A facile dual-mode immunosensor based on speckle Ag-doped nanohybrids for ultrasensitive detection of Ochratoxin A

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a potent carcinogen, and is among the most dangerous mycotoxins in agricultural products. In this study, an ultrasensitive dual-mode immunosensor was developed for naked-eye and fluorescence detection of OTA based on Ag-doped core-shell nanohybrids (Ag@CSNH). Complete antigen-labeled Ag@CSNH (CA-Ag@CSNH) were used as a competitive bind and dual-mode probe. The diffused doping structure of CA-Ag@CSNH provided improved stability, color and fluorescence quencher performance. Antibodies modified magnetic beads were used as a capture probe. The competitive binding between OTA and CA-Ag@CSNH produced both color change and fluorescence quenching. Ultraviolet and fluorescence intensitie correlated linearly with OTA concentration ranges of 0.03-3 ng/mL and 10-10000 pg/mL, and limits of detection of 0.0235 ng/mL and 0.9921 pg/mL, respectively. The practical applicability of proposed strategy was demonstrated by analysis of OTA in spiked corn, soybean and flour samples. This study offers a new insight on multi-mode platforms for various applications.

Carboxyl-functionalized two-dimensional MXene-Au nanocomposites were prepared as SERS substrates for the detection of melamine in dairy products

In the present study, we address the limitations of conventional surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) techniques for sensitive and stable detection of melamine in food products, especially dairy. To overcome these challenges, we developed a novel SERS-active substrate by incorporating gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) onto carboxyl-functionalized two-dimensional (2D) MXene material doped with nitrides, specifically Au-Ti2N-COOH. Our strategy leverages the unique physicochemical properties of MXene, a class of atomically thin, 2D transition metal carbides/nitrides, with tunable surface functionalities. By modifying the MXene surface with AuNPs and introducing carboxyl groups (-COOH), we successfully enhanced the interaction between the substrate and melamine molecules. The carboxyl groups form hydrogen bonds with the amino groups on the melamine's triazine ring, facilitating the adsorption of melamine molecules within the 'hotspot' regions responsible for SERS signal amplification. A series of characterization methods were used to confirm the successful synthesis of Au-Ti2N-COOH composites.Using Au-Ti2N-COOH as the SERS substrate, we detected melamine in spiked dairy product samples with significantly enhanced sensitivity and stability compared to nitride-doped MXene alone. The detection limit in liquid milk stands at 3.7008 μg kg-1, with spike recovery rates ranging from 99.84% to 107.55% and an approximate RSD of 5%. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach in designing a label-free, rapid, and robust SERS platform for the accurate quantitation of melamine contamination in food, thereby mitigating health risks associated with melamine adulteration.

A comparative study of INSM1 (clone MRQ70) immunoreactivity on CytoLyt® pretreated cytology and resection specimens of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

INTRODUCTION

Insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM1) is a newly characterized sensitive and specific immunohistochemical marker for neuroendocrine (NE) tumors. Whereas more traditional NE markers, such as chromogranin A and synaptophysin, are cytoplasmic, INSM1 is uniquely nuclear and thus could serve as a useful addition to NE tumor workup. While application of immunohistochemical studies to cytology specimens is becoming increasingly relevant, knowledge of the effects of the certain fixatives as well as the pattern and intensity of immunoexpression are important considerations.

METHODS

Sixteen cases of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PanNET) diagnosed between 2015 and 2021 underwent both fine-needle aspiration, which was subsequently prepared in CytoLyt®-fixed cytology cell block (CCB), and surgical resection, in which specimens were prepared into formalin-fixed paraffin embedded blocks (FFPE). For all samples, INSM1 immunoreactivity was classified according to staining intensity and extent, then compared between CCBs and matched FFPEs.

RESULTS

All 16 FFPE specimens demonstrated strong and diffuse INSM1 immunoreactivity, while only 10/16 (62.5%) CCBs were positive. Of those 10, only 2/10 (20%) demonstrated strong and diffuse reactivity.

CONCLUSION

The choice of fixative has a demonstrable effect on the immunoreactivity of INSM1 in PanNET. Even though the sensitivity is lower in CytoLyt®-fixed cell block specimens, the addition of INSM1 is useful, especially in challenging cases that may be negative for one or more of the traditional NE markers.

Rapid detection of melamine by DNA Walker mediated SERS sensing technique based on signal amplification function

A new method is proposed for detecting typical melamine dopants in food using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensing technology. Melamine specific aptamer was used as the identification probe, and gold magnets (AuNPs@MNPs) and small gold nanoparticles (AuNPs@MBA) were used as the basis for Raman detection. The Raman signal of the detection system can directly detect melamine quantitatively. Under optimized conditions, the detection of melamine was carried out in the low concentration range of 0.001-500 mg/kg, the enhancement factor (EF) was 2.3 × 107, and the detection limit was 0.001 mg/kg. The method is sensitive and rapid, and can be used for the rapid detection of melamine in the field environment.

MOF-on-MOF heterostructure boosting AIE sensing and triggered structural collapse for histamine detection

We explored a novel preparation method for MOF-on-MOF heterostructured material (Zn-BTEC@ZIF-8). This prepared heterostructured material acts as a container, capable of adsorbing tetracycline hydrochloride molecules into its backbone through hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions. This phenomenon triggers an aggregation induced emission (AIE) effect, leading to the formation of luminescent bodies. The coordination between histamine and MOF was found to collapse the originally stabilized MOF-on-MOF structure. This collapse causes the splitting of the initially stabilized MOF-on-MOF structure from the aggregated state into fragments, resulting in the quenching of fluorescence in the fluorophore. Remarkably, the fluorescence quenching efficiency of this composite surpasses that of single-layer metal-organic framework (MOF) zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) or zinc-based MOF of pyromellitic acid (Zn-BTEC), enabling more sensitive detection of histamine. In this investigation, we constructed a label-free fluorescent sensor specifically designed for the detection of histamine, capitalizing on the AIE effect inherent in MOF-on-MOF architecture and the presence of tetracycline hydrochloride (Tet). The sensor demonstrates a rapid, straightforward, and stable response, allowing for histamine detection within 20 min. Notably, the sensor covers a detection range of 2-400 mg L-1, achieving a low detection limit of 1.458 mg L-1 The practical application of this sensor for quantitative detection of histamine in river water and various fish species exhibited robust performance, ensuring reliability and accuracy in real samples. Its potential application in food safety and environmental monitoring is evident, making it a valuable tool for addressing histamine-related challenges in these domains.

