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Background: Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) remains an enigmatic process of rapid end‐organ dysfunction associated with a variety of pathologic conditions though the predominant cause is indeterminate. A growing body of research has identified mutations in the NBAS gene to be associated with recurrent acute liver failure and multi‐systemic disease including short stature, skeletal dysplasia, facial dysmorphism, immunologic abnormalities, and Pelger‐Huët anomaly. Methods and Results: Here, we describe a 4‐year‐old girl who presented with dehydration in the setting of acute gastroenteritis and fever but went on to develop PALF on day 2 of hospitalization. She clinically recovered with supportive measures, but after discharge, had at least 2 additional episodes of PALF. Ultimately, she underwent liver transplant and her recurrent episodes of PALF did not recur throughout a 6‐year follow‐up period. Whole‐exome sequencing post‐liver transplant initially revealed two variants of uncertain significance in the NBAS gene. Parental studies confirmed the c.1549C > T(p.R517C; now likely pathogenic) variant from her mother and a novel c.4646T > C(p.L1549P) variant from her father. In silico analyses predicted these variants to have a deleterious effect on protein function. Consistent with previously characterized NBAS mutation‐associated disease (NMAD), our patient demonstrated the following features: progeroid facial features, hypoplasia of the 12th ribs, Pelger‐Huët anomaly on peripheral blood smear, and abnormal B and NK cell function. Conclusion: Altogether, we describe a novel pathogenic variant in the NBAS gene of a patient with NMAD and report the resolution of recurrent PALF secondary to NMAD following liver transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer immunotherapy has recently shown promising antitumor effects in various types of tumors. Among all immune checkpoints, the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway plays an important role in the immune evasion of tumor cells, making it a potent target in antitumor immunity. Accordingly, antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway have been developed to attack tumor cells; however, resistance to immune therapy remains to be solved. Hence, identification of the underlying modulators of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is of significant importance to understand the mechanisms of antitumor immunotherapy. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified to regulate the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, leading to participation in the immune response and immunotherapy. Therefore, this review focuses on the functions of lncRNAs and circRNAs in regulation of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. We hope this review will stimulate research to supply more precise and effective cancer immune checkpoint therapies for a large number of tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To explore the potential role of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) subtypes in the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients. Materials and Methods. The prognostic roles of individual TGF-β subtypes in women with ovarian cancer were retrieved from the Kaplan-Meier plotter (KM plotter) database. In addition, the Oncomine database and immunohistochemistry were used to observe the mRNA and protein expression of TGF-β subtypes between human ovarian carcinoma and normal ovarian samples, respectively. Results. TGF-β1 and TGF-β4 were totally uncorrelated with survival outcomes in women with ovarian cancer. Increased TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 mRNA expression was markedly related to unfavorable prognosis, especially in women with serous, poorly differentiated, and late-stage ovarian carcinoma. High expression levels of TGF-β2 were related to worse progression-free survival (PFS) while TGF-β3 was linked to unfavorable overall survival (OS) and PFS in women with TP53-mutated ovarian cancer. TGF-β2 was associated with poor OS and PFS from treatment with chemotherapy with platins, Taxol, or a platin+Taxol. However, overexpression of TGF-β3 was associated with poor OS from the use of platins and poor PFS of Taxol or a platin+Taxol in women with ovarian carcinoma. Furthermore, the expression of TGF-β2 mRNA and protein was higher but only TGF-β3 mRNA expression was higher in cancerous tissues than in normal ovarian samples. Conclusion. Higher expression of TGF-β2 functioned as a significant predictor of poor prognosis in women with ovarian cancer, especially those with TP53 mutations or who were undergoing chemotherapy with platins, Taxol, or a platin+Taxol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Use systematic reviews and meta-analyses to assess the effect of polyvinyl alcohol and tris-acryl gelatin microsphere materials in leiomyoma embolization for symptomatic leiomyomas. Material and methods:We included randomised controlled studies published before January 2015 comparing polyvinyl alcohol and tris-acryl gelatin microsphere materials in uterine leiomyoma embolization for women with symptomatic leiomyomas. The main outcome measures included change of overall quality of life, change of overall symptom severity, changes of uterine and leiomyoma volumes, leiomyoma infarction rate, treatment failure and complications. Results:A total of six randomized controlled studies from 335 studies accounting for 351 women with leiomyomas were identified in this meta-analysis. Compared to polyvinyl alcohol, tris-acryl gelatin microsphere showed a significant benefit in improving the overall quality of life and in reducing uterine volume at three and six months, in reducing overall symptom severity at 6 and 12 months, and furthermore in reducing treatment failure. In addition, tris-acryl gelatin microsphere could significantly reduce leiomyoma volume and decrease <90% complete leiomyoma infarction rate at three months. There were no differences in pain severity, other post-procedural symptoms or medication use in the two groups. Conclusions:A better effect of tris-acryl gelatin microsphere in leiomyoma embolization for patients with symptomatic leiomyoma. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Huntington disease (HD) represents a family of neurodegenerative diseases that are caused by misfolded proteins. The misfolded proteins accumulate in the affected brain regions in an age-dependent manner to cause late-onset neurodegeneration. Transgenic mouse models expressing the HD protein, huntingtin, have been widely used to identify therapeutics that may retard disease progression. Here we report that Berberine (BBR), an organic small molecule isolated from plants, has protective effects on transgenic HD (N171-82Q) mice. We found that BBR can reduce the accumulation of mutant huntingtin in cultured cells. More importantly, when given orally, BBR could effectively alleviate motor dysfunction and prolong the survival of transgenic N171-82Q HD mice. We found that BBR could promote the degradation of mutant huntingtin by enhancing autophagic function. Since BBR is an orally-taken drug that has been safely used to treat a number of diseases, our findings suggest that BBR can be tested on different HD animal models and HD patients to further evaluate its therapeutic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a rapid and sensitive multiplex flow-through immunoaffinity chromatography test (FTIACT) was developed for the on-site screening of 14 sulfonamide and 13 quinolone residues in milk. The developed FTIACT method combines the purification, preconcentration and immunochemical detection of multiple antibiotics on the sepharose gel test layers. The use of liposome-encapsulated quantum dots (LQDs) with the FTIACT method exhibited the best results, with limits of detection (LODs) of 1 and 0.5 ng/mL for the sulfonamides (SAs) and quinolones (QNs), respectively, through qualitative analysis (visual detection by the naked eye). In order to achieve low detection limit, the color intensity of the images were converted into relative optical density values to enable a quantitative evaluation. Quantitative analysis of the samples enabled the detection of SAs (0.13 ng/mL) and QNs (0.062 ng/mL) in spiked milk samples. The FTIACT described in this work shows promise as a multiplex immunoassay for the qualitative and quantitative screening of multiple chemical residues in milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The efficacy and safety of LNG-IUSs use in women with symptomatic uterine leiomyoma. [•] LNG-IUSs could decrease uterine volume and endometrial thickness. [•] LNG-IUSs could reduce menstrual blood loss. [•] LNG-IUS expulsion was related to leiomyoma size. [•] LNG-IUSs have no adverse effects on the ovarian function except for ovarian cysts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin, mainly produced by Fusarium fungi and present in food and feed. It causes harmful effects on human and animal health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop sensitive and reliable screening methods. In this study, a highly sensitive monoclonal antibody (MAb) against FB1, clone 2D7, was produced, and the 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of the MAb was 2.2 ng/mL in buffer. The MAb showed high cross-reactivity with fumonisin B2 (FB2), and negligible cross-reactivity with other mycotoxins. A sensitive indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (icELISA) based on this MAb was developed for the determination of FB1 in maize. In spiked samples (100, 200 and 500 μg/kg), the average recoveries ranged from 78 ± 11 to 107 ± 4%, and the coefficient of variation ranged from 3 to 15%. The limit of detection of the icELISA was 5.4 μg/kg. This method was compared to liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) using naturally contaminated samples, and the correlation coefficient was above 0.82. These results show the reliability of the icELISA method for the determination of FB1 in maize. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of 1-amino-hydantoin (AHD) is described. AHD, the marker residue for nitrofurantoin, is a tissue bound toxic metabolite. To monitor the illegal use of nitrofurantoin, a monoclonal antibody-based ELISA method was developed to detect AHD residue in animal tissues. The highly specific antibody against AHD was prepared by monoclonal antibody technology. The antibody exhibited negligible cross reactivity with other nitrofurans, their metabolites and derivatives, and 50% inhibitory concentration was 0.68 μg/L. The limit of detection in four kinds of animal tissues were all below 0.2 μg/kg and recoveries ranged from 75% to 116.7% for fortified samples at levels of 0.2–5 μg/kg with coefficient of variation values below 15%. Analysis of natural contaminated samples by the ELISA method gave similar results to those of the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. These results indicate the ELISA method is suitable for the detection of AHD