São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro). The laboratory platform was Roche® 502/702, Jaffe method to creatinine. The LabRI tool was used with parametric, non-parametric, and robust statistical treatments to exclude outliers and algorithms in the R Language and latent abnormal values of outpatient patients. The partitions proposed were gender (male and female), age (18–60 years old and over 60 years old). The proposed RI for verification were those proposed by Rosenfeld, LG et al in REV BRAS EPIDEMIOL 2019; 22 (SUPPL2):E190002.SUPL.2 - F: 0.5–0.9 and M: 0.7–1.2. Exclusion criteria were patients with urea >48.5 mg/dL, glycemia >200 mg/dL, 24 h proteinuria >150 mg/24 h, LDL > 130 mg/dL, uric acid > 130 mg/dL, anti-nucleus positive factor, as well as clinical data compatible with chronic renal failure or dialysis, hypertension and diabetes. Results After exclusion, retrieved 225 181 individuals 52% female. Between the different sites, the results of the partitions did not undergo significant changes. For women in both age partitions, the values did not vary significantly. For men, there was no significant variation in the lower limit of IR, and we had a variation of 0.20 (18–60: 0.69–1.31 and >60: 0.69–1.41) in the upper limit, mainly for the age partition >60 years old, below the 95% confidence interval of the proposed references. Conclusions The adoption of the Roche IR and the Brazilian article was approved for the female gender (0.5–0.9) with 118 100 individuals, and a new IR was defined for the male gender (0.7–1.2) with 107 081 adult individuals, including the elderly over 60 years old, for both genders.

Sputum from People with Cystic Fibrosis Reduces the Killing of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus by Neutrophils and Diminishes Phagosomal Production of Reactive Oxygen Species.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease is characterized by chronic polymicrobial infections and an infiltration of neutrophils (PMNs). Staphylococcus aureus has been the most prevalent respiratory pathogen in CF. In particular, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) represents a huge clinical burden in CF due to its association with lung disease and increased resistance to antibiotics. In CF, PMNs are unable to kill and clear MRSA. The reason for this remains largely unknown. Our study found that CF PMNs are as equally capable of killing MRSA as healthy PMNs. We show that the CF sputum, however, significantly impairs the ability of human PMNs to kill CF MRSA isolates. In the absence of CF sputum, PMNs kill MRSA via intracellular mechanisms mediated by phagocytosis, rather than extracellular mechanisms via NET formation. CF sputum does not affect the phagocytosis of MRSA via healthy or CF PMNs. Our results demonstrate that CF sputum exposure impairs phagosomal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MRSA-phagocytosing PMNs. While phagosomal co-localizations of MRSA with primary granule markers, myeloperoxidase and cathepsin D, were significantly reduced upon CF sputum exposure, that of a third azurophilic granule marker, neutrophil elastase, remained unaffected. This suggests that CF sputum does not compromise the fusion of primary granules with phagosomes but diminishes phagosomal ROS levels via another, likely more specific, mechanism. Overall, we identified the airway environment as an important factor that restricts neutrophils' oxidative microbicidal activities in CF against MRSA. These results deliver new details of the complex host-pathogen interactions present in the CF lung.

Identifying malnutrition in emergency general surgery: systematic review.

Emergency general surgery practice is high risk. Surgery is a key part of treatment, with resultant catabolic stress and frequent need for nutritional support. The aim of this study was to examine the current methods of defining and determining malnutrition in emergency general surgery. This included examining the use of nutrition screening and assessment tools and other measures of malnutrition. MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, trial registries, and relevant journals published between January 2000 and January 2022 were searched for studies of adult patients with any emergency general surgery diagnosis, managed conservatively or operatively, with an assessment of nutritional status. Mixed populations were included if more than 50 per cent of patients were emergency general surgery patients or emergency general surgery results could be separately extracted. Studies in which patients had received nutritional support were excluded. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42021285897). From 6700 studies screened, 324 full texts were retrieved and 31 were included in the analysis. A definition of malnutrition was provided in 23 studies (75 per cent), with nutritional status being determined by a variety of methods. A total of seven nutrition screening tools and a total of nine 'assessment' tools were reported. To define malnutrition, the most commonly used primary or secondary marker of nutritional status was BMI, followed by albumin level. Wide variation exists in approaches to identify malnutrition risk in emergency general surgery patients, using a range of tools and nutrition markers. Future studies should seek to standardize nutrition screening and assessment in the emergency general surgery setting as two discrete processes. This will permit better understanding of malnutrition risk in surgical patients.