Multisignal Biosensors Based on Mn Paramagnetic Relaxation and Nanocatalysis for Norovirus Detection

A multisignal method for the sensitive detection of norovirus based on Mn paramagnetic relaxation and nanocatalysis was developed. This dual-modality sensing platform was based on the strong relaxation generated by cracked Au@MnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and their intrinsic enzyme-like activity. Ascorbic acid rapidly cracked the MnO2 layer of Au@MnO2 NPs to release Mn(II), resulting in the relaxation modality being in a "switch-on" state. Under the optimal conditions, the relaxation modality exhibited a wide working range (6.02 × 103-3.01 × 107 copies/μL) and a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.29 × 103 copies/μL. Using 4,4',4″,4″'-(porphine-5,10,15,20-tetrayl) tetrakis (benzenesulfonic acid) (tpps)-β-cyclodextrin (tpps-β-CD) as a T1 relaxation signal amplification reagent, a lower LOD was obtained. The colorimetric modality exploited the "peroxidase/oxidase-like" activity of Au@MnO2 NPs, which catalyzed the oxidation of colorless 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue oxidized TMB, which exhibited a working range (6.02 × 104-6.02 × 106 copies/μL) and an LOD of 2.6 × 104 copies/μL. In addition, the rapid amplification reaction of recombinase polymerase enabled the detection of low norovirus levels in food samples and obtained a working range of 101-106 copies/mL and LOD of 101 copies/mL (relaxation modality). The accuracy of the sensor in the analysis of spiked samples was consistent with that of the real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, demonstrating the high accuracy and practical utility of the sensor.

Ni-Pt nanozyme-mediated relaxation and colorimetric sensor for dual-modality detection of norovirus

An NiPt nanozyme-mediated relaxation and colorimetric sensor is developed for dual-modality detection of norovirus (NoV). The relaxation modality is based on the "catalase-like" activity of the NiPt nanozyme, which adjusts the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) mediated Fe (II)/Fe(III) conversion, thereby changing the relaxation signal. Poly-γ-glutamic acid (MW ≈ 1w) can enhance the relaxivity of Fe(III) (r1 = 7.11 mM-1 s-1; r2 = 8.94 mM-1 s-1). The colorimetric modality exploits the "peroxidase-like" activity of the NiPt nanozyme, which can catalyze the oxidation of colorless 3, 3', 5, 5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to blue oxTMB in H2O2. Under optimal conditions, the relaxation modality exhibits a wide working range (1.0 × 101-1.0 × 104 fM) and a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.7 fM (equivalent to 2820 copies/μL). The spiked recoveries range from 99.593 to 106.442 %, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) is less than 5.124 %. The colorimetric modality exhibited the same working range with a lower LOD of 2.9 fM (equivalent to 1740 copies/μL) and an RSD of less than 2.611 %. Additionally, the recombinase polymerase amplification reaction enabled the detection of low NoV levels in food samples with a working range of 102-106 copies/mL and LOD of 102 copies/mL. The accuracy of the sensor in the analysis of spiked samples is consistent with the gold standard method (real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction), demonstrating the high accuracy and practical utility of the sensor.

Programmable DNA tweezers-SDA for ultra-sensitive signal amplification fluorescence sensing strategy

BACKGROUND

DNA tweezers, classified as DNA nanomachines, have gained prominence as multifunctional biosensors due to their advantages, including a straightforward structure, response mechanism, and high programmability. While the DNA tweezers demonstrate simultaneous, rapid, and stable responses to different targets, their detection sensitivity requires enhancement. Some small molecules, such as mycotoxins, often require more sensitive detection due to their extremely high toxicity. Therefore, more effective signal amplification strategies are needed to further enhance the sensitivity of DNA tweezers in biosensing.

RESULTS

We designed programmable DNA tweezers that detect small-molecule mycotoxins and miRNAs through simple sequence substitution. While the DNA tweezers demonstrate simultaneous, rapid, and stable responses to different targets, their detection sensitivity requires enhancement. We introduced the Strand Displacement Amplification (SDA) technique to address this limitation, proposing a strategy of novel programmable DNA tweezers-SDA ultrasensitive signal amplification fluorescence sensing. We specifically investigate the effectiveness of this approach concerning signal amplification for two critical mycotoxins: aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEN). Results indicate that the detection ranges of AFB1 and ZEN via this strategy were 1-10,000 pg mL -1 and 10-100,000 pg mL -1, respectively, with corresponding detection limits of 0.933 pg mL -1 and 1.07 pg mL -1. Compared with the DNA tweezers direct detection method for mycotoxins, the newly constructed programmable DNA tweezers-SDA fluorescence sensing strategy achieved a remarkable 104-fold increase in the detection sensitivity for AFB1 and ZEN.

SIGNIFICANCE

The constructed programmable DNA tweezers-SDA ultrasensitive signal-amplified fluorescence sensing strategy exhibits excellent detection performance for mycotoxins. The superb versatility of this strategy allows the developed method to be easily used for detecting other analytes by simply replacing the aptamer and cDNA, which has incredible potential in various fields such as food safety screening, clinical diagnostics, and environmental analysis.

Machine learning assisted biosensing technology: An emerging powerful tool for improving the intelligence of food safety detection

Recently, the application of biosensors in food safety assessment has gained considerable research attention. Nevertheless, the evaluation of biosensors' sensitivity, accuracy, and efficiency is still ongoing. The advent of machine learning has enhanced the application of biosensors in food security assessment, yielding improved results. Machine learning has been preliminarily applied in combination with different biosensors in food safety assessment, with positive results. This review offers a comprehensive summary of the diverse machine learning methods employed in biosensors for food safety. Initially, the primary machine learning methods were outlined, and the integrated application of biosensors and machine learning in food safety was thoroughly examined. Lastly, the challenges and limitations of machine learning and biosensors in the realm of food safety were underscored, and potential solutions were explored. The review's findings demonstrated that algorithms grounded in machine learning can aid in the early detection of food safety issues. Furthermore, preliminary research suggests that biosensors could be optimized through machine learning for real-time, multifaceted analyses of food safety variables and their interactions. The potential of machine learning and biosensors in real-time monitoring of food quality has been discussed.

Application of DNA-fueled molecular machines in food safety testing

Food is consumed by humans, which is indispensable to human life. Therefore, considerable attention of the whole society has been paid to food safety. Over the last few years, dramatic social development has brought new challenges to food safety, making developing new and quick methods for on-site food safety testing an important necessity. As a result, DNA-fueled molecular machines, characterized by high efficiency, accuracy, and sensitivity in testing, have come into the spotlight, based on which sensors can be constructed to detect toxic and harmful substances in food products. This study reviewed recent research on several DNA-fueled molecular machines, including DNA tweezers, DNA walkers, and DNA origami, for rapidly detecting toxic and harmful substances. Based on the above studies, the sensitivity and timeliness of several DNA molecular machines were summarized and compared, and the development prospect of DNA fuel molecular machines in the field of food safety detection was prospected.

Application of DNA Nanotweezers in biosensing: Nanoarchitectonics and advanced challenges

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is a carrier of genetic information. DNA hybridization is characterized by predictability, diversity, and specificity owing to the strict complementary base-pairing assembly mode, which stimulates the use of DNA to build a variety of nanomachines, including DNA tweezers, motors, walkers, and robots. DNA nanomachines have become prevalent for signal amplification and transformation in the field of biosensing, providing a new method for constructing highly sensitive sensing analysis strategies. DNA tweezers have exhibited unique advantages in biosensing applications owing to their simple structures and fast responses. The two-state conformation of DNA tweezers, the open and closed states, enable them to open and close autonomously after stimulation, thus facilitating the quick detection of corresponding signal changes of different targets. This review discusses the recent progress in the application of DNA nanotweezers in the field of biosensing, and the trends in their development for application in the field of biosensing are summarized.