residue in animal tissues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Here, we present a case in which the result of a maternity test was obscured due to two false indirect exclusions that occurred in two out of 15 genetic loci through the use of the AmpFlSTR Identifiler PCR Amplification kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). The Identifiler kit failed to amplify allele 11 of the D5S818 system on the child and failed to capture the existence of allele 13 on the FGA system on both mother and child. The situation was remedied through use of the PowerPlex 16 PCR Amplification Kit (Promega, Madison, WI) which used different primers with a different allele range than that of the Identifiler kit. Maternity was confirmed through sequencing and it was found that the failure of the Identifiler kit to amplify allele 11 on the D5S818 system was the result of an incompatibility to the primer-binding site due to a mutation that changed a guanine (G) into a thymine (T) 55 base pairs (bp) downstream of the repeat. The inability of the Identifiler kit to pick up allele 13 of the FGA system was due to the out-of-range location of the allele. Indirect exclusions can be misleading if they are not fully investigated since allele range as well as primer-binding affinity are two confounders that must be addressed to ensure accuracy of the test results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This retrospective, monocentric study quantified hidden blood loss (HBL) and investigated its influencing factors in benign ovarian tumour patients undergoing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. Data from 153 patients who underwent laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy were retrospectively reviewed. HBL was calculated using the formula derived from 'Nadler' and 'Cross'. Pearson correlation was carried out to measure the association between HBL and potential risk factors. The average HBL was 280.22 ± 168.42 mL, accounting for 84.13 ± 19.20% of total blood loss (TBL) (347.48 ± 179.05 mL), which was a change of almost fourteen-fold relative to median visible blood loss [20.00 mL (10.00 mL, 57.5 mL)]. Surgical time, number of excisional tumours and preoperative albumin values were risk factors for HBL. HBL represents a large proportion more than 80% of TBL in patients undergoing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. Collectively, HBL is helpful for estimating intraoperative blood loss and better guidance of haemostatic agents, which reduces postoperative complications and expedites postoperative recovery. Additionally, the estimation of HBL also contributes to the summary, reflection and improvement of surgical technique. What is already known on this subject? There has been a growing number of surgical patients with perioperative anaemia, which appears to be inconsistent with measured levels of visible intraoperative blood loss and postoperative drainage. This substantial but easily underestimated blood loss is known as hidden blood loss. To date, no published articles have evaluated HBL and its related risk factors in benign ovarian tumour patients undergoing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy. What the results of this study add? HBL accounts for a large amount of TBL in laparoscopy for benign ovarian tumours. Surgical time, number of excisional tumours and preoperative albumin values are risk factors for HBL. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The management of HBL is important for the administration of perioperative blooding loss. In this context, HBL can be applied to estimate intraoperative blood loss and be better guidance of haemostatic agents to reduce postoperative complications and hasten postoperative rehabilitation. Additionally, the estimation of HBL also contributes to the summary, reflection and improvement of surgical technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online ride-hailing as an innovative travel mode becomes increasingly popular in cities around the world. To improve the efficiency of dispatching system of ride-hailing, many ride-hailing demand prediction models based on deep learning architecture have been proposed to reduce the gross travel distance between drivers and passengers. However, in most of these prediction models, only the error metrics are used for performance evaluation. There is scarce evidence on how much the demand prediction model reduces the unnecessary travel distance in reality. In this study, a multi-scenario-based method is proposed to evaluate technical potentials of the ride-hailing demand prediction model in ride-hailing dispatching system simulation. The ride-hailing dispatching is simulated in three scenarios: traditional dispatching system, prediction model-based dispatching system, and perfect prediction model-based dispatching system. One-month data of Didi Express service provided by Didi Chuxing GAIA Initiative in Chengdu is employed to support the simulation. Two terms, empty distance and relative performance, are introduced as the criteria of prediction model performance measurement. Simulation results reveal that the total empty distance reduced 1,164 km per day by using the prediction model compared with the traditional dispatching system. The relative performance is only 58.9% compared with the perfect prediction model-based dispatching system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RING-in-between-RING (RBR) E3 ligases are one class of E3 ligases that is characterized by the unique RING-HECT hybrid mechanism to function with E2s to transfer ubiquitin to target proteins for degradation. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that RBR E3 ligases play essential roles in neurodegenerative diseases, infection, inflammation and cancer. Accumulated evidence has revealed that RBR E3 ligases exert their biological functions in various types of cancers by modulating the degradation of tumor promoters or suppressors. Hence, we summarize the differential functions of RBR E3 ligases in a variety of human cancers. In general, ARIH1, RNF14, RNF31, RNF144B, RNF216, and RBCK1 exhibit primarily oncogenic roles, whereas ARIH2, PARC and PARK2 mainly have tumor suppressive functions. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms by which different RBR E3 ligases are involved in tumorigenesis and progression are also described. We discuss the further investigation is required to comprehensively understand the critical role of RBR E3 ligases in carcinogenesis. We hope our review can stimulate the researchers to deeper explore the mechanism of RBR E3 ligases-mediated carcinogenesis and to develop useful inhibitors of these oncogenic E3 ligases for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is one of most the significant threats to human health worldwide, and the primary method of treating solid tumours is surgery. Propofol, one of the most widely used intravenous anaesthetics in surgery, was found to be involved in many cancer‐related pathophysiology processes, mainly including anti‐tumour and minor cancer‐promoting effects in various types of cancer. An increasing number of studies have identified that propofol plays a role in cancer by regulating the expression of multiple signalling pathways, downstream molecules, microRNAs and long non‐coding RNAs. Emerging evidence has indicated that propofol can enhance the anti‐tumour effect of chemotherapeutic drugs or some small molecular compounds. Additionally, in vivo animal models have shown that propofol inhibits tumour growth and metastasis. Furthermore, most clinical trials indicate that propofol is associated with better survival outcomes in cancer patients after surgery. Propofol use is encouraged in cancers that appear to have a better prognosis after its use during surgery. We hope that future large and prospective multicenter studies will provide more precise answers to guide the choice of anaesthetics during cancer surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing radiosensitizers based on the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment can improve the effectiveness and overcome the bottleneck of cervical cancer radiotherapy. Herein, an in situ synthesis strategy is demonstrated by using a highly bioactive zeolitic imidazolate framework to cap Mn3O4 and folic acid as targeting molecules (FA‐Mn3O4@ZIF‐8) to achieve enhanced radiosensitization against cervical cancer. As expected, the ZIF‐8 cap on the surface of Mn3O4 responds more effectively to X‐rays. Meanwhile, by facilitating the presence of oxygen vacancies and valence transition of manganese on the surface of Mn3O4, the ZIF‐8 cap on Mn3O4 can increase the catalytic capacity for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and glutathione as well as produce more singlet oxygen under X‐ray, alleviate hypoxia within the tumor microenvironment, and increase reactive oxygen species production. Moreover, FA‐Mn3O4@ZIF‐8 shows excellent radiotherapy‐sensitizing properties in vitro and in vivo by promoting DNA damage and apoptosis. Collectively, this study suggests that designing and construction of X‐ray responsive nanoradiosensitizers could be a good way for future clinical radiotherapy of malignant cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Retraction Note: Copper-based metal–organic framework impedes triple-negative breast cancer metastasis via local estrogen deprivation and platelets blockade" has been retracted by the Editors-in-Chief of the Journal of Nanobiotechnology. The authors discovered errors in several figures, and further checks by the publisher revealed inconsistencies in the presented data. The Editors-in-Chief no longer have confidence in the data and the authors have agreed to the retraction. Springer Nature, the publisher, remains neutral in regards to jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations. [Extracted from the article]

Metastasis is one of the main causes of failure in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Abnormally estrogen level and activated platelets are the key driving forces for TNBC metastasis. Herein, an "ion/gas" bioactive nanogenerator (termed as IGBN), comprising a copper-based MOF and loaded cisplatin-arginine (Pt-Arg) prodrug is developed for metastasis-promoting tumor microenvironment reprogramming and TNBC therapy. The copper-based MOF not only serves as a drug carrier, but also specifically produces Cu2+ in tumors, which catalytic oxidizing estrogen to reduce estrogen levels in situ. Meanwhile, the rationally designed Pt-Arg prodrug reduced into cisplatin to significantly promote the generation of H2O2 in the tumor, then permitting self-augmented cascade NO gas generation by oxidizing Arg through a H2O2 self-supplied way, thus blocking platelet activation in tumor. We clarified that IGBN inhibited TNBC metastasis through local estrogen deprivation and platelets blockade, affording 88.4% inhibition of pulmonary metastasis in a 4T1 mammary adenocarcinoma model. Notably, the locally copper ion interference, NO gas therapy and cisplatin chemotherapy together resulted in an