Long-term monitoring of blood biomarkers related to intrauterine growth restriction using AgNPs SERS tags-based lateral flow assay

Sensitive and accurate early detection of fetal growth restriction (FGR) is of vital importance in the development of the fetus during pregnancy and even the health of future life. Here, an ultrasensitive and straightforward surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based double targets detection in pregnancy is implemented by utilizing functionalized Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). Through fabricating 4-MPA antibody-modified AgNPs on the lateral flow assay (LFA) strips as the SERS nanotags, the target proteins in blood samples from pregnancy were accurately captured, which further quantizing PI3K and CRAF in unprocessed blood. This strategy warrant excellent selectivity and sensitivity with the limits of detection (LODs) are 0.76 fg mL^-1 for PI3K and 0.61 fg mL^-1 for CRAF, leading reliable quantification for these two targets. Meanwhile, the feasibility of this assembly was testified by comparing with conventional ELISA method, and the results showed that a high degree of consistency was obtained in these two detection assays. This SERS-colorimetric dual-signal LFA strip can provide a novel strategy for early diagnosis of fetal-related disorders, which is essential for disease diagnosis and treatment guidance during pregnancy.

SERS-based immunoassay based on gold nanostars modified with 5,5'-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid for determination of glial fibrillary acidic protein

A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based immunoassay with gold nanostars (GNSs) is utilized for determination of the subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) biomarker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) at very low concentration levels, which allows for early diagnosis and guides clinical decision-making to treat SAH-induced complications. The Raman reporter 5,5'-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) modified on GNSs was selected as the SERS tags. The SERS immunoassay was assembled by SERS tag and GFAP probe-immobilized ITO substrate. Therefore, the level of GFAP can be detected by monitoring the characteristic Raman peak intensity of GFAP-conjugated GNSs at 1332 cm^-1 with a very low detection limit. Under optimized conditions, the assay can work in the GFAP concentration range from 1 pg⋅mL^-1 to 1 μg⋅mL^-1, with a detection limit as low as 0.54 fg⋅mL^-1. The performance of the SERS immunoassay proven by the detection of GFAP is equivalent to that of the conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Scheme 1. Schematic illustration of GNSs SERS immunoassay for ultrasensitive dynamic change detection of GFAP. (SAH: Subarachnoid hemorrhage, SCF: Cerebrospinal fluid; GNSs: gold nanostars; SERS: surface-enhanced Raman scattering; GFAP: glial fibrillary acidic protein).

Integrative analysis of Iso-Seq and RNA-seq data reveals transcriptome complexity and differentially expressed transcripts in sheep tail fat

Background

Nowadays, both customers and producers prefer thin-tailed fat sheep. To effectively breed for this phenotype, it is important to identify candidate genes and uncover the genetic mechanism related to tail fat deposition in sheep. Accumulating evidence suggesting that post-transcriptional modification events of precursor-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA), including alternative splicing (AS) and alternative polyadenylation (APA), may regulate tail fat deposition in sheep. Differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) analysis is a way to identify candidate genes related to tail fat deposition. However, due to the technological limitation, post-transcriptional modification events in the tail fat of sheep and DETs between thin-tailed and fat-tailed sheep remains unclear.

Methods

In the present study, we applied pooled PacBio isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) to generate transcriptomic data of tail fat tissue from six sheep (three thin-tailed sheep and three fat-tailed sheep). By comparing with reference genome, potential gene loci and novel transcripts were identified. Post-transcriptional modification events, including AS and APA, and lncRNA in sheep tail fat were uncovered using pooled Iso-Seq data. Combining Iso-Seq data with six RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) data, DETs between thin- and fat-tailed sheep were identified. Protein protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were implemented to investigate the potential functions of DETs.