Classification and Quantitative Characterization of Archean Metamorphic Buried Hill Reservoirs in the Bohai Sea

Based on productivity test data and physical property test results from multiple wells, a classification scheme of Archean metamorphic buried hill reservoirs in the Bohai Sea is established by means of mathematical function fitting. By combining data from cores, casting thin sections, scanning electron microscopy, imaging logging, and high-pressure mercury injection and nitrogen adsorption tests, we clarified the reservoir composition and pore structure characteristics of different types of reservoirs are clarified. Furthermore, taking the BZ19-6 and 13-2 wells in the Archean metamorphic buried hills as an example, the development sites of different types of reservoirs are analyzed and the reservoir development model is established. The results show that the Archean metamorphic buried hill reservoirs in the Bohai Sea can be divided into three categories and six subcategories, including type I reservoirs with porosities greater than 8% or permeabilities greater than 1 × 10-3 μm2 and type II reservoirs with porosities of 5-8% or permeabilities in the range of 0.1-1 × 10-3 μm2. Reservoirs with porosities of 2-5% and permeabilities of 0.01-0.1 × 10-3 μm2 are type III reservoirs. Each type of reservoir can be further divided into a fracture-pore type and a fracture type according to the relative contribution of the porosity and permeability to the reservoir. From type I to type III, the dissolution degree and fracture development gradually weaken, the pore size gradually decreases, and the pore volume gradually decreases. The distribution of favorable reservoirs is comprehensively controlled by weathering and tectonic transformation. The presence of a weathered glutenite zone, weathered leaching zone, or weathered disintegration zone is favorable for the development of type I reservoirs in the weathering crust. In the inner part of the buried hill, the presence of a fracture zone with a thickness of more than 10 m or a dense fracture zone with a thickness of more than 40 m is favorable for the formation of type I reservoirs.

The reinfection threshold, revisited

One mode by which infection-derived immunity fails is when recovery leads to a reduced but nonzero risk of reinfection. This type of partial protection is called leaky immunity with the degree of leakiness quantified by the relative probability a previously infected individual will get infected upon exposure compared to a naively susceptible individual. Previous authors have defined the reinfection threshold, which occurs when the basic reproduction number equals the inverse of the leakiness, however, there has been some debate about whether or not this is a real threshold. Here we show how the reinfection threshold relates to two important occurrences: (1) the point at which the endemic equilibrium changes from being a stable spiral to a stable node, and (2) the point at which the rate of change of the prevalence increases the most relative to leakiness. When the recovery period is short relative to the average lifetime then both occurrences are close to the reinfection threshold. We show how these results are related to the reinfection threshold found in other models of imperfect immunity. To further demonstrate the significance of this threshold in modeling, we conducted a simulation study to evaluate some of the consequences the reinfection threshold might have in parameter estimation and modeling. Using specific parameter values chosen to reflect an acute infection, we found that the basic reproduction number values larger than that of the reinfection threshold value were less identifiable than those below the threshold.

A multifunctional polyacrylamide/chitosan hydrogel for dyes adsorption and metal ions detection in water

Removing noxious dyes and detecting excessive metal ions in water are both effective means to prevent damage from contaminants and ensure water safety. The emphasis problems were addressed by preparation a polyacrylamide chitosan (PAAM/CS) hydrogel. Polyacrylamide (PAAM) provides overall mechanical strength to carry loads and facilitate circulation, chitosan (CS) provides adsorption positions with high adsorption capacity. Which made that PAMM/CS hydrogel efficiently performed sorption of xylenol orange (XO). As the functional dye, XO binds to PAAM/CS and confers colorimetric properties on PAAM/CS hydrogels. XO sorbed hydrogel realized fluorescence dual-signal detection of Fe3+ and Al3+ in water. The significant swelling and adsorption potency of the hydrogel, combined with the dual-signal detection capability of XO sorbed hydrogel, make this hydrogel a versatile material for environmental applications.

Bio-barcode assay: A useful technology for ultrasensitive and logic-controlled specific detection in food safety: A review

Food safety is one of the greatest public health challenges. Developing ultrasensitive detection methods for analytes at ultra-trace levels is, therefore, essential. In recent years, the bio-barcode assay (BCA) has emerged as an effective ultrasensitive detection strategy that is based on the indirect amplification of various DNA probes. This review systematically summarizes the progress of fluorescence, PCR, and colorimetry-based BCA methods for the detection of various contaminants, including pathogenic bacteria, toxins, pesticides, antibiotics, and other chemical substances in food in over 120 research papers. Current challenges, including long experimental times and strict storage conditions, and the prospects for the application of BCA in biomedicine and environmental analyses, have also been discussed herein.

Functionalized magnetic nanobeads for SERS-based detection of Staphylococcus aureus

In this study, we introduced a Raman detection technique based on a combination of functionalized magnetic beads and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tags to develop a rapid and sensitive strategy for the detection of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a typical foodborne pathogen. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) dual-mediated teicoplanin functionalized magnetic beads (TEI-BPBs) were prepared for separation of target bacteria. SERS tags were used to immobilize antibodies on gold surfaces with bifunctional linker proteins to ensure specific recognition of S. aureus. Under optimal conditions, the combination of TEI-BPBs and SERS tags showed reliable performance, exhibiting good capture efficiency even in the presence of 10⁶ CFU mL^-1 of non-target bacteria. The SERS tag provided an effective hot spot for subsequent Raman detection, presenting good linearity in the range of 10²-10⁷ CFU mL^-1. Good performance has also been shown in detecting target bacteria in milk samples, where it has a recovery of 95.5-101.3%. Thus, the highly sensitive Raman detection technique combined with TEI-BPBs capture probes and SERS tags is a promising method for the detection of foodborne pathogens in food or clinical samples.

Anti-apoptotic protein BCL-XL as a therapeutic vulnerability in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

New therapeutic targets are needed to improve the outcomes for gastric cancer (GC) patients with advanced disease. Evasion of programmed cell death (apoptosis) is a hallmark of cancer cells and direct induction of apoptosis by targeting the pro-survival BCL2 family proteins represents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning cancer cell survival could provide a molecular basis for potential therapeutic interventions.

METHOD

Here we explored the role of BCL2L1 and the encoded anti-apoptotic BCL-XL in GC. Using Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) technology to investigate the DNA amplification of BCL2L1 in GC samples and GC cell lines, the sensitivity of GC cell lines to selective BCL-XL inhibitors A1155463 and A1331852, pan-inhibitor ABT-263, and VHL-based PROTAC-BCL-XL was analyzed using (CellTiter-Glo) CTG assay in vitro. Western Blot (WB) was used to detect the protein expression of BCL2 family members in GC cell lines and the manner in which PROTAC-BCL-XL kills GC cells. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to investigate the mechanism of A1331852 and ABT-263 kills GC cell lines. DDPCR, WB, and real-time PCR (RTPCR) were used to investigate the correlation between DNA, RNA, protein levels, and drug activity.