enhanced therapeutic efficacy in primary tumor ablation without significant toxicity. This "ion/gas" bioactive nanogenerator offers a robust and safe strategy for TNBC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient nuclear DNA damage and release is highly recommended to improve the photodynamic immunotherapy by eliciting innate immune response yet remains challenging. Herein, an intracellular self‐assembly driven nucleus‐targeted photo‐immune stimulator (PIS) with chromatin decompaction function is reported for innate and adaptive antitumor immunity co‐activation. The PIS consists of vorinostat (SAHA)‐loaded manganese‐porphyrin metal‐organic framework (Mn (III)‐TCPP MOF) with further modification of AS1411 aptamer. The PIS can be efficiently internalized by tumor cells and disassembled under the intracellular overexpressed glutathione (GSH). Notably, the released AS1411 is able to be self‐assembled with photosensitizer TCPP in situ within cells, driving nucleus‐targeted delivery of TCPP; meanwhile, the loaded SAHA can induce chromatin decompaction, cooperatively promoting TCPP‐mediated photodynamic nuclear DNA damage and cytosolic release under laser irradiation. In addition, the released manganese ions (Mn2+) further enhance the cytosolic DNA/cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS)‐stimulator of interferon gene (STING) pathway mediated innate immunity, which synergizes with PDT‐induced immunogenic cell death to achieve co‐activation of innate and adaptive immunity. Compared to traditional PDT, the self‐assembly driven nucleus‐targeted PDT system with chromatin decompaction show significantly enhanced efficacy for inhibiting primary tumor growth and distant metastasis in several xenograft tumor models, mechanistically by promoting the maturation of dendritic cells and tumor infiltration of natural killer cell, cytotoxic T lymphocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flunixin residues in foods of animal origin could pose hazards for human health. In this paper, a broad-selectivity polyclonal antibody was obtained using 5-hydroxyflunixin coupled with bovine serum albumin as the immunogen. The semi-inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the polyclonal antibody was 1.43 ng/mL for flunixin and 0.29 ng/mL for 5-hydroxyflunixin, respectively, which were far below the maximum residue limits set by the United States, the European Union and China. The limits of detection were calculated to be 2.98 μg/kg for flunixin in bovine muscle and 0.78 μg/L for 5-hydroxyflunixin in milk. In spike and recovery tests, the average recovery ranged from 83% to 105%, with a satisfying coefficient of variance ranging from 5.8% to 11.3%. Furthermore, the ELISA method was validated by a well-established LC-MS/MS method. These results proved that the established method is suitable for flunixin and 5-hydroxyflunixin residue analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A reliable ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous identification and quantification of 22 β-agonist residues in swine muscle and liver tissues. A special focus was given to sample the pretreatment procedures and was crucial for an accurate and reliable analytical method. With regard to the high complexity of food matrices, the extraction solvent, time, and temperature, as well as clean-up cartridges, were optimized to improve the extraction efficiency and reduce matrix effects. The UHPLC-MS/MS method was further validated by determining the linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9900), sensitivity (limit of detection varying from 0.05 μg/kg to 0.8 μg/kg, limit of quantitation ranging from 0.2 μg/kg to 2.5 μg/kg), recovery (ranging from 76.4 to 111.7%) and precision (≤22.9%) in swine muscle and liver tissues. The UHPLC-MS/MS method was proven to be suitable for both screening and the confirmatory determination of 22 β-agonist residues in swine muscle and liver tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the N -doped carbon dots were continuously synthesized by a facile microfluidic strategy at 90 °C, and their quantum yields reached 19.2%. The characteristics of the obtained carbon dots could be real-time monitored in order to synthesize carbon dots with specific properties. By incorporating the carbon dots into a well-established enzymatic cascade amplification system, an inner filter effect-based fluorescence immunoassay was set up for ultrasensitive detection of cefquinome residues in milk samples. The developed fluorescence immunoassay provided a low detection limit of 0.78 ng/mL, which satisfied the maximum residue limit set by authorities. The fluorescence immunoassay had an 50% inhibition concentration of 0.19 ng/mL against cefquinome and showed a good linear relationship from 0.013 ng/mL to 1.52 ng/mL. While, the average recovery values ranged from 77.8% to 107.8% in spiked milk samples, with relative standard deviations ranging from 6.8% to 10.9%. Compared with conventional methods, the microfluidic chip was more flexible on carbon dots synthesis and the developed fluorescence immunoassay was more sensitive and eco-friendlier for ultra-trace cefquinome residue analysis. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) is introduced in the lateral flow strip to detect cancer biomarker CEA with the color and fluorescence dual-readout. Anti-CEA monoclonal antibody coated Au NPs were on the conjugate pad and FITC labelled antibody (FITC-Ab) for CEA was coated on the test line. All the reagents were general in the lateral flow strip or commercially available and no new materials or technique were involved, which make our proposal a more universal method and easier to operate. With the addition of CEA on the sample pad, anti-CEA monoclonal antibody coated Au NPs-CEA-FITC-Ab complex formed on the test line, leading to a megascopic red line and simultaneous quenched fluorescence of FITC via FRET. The visual limit of detection (LOD) through distinguishing red color change was 10 ng/mL and the LOD by differentiating fluorescence intensity was 0.1 ng/mL, which was two orders of magnitude lower than that without considering fluorescence in the strip. And the linear range changed from 10–80 ng/mL to 5–80 ng/mL with the analysis of fluorescence change. Meanwhile, the feasibility of our method applied in real clinical samples was also confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancers, radiotherapy sensitizers, X-ray-responses, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks Keywords: cervical cancers; radiotherapy sensitizers; X-ray-responses; zeolitic imidazolate frameworks EN cervical cancers radiotherapy sensitizers X-ray-responses zeolitic imidazolate frameworks 1 1 1 03/27/23 20230323 NES 230323 B Cervical Cancer-Targeting Radiosensitization b In article number 2213364, Xueqiong Zhu, Tianfeng Chen, and co-workers report zeolitic imidazolate framework-capped Mn SB 3 sb O SB 4 sb nanoparticles modified with folic acid with X-ray response properties. This nanoparticle possesses a high oxygen vacancies rate and Mn SP 3+ sp ratio, promoting H SB 2 sb O SB 2 sb and glutathione degradation, producing more singlet oxygen under X-ray, increasing reactive oxygen species level, and alleviating hypoxia within the tumor microenvironment. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] • Novel aggregation-induced emission luminogens encoded microspheres were synthesized. • An anti-microcystin-LR antibody conjugated Sepharose gel column was prepared. • A fast and sensitive immunoaffinity chromatographic method was developed for microcystin-LR. Despite decades of efforts, we are faced with the daunting task of on-site ultratrace environmental toxins detecting, especially the microcystins caused by water bloom. In this work, a novel fluorescent microsphere-based flow-through immunoaffinity chromatographic assay has been designed for detecting ultratrace microcystin-LR in water and aquatic products. The aggregation-induced emission luminogens were encapsulated into fluorescent microspheres to ensure microcystin-LR quantitation with a whole analytical time of less than 30 min. Furthermore, the colorimetric images were captured and quantitatively analyzed, which offered a limit of detection at 0.217 pg/mL and a limit of quantitation at 0.362 pg/mL in water and aquatic muscle samples. The developed immunoassays provide average recovery ranging from 79.1 % to 95.7 %, with relative standard deviations less than 13.4 %. Thus, the validated flow-through immunoaffinity chromatographic assay is an easy-to-use alternative for on-site screening of microcystin-LR in water and aquatic samples at picogram levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, new clindamycin (CLIN) artificial antigens were prepared and used to produce broad-specificity monoclonal antibodies. Based on the as-produced mAbs, a heterologous ELISA was developed to detect CLIN and lincomycin (LIN) residues in edible animal tissues. The IC 50 values of the developed assay were 0.3 ng/mL (CLIN) and 1.2 ng/mL (LIN) in buffer, respectively. The detection limits were estimated to be 1.8 μg/kg (CLIN) and 6.8 μg/kg (LIN) in bovine, chicken, porcine and fish muscles. In the spike and recovery tests, the mean recovery rate ranged from 76% to 112% at different spiked levels, and the intra −/inter-assay coefficients of variation were in the range of 7.1% to 13.2%. This method was verified using LC − MS/MS with a correlation coefficient > 0.97. The developed ELISA is therefore well suited for simultaneous determination of CLIN and LIN residues in bovine, chicken, porcine and fish muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Aquaporins (AQPs) are highly expressed in tumor cells of different origins, particularly the aggressive tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of AQP isoforms during progression of squamous cervical cancer (SCC) and explore their associations with clinicopathologic variables of SCC. Methods: Expression of AQP isoforms (1, 3, 4, 5, and 8) was detected by immunohistochemistry in 47 SCCs, 37 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and 16 normal cervical tissues. Specific expression of AQP protein in SCC was detected by Western blot. Double immunohistochemistry was used to examine whether AQPs and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are coexpressed in SCC. Results: Aquaporin 1 showed higher positivity rate in CIN than in SCC and normal cervical tissues (P < .05). The expression intensity of AQP3, 4, 5, and 8 was higher in SCC than that in normal cervical tissues, respectively (P < .05). The expression of AQP3 and 8 was higher in SCC than that in CIN, respectively (P < .05). The AQP4 expression was higher in CIN than in normal cervical tissues (P < .05). The expression of AQP3 in CIN III was higher than that in CIN I and II (P < .05). There was a significant increase in the expression of AQP1 in stage I than that in stage II (P < .05). Aquaporin 3 showed lower positivity in moderately and well-differentiated tumors compared to that in poorly differentiated tumors (P < .05). Finally, double