Results

In the present study, we revealed the transcriptomic complexity of the tail fat of sheep, result in 9,001 potential novel gene loci, 17,834 AS events, 5,791 APA events, and 3,764 lncRNAs. Combining Iso-Seq data with RNA-Seq data, we identified hundreds of DETs between thin- and fat-tailed sheep. Among them, 21 differentially expressed lncRNAs, such as ENSOART00020036299, ENSOART00020033641, ENSOART00020024562, ENSOART00020003848 and 9.53.1 may regulate tail fat deposition. Many novel transcripts were identified as DETs, including 15.527.13 (DGAT2), 13.624.23 (ACSS2), 11.689.28 (ACLY), 11.689.18 (ACLY), 11.689.14 (ACLY), 11.660.12 (ACLY), 22.289.6 (SCD), 22.289.3 (SCD) and 22.289.14 (SCD). Most of the identified DETs have been enriched in GO and KEGG pathways related to extracellular matrix (ECM). Our result revealed the transcriptome complexity and identified many candidate transcripts in tail fat, which could enhance the understanding of molecular mechanisms behind tail fat deposition.

Generative design of bioinspired wings based on deployable hindwings of Anomala Corpulenta Motschulsky

In view of the application prospect of the hindwing of Anomala Corpulenta Motschulsky in the field of foldable Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs), this paper investigated the morphology, macro/microstructure of the hindwing, and the nanomechanical properties of the wing veins and the wing membrane. It revealed the variation of nanohardness and elastic modulus between different veins and different positions of the same wing veins. This paper established a 3D coupling model of the hindwing based on the principle of coupling bionics. This paper presents a simulation analysis of the structural statics (uniform load distribution) and aerodynamics (under different attack angles, flight velocities, and flapping frequencies). Two 3D coupling models (HW-I and HW-II) of the hindwing were discussed the deformation and flight aerodynamic performance of Workbenches and Fluent. On that basis, the bionic wing was generatively designed, and a 3D bionic wing (BioW) model was established using the generative design method. Simulation analyses were performed through structural statics and aerodynamics. The results showed that the stress distribution was relatively uniform and that the overall displacement deformation was minimal for the BioW model. Moreover, the BioW model had better flight efficiency and aerodynamic performance.

[Value of abnormal expression of Krüppel-like zinc-finger protein transcription factor 5 in the diagnosis and prognosis of liver cancer]

Objective: To explore the value of Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5), a family member of the zinc finger protein transcription factor, in the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Cancerous and non-cancerous tissues were collected from 126 cases after HCC surgery by self-matching method with microarray fabrication. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression of KLF5, clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic value. The sera of 222 cases with chronic liver disease were collected and their KLF5 levels were quantitatively determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Simultaneously, 40 normal human sera were used as controls to evaluate the value of abnormal KLF5 in the diagnosis and differentiation of benign and malignant liver diseases. T-test, Z-test and χ (2) test were performed on the data. Results: The positive expression rate of KLF5 in the HCC group was 95.2% (120/126), which was significantly higher than the non-cancerous group 38.9% (49/126; χ (2) = 14.385, P < 0.001). KLF5 expression was significantly correlated with TNM stage (stage I 35%, stage II 40%, stage III 74.4%, stage IV 78.1%), tumor size, alpha fetoprotein (AFP) concentration, portal vein embolism, HBV infection and 5-year survival rate. Univariate/multivariate analysis showed that KLF5 high expression was an independent predictor of HCC prognosis. The serum KLF5 level was significantly higher in HCC patients than liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and normal control group (P < 0.001). With the serum KLF5 > 800 ng/ml and AFP > 25 μg/L as limit, the positive rates for HCC diagnosis were 90.48% and 73.81%, respectively, which were lower than the AFP specificity and false positive rate, and was helpful for the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant liver diseases. Conclusion: The overexpression of KLF5 in liver cancer tissues and blood is closely related to the HCC clinical stage and prognosis. Moreover, KLF5 analysis is helpful for HCC diagnosis and differential diagnosis.

[Determination of manganese in urine by direct dilution-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry]

Objective: To establish a direct dilution-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method for the determination of manganese in urine. Methods: Using 1% nitric acid solution as diluent, the urine dilution factor and internal standard elements were determined by single factor rotation experiment. The linear range, correlation coefficient, precision, accuracy and detection limit of the direct dilution-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the determination of manganese in urine were evaluated. Results: The linear range of this method was 0.0-20 μg/L, the correlation coefficient was 0.999 9, the detection limit was 0.02 μg/L, the recoveries were 84.65%-103.40%, the relative standard deviations were 0.26%-8.17%. Conclusion: This method has the advantages of simple operation, high sensitivity and low detection limit. It can be used for the determination of urine manganese at the same time with other elements. It is suitable for the determination of urine manganese in workers and ordinary people.