RESULTS

The functional assay showed that a subset of GC cell lines relies on BCL-XL for survival. In gastric cancer cell lines, BCL-XL inhibitors A1155463 and A1331852 are more sensitive than the pan BCL2 family inhibitor ABT-263, indicating that ABT-263 is not an optimal inhibitor of BCL-XL. VHL-based PROTAC-BCL-XL DT2216 appears to be active in GC cells. DT2216 induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner through the proteasome pathway. Statistical analysis showed that the BCL-XL protein level predicts the response of GC cells to BCL-XL targeting therapy and BCL2L1 gene CNVs do not reliably predict BCL-XL expression.

CONCLUSION

We identified BCL-XL as a promising therapeutic target in a subset of GC cases with high levels of BCL-XL protein expression. Functionally, we demonstrated that both selective BCL-XL inhibitors and VHL-based PROTAC BCL-XL can potently kill GC cells that are reliant on BCL-XL for survival. However, we found that BCL2L1 copy number variations (CNVs) cannot reliably predict BCL-XL expression, but the BCL-XL protein level serves as a useful biomarker for predicting the sensitivity of GC cells to BCL-XL-targeting compounds. Taken together, our study pinpointed BCL-XL as potential druggable target for specific subsets of GC.

Evaluation of the Efficiency of TIMP-2 as a Biomarker for Acute Kidney Injury in Sepsis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomarker potential of TIMP-2 in septic-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Healthy male rats (n=56, age 8-10 weeks, body weight 250-300 g) were randomized into 3 groups: controls (intact rats, n=6), sham-operated (SO, n=24), and sepsis model (cecum ligation and perforation, CLP, n=24). Thirty minutes before and 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery, blood samples were collected to measure serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and TIMP-2 and the kidneys were isolated for histopathological analysis and Western blotting. The key sepsis-related genes were screened through bioinformatics analysis. In 24 and 48 h after surgery, 2 rats in the SO group reached the diagnostic criteria of AKI (increased levels of serum creatinine and BUN). In the CLP group, serum creatinine in 6 h after the surgery was slightly higher than 30 min before the surgery, but this change did not meet the diagnostic criteria for AKI. In the CLP group, BUN was normal 6 h after the surgery, but increased after 12 h. In more than 50% rats of the CLP group, serum creatinine and BUN significantly increased 12 h after operation, so this can be diagnosed as AKI. In rats of the CLP group, plasma TIMP-2 was elevated 6 h after surgery and increased with time, suggesting that plasma TIMP-2 can be used as an early marker of AKI. Histological examination of the kidneys in this group revealed destruction of the renal tubular structure, swelling of renal tubular epithelium, the disappearance of brush edge and collapse of necrotic epithelial cells, etc., and the degree of damage increased with time. Immunohistochemistry showed that TIMP-2 was expressed in rats of the CLP group at all terms of the experiment. The expression of TIMP-2 and pyroptosis-related proteins (NLRP3, IL-1β, caspase-1, and GSDMD) in the CLP group was higher than in the SO group (p<0.05) and increased with time, suggesting that pyroptosis is involved in AKI. Thus, plasma TIMP-2 is sensitive indicator for the early detection of kidney injury and can be used as an early biomarker of AKI.

The development of a fluorescence/colorimetric biosensor based on the cleavage activity of CRISPR-Cas12a for the detection of non-nucleic acid targets

Nano-biosensors are of great significance for the analysis and detection of important biological targets. Surprisingly, the CRISPR-Cas12a system not only provides us with excellent gene editing capabilities, it also plays an important role in biosensing due to its high base resolution and high levels of sensitivity. However, most CRISPR-Cas12a-based sensors are limited by their recognition and output modes, are therefore only utilized for the detection of nucleic acids using fluorescence as an output signal. In the present study, we further explored the potential application of CRISPR-Cas12a and developed a CRISPR-Cas12a-based fluorescence/colorimetric biosensor (UCNPs-Cas12a/hydrogel-MOF-Cas12a) that provides an efficient targeting system for small molecules and protein targets. These two sensors yield multiple types of signal outputs by converting the target molecule into a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) signal input system using aptamers, amplifying the DNA signal by catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA), and then combining CRISPR-Cas12a with various nanomaterials. UCNPs-Cas12a/hydrogel-MOF-Cas12a exhibited prominent sensitivity and stability for the detection of estradiol (E2) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and was successfully applied for the detection of these targets in milk and serum samples. A major advantage of the hydrogel-MOF-Cas12a system is that the signal output can be observed directly. When combined with aptamers and nanomaterials, CRISPR-Cas12a can be used to target multiple targets, with a diverse array of signal outputs. Our findings create a foundation for the development of CRISPR-Cas12a-based technologies for application in the fields of food safety, environmental monitoring, and clinical diagnosis.

Glutaraldehyde base-cross-linked chitosan-silanol/Fe3O4 composite for removal of heavy metals and bacteria

We designed and synthesised a magnetic adsorbent (Fe₃O₄@Si-OH@CS-Glu) combining chitosan-silanol groups with glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent, which has improved physicochemical properties and can be used to remove multiple heavy metals and bacteria from polluted water. The adsorbent was characterised with SEM, XRD, FTIR, BET, VSM, and zeta potential. Under optimum conditions, the adsorption efficiencies of Fe₃O₄@Si-OH@CS-Glu for Cr⁶⁺, As⁵⁺, Hg²⁺, and Se⁶⁺ were as high as 90.5%, 73.5%, 91.6%, and 100% respectively. In addition, Escherichia coli (gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) can be removed after 2-4 adsorption cycles with 2.5 mg Fe₃O₄@Si-OH@CS-Glu. The main adsorption mechanism of the adsorbent for heavy metals and bacteria is electrostatic adsorption. Overall, the synthesised Fe₃O₄@Si-OH@CS-Glu adsorbent showed high removal efficiency and adsorption capacity with a stable structure and easy separation. It has promising applications for the removal of heavy metals and bacteria from water.

Magnetic Halloysite Nanotube-Based SERS Biosensor Enhanced with Au@Ag Core-Shell Nanotags for Bisphenol A Determination

Bisphenol A (BPA) has emerged as a contaminant of concern because long-term exposure may affect the human endocrine system. Herein, a novel aptamer sensor based on magnetic separation and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is proposed for the extremely sensitive and specific detection of trace BPA. Moreover, the capture unit was prepared by immobilizing thiolated (SH)-BPA aptamer complementary DNA on AuNP-coated magnetic halloysite nanotubes (MNTs@AuNPs), and SH-BPA aptamer-modified Au@4-MBA@Ag core-shell SERS nanotags acted as signal units. By the complementary pairing of the BPA aptamer and the corresponding DNA, MNTs@AuNPs and Au@4-MBA@AgCS were linked together through hybridization-ligation, which acted as the SERS substrate. In the absence of BPA, the constructed aptamer sensor generated electromagnetic enhancement and plasmon coupling to improve the sensitivity of SERS substrates. Owing to the high affinity between BPA and the aptamer, the aptamer probe bound to BPA was separated from the capture unit by an externally-induced magnetic field. Thus, the Raman intensity of the MNTs@AuNP-Ag@AuCS core-satellite assemblies was negatively correlated with the BPA concentration. High sensitivity measurements of BPA might be performed by determining the decline in SERS signal strength together with concentration variations. The proposed aptasensor is a promising biosensing platform for BPA detection.