The efficacy of GnRH agonist trigger followed by hCG add-back in normal responders for fresh embryo transfer: a case-control analysis from Vietnam

Aim: to assess the effects of a dual trigger by gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in women with normal ovarian response.Materials and Methods. This case-control analysis comprised 118 patients who responded normally to ovarian stimulation with a GnRH antagonist protocol at Hue Center for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Vietnam, between January 2018 and October 2019. Recruitment was achieved through case-control matching: a case (with Dual trigger – group A) was paired with control (with hCG trigger – group B) in a 1:1 ratio. The primary markers of success were the retrieval of oocytes and embryological data, the pregnancy rate, and the incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS).Results. 59 patients in group A and 59 women in group B were recruited. Two groups had comparable patient characteristics and ovarian reserve. The initial dose, total dose, duration of gonadotropin administration, and peak of estradiol level were not statistically different across groups. The number of recovered oocytes (10.3 ± 4.2 vs. 10.0 ± 3.3; p = 0.663), mature oocytes (8.6 ± 3.7 vs.8.1 ± 2.8; p = 0.346), and high-quality embryos (56.2 ± 28.9 vs. 59.8 ± 35.9; p = 0.555) was equivalent. Fertilization, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates were comparable between the dual trigger and hCG groups. In neither group were any occurrences of OHSS seen.Conclusion. Dual trigger may substitute hCG for final oocyte maturation and fresh embryo transfer in patients with normal responses to GnRH antagonist protocol-induced ovarian stimulation without compromising IVF outcomes.

350 Identifying Malnutrition in Emergency General Surgery (EGS): A Systematic Review

Abstract Aim Emergency general surgery (EGS) practice is high risk. Surgery is a key part of treatment, with resultant catabolic stress and frequent need for nutritional support. Aims of this study were to examine the current methods of defining and determining malnutrition in EGS. This included examining the use of nutrition screening and assessment tools, and other measures of malnutrition. Method Medline, Embase, CINAHL, trial registries and relevant journals published between January 2000 and January 2022 were searched for studies of adult patients with any EGS diagnosis, managed operatively or conservatively with an assessment of nutritional status. Mixed populations were included if more than 50% of patients were EGS or EGS results could be separately extracted. Studies whereby patients had received nutritional support were excluded. Results From 6,700 studies screened, 324 full texts were retrieved, and 31 were included in the analysis. A definition of malnutrition was provided in 75% (n = 23) of studies, with nutritional status being determined by a variety of methods. Seven nutrition screening tools and nine ‘assessment’ tools were reported. To define malnutrition, the most commonly used primary or secondary marker of nutritional status was body mass index followed by albumin level. Conclusions Wide variation exists in approaches to identify malnutrition risk in EGS patients, using a range of tools and nutrition markers. Future studies should seek to standardise nutrition screening and assessment in the EGS setting as two discrete processes. This will permit better understanding of malnutrition risk in surgical patients.

Two-Photon Fluorescent Probes for Amyloid-β Plaques Imaging In Vivo.

Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide deposition, hyperphosphorylated tau proteins, reactive astrocytes, high levels of metal ions, and upregulated monoamine oxidases are considered to be the primary pathological markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among them, Aβ peptide deposition or Aβ plaques, is regarded as the initial factor in the pathogenesis of AD and a critical pathological hallmark in AD. This review highlights recently Aβ-specific fluorescent probes for two-photon imaging of Aβ plaques in vivo. It includes the synthesis and detection mechanism of probes, as well as their application to two-photon imaging of Aβ plaques in vivo.