Spatial Scale Effect of a Typical Polarized Remote Sensor on Detecting Ground Objects

For polarized remote sensors, the polarization images of ground objects acquired at different spatial scales will be different due to the spatial heterogeneity of the ground object targets and the limitation of imaging resolution. In this paper, the quantitative inversion problem of a typical polarized remote sensor at different spatial scales was studied. Firstly, the surface roughness of coatings was inversed based on the polarized bidirectional reflectance distribution function (pBRDF) model according to their polarization images at different distances. A linear-mixed pixel model was used to make a preliminary correction of the spatial scale effect. Secondly, the super-resolution image reconstruction of the polarization imager was realized based on the projection onto convex sets (POCS) method. Then, images with different resolutions at a fixed distance were obtained by utilizing this super-resolution image reconstruction method and the optimal spatial scale under the scene can be acquired by using information entropy as an evaluation indicator. Finally, the experimental results showed that the roughness inversion of coatings has the highest accuracy in the optimal spatial scale. It has been proved that our proposed method can provide a reliable way to reduce the spatial effect of the polarized remote sensor and to improve the inversion accuracy.

Premature atrial complexes can predict atrial fibrillation in ischemic stroke patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Several studies have explored premature atrial complexes (PACs) as high-risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) in ischemic stroke patients; however, the results were controversial. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine whether PACs can predict AF in ischemic stroke patients.

METHODS

We comprehensively searched the published literature in PubMed, Embase, and Wiley-Cochrane library databases from inception through August 18, 2020. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed by the fixed-effect model or the random-effect model based on heterogeneity.

RESULTS

We identified 12 eligible studies including 2340 stroke patients with a mean age of 65.9 years. PACs were highly associated with AF occurrence in stroke (pooled OR: 4.16, 95% CI: 3.06-5.65) and cryptogenic stroke patients (pooled OR: 3.72, 95% CI: 2.66-5.20). Subgroup analysis showed PAC presence and frequent PACs were correlated with stroke in AF patients (pooled OR: 3.72, 95% CI: 1.65-8.36 and pooled OR: 5.12, 95% CI: 3.12-8.41, respectively). Frequent PACs were identified as the risks for asymptomatic AF (OR: 6.18, 95% CI: 3.23-11.83) and future AF occurrence (OR: 3.71, 95% CI: 2.62-5.26) in stroke patients. The definition of frequent PACs was inconsistent, and was >70 beats/24 h based on Holter monitoring.

CONCLUSIONS

PACs confer high risks for asymptomatic AF and future AF occurrence in stroke patients.

Improvement of the fabricated and application of aluminosilicate-based microfiltration membrane

Aluminosilicate composite materials are characterized by their low cost, nontoxicity and facilely shaped. Membrane prepared using aluminosilicate composites have the following disadvantages: large mean pore size and low mechanical strength. To address these limitations, flat microfiltration membranes were fabricated using SiO₂ powder and aluminosilicate composite as raw materials. The membrane performance was optimized by regulating the particle size of SiO₂, the ratio of SiO₂ to aluminosilicate composite (s/a), and the type of chemical admixture. The X-ray diffraction results indicated that the crystalline SiO₂ particles were favorable for the preparation of membranes with higher bending strengths. The decreasing particle sizes of SiO₂ (1.33-0.15 μm) decreased the pore size distribution. The bending strength of the membrane reduced with an increase in s/a, while was effectively enhanced by adding dissolved Na₂SiO₃. The optimized inorganic microfiltration membrane could also catalyze ozone to remove 100% of benzophenone-4 with an initial concentration of 10 mg L^-1 within 15 min, and TOC removal by 52.67%. This paper presents a revised method for preparing an inorganic microfiltration membrane, which is an increasingly promising material for water treatment because of its low cost, low energy consumption, and high catalytic performance.