Wearable biosensors for human fatigue diagnosis: A review

Fatigue causes deleterious effects to physical and mental health of human being and may cause loss of lives. Therefore, the adverse effects of fatigue on individuals and the society are massive. With the ever-increasing frequency of overtraining among modern military and sports personnel, timely, portable and accurate fatigue diagnosis is essential to avoid fatigue-induced accidents. However, traditional detection methods require complex sample preparation and blood sampling processes, which cannot meet the timeliness and portability of fatigue diagnosis. With the development of flexible materials and biosensing technology, wearable biosensors have attracted increased attention to the researchers. Wearable biosensors collect biomarkers from noninvasive biofluids, such as sweat, saliva, and tears, followed by biosensing with the help of biosensing modules continuously and quantitatively. The detection signal can then be transmitted through wireless communication modules that constitute a method for real-time understanding of abnormality. Recent developments of wearable biosensors are focused on miniaturized wearable electrochemistry and optical biosensors for metabolites detection, of which, few have exhibited satisfactory results in medical diagnosis. However, detection performance limits the wide-range applicability of wearable fatigue diagnosis. In this article, the application of wearable biosensors in fatigue diagnosis has been discussed. In fact, exploration of the composition of different biofluids and their potential toward fatigue diagnosis have been discussed here for the very first time. Moreover, discussions regarding the current bottlenecks in wearable fatigue biosensors and the latest advancements in biochemical reaction and data communication modules have been incorporated herein. Finally, the main challenges and opportunities were discussed for wearable fatigue diagnosis in the future.

Simple and programmed three-dimensional DNA tweezer for simultaneous one-step detection of ochratoxin A and zearalenone

Three-dimensional (TD) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) tweezers were programmed for one-step identification and detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) and zearalenone (ZEN). The unfolding of the TD-DNA tweezers by aptamers specific to these two mycotoxins "turned" the fluorescent signals "on." The bonding of the aptamers to their corresponding targets in OTA and ZEN "turned" the fluorescent signals and the DNA tweezers "off." The detection limit of the TD-DNA tweezers for OTA and ZEN was 0.032 and 0.037 ng mL^-1, respectively. The feasibility of this method was tested using two samples. Detection via this method increased the recovery of OTA and ZEN from 95.8% to 110.2%. Spike recovery and certified food products were used to detect applicability in actual situations. Analyte detection in complex samples using TD-DNA tweezers is rapid, as the process involves a single operational step. This proposed design has considerable potential for application in mycotoxin detection.

Mathematical model and experiment analysis of pressure fluctuation inside dual-stack drainage system in residential buildings

The final velocity was put forward to study the water flow characteristics inside the building drainage system; however, it is more suitable for low-rise and multi-storey buildings, not for high-rise buildings. This study revealed the drainage transient characteristics of a double stack drainage system in high-rise residential buildings. Based on the final velocity, the air-water interaction mechanism and two-phase flow conditions in high-rise residential drainage stacks were discussed. An influence model of drainage system flow rate on pressure fluctuation under the change of state parameters such as ventilation rate, pipe wall roughness and building height was established. The pressure limit and flow rate data were obtained through full-scale experiments. The pressure limit and flow rate model were simplified to P_n = A ċ Q² + B ċ Q^1:81 + C. After the data were verified, the fitting coefficients A, B and C were linear to the floor height.

CRISPR/Cas12a-based technology: A powerful tool for biosensing in food safety

BACKGROUND

In the context of the current pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, molecular detection is not limited to the clinical laboratory, but also faces the challenge of the complex and variable real-time detection fields. A series of novel coronavirus events were detected in the process of food cold chain packaging and transportation, making the application of molecular diagnosis in food processing, packaging, transportation, and other links urgent. There is an urgent need for a rapid detection technology that can adapt to the diversity and complexity of food safety.

SCOPE AND APPROACH

This review introduces a new molecular diagnostic technology-biosensor analysis technology based on CRISPR-Cas12a. Systematic clarification of its development process and detection principles. It summarizes and systematically organizes its applications in viruses, food-borne pathogenic bacteria, small molecule detection, etc. In the past four years, which provides a brand-new and comprehensive solution for food detection. Finally, this article puts forward the challenges and the prospects for food safety.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

The novel coronavirus hazards infiltrated every step of the food industry, from processing to packaging to transportation. The biosensor analytical technology based on CRISPR-Cas12a has great potential in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of infectious pathogens. CRISPR-Cas12a can effectively identify the presence of the specific nucleic acid targets and the small changes in sequences, which is particularly important for nucleic acid identification and pathogen detection. In addition, the CRISPR-Cas12a method can be adjusted and reconfigured within days to detect other viruses, providing equipment for nucleic acid diagnostics in the field of food safety. The future work will focus on the development of portable microfluidic devices for multiple detection. Shao et al. employed physical separation methods to separate Cas proteins in different microfluidic channels to achieve multiple detection, and each channel simultaneously detected different targets by adding crRNA with different spacer sequences. Although CRISPR-Cas12a technology has outstanding advantages in detection, there are several technical barriers in the transformation from emerging technologies to practical applications. The newly developed CRISPR-Cas12a-based applications and methods promote the development of numerous diagnostic and detection solutions, and have great potential in medical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and especially food detection.

Tamoxifen Exerts Anticancer Effects on Pituitary Adenoma Progression via Inducing Cell Apoptosis and Inhibiting Cell Migration

Although pituitary adenomas are histologically benign, they are often accompanied by multiple complications, such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic dysfunction. In the present study, we repositioned the Food and Drug Administration -approved immune regulator tamoxifen to target STAT6 based on the genomics analysis of PAs. Tamoxifen inhibited the proliferation of GH3 and AtT-20 cells with respective IC₅₀ values of 9.15 and 7.52 μM and increased their apoptotic rates in a dose-dependent manner. At the molecular level, tamoxifen downregulated phosphorylated PI3K, phosphorylated AKT and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and increased the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins p53 and Bax in GH3 and AtT-20 cells. Furthermore, tamoxifen also inhibited the migration of both cell lines by reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages to the M1 phenotype through STAT6 inactivation and inhibition of the macrophage-specific immune checkpoint SHP1/SHP. Finally, administration of tamoxifen (20, 50, 100 mg·kg⁻¹·d⁻¹, for 21 days) inhibited the growth of pituitary adenomas xenografts in nude mice in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, tamoxifen is likely to be a promising combination therapy for pituitary adenomas and should be investigated further.