SP9.10 Identifying Malnutrition in Emergency General Surgery (EGS): A Systematic Review

Abstract Aims Emergency general surgery (EGS) practice is high risk. Surgery is a key part of treatment, with resultant catabolic stress and frequent need for nutritional support. Aims of this study were to examine the current methods of defining and determining malnutrition in EGS. This included examining the use of nutrition screening and assessment tools, and other measures of malnutrition. Methods Medline, Embase, CINAHL, trial registries and relevant journals published between January 2000 and January 2022 were searched for studies of adult patients with any EGS diagnosis, managed operatively or conservatively with an assessment of nutritional status. Mixed populations were included if more than 50% of patients were EGS or EGS results could be separately extracted. Studies whereby patients had received nutritional support were excluded. Results From 6,700 studies screened, 324 full texts were retrieved, and 31 were included in the analysis. A definition of malnutrition was provided in 75% (n = 23) of studies, with nutritional status being determined by a variety of methods. Seven nutrition screening tools and nine ‘assessment’ tools were reported. To define malnutrition, the most commonly used primary or secondary marker of nutritional status was body mass index followed by albumin level. Conclusions Wide variation exists in approaches to identify malnutrition risk in EGS patients, using a range of tools and nutrition markers. Future studies should seek to standardise nutrition screening and assessment in the EGS setting as two discrete processes. This will permit better understanding of malnutrition risk in surgical patients.

Quality Evaluation of Bioactive Ingredients in Lianhua Qingwen Capsule Based on Quantitative Analysis of Multicomponent by the Single Marker Method and the Chemical Recognition Patterns Method

Based on high performance liquid chromatography with the diode array detector (HPLC-DAD), a new strategy for simultaneous determination of ten bioactive ingredients in Lianhua Qingwen capsule (LHQW) was developed for comprehensive quality assessment of LHQW. In this work, with rhein regarded as the internal reference substance (IRS), the relative correction factors (RCFs) of neochlorogenic acid, amygdalin, chlorogenic acid, forsythoside A, quercitrin, phillyin, glycyrrhizic acid, isoforsythiaside, and (+) pinoresinol-β-D-glucoside were calculated for simultaneous determination of ten bioactive ingredients. More importantly, compared to previous work, the simultaneous determination of the content of ten pharmacologically important active ingredients at one detection wavelength with only one reference substance has been achieved. Based on the contents of ten bioactive ingredients, the quality of the 20 batches of LHQW samples was further analyzed by chemical recognition patterns method. Ten bioactive ingredients showed a good linear relationship in their respective concentration ranges (r ≥ 0.999). The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of precision (≤4.62%), stability (≤4.04%), repeatability (≤3.87%), and the average recovery of ten bioactive components (99.8%∼104.1%) demonstrated the QAMS developed for LHQW which had good durability. The correlation coefficient ( P > 0.05 ) showed that no significant difference existed in the results of QAMS and external standard method (ESM). Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) divided samples into three main groups. Radar plot analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) found some quality differences existed between the three groups of samples. Orthogonal partial least-squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) showed that forsythoside A could be used as the primary marker responsible for the quality differences. In conclusion, the established QAMS method combined with chemometric analysis can simultaneously determine the content of 10 active components and comprehensively evaluate the quality of different batches of LHQW. It can provide scientific basis and reference of quality consistency evaluation for the formulation manufacturers and drug regulatory authorities.

Identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by SPME-GC-MS to detect Aspergillus flavus infection in pistachios

Aflatoxin contamination poses a serious problem for the pistachio industry as aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most harmful aflatoxin, can be produced by some species of the Aspergillus and Penicillium. Like any other living organism, Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) releases specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as a result of its metabolic reactions. In this study, we extracted and analyzed the VOCs produced by toxigenic A. flavus using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The study was conducted on culture media and pistachio inoculated samples over a period of 16 days to observe the production of VOCs and aflatoxin over time. Various chemicals from different classes (such as organic acids, alcohols, ketones, and hydrocarbons) were detected during the growth of A. flavus on pistachios. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering was performed on the GC-MS spectra to identify VOCs corresponding to AFB1. We have identified ten VOCs with the potential to function as biomarkers for monitoring the growth of A. flavus NRRL 3357 on in-shell pistachios, and α,β-dimethylbenzenepropanoic acid was identified as the primary early marker for detecting A. flavus infection in pistachios.