Carbonyl Reductase 1 Attenuates Ischemic Brain Injury by Reducing Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation

Oxidative stress and neuroinflammatory response after the ischemic injury are important pathophysiologic mechanisms that cause brain tissue loss and neurological deficit. This study aims to observe the expression and role of carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1), an NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase with specificity for carbonyl compounds such as 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), in the brain after ischemic injury and to investigate the influence of CBR1 on ischemia-induced neuroinflammation. CBR1 expresses in the neurons, astrocyte, and microglia in the normal brain. The expression of CBR1 decreased in the ischemic regions following cerebral ischemia, and also reduced in primary neurons after OGD (oxygen-glucose deprivation); however, the expression of CBR1 significantly increased in microglia in the ischemic penumbra. Furthermore, TAT-CBR1 fusion protein played neuroprotective effects in reducing the infarct volume and improving neurological outcomes after ischemic injury. Mechanistically, CBR1 decreased the levels of 4-HNE in the brain after stroke; it also modulated microglial polarization toward the M2 phenotype, which was well-known to confer neuroprotection after ischemic injury. Our results demonstrate that CBR1 provides neuroprotection against ischemic injury by reducing oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, making a promising agent for cerebral ischemia treatment.

Flow Electrode Capacitive Deionization (FCDI): Recent Developments, Environmental Applications, and Future Perspectives

With the increasing severity of global water scarcity, a myriad of scientific activities is directed toward advancing brackish water desalination and wastewater remediation technologies. Flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI), a newly developed electrochemically driven ion removal approach combining ion-exchange membranes and flowable particle electrodes, has been actively explored over the past seven years, driven by the possibility of energy-efficient, sustainable, and fully continuous production of high-quality fresh water, as well as flexible management of the particle electrodes and concentrate stream. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of current advances of this interesting technology with particular attention given to FCDI principles, designs (including cell architecture and electrode and separator options), operational modes (including approaches to management of the flowable electrodes), characterizations and modeling, and environmental applications (including water desalination, resource recovery, and contaminant abatement). Furthermore, we introduce the definitions and performance metrics that should be used so that fair assessments and comparisons can be made between different systems and separation conditions. We then highlight the most pressing challenges (i.e., operation and capital cost, scale-up, and commercialization) in the full-scale application of this technology. We conclude this state-of-the-art review by considering the overall outlook of the technology and discussing areas requiring particular attention in the future.

Low-Dose IL-2 Treatment Affords Protection against Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Injury by Expanding Peripheral Regulatory T Cells

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is considered a devastating disease, leaving survivors with lifelong neurological impairment. With increased knowledge that regulatory T cells (Tregs) provide protection against stroke, novel agents which could expand Treg populations have been assessed in terms of the potential clinical neuroprotection effect. Using a rat SAH model, we investigated the number variation of Tregs induced by SAH and the protective effect of low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) treatment on the SAH model. We observed that the number of peripheral Tregs significantly decreased soon after SAH, accompanying with reactivity recovery after 3 days. Our results also revealed that low-dose IL-2 treatment not only elevated Tregs numbers but significantly reduced neuronal injury and improved neurological functions up to 21 days (d) after SAH. Furthermore, compared with PBS-treatment group, cerebral proinflammatory factors and peripheral neutrophils were significantly suppressed by low-dose IL-2 after SAH. Therefore, the results suggest that low-dose IL-2 treatment is a novel and clinically feasible immunotherapy to improve long-term outcomes after SAH, perhaps via up-regulating Treg population to suppress neuroinflammation induced by SAH.