Targeting Myadm to Intervene Pulmonary Hypertension on Rats Before Pregnancy Alleviates the Effect on Their Offspring's Cardiac-Cerebral Systems

Pregnancy with pulmonary hypertension (PH) seriously threatens the life and safety of mothers and infants. Here, the long-term effect of maternal PH on the postpartum growth of rat offspring was focused for the first time, as well as explored the role of Myadm in PH rats before pregnancy based upon the previous findings. Patients with PH are prone to hypoxemia, leading to insufficient placental structure and function, which affects the organ function of fetuses, followed by evidence that differently expressed genes (DEGs) existed in the heart of maternal PH newborn rats and enriched in pathways related to cardiac and nerve development on human infants with similar birth outcome: low birth weight (LBW). LBW was one of the possible birth outcomes of pregnancy with PH, especially severe PH, accompanied by evidence that offspring derived from mothers with PH presented lower birth weights and slower growth rates than those derived from normal control mothers in a rat model. Besides, maternal PH rat offspring showed cardiac remodeling and a significant elevation of the expression levels of hypoxia- and inflammation-related markers in the cerebral cortex at both 10 and 14 weeks of age, respectively. What is more, the previous studies found that the overexpression of Myadm could result in the remodeling of the pulmonary artery. And targeting Myadm to intervene PH before pregnancy could alleviate sustained low weight growth in maternal PH rat offspring, and the pathological changes of the cardiac–cerebral system caused by maternal PH, including enlarged right heart cavity, loss of cardiomyocytes, abnormal heart index, as well as cerebral cortex hypoxia and the inflammatory state as they grew up to a certain extent. The findings show the pathological significance of maternal PH on offspring growth and the cardiac–cerebral development in a rat model, as well as point out the potential treatment target, which may provide a further reference for pregnancy outcomes in women with PH and healthy development of offspring to some extent.

Highly Ordered, Plasmonic Enhanced Inverse Opal Photonic Crystal for Ultrasensitive Detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B

Although there is considerable interest in self-assembly of ordered, porous "inverse opal" structures for optical, electronic, and chemical applications, uncontrolled defect formation limits the usefulness of such materials. Herein, we develop a highly ordered and plasmonic enhanced sensing inverse opal photonic crystal (IOPC) material. The co-assembly of the colloidal template with the matrix material avoids the need for liquid penetration into the preassembled colloidal crystals and minimizes the associated rupture and inhomogeneity of the resulting IOPC. Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) not only act as a "bridge" between recognition elements (aptamers) and IOPCs, but also can amplify optical signals. Furthermore, the enhancement mechanism of Au NPs is simulated by COMSOL. During the detection process, the optical signal of the sensing Au-Apt IOPC responds to the Staphylococcal enterotoxin B with a concentration ranging from 10^-2 to 10³ pg mL^-1, and the limit of detection is 2.820 fg mL^-1. Spiked real sample detection indicates that the as-proposed method possessed good accuracy. The sensing Au-Apt IOPC provides an extensive biosensor platform to detect a variety of toxic and harmful substances through replacing the aptamer by other recognition elements, such as antibodies or receptors.

Stimuli-responsive DNA-based hydrogels for biosensing applications

The base sequences of DNA are endowed with the rich structural and functional information and are available for the precise construction of the 2D and 3D macro products. The hydrogels formed by DNA are biocompatible, stable, tunable and biologically versatile, thus, these have a wide range of promising applications in bioanalysis and biomedicine. In particular, the stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogels (smart DNA hydrogels), which exhibit a reversible and switchable hydrogel to sol transition under different triggers, have emerged as smart materials for sensing. Thus far, the combination of the stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogels and multiple sensing platforms is considered as biocompatible and is useful as the flexible recognition components. A review of the stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogels and their biosensing applications has been presented in this study. The synthesis methods to prepare the DNA hydrogels have been introduced. Subsequently, the current status of the stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogels in biosensing has been described. The analytical mechanisms are further elaborated by the combination of the stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogels with the optical, electrochemical, point-of-care testing (POCT) and other detection platforms. In addition, the prospects of the application of the stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogels in biosensing are presented.

Changes in bone mineral density in Down syndrome individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Data evaluating changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in Down syndrome (DS) individuals remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to better understand associations between BMD and DS. A systematic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up until 1st January 2021 was conducted. We used the keywords "bone mineral density" and "Down Syndrome." Fifteen studies were included. Overall, our results showed a significant decrease in BMD of total body (TB BMD) [MD =  - 0.18; 95% CI (- 0.23 and - 0.12), P < 0.00001, I2 = 89%], total hip (TH BMD) [MD =  - 0.12; 95% CI (- 0.15 and - 0.10), P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%], lumbar spine (LS BMD) [MD =  - 0.12; 95% CI (- 0.14 and - 0.09), P < 0.00001, I2 = 18%], and femoral neck (FN BMD) [MD =  - 0.08; 95% CI (- 0.10 and - 0.06), P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%] in DS individuals when compared with controls. Moreover, the volumetric BMD of lumbar spine (LS vBMD) [MD =  - 0.01; 95% CI (- 0.02 and - 0.01), P = 0.0004, I2 = 19%] also showed a decreasing tendency while the volumetric BMD of the femoral neck (FN vBMD) [MD = 0.01; 95% CI (0.00 and 0.02), P = 0.02, I2 = 0%] was elevated in DS individuals versus controls. These findings demonstrated that individuals with DS had a decreased total and regional (TH, LS, and FN) BMD when compared with the general population. Additionally, when BMD was adjusted for skeletal volume, LS vBMD was also lower, while FN vBMD was elevated in DS individuals versus controls.

Dual Sensitization Smartphone Colorimetric Strategy Based on RCA Coils Gathering Au Tetrahedra and Its Application in the Detection of CK-MB

In recent years, the combination of DNA nanotechnology and biosensing has been extensively reported. Herein, we attempted to develop a dual sensitization smartphone colorimetric strategy based on rolling circle amplification (RCA) coils gathering Au tetrahedra and explore its application. The dual sensitization effect of this strategy was achieved by rolling circle amplification (RCA) and Au tetrahedra. Under the initiation of the complementary DNA, a large number of ssDNA were generated, achieving amplification of the reaction signal. At the same time, due to the formation of Au tetrahedra, more gold nanoparticles could be gathered under the same conditions, and the signal would be amplified again. Using software ImageJ, the gray value of the reaction solution can be analyzed, detecting the target timely under the practical conditions of lack of equipment. By selecting aptamers with strong binding affinity, we applied this strategy to detect creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB), showing a limit of detection of 0.8 pM, which performed well in actual detection and can meet the needs for real-time detection of CK-MB. Therefore, a universal detection platform was developed, which has broad application prospects in biosensing, clinical diagnosis, food detection, and other fields.

A facile dual-mode aptasensor based on AuNPs@MIL-101 nanohybrids for ultrasensitive fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy detection of tetrodotoxin

The development of ultrasensitive, reliable, and facile detection technologies for trace tetrodotoxin (TTX) is challenging. We presented a facile dual-mode aptamer-based biosensor (aptasensor) for ultrasensitive fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection of TTX by using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)-embedded metal-organic framework (MOF) nanohybrids (AuNPs@MIL-101) because of their superior properties. A TTX-specific aptamer labelled with fluorescence and Raman reporter cyanine-3 (Cy3-aptamer) was selected as the recognition element and signal probe. Without immobilisation processing steps, Cy3-aptamers were effectively adsorbed onto the surface of AuNPs@MIL-101, thereby generating both fluorescence quenching and SERS enhancement. The preferential binding of TTX towards the Cy3-aptamer triggered the release of rigid Cy3-aptamer-TTX complexes from the AuNPs@MIL-101 surface, which resulted in recovered fluorescence signals and weakened SERS signals. Switched fluorescence and SERS intensities exhibited excellent linear relationships with logarithms of TTX concentrations of 0.01-300 ng/mL, and ultrahigh detection sensitivities of 6 and 8 pg/mL, respectively, were obtained. Furthermore, two quantitative detection approaches for TTX-spiked puffer fish and clam samples obtained satisfactory spiked recoveries and coefficient of variation (CV) values. Notably, the dual-mode aptasensor also successfully determined natural TTX-contaminated samples, showing excellent practical applications. The results indicated that this dual-mode measurement not only was ultrasensitive and simple but also markedly boosted analysis reliability and precision. This study is the first to propose a dual-mechanism AuNPs@MIL-101-based aptasensor for detection of trace TTX and provides a favourable pathway for developing multimode sensing platforms for various applications.

NTRK3-rearranged thyroid carcinoma, clinical and pathologic features

Introduction/Objective

NTRK3 gene encodes a transmembrane protein receptor of the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family. Gene fusions involving NTRK3 result in a constitutive activation or overexpression of Trk receptor, potentially leading to oncogenesis. NTRK targeted therapies show a promising activity in varied cancer types with NTRK fusions. The aim of this case review is to describe the clinical and pathologic findings of thyroid neoplasm with NTRK3 gene fusions.

Methods/Case Report

The cytology fine needle aspiration (FNA), molecular testing results and pathology of surgical resections are reviewed in 220 cases of total and hemithyroidectomy from January 2018 to May 2021.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

Three cases with NTRK3 gene fusions are identified by Thyroseq or Afirma GSC from FNA of thyroid nodules with later surgical intervention. No other mutations or gene fusions were identified. Each case had total thyroidectomy. Case 1 is a 41-year-old female with FNA diagnosis of suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and ETV6/NTRK3 fusion found by Afirma GSC. Pathology diagnosis is PTC classic type, two tumor nodules 1.1cm and 1.0cm, lymphovascular invasion not identified, three lymph nodes not involved by tumor and pathologic stage pT1b(m) pN0. Case 2 is a 49-year-old female with FNA diagnosis of atypia of undetermined significance and ETV6/NTRK3 fusion detected by Thyroseq. Pathology diagnosis is infiltrative PTC follicular variant, 2.0cm, angioinvasion present, no lymph nodes submitted and pathologic stage pT1b(m) pNX. Case 3 is a 28-year-old female with FNA diagnosis of suspicious for follicular derived neoplasm and NTRK3/RBPMS fusion is detected by Afirma GSC. Pathology diagnosis is infiltrative PTC follicular variant, 1.5cm, 9 of 11 lymph nodes positive for metastatic carcinoma and pathologic stage pT1b pN1b.

Conclusion

Thyroid neoplasm with NTRK3-rearrangement is rare. Cases 1 and 2 with common ETV6-NTRK3 fusion show PTC classic type and infiltrative PTC follicular variant with angioinvasion. Case 3 with less common NTRK3/RBPMS fusion shows infiltrative PTC follicular variant and significant lymph node involvement. Our limited cases of NTRK3-rearranged thyroid carcinoma demonstrate infiltrative growth, diverse phenotypes, one case with angioinvasion and no lymph nodes submitted and one case with multiple lymph node metastasis. This suggests aggressive behavior of thyroid cancer with NTRK3 gene fusion and patients may benefit from targeted NTRK therapy.

Clinicopathologic features of thyroid neoplasm with THADA-IGF2BP3 fusion

Introduction/Objective

Thyroid adenoma-associated (THADA)-IGF2BP3 fusions is related to strong overexpression of insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) mRNA and protein, increased IGF2 translation and IGF1 receptor signaling via PI3K and MAPK pathways. THADA-IGF2BP3 have been identified as an oncogenic event in thyroid neoplasms, but the clinicopathologic features have not been greatly evaluated. The purpose of this cases review is to describe the clinical and pathologic findings of thyroid nodules with THADA-IGF2BP3 fusion on molecular testing.

Methods/Case Report

Surgical Pathology 220 cases of total and hemithyroidectomy from January 2018 to December 2019 were reviewed for cytology fine needle aspiration (FNA), molecular testing results and surgical resection pathology.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

Three cases of THADA-IGF2BP3 fusion identified by Thyroseq testing from FNA of thyroid nodules with all diagnosed as atypia of undetermined significance, Bethesda category 3. No other mutations or gene fusions are identified. Successive surgical interventions are performed. Case 1 is a 49-year-old female right hemithyroidectomy with pathologic diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) follicular variant with tumor capsular invasion and no lymphvascular invasion. The tumor is 2cm, two lymph nodes evaluated are not involved by tumor and pathological stage is pT1b pN0. Case 2 is a 71-year-old female total thyroidectomy and the pathologic diagnosis is PTC follicular variant with tumor capsular invasion and no lymphvascular invasion. The tumor is 2cm, one lymph node evaluated is not involved by tumor and pathologic stage is pT1b pN0. Case 3 is a 76-year-old male left hemithyroidectomy and pathologic diagnosis is PTC follicular variant with tumor capsular invasion and no lymphvascular invasion. The tumor is 2cm, two lymph nodes evaluated are not involved by tumor and pathologic stage is pT1b pN0.

Conclusion

THADA-GF2BP3 fusion is uncommon in thyroid neoplasms and only three cases are detected in 220 cases evaluated. The three cases of thyroid nodules are all diagnosed as AUS by FNA, and all are diagnosed as PTC follicular variant with capsular invasion upon resection without lymphvascular invasion or lymph node involvement. THADA-F2BP3 fusion is associated with thyroid carcinoma, with low-risk non-aggressive behavior, conservative surgery appears necessary and lobectomy is likely adequate.

Pleural Metastasis of High-Grade Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma With YWHAE Gene (17p13.3) Rearrangement, A Rare Case Report

Introduction/Objective

Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS), a rare malignant neoplasm of endometrial stroma, accounts for less than 1% of all uterine tumors. High grade ESS (HGESS) is aggressive and commonly relapses even after surgical and neoadjuvant therapy. Abdominal and pelvic regions are common sites of metastasis, however, distant metastases to the liver, lung, vertebrae, and brain have been reported.

Methods/Case Report

We encountered a 49-year-old female who presented with shortness of breath, found to have a left pleural effusion and multiple pleural masses. She initially presented three years ago with heavy irregular menses and left pelvic pain for one year. D&C revealed prominent small spindle cells for which a stromal nodule and low-grade or malignant process was probable. CT scan showed an enlarged uterus. Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo- oophorectomy, bilateral pelvic and para-aortic lymph node dissection, and partial omentectomy were performed. The uterus revealed an intramural 7 cm mass with a serpiginous growth pattern and lymphovascular invasion. Tumor cells were plump to spindled with areas of high cellularity, rounded nuclei, increased atypia and mitosis. Atypical areas were positive for cyclin D1, focally positive for CD10, and negative for ER, PR, SMA, desmin, AE1/3 and CAM5.2. FISH studies showed rearrangement of YWHAE gene (17p13.3) and no rearrangement of JAZF1 or PHF1 gene regions. Findings supported the diagnosis of HGESS. The patient received post-operative chemotherapy. Biopsy of the current pleural lesion revealed a nonspecific malignant spindle cell neoplasm positive for BCL1, CD56, CD117, CD99, TLE1 and INI1, while negative for AE1/3, CAM5.2, EMA, ER, PR, CK5/6, calretinin, SMA, desmin and S100. The CD10 stain was inconclusive. FISH studies showed rearrangement of YWHAE gene (17p13.3) and no rearrangement involving JAZF1 or PHF1 gene regions. No rearrangement of the SS18 gene region was observed and synovial sarcoma was excluded. Overall findings support the diagnosis of metastatic HGESS.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

NA

Conclusion

HGESS, a rare tumor with a nonspecific immunostain profile, has the ability to metastasize to rare body sites, such as the pleura in our case. Display of spindle cell morphology is a nonspecific finding that raises broad differential diagnoses. In women, with or without a history of uterine neoplasm, HGESS is a clinically worthwhile diagnosis to be mindful of.

Mediastinal ectopic thyroid tissue, an imitator of an enlarged lymph node with metastatic pulmonary neoplasia

The prevalence of ectopic thyroid tissue, based on autopsy studies, is between 7% and 10%, but there are rare cases reported in the thoracic region. Here, we encountered a case of thoracic ectopic thyroid tissue presenting as a presumed enlarged mediastinal lymph node. A 50-year-old female with a history of lung adenocarcinoma, status post resection, presented with complaints of headache, dizziness, and nausea. Magnetic resonance imaging found two brain lesions consistent with metastasis. Computed tomography scan showed enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes and thyroid nodules. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of one thyroid nodule was positive for papillary thyroid carcinoma. FNA of the mediastinal lymph nodes were negative for metastatic carcinoma but revealed thyroid tissue in the 2.9 × 1.6 cm presumed 2 L lymph node. The morphological features and immunohistochemical stains confirmed thyroid tissue, and there were no cytological features of thyroid carcinoma. In patients with a history of a pulmonary tumor (such as adenocarcinoma, low-grade neuroendocrine tumor), ectopic thyroid tissue, although a rare event, could represent a pitfall in the cytologic evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes aspirates obtained from staging procedures. Careful morphologic examination with a panel of immunohistochemical studies are useful in making the correct diagnosis, leading to appropriate patient management.

The orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 plays a vital role in BPA-induced PC12 cell apoptosis

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a typical environmental endocrine disruptor that can migrate into organisms through skin contact, breathing, diet and various other approaches. The reproductive toxicity and neurotoxicity of BPA has been confirmed by several toxicological studies. However, the neurotoxicity of BPA is still controversial. In the present study, we used PC12 cells as a model to investigate the mechanism of BPA-induced neuronal apoptosis. BPA exposure reduced cell viability, altered cell morphology and aggravated intracellular Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, apoptosis and the reduction in the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm). Moreover, the results of the Western blot (WB) and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays indicated that the expression levels of Nur77 in the BPA group were down-regulated and accompanied by the downregulation of the NF-κb/Bcl-2 proteins and the upregulation of cleaved-caspase 3, which is a marker of apoptosis. However, these changes were significantly reversed with the upregulation of the Nur77 protein by introducing plasmids carrying the nur77 gene. These results indicated that BPA-induced apoptosis was closely related to Nur77-mediated inhibition of the NF-κb/Bcl-2 pathway.

A fluorescence aptasensor for the sensitive detection of T-2 toxin based on FRET by adjusting the surface electric potentials of UCNPs and MIL-101

T-2 toxin is a class A trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium, which exhibits genotoxic, cytotoxic, and immunotoxic effects in animals and humans. In this study, we developed an aptasensor for the sensitive detection of T-2 toxin, which was based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and acted by adjusting the electric potential on the surface of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and MIL-101(Cr). In addition, it combined the excellent spectral properties of UCNPs with the good adsorption quenching abilities of metal organic frameworks (MOFs). Under the action of π-π stacking interactions, the UCNPs-aptamer was adsorbed onto the surface of MIL-101, leading to fluorescence quenching due to the occurrence of FRET. After the addition of T-2 toxin, owing to its selective binding to the UCNPs-aptamer, the UCNPs-aptamer moved away from MIL-101(Cr), resulting in fluorescence recovery. Moreover, the extent of fluorescence recovery was positively correlated with the concentration of T-2 toxin. The limit of detection (LOD) of this sensor was 0.087 ng mL^-1 (S/N = 3), and a good linear correlation was observed between the fluorescence intensity and the T-2 toxin concentration in the range of 0.1-100 ng mL^-1. Moreover, the recovery of this method was 97.52-109.53% for corn meal samples (relative standard deviation, RSD = 1.7-2.4%) and 90.81-100.02% for beer samples (RSD = 2.4-2.7%). By adjusting the surface electric potentials, the efficient fluorescence aptasensor combined the advantages of UCNPs and MIL-101(Cr) and allowed the first application of such a system in toxin detection, thereby indicating its potential food sample analysis and biochemical sensing.

Immunosorbent assay based on upconversion nanoparticles controllable assembly for simultaneous detection of three antibiotics

The abuse of antibiotics leads to an increase in resistant strains, which in turn leads to the development of superbugs that pose great difficulties for the treatment of human diseases. A high-throughput and highly sensitive avidin biotin complex immunosorbent assay based on upconversion nanoparticles controllable assembly (ABC-ULISA) for the detection of antibiotics was developed, which enabled accurate quantitative detection in a shorter period of time. Streptavidin and biotin-labeled upconversion nanoparticles form avidin-biotin-upconversion complex, which was then combined with biotinylated antibody to achieve double amplification of the signal, further improving detection sensitivity. Upconversion nanoparticles with 808 nm excitation provide better penetration without the need for an external source. The 96-well enzyme-linked plate was used as a detection platform to meet the high-throughput needs. ABC-ULISA was used to simultaneously detect three antibiotics with a limit of detection of 0.15 ng/mL for sulfamethazine, 0.03 ng/mL for sarafloxacin, and 0.05 ng/mL for tetracycline. The detection limit of ABC-ULISA was much lower than the traditional ELISA and ordinary ULISA. Moreover, ABC-ULISA was also versatile, and the corresponding target can be detected by changing different antibodies. The results were stable and reliable, and the equipment could be miniaturized, which was expected to be commercialized and on-site.