immunohistochemistry illustrated that AQP1/AQP3/AQP8 and VEGF were coexpressed in SCC. Conclusions: Different AQP isoforms display specific expression patterns in normal cervical, CIN, and SCC tissues. This and the significant association with the clinicopathologic variables of SCC suggest that AQP isoforms might play different roles in the development of cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive and specific monoclonal antibody against clindamycin (CLIN) was produced and used to develop an immuno-affinity test column (IATC) assay for on-site screening of CLIN residues in milk. The qualitative limit of detection of the IATC assay, estimated as 1.0 μg L −1 by visual detection, was sufficient to measure maximum residue levels for lincosamide antibiotics in milk. The quantitative IATC assay resulted in a lower detection limit (0.11 μg L −1 ) by evaluating the colour intensity of the test layers, which was approximately 9 times greater sensitivity than visual detection. During the spike and recovery test, the average recoveries ranged from 76% to 114% at different spiked levels, and the intra-/interday coefficients of variation were in the range 9.6–16.7%. The detection time was shortened to 20 min, whereas the sensitivity was comparable with a traditional ELISA. The IATC assay shows promise for on-site screening of CLIN residues in milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multi-class multi-residue analysis method for determination of veterinary drugs, pesticides and mycotoxins in dairy products by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) has been established. These 17 classes, a total of 40 kinds of target compounds were chosen because their administration to food-producing animals is banned or regulated in China and may be potentially abused or misused. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile–ethyl acetate–acetic acid (49.5 + 49.5 + 1, v/v/v). Most of lipids in the extract were removed by low-temperature cleanup, prior to solid phase extraction on HLB cartridges. The quantification and confirmation of the 40 analytes were performed by LC–MS/MS with electro-spray ionization (ESI) interface in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.006–0.3 μg/kg and 0.02–1.0 μg/kg, respectively. The spiked recoveries in milk, yogurt, milk powder and cheese samples were from 67.3% to 106.9%. The repeatability and the within-laboratory reproducibility were less than 12.7% and 13.9%. Applying this method, our results revealed the presences of chloramphenicol, cimeterol, and flunixin at the concentration of 0.027–0.452 μg/kg in some samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis of the studies assessing the effects of mifepristone on the uterus, uterine leiomyoma, and leiomyoma-related symptoms in premenopausal women. Design: Meta-analysis. Setting: Centers for reproductive care. Patient(s): Premenopausal women who suffered from leiomyoma. Intervention(s): We identified all of the studies published before December 2012 that compared the status of patients with leiomyoma before and after treatment with mifepristone. Main Outcome Measure(s): Leiomyoma-related symptoms, uterine or leiomyoma volume, changes in endometrial thickness. Result(s): A meta-analytic technique was used to study 11 randomized controlled trials involving 780 women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. The subjects received 2.5–25 mg/d of mifepristone for 3–6 months. Mifepristone could effectively reduce uterine and leiomyoma volume and alleviate leiomyoma symptoms, including hypermenorrhea, the mean menstrual blood loss, pelvic pain, pelvic pressure, anemia, and dysmenorrhea. There was no significant difference in the rate of atypical endometrial hyperplasia between the mifepristone treatment group and the placebo group. Conclusion(s): Mifepristone significantly reduced uterine and leiomyoma volume and alleviated leiomyoma-related symptoms. We recommend 2.5 mg of mifepristone administered daily for 3 or 6 months as the optimum clinical treatment for leiomyoma. There is insufficient evidence that mifepristone treatment led to atypical endometrial hyperplasia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses a study on the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) proteins during later stages of squamous cervical cancer by using proteomics. It mentions the samples of squamous cervical cancer before and after NAC, undergoing gel electrophoresis and matrix assisted laser desorption and ionization spectrometry (MALDI). The results were analyzed by western blotting which revealed a change in 116 protein spots with more peroxiredoxin and less galectin concentration after NAC.

Immunoassays based on the current available antibodies for large multi-sulfonamide screening programs have suffered from high selectivity for individual sulfonamides and a wide range of selectivities for different sulfonamides. In this study, five synthesized haptens, HS, BS, CS, SA10, and TS and two sulfonamides, SG and SMX were used as haptens, which may or may not contain a ring structure at the N1 position of the sulfonamides, were selected to evaluate the effectiveness for producing group-specific monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Mice immunized with three different two-ring haptens were used for hybridoma production, which resulted in three unique MAbs recognizing 10, 13, and 15 sulfonamides showing 50 % inhibition (IC) at concentrations below 100 ng mL. MAb 4D11 derived from one novel immunizing hapten could recognize 12 sulfonamides with IC values ranging from 1.2 to 12.4 ng mL, almost within 1 order of magnitude. These produced MAbs show lower IC values in addition to significantly improved group specificity compared with previously generated MAbs. This study clearly indicates that the careful selection of the immunizing hapten has an important effect on the specificity of the generated antibodies. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methyl-3-quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid (MQCA) is a possible residue marker for three quinoxaline veterinary medicines (olaquindox, mequindox, and quinocetone). The wide application of mequindox/quinocetone or the illegal use of olaquindox leads to MQCA residue in animal's original food, thereby threatening the safety of human food. The indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IC-ELISA) with a specific coating antigen and monoclonal antibody (MAB) was established and optimized for detecting MQCA in swine liver. Samples were acidified with 2 mol l hydrochloric acid, extracted with ethyl acetate-hexane-isopropanol (8 + 1 + 1, v/ v/ v) and then detected by IC-ELISA. The logarithm correlation of standards to OD values ranged from 0.2 to 200 μg l, with IC of 6.46 μg l. Negligible cross-reactivity happened to five quinoxaline antibiotics (olaquindox, mequindox, quinocetone, carbadox, and cyadox) and the metabolite of carbadox and cyadox (quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid). When spiked with 1 to 100 μg kg of MQCA, the recoveries ranged from 85.44 to 100.02 %, with the intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) of 6.64-10.57 % and inter-assay CV of 7.29-10.88 %. The limit of detection for MQCA was 1.0 μg kg in swine liver. Furthermore, incurred samples were detected by the IC-ELISA and then conformed by a reported LC/MS/MS method, it shown that there was good correlation between the two methods. All these results indicated that the IC-ELISA method is appropriate for surveillance MQCA residue in animal tissues. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Abnormal expression of Annexin A2 and S100A proteins has been reported to induce sensitivity/resistance to chemotherapy in a variety of cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of Annexin A2 and S100A protein expression to predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and prognostic significance of these protein expressions in bulky stage IB–IIA cervical cancer patients. Methods: Paired tumor samples (pre- and post-chemotherapy) were obtained from 68 patients who were treated with cisplatin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical hysterectomy at our hospital from 2006 to 2011. The expression of Annexin A2 and S100A proteins was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Thirty-six patients were identified as chemotherapy-response and 32 were non-response. (a). Protein expression in tumor cells: (1). Exposure of tumor cells to chemotherapy results in a change of Annexin A2 and S100A expression (P <0.05). (2). Annexin A2, S100A8 and S100A9 protein expression correlates with tumor response to chemotherapy (P <0.05). (b). Protein expression in stromal cells: (1). Expression of Annexin A2, S100A8 and S100A9 was increased, but S100A2 and S100A4 was decreased after exposure to chemotherapy (P <0.05). (2). Only S100A4 expression was associated with response to chemotherapy (P <0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size (P =0.022), differentiation (P =0.000), Annexin A2 expression in stromal cells (P =0.009), and S100A8 expression in tumor cells (P =0.008) were independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival of cervical cancer patients. Conclusions: Expression of some of the measured proteins in tumor and stromal cells correlates with chemotherapy exposure, response to therapy, and progression-free survival. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • We synthesized carbon dots with quantum yields reaching 97.1%. • An inner filter effect immunosensor was setup for aflatoxin M 1 residue analysis. • Our immunosensor detection limit was 0.0186 ng/mL for aflatoxin M 1 in milk. • This immunosensor format is flexible for other chemical residue analysis. Here, a facile hydrothermal method was used to synthesize highly photoluminescent N -doped carbon dots, and the quantum yields reached 97.1%. Then, a label-free immunosensor based on the inner filter effect of carbon dots was developed for ultrasensitive detection of aflatoxin M 1 residues in milk. The detection limit was 0.0186 ng/mL (equivalents to 18.10 ng/kg), which satisfied the most stringent maximum tolerable limit value of 25 ng/kg. Besides, the immunosensor showed a good linear relationship from 0.003 ng/mL to 0.81 ng/mL, and the average recoveries ranged from 79.6% to 112.5% for spiked milk samples, with relative standard deviations ranging from 6.7% to 13.3%. Compared with other immunoassays, the inner filter effect-based immunosensor incorporating fluorescent detection into conventional enzymatic cascade amplification systems and could be a reliable on-site screening method for aflatoxin M 1 residue analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The on-road braking emission has been proved by former studies to account for a considerable part of on-road transportation. To improve cleaner air in urban area, the spatio-temporal analysis on emission performance of on-road braking is necessary as a guideline for decision-making. In this paper, we propose a framework for analysis on the particle matