Zinc-dependent prothrombin activator from Rhabdophis tigrinus venom with extended substrate specificity.

Synergistic effect of dual additives enables dynamic regulation of zinc deposition for high-performance zinc-ion batteries.

To help assess patient safety risks associated with ongoing differences in total calcium assays following bias shifts, we performed spike-recovery experiments within our clinical chemistry external quality assessment (EQA) schemes to evaluate bias and recovery against a reference measurement procedure (RMP). Aqueous calcium chloride dihydrate was spiked (0.30/0.60 mmol/L; 1.20/2.40 mg/dL) into pooled human serum. Bias was assessed against RMP-assigned targets and recovery against added spikes. Minimum analytical performance specifications (APS) for standard measurement uncertainty (1.36%) defined acceptable bias/recovery. Commercially available analytical principles across analytical platforms did not achieve adequate bias against RMP-assigned targets and recovery against added spikes for total calcium in 3 EQA specimens. Roche Cobas (5-nitro-5'-methyl-1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid [NM-BAPTA]), Roche Cobas Pro (NM-BAPTA), and Beckman AU (Arsenazo III) methods exhibited better bias and long-term stability. The Abbott Alinity (Arsenazo III) method exhibited notable negative bias (-2.33% to -3.10%), apparently coinciding with the introduction of Abbott Calcium2. Negative bias was present to a lesser extent in the Abbott Architect (Arsenazo III). The Siemens Atellica (cresolphthalein complexone) assay exhibited notable proportional over recovery (110.2% to 112.0%). There was some positive bias in the Siemens Atellica (Arsenazo III) and QuidelOrtho (dry slide/sensor) methods. Differences across analytical principles/platforms and difficulties achieving minimum APS for total calcium were shown within our EQA schemes, notably negative bias for Abbott Alinity and Architect (Arsenazo III), over-recovery for Siemens Atellica (cresolphthalein complexone) and positive bias for Siemens Atellica (Arsenazo III). Understanding the impact on clinical decision-making and patient outcomes is imperative for managing any patient safety risks.

Through integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we systematically assessed the role of calcium signaling pathways in adaptation of eelgrass to high-salinity environments. Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis is a crucial metabolic pathway through which calcium signaling involves to salt adaptability of eelgrass. There is a close crosstalk between calcium signaling and nitric oxide in eelgrass. Zostera marina L. (eelgrass), a representative marine submerged angiosperm, exhibits unique traits for salt adaptation. In previous studies, we found that the calcium signaling pathway in eelgrass was activated under high salt conditions, but the specific role of it in adaptation of eelgrass to salt environments is still unclear. In this study, we utilized ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid to inhibit calcium signaling, thereby to find differentially expressed genes and differential accumulated metabolites in eelgrass. Through integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we systematically assessed the role of calcium signaling pathways in adaptation of eelgrass to high-salinity environments. Specifically, calcium signaling in roots adjusts homeostasis through cell wall regulation and plant hormone signaling pathways, contributing to osmotic regulation and antioxidant defenses; In stems, calcium signaling primarily mediates ion transport and osmotic regulation; In leaves, the antioxidant defense system would be activated as a compensatory mechanism to alleviate salt stress damage after inhibiting calcium signaling. Notably, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis is a crucial metabolic pathway through which calcium signaling is involved in salt adaptability of eelgrass. Additionally, there is a close crosstalk between calcium signaling and nitric oxide in eelgrass: calcium signaling regulates the expression of nitric oxide synthase, while nitric oxide also influences the expression of several calcium sensor proteins during calcium signaling transduction. These studies provide valuable insights into the role of calcium signaling in eelgrass, contributing to the understanding of the evolutionary processes of marine higher plants, and offering a theoretical foundation for the improved cultivation of salt-tolerant terrestrial crops.

Objective: Compare the preparation effects between quantitative smears of bone marrow aspirate anticoagulated with ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid dipotassium salt dihydrat (EDTA-K2) and traditional bedside direct smear and evaluate the clinical application value of the new dual-smear combined testing mode (combining peripheral blood smears with anticoagulated quantitative smears). Methods: A prospective study was conducted, including 180 bone marrow aspirate specimens collected from patients who underwent bone marrow puncture examinations at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, between January and June 2024. Both EDTA-K2 anticoagulated quantitative smears and bedside direct smears were prepared for each specimen. Based on the different preparation methods, the specimens were divided into an anticoagulated quantitative smear group(n=180) and a bedside direct smear group(n=180), and the differences in bone marrow cell morphology examinations between the two groups were compared. Using the RAND function in Excel, random numbers were generated for the 180 anticoagulated bone marrow aspirate specimens. These random numbers were then sorted in ascending order, and the first 10 EDTA-K2 anticoagulated bone marrow samples were selected. The impact of storage duration on cell morphology was evaluated after storage periods of 0, 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h, respectively. Additionally, the differences in clinical diagnostic concordance rates between the new dual-smear combined testing mode (combining peripheral blood smears with anticoagulated quantitative smears) and the traditional dual-smear combined testing mode (combining peripheral blood smears with bedside direct smears) were compared. Cohen's Kappa consistency analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic agreement between the new dual-slide combined detection model and the traditional dual-slide combined detection model. Results: The morphological quality score of the anticoagulated quantitative smear group was superior to that of the bedside direct smear group [(2.98±0.18) vs (2.58±0.80) points, P<0.001], but the bone marrow smear quality score was lower than that of the bedside direct smear group [(3.08±0.83) vs (3.54±0.76) points, P<0.001]. The proportions of hypercellular and markedly hypercellular smears, the percentage of granulocytic cells, the percentage of erythroid cells, and the total number of megakaryocytes per smear were lower in the anticoagulated quantitative smear group than in the bedside direct smear group, whereas the percentage of lymphocytes was higher. Preparing smears from anticoagulated bone marrow aspirate stored for≤4 h did not significantly affect cell morphology (the proportion of cells with morphological changes was<10% of the respective cell lineage). There were no statistically significant differences in diagnostic concordance rates between the new dual-smear combined testing mode and the traditional dual-smear combined testing mode for multiple myeloma and lymphoma [multiple myeloma: 72.8%(67/92) vs 68.5%(63/92), P=0.388; lymphoma: 72.1%(31/43) vs 69.8% (30/43), P=1.000]. Moreover, both modes demonstrated high diagnostic consistency for multiple myeloma and lymphoma (Kappa values of 0.686 and 0.718, respectively). Conclusions: The morphological quality of anticoagulated quantitative smears is superior to that of bedside direct smears, and it is recommended to prepare the smears within 4 h of bone marrow aspirate collection. The diagnostic concordance rates between the new dual-smear combined testing mode and the traditional dual-smear combined testing mode are similar, with high diagnostic consistency observed between the two modes.

Multiaspect layered double hydroxide nanohybrid counteracts pathophysiological cascade for ischemic stroke intervention.

Macrocyclic chelators are a development platform for new Gd-(III)-based contrast agents (GBCAs) for magnetic resonance imaging. Zwitterionic modification of these Gd-(III)-complexes has been reported to improve their solubility, relaxivity, and stability, resulting in enhanced imaging performance and safety due to lower doses and reduced in vivo retention. Herein, the synthesis of zwitterionic Gd-(III)-complexes based on 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N,N',N″,N‴-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) bearing sulfobetaine groups is reported. The sulfobetaine carbon spacer length (CSL) was varied, and the relaxivity of the complexes was evaluated at 1.4 and 7 T to assess the influence of charge separation on relaxivity. Measurements were performed in water and saline to probe potential salt effects of the different zwitterions. All GBCAs showed relatively high relaxivities compared to similar nonzwitterionic [Gd-(DOTA)]-derivatives. The highest value in water (r 1 = 8.33 ± 0.14 mm-1 s-1) was observed for 7b (CSL = two methylene groups). The impact of CSL on relaxivity in water was moderate. In saline, relaxivity decreased by 13.5-19.8% for compounds 7a, 7b, and 7d (CSL = 1, 2, and 4 methylene groups). Only derivative 7c (CSL = 3 methylene groups) had a slightly increased relaxivity in saline (+4.2%). These findings indicate that the CSL of sulfobetaine groups has only a minor effect on the relaxivity of Gd-(III) complexes in deionized water. However, it has a significant effect on relaxivity in saline and can thus influence the performance under physiological conditions as evaluated with a first in vivo application in mice. A CSL of three methylene groups is thus optimal for the design of zwitterionic GBCAs.

Mining activities in Chile generate massive amounts of tailings, creating significant environmental risks due to heavy metal contamination. Phytoremediation offers an eco-friendly solution, yet studies on native Chilean species are scarce. This study evaluates the effects of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) on the potential of the native Cistanthe grandiflora for the phytoremediation of copper mine tailings. A six-month pot experiment was conducted with four treatments: EDTA 300 mg·kg-1, EDTA 600 mg·kg-1, nZVI 500 mg·kg-1, and a control group without additions. The results indicate that Cistanthe grandiflora primarily acts as a phytostabilizer, accumulating higher metal concentrations in roots than in aerial parts. The application of EDTA significantly enhanced the Bioconcentration Factor for Cu, Ni, Pb, and Mo, increasing BCF values from 0.5 to 1.0 or more in several cases. Specifically, a lower dose of EDTA (300 mg·kg-1) successfully increased the Translocation Factor (TF) of cadmium to 1.3, suggesting a potential for phytoextraction for this element. Conversely, nZVI application showed a limited impact, slightly improving the Translocation factor for copper and chromium but without exceeding unity. These findings demonstrate that Cistanthe grandiflora, assisted by EDTA, is a promising candidate for the phytostabilization of heavy metals in mine tailings.

EDTA functionalized mesoporous silica (mSiO2-EDTA) for Ca2 + and Zn2+ rechargeable dental resin composites.

This study evaluated extraction efficiencies and investigated how the choice of extractant influenced contamination assessments. Soil samples were taken from areas impacted by auto mechanic, paint processing, and abattoir wastes and analyzed for Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, and V using three extractants: aqua regia (AR), nitric–perchloric acids (NP), and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Overall mean concentrations were computed from all samples collected at all waste disposal sites and control sites across depth intervals of 0–20, 20–60, and 60–80 cm. Mean Pb concentrations extracted with aqua regia (AR), nitric–perchloric acids (NP), and EDTA were 1534.0, 1419.0, and 1192.0 mg/kg, respectively. Similar trends were observed for Cd, Cr, Ni, and V, where aqua regia consistently yielded higher concentrations than nitric–perchloric acids and EDTA, reflecting the stronger digestion capability of aqua regia in releasing metals bound to resistant mineral phases. Results were compared with regulatory limits set by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Pb and Cd exceeded FAO limits in all methods (indicating severe soil degradation), Ni slightly exceeded in aqua regia, but was below the limits in NP and EDTA, while V and Cr remained below permissible limits in all extractions. Heavy metal concentration decreased with soil depth, indicating surface enrichment that heightens exposure risk for plants, humans, and soil organisms. The results indicate that reliance on strong-acid digestion extractants may overestimate health and ecological risks, while dependence on milder extractants may underestimate contamination levels and associated hazards. Using multiple extractants provides a more practical assessment of soil contamination.

BackgroundBeta thalassemia major is the most common monogenic mutation disorder in Indonesia, with steadily increasing frequency. However, there are limited studies regarding genetic distribution and its relationship with the patient’s clinical manifestation. This study aimed to identify the genetic mutation frequency and its association with the clinical phenotype pattern among β-thalassemia major patients in East Java, Indonesia.MethodsIn this observational study, we include subjects who have diagnosed with β-thalassemia previously through Hb electrophoresis. Demographic distribution with several ethnicities of Javanese, Sundanese, Chinese, Maduranese, and Batak was recorded. From each subject, a total of 6 mL of blood sample was collected and divided into two ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes for CBC and DNA extraction. DNA samples were analyzed by PCR and followed by Sanger sequencing.ResultsA total of 91 subjects were included in this study, with a median age of 22.25 ± 7.56 years old; consisting of 52 females and 39 males, with Javanese as the most common ethnicity. There are 22 types of mutation were identified through Sanger sequencing. The most common mutation was IVS-1-5/CD 26 and the CD 35/CD 26 observed in 36 (39.5%) and 19 (20.8%), respectively. While 9 subjects (9.8%) had no mutation detected. Several clinical phenotypes, including iron overload, short stature, severe anemia, and splenomegaly, were most prevalent among the two most common genetic mutations.ConclusionThere is variability in clinical phenotype in β-thalassemia observed in several types of genotype mutations. Among all the mutations found in East Java, the genotypes IVS-1-5/CD 26 and CD 35/CD 26 were the two most frequent genotypes. Those genotypes are linear with the severity of the phenotype in β-thalassemia, such as severe anemia, iron overload, short stature, and splenomegaly.

Physiologically relevant in vitro intestinal models are essential for studying key physiological processes, including barrier function, drug screening and gut-microbiota interactions. However, conventional 2D culture systems often fail to recapitulate structural and functional complexity. Here, we aimed to validate a 3D bioelectronic transmembrane platform, previously used for monitoring human intestinal epithelium and vascular endothelium, for modeling the rat small intestinal barrier in vitro. The device integrates a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) scaffold supporting co-cultures of rat intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) and rat fibroblasts (208F), enabling real-time monitoring of barrier formation through electrical measurements using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Barrier formation was monitored over 21 days and exhibited a time-dependent increase in barrier resistance. The 3D platform was compared with traditional 2D insert-based cultures and ex vivo rat tissue using an Ethylene Glycol Tetraacetic Acid (EGTA)-induced calcium switch assay to evaluate barrier disruption and recovery. EGTA treatment and removal induced reversible barrier disruption in the 3D in vitro and ex vivo models, whereas 2D in vitro cultures showed limited recovery. These findings demonstrate that the 3D platform more faithfully recapitulates native tissue architecture and function, closely paralleling ex vivo responses. Our study highlights the importance of validating advanced 3D in vitro models and establishes this bioelectronic platform as a robust tool for drug screening, barrier studies, and preclinical gastrointestinal research.

Enhanced oxygen reduction performances of Fe/Zn-N-C from zinc/ferric-coordinated ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and in-situ generated dual salts

Agrochemicals have been shown to affect non-target organisms and are often applied as mixtures of active ingredient and co-formulants. Although there is evidence that co-formulants play a role in these effects, their contribution has hardly been studied. Therefore, we studied effects of co-formulants on seed germination (percentage, time, synchrony) using a common anthelmintic formulation. The seeds of four species of temperate grasslands (Achillea ptarmica, Agrostis capillaris, Dianthus deltoides, Plantago lanceolata) were exposed to a commercial moxidectin formulation at a concentration of 10mgl-1 as well as three of its co-formulants: benzyl alcohol (BA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA-Na2). Results showed that the tested anthelmintic formulation as a whole and two of its co-formulants (BA, BHT) as individual substances significantly impacted germination behaviour of the test species. Formulation, BA and BHT significantly reduced germination percentage in all species compared to the control, with BA exerting the strongest effect (reduction up to 99%). The same three treatments significantly increased mean germination time in all species by a factor of two to four. Germination synchrony showed a weaker response and was only affected in two species (A. capillaris, D. deltoides) and only by BHT (reduction of 49% and 60%, respectively). The strong effects of BA and BHT on seed germination suggest that their contribution to effects of anthelmintic formulations is at least partly due to an independent impact. Therefore, co-formulants should be given greater consideration both in the design of ecotoxicological experiments and in environmental risk assessments.

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of coriander seed, turmeric powder, and black pepper on feed intake, growth performance, and economic efficiency in commercial broiler chickens. The experimental data were statistically analyzed following the procedures by using a Randomized Block Design (RBD). The study was carried out at the Poultry Unit of the Instructional Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, for six weeks, from May 1st to June 11th, 2016. Dry matter content of feed samples was determined by drying in a hot air oven at 100°C for 24 hours. Proximate analysis of representative feed samples was carried out using standard procedures. Blood samples were aseptically drawn from the wing vein and placed in containers with labels that contained the anticoagulant sodium ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (Na-EDTA). Using the Sahli's acid hematin method, the micro-hematocrit method for packed cell volume (PCV), and a hemocytometer for total erythrocyte count (TEC) and total leucocyte count (TLC), hemoglobin concentration was calculated. For biochemical analysis, blood samples were centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes to separate plasma, which was then stored at −20°C until further analysis. The results of the study revealed that dietary supplementation of coriander seed (2%), turmeric powder (2%), and black pepper (0.5%) significantly improved body weight gain and feed consumption in broiler chickens. Although feed conversion ratio (FCR) was numerically lower in the coriander seed and black pepper supplemented groups compared to the control and turmeric powder groups, the differences were statistically non-significant. Hematobiochemical parameters and carcass characteristics were not adversely affected by supplementation of coriander seed, turmeric powder, or black pepper in broiler diets. Economic analysis indicated that only the coriander seed and black pepper supplemented groups yielded positive returns over the control group.

This study aimed to compare the characteristics of laser-induced cavitation bubbles in different endodontic irrigants using a nanosecond neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser with far-field focused irradiation. The nanosecond pulsed Nd:YAG laser is known to generate cavitation bubbles in water through laser-induced optical breakdown; however, its effects on different endodontic irrigating solutions remain unclear. A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser was used to evaluate eight endodontic irrigants, including distilled water, normal saline (0.9% NaCl), 17% ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), and various sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solutions (0.5%, 1.0%, 3.0%, 5.25%). High-speed photography captured plasma and cavitation bubbles at 50 mJ/pulse and 30 mJ/pulse energy levels. The images of 10 consecutive bubbles were analyzed to assess bubble dynamics parameters, including diameter, area, duration, expansion velocity, and time to reach maximum dimensions. These parameters were statistically evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis H test and Mann-Whitney U test. Plasma generation occurred at both energy levels across all eight irrigants. The largest bubble diameter (4.83 mm) was recorded in 17% EDTA at 50 mJ/pulse, and the smallest (3.66 mm) was recorded in 0.5% NaOCl at 30 mJ/pulse. The highest bubble expansion velocity (19.31 mm/ms) was recorded in distilled water at 50 mJ/pulse, and the lowest (16.17 mm/ms) was recorded in 5.25% NaOCl at 50 mJ/pulse. The time to reach maximum bubble dimensions ranged from 0.17 ms to 0.24 ms. The nanosecond-pulsed Nd:YAG laser exhibited the ability to induce plasma formation and cavitation bubbles within the eight evaluated endodontic irrigants. This development establishes a fundamental basis for prospective applications in endodontic irrigation.

Introduction: Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common cause of nutritional deficiency anemia in the developing world, and complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common blood tests that is used to diagnose hematological abnormalities. Also, serum Ferritin is a more sensitive test used to evaluate and reflect iron status in the body. Tuberculosis is a major of a big health problem in the world, especially in Sudan. This study was done in Kosti teaching hospital from June to September 2018.Study design: Case-control study. Fifty patients infected with tuberculosis were selected as cases, and fifty normal persons (without TB) were matched as a control group. Methodology: 2.5 ml blood samples were taken in ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) treated tubes and were analyzed in the Mindray BC-3000 automated hematology analyzer. The Biosystem BTS-350 spectrophotometer protocol has been used for Ferritin measurement. ESR was read using the Westergren tube method.Results: The results showed highly significant differences in all hematological parameters in TB patients when compared with healthy person and the P value was 0.000 in all parameters, 0.01 in the Hb. Also, patients with normal and high serum Ferritin were detected (17 with normal value and 23 with a high serum Ferritin), and less than 10 cases of low serum Ferritin were those suffering from iron deficiency anemia. The ESR values of TB patients obtained in this study were significantly higher than control values.Conclusion: Most of the patients were anemic with low Hb and RBC indices. The study found a strong positive association of anemia without iron deficiency and TB (23 cases with high serum Ferritin and 10 cases with low serum Ferritin), suggesting that factors other than iron deficiency also contribute to the association of anemia with poor outcomes, which may be due to chronic infection.

Levodopa, which is usually used in combination with carbidopa, is the gold standard medication in relieving motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. There is substantial evidence showing the drugs' stability issues; hence, understanding kinetics and factors affecting drug degradation is of interest. This study highlighted the effects of antioxidants, heat, pH, buffer types, and illumination on the degradation of the two compounds in aqueous solutions. Experimental data showed that levodopa and carbidopa were stable at pH ≤ 5.5 and ≤ 3.0, respectively. Illumination, heat, and neutralized pH accelerated the degradation of the drugs. Carbidopa stability was enhanced when antioxidants (e.g. sodium thiosulfate, disodium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) were introduced. The two drugs accelerated the degradation of each other, whereas carbidopa was more susceptible to degradation than levodopa. The presence of levodopa increased carbidopa degradation rate constant by approximately 4 times and 2 times under light shielding and illumination, respectively.

Combining metabolomics and network pharmacology to clarify the mechanism of Angelica sinensis-Sophora flavescens pills in treating atopic dermatitis through the sweet-bitter harmonization theory.

Fruit ripening, cell wall composition, and calcium associations in cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) cultivars with contrasting firmness