Phosphate selective recovery by magnetic iron oxide impregnated carbon flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI)

The recovery of phosphorus (P) from wastewaters is a worthy goal considering the potential environmental and economic benefits. Flow-electrode capacitive deionization (FCDI), which employs flowable carbon electrodes instead of the static electrodes used in conventional CDI, has been demonstrated to be a promising P recovery technology. FCDI outperforms CDI and other competitive technologies in a number of aspects including (i) large salt adsorption capacity and (ii) extremely high water recovery rate. In this study, magnetic (Fe₃O₄ impregnated) activated carbon particles were prepared and applied as FCDI electrodes. The magnetic carbon electrodes were found to have a strong affinity towards P, facilitating the selective adsorption of P to the magnetic particles through a ligand exhange mechanism. Continuous operation of the FCDI system could be achieved with only three minutes required to separate the electrode particles from the brine stream on application of an external magnetic field. A P-rich stream was produced on regeneration of the exhausted magnetic electrodes using alkali solution. We envision that the use of magnetic carbon enhanced flow-electrodes will pave the way for efficient operation of FCDI as well as the preferential recovery of P.

[The relationship between premature atrial complexes and recurrence of atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis]

Objective: To explore the relationship between premature atrial complexes (PACs) and recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Published literature was searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, Weipu, China national knowledge infrastructure, Wanfang and China Biology Medicine disc up to 25 March 2020. RevMan5.3 software was used to analyzed the data and publication bias was performed by Stata 15.1. Results: A total of 8 studies were identified, including 1 252 AF patients with a mean age of 61.67 years, and male patients accounted for 70.6%. During follow-up, AF recurred in 425 cases. Meta-analysis showed that frequent PACs was an independent risk factor for recurrence of AF (HR=2.64, 95%CI:1.40-4.97). Subgroup analyses showed that PACs not only increasedthe risk of recurrence of AF after electrical cardioversion (HR=2.38, 95%CI:1.25-4.51), but also significantly increased the risk of recurrence of AF after catheter ablation cardioversion (HR=2.90, 95%CI:1.11-7.60). Conclusions: PACs is significantly associated with AF recurrence.

Ethyl pyruvate improves white matter remodeling in rats after traumatic brain injury

Background

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in long‐term neurological deficits associated with white matter injury (WMI). Ethyl pyruvate (EP) is a simple derivative of the endogenous energy substrate pyruvate with neuroprotective properties, but its role in recovery from WMI has not been explored.

Aims

This study examines the effect of EP treatment on rats following TBI using behavioral tests and white matter histological analysis up to 28 days post‐injury.

Materials and Methods

Anaesthetised adult rats were subjected to TBI by controlled cortical impact. After surgery, EP or Ringers solution (RS) was administrated intraperitoneally at 15 min after TBI and again at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 h after TBI. Sensorimotor deficits were evaluated up to day 21 after TBI by four independent tests. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to assess white matter injury. Microglia activation and related inflammatory molecules were examined up to day 14 after TBI by immunohistochemistry or real‐time PCR.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that EP improves sensorimotor function following TBI as well as improves white matter outcomes up to 28 d after TBI, as shown by reduced myelin loss. Furthermore, EP administration during the acute phase of TBI recovery shifted microglia polarization toward the anti‐inflammatoryM2 phenotype, modulating the release of inflammatory‐related factors.

Conclusion

EP treatment may protect TBI‐induced WMI via modulating microglia polarization toward M2.

[A novel mutation of SCN4A gene causes hypokalemic periodic paralysis in a Chinese family]

Objective: To report a Chinese family with hypokalemic periodic paralysis (HOKPP) and investigate the clinical and pathogenic gene characteristics of the family. Methods: The clinical, electrophysiological and pathological data of the proband of the family were analyzed, and the information of the family was investigated in detail. The peripheral venous blood of the six members of the family was collected and their genomic DNA was extracted. The genes related to periodic paralysis analysis of the proband were performed by the second generation sequencing. The pathogenicity of the mutant protein was respectively analyzed by the bioinformatics software SIFT, Polyphen2 and Mutation Tasker. The cosegregation analysis of phenotype and genotype of the family was performed by the first generation sequencing. Results: There were 3 patients in the family with the onset age of 21 to 42 years old. All the patients manifested with vomiting as the first symptoms, then presented with muscle weakness accompanied by muscle soreness. The muscle weakness gradually relieved in 3 to 5 days. Creatine kinase (CK) of the proband significantly increased. Electromyographic exercise test was positive, however, electromyography and muscle pathological analysis were normal. The genes related to periodic paralysis analysis of the proband found a novel mutation (c.2458A>T (p.N.820Y)) of SCN4A gene which was located in the conservative region. The function analysis showed it was a pathogenic mutation. Moreover, the first generation sequencing confirmed that the mutation was cosegregated with patients in the family. Meanwhile, it was found that the proband's son carried the same mutation, but without any symptom, indicating that he was a pre-symptomatic patient. Conclusions: Vomiting can be one of the symptoms of the patients with HOKPP. The novel mutation of SCN4A gene c.2458 A>T is the pathogenic mutation of the family. Patients with periodic paralysis should be tested for blood potassium and genes as early as possible to facilitate early diagnosis and genetic counseling.