Novel green emanating Sr6Al4Y2O15:Er3+ nanophosphor for thermal sensing, data security and personal identification

A novel Er3+ activated Sr6Al4Y2O15 (SAYO:Er) (1–5 mol %) green emitting nanophosphors (NPs) were fabricated. Prepared samples were confirmed for their nanoregime using the advanced characterization techniques. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra showed the strongest peak identified at 564 nm with 4S3/2→4I15/2, which is responsible for the intense green colour. A new fluorescence-based platform has been set up to visualize latent fingerprints (LFPs) and latent lip prints (LLPs). With the exposure to ultraviolet light of wavelength of 375 nm, the level -III ridge features which are generally difficult to observe on various surfaces, LFPs can be observed for longer period due to the dual nature of binding specificity and excellent fluorescence properties. Also the LFPs were resulted in higher contrast, high sensitivity and no background interference. For the first time, the latest versions of YOLOv8x program is used for to study the Level-I and Level-II features are readily visible in the enlarged and minute FP. Thrombosis is considered as a major threat to the society as it leads to death and disability. Despite a number of risk factors, oxidative stress may appear to be the primary marker of thrombosis. Therefore, SAYO:Er is analyzed for its ameliorating effect on oxidative stress and thrombosis. Interestingly, SAYO:Er showed antioxidant property by scavenging the DPPH. In addition, SAYO:Er inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP. Overall, the findings made it often evident that SAYO:Er NPs provide a novel approach to advanced technology inmedical and forensic applications.

Hidden Dynamics of Religion and Human Rights in Central and Eastern Europe

The relationship between human rights and religion cannot be seen as a relationship between two entirely distinct sets of values Human rights are deeply rooted in the Judeo-Christian religious tradition. However, throughout history religious institutions have interpreted human rights differently and have supported or hindered their implementation. This paper discusses the relationship between human rights and religion in the social and cultural matrix of post-communist Central and Eastern Europe. Our statistical analysis focuses on Hungary as an example of the region. In our view, the variations in the relationship between human rights and religion in Central and Eastern Europe are primarily determined by the region’s wounded collective identity and the resulting overriding national and state security needs. Politically and culturally, the region is characterized by its betweenness, embodied in centuries of vulnerability to the great powers. Therefore, the social status and political discourse of human rights and religion should be tied to this primary regional marker. While examining the relationship between religion and human rights, we should be aware that the primary relationship is between human rights and the collective identity of the nation-state and between religion and the identity of the nation-state.

High-resolution conodont unitary association zonations (UAZs) across the Induan-Olenekian boundary (Lower Triassic): A global correlation

A precise global timescale for the Lower Triassic Series is essential to understand the sequence of events following the end-Permian mass extinction. A crucial step toward providing the necessary high-resolution chronostratigraphic framework for this interval is the final resolution of a long debated Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the Induan-Olenekian boundary (IOB; Lower Triassic). Lower Triassic conodont biostratigraphy has been studied around the world in the past decades, with significant recent progress in the recognition of evolutionary lineages and new collections leading to a refined definition of the IOB. The worldwide distribution of Novispathodus waageni sensu lato has been proposed as the marker defining the IOB. This study recognized 15 or 9 unitary associations across the IOB interval worldwide depending on the taxa and sections that are utilized. The first analysis comprises 37 conodont species from 31 globally representative sections distributed around circum-Paleotethys and Panthalassic oceans, including South China, West Pakistan, northern India, North America and others. This analysis resulted in 15 unitary associations with the probable IOB being calibrated within UAZ-2. A second analysis involved only 31 taxa from 31 sections with species of four genera (Borinella, Scythogondolella, Paulella and Wapitiodus) removed. This analysis therefore was dominated by species of Neospathodus and Novispathodus that have wide distribution and normally are applied to define the IOB; this analysis only yielded 10 unitary associations with UAZ-2 including species normally considered for defining the IOB. Unitary association analyses are deterministic, providing a single result for a given dataset, but are also very conservative by defining zones based on maximal associations of taxa rather than taxonomic events. As such they cannot define a GSSP, although they can constrain a GSSP-bearing interval. Two sections are currently considered as the candidates for the base-Olenekian GSSP, including the West Pingdingshan section of Chaohu area, Anhui Province, South China and the Mud section near Spiti, northern India. This unitary association analysis indicates that the West Pingdingshan section is the most complete and reproducible site for the GSSP of the IOB based on the first appearances of Eurygnathodus costatus, Neospathodus posterolongatus, Novispathodus waageni eowaageni, and Nv. waageni waageni. They all co-occur in UAZ-2, which is calibrated to a 5 m interval from Beds 23–4 to 25–30 at the West Pingdingshan section, in which the primary markers Nv. waageni eowaageni and Nv. waageni waageni do not appear until upper Bed 24 and lower Bed 25. The same UAZ is confined to Beds 12b to 14a in the Mud section. In addition, two new species: Neospathodus yangtzeensis sp. nov. and Novispathodus shani sp. nov. are described, which will significantly refine the conodont zonations of early-middle Smithian and help to constrain the IOB interval. Owing to global distribution, the well-documented Ns. posterolongatus may serve as an auxiliary marker for the IOB by its first occurrence (FO), and Eurygnathodus costatus approximates the IOB in shallow-water settings.

Evolution and chemical characteristics of organic aerosols during wintertime PM2.5 episodes in Shanghai, China: insights gained from online measurements of organic molecular markers

Abstract. Organic aerosol (OA) is a significant part of urban fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and a lack of detailed knowledge of their sources has increasingly hindered the improvement of air quality in China in recent years, as significant reductions have been achieved in inorganic ion constituents. In this study, a wide range of organic molecular markers in PM2.5 were monitored with a bi-hourly time resolution using a thermal desorption aerosol gas chromatograph system (TAG) in urban Shanghai in winter 2019. The molecular marker data have provided a unique source tracking ability in characterizing the evolution of organic aerosols during nine wintertime episodic events. Episodes primarily influenced by local air masses were characterized with higher proportions in PM2.5 and mass increments of both primary and secondary OA. Rapid increases in both the absolute mass concentration and relative proportion were observed for primary and secondary OA markers, indicative of vehicle emissions (e.g., alkanes, hopanes, and 2,3-dihydroxy-4-oxopentanoic acid) and cooking activities (e.g., saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and C9 acids). In comparison, episodes under significant influences of transported air mass were typically associated with a predominant PM2.5 contribution from secondary inorganic aerosols and enhanced OA contribution from biomass burning activities. The latter was evident from the tracer data (e.g., levoglucosan, aromatic polycarboxylic acids, and nitroaromatic compounds). Secondary OA markers associated with later-generation products of the hydrocarbon oxidation process, such as C3−5 dicarboxylic acids, were the most deficient during local episodes, while notably enhanced during the episodes under the influence of transported air masses, reflecting the different extent and pathways of atmospheric aging processing. The ability to distinguish the variations in the OA evolution during different types of episodes demonstrates the value of online organic molecular measurements for episodic analysis. The results indicate that control of local urban sources such as vehicular and cooking emissions would lessen severity of local episodes, while regional control of precursors for secondary inorganic aerosols and biomass burning activities would reduce PM2.5 episodes under synoptic conditions conducive for regional transport.

Chemical Characteristics and Source Apportionment of Organic Aerosols in Urban Shanghai During Cold Season Based on High Time-resolution Measurements of Organic Molecular Markers

Organic aerosols (OA) are closely related to the formation of both PM2.5 and O3 in the atmosphere. In this study, a thermal desorption aerosol GC/MS (TAG) online system was adopted to measure hourly concentrations of 94 total organic molecular markers in PM2.5 at an urban site in Shanghai from November 6th to December 31st, 2021. Combined with air mass cluster analysis and other online measurement data, the chemical characteristics of OA under the influence of different air masses, oxidant levels, and relative humidity (RH) levels were investigated. The results showed that OA was characterized by higher mass percentages of primary organic molecular markers (e.g., saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and alkanes) under the influence of local air masses. Further, high loadings of biomass burning tracers were observed in OA under the influence of long-range transported air masses. In contrast, OA impacted by marine air masses was laden with significantly higher fractions of secondary organic molecular markers, such as dicarboxylic acids and hydroxyl dicarboxylic acids, which were formed from a wide range of volatile organic precursors through photochemical and aqueous-phase processing. With the application of the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, seven total primary source factors and five secondary source factors were resolved for PM2.5 and OA during the observation. Among them, secondary nitrate was the highest contributor to PM2.5 mass with a mass percentage of 25.2%, whereas vehicle emissions were the top contributor (24.0%) to OA mass. Primary source factors, including coal combustion, vehicle emission, and cooking emission as well as their corresponding secondary source factors (e.g., secondary nitrate, secondary organic aerosols 2, etc.) showed elevated contributions in PM2.5 and OA with the increase in PM2.5 masses, indicating that more stringent controls of local emission sources (e.g., coal combustion, vehicle emission, and cooking emission) are needed to further lower PM2.5 pollution and improve air quality in Shanghai.