[A survey on sexual needs and factors of HIV risky sexual behaviors among elderly men at different ages in two communities of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture]

Objective: To understand sexual needs and factors of risky sexual behaviors among elderly men at different ages in two communities of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture and provide basis for targeted HIV prevention and intervention. Methods: Two communities in the prefecture were selected as study sites. Questionnaire surveys were carried out among elderly men aged 50 and over who visited or consulted in the communities from June to December 2018, and they were tested for HIV and syphilis antibodies. Results: Among 400 elderly men, 209 (52.2%) were 50-64 years old, and 191(47.8%) were above 65 years old. They were mainly Miao people, accounting for 66.3% (265/400), and 235 (58.8%) had an education no more than 6 years. HIV awareness of the two age groups were only 25.8% (54/199) and 26.2% (50/191), respectively. Among those aged 50-64, 142 (68.0%) felt normal sexual desire, and 153 (73.6%) reported penile erections or erections in most cases whenever sex, and 52.9% (110) ejaculated most of the time. HIV prevalence was 1.0% (4/400). Compared with the over 65-year-old group, the proportion of having sex with spouse/stable partners (89.5%, 179/200), proportion of no condom use with their spouse/stable sexual partners during the most recent sex (93.8%, 168/179), proportion of having casual sex (11.0%, 23/209) and commercial sex (3.8%, 8/209) were all higher among 50-64 age group. In comparison to those aged over 65 years old, average monthly income>3 000, and use of sex helper, aged 50-64 (OR=2.70, 95%CI: 1.22-5.95), average monthly income ≤1 000 yuan (OR=2.79, 95%CI: 1.25-6.21), and no use of sex helper (OR=3.78) (95%CI: 1.65-8.67) were related factors of HIV risky sexual behavior last time. Conclusion: Elderly men in the minority prefecture had low HIV awareness. Compared with those≥65 years old, the 50-64 age group had more active sexual behaviors and higher sexual needs. Those from 50-64 age group, with lower economic level and good sexual ability were more likely to have HIV risky sexual behaviors.

Hierarchical core-shell heterostructures of ZnIn2S4 nanosheets on electrospun In2O3 nanofibers with highly enhanced photocatalytic activity

Well-designed heterostructure semiconductor photocatalysts can improve the activity of photocatalytic reactions. In this work, we constructed a series of hierarchical ZnIn₂S₄/In₂O₃ heterostructures by growing ultrathin two-dimensional ZnIn₂S₄ nanosheets onto one-dimensional In₂O₃ electrospun nanofibers and used them as photocatalysts for the efficient photoreduction of toxic Cr(VI). This structural design increased the specific surface area, promoted the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, and provided more active sites for the catalytic reactions. Under visible light irradiation, the optimized ZnIn₂S₄/In₂O₃ photocatalyst showed the highest photocatalytic performance with 100% reduction efficiency for Cr(VI) (50 mg/L) within 90 min, which is much higher than pure In₂O₃ and ZnIn₂S₄. Additionally, the recycling tests and X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization indicated the stability of the ZnIn₂S₄/In₂O₃ photocatalyst, making it a promising candidate for environmental remediation applications. Finally, the two active species (e^- and ·O₂^-) participating in the photoreduction process were determined via trapping experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Finally, a possible mechanism for the ZnIn₂S₄/In₂O₃ heterojunction photocatalytic system was carefully determined.