Pharmacogenomics and the Concept of Personalized Medicine for the Management of Hypertension

Pharmacogenomics and the Concept of Personalized Medicine for the Management of Hypertension

Integration of Untargeted Metabolomics and Object-Oriented Data-Processing Protocols to Characterize Acerola Powder Composition as Functional Food Ingredient.

Acerola powder has been experiencing a surge in demand as a functional food ingredient, particularly due to its usage in vitamin C supplements. However, limited research has been conducted on its other bioactive compounds. In this study, we employed metabolomics and object-oriented data-processing protocols to comprehensively characterize acerola powder. To ensure maximum coverage of metabolomics, we selected a 50% methanol aqueous solution as the extraction solvent and utilized the HSS T3 column for chromatography analysis. Through this approach, we successfully identified a total of 175 compounds in acerola powder, encompassing amino acids and peptides, polyphenols, organic acids, and various other compounds. Additionally, we measured the total phenolic content (TPC) and assessed the antioxidant activity of acerola powder. Furthermore, we analyzed the differential composition of acerola fruit and juice powder, identifying polyphenols and lipids as primary markers in fruit powder, while peptides emerged as key markers in juice powder. Notably, two specific peptides, Thr-Trp and Val-Tyr, were identified as antioxidant peptides. Overall, our study provides novel composition data for acerola powder, shedding light on its potential as a functional food ingredient. These findings contribute to the development and utilization of acerola powder in the formulation of functional food products.

200-OR: Role of Insulin-Degrading Enzyme (IDE) in the Tubulin–Primary Cilium Axis to Regulate Glucagon Secretion

Hyperglucagonemia is a hallmark of T2D, although molecular mechanisms underlying glucagon secretion dysregulation are poorly understood. We have recently reported that genetic ablation of IDE in α-cells (A-IDE-KO mouse) leads to constitutive glucagon secretion, hypertrophy, hyperplasia and increased proliferation. αTC1.9-KD-IDE cells (~30% IDE-knock-down) displayed reduced tubulin and acetylated-α-tubulin protein levels, impaired primary cilium and increased proliferation. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the role of IDE in α-cells tubulin network and ciliogenesis, and how this axis may be part of the glucagon secretion machinery. We have studied by western-blot IDE, tubulin, acetylated-α-tubulin and Arl13b (primary cilium marker) levels in αTC1.9 cells under low- and high-glucose conditions. We have found that high-glucose lowers IDE protein levels by 50% compared to low-glucose conditions, leading to a similar decrease in tubulin, acetylated-α-tubulin and Arl13b protein levels. These findings agree with our previous results using αTC1.9-KD-IDE cells, suggesting a relevant role of IDE in microtubule dynamics to control glucagon granules exocytosis. On the other hand, αTC1.9-KD-Arl13b cells (~70% Arl13b-knock-down) were used as a model of impaired ciliogenesis, showing 50% decrease in tubulin, and dysregulated glucagon secretion, mimicking αTC1.9-KD-IDE cells phenotype. In parallel, insulin-mediated inhibition of glucagon secretion is lost and insulin receptor protein levels were decreased by 40% in both, αTC1.9-KD-IDE and αTC1.9-KD-Arl13b cells, showing the relevance of IDE and primary cilium in the paracrine regulation of α-cells. Furthermore, these results have been reproduced in A-IDE-KO mice isolated islets. In conclusion, our results show that IDE-tubulin-primary cilium axis is regulated during glucose-stimulated glucagon secretion, this axis is also required for the paracrine action of insulin on α-cells to inhibit glucagon secretion. Disclosure E.Casanueva-alvarez: None. A.Sanz-gonzález: None. B.Merino: None. G.Perdomo: None. I.Cozar-castellano: None. Funding Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación-Spain (PID2019-110496RB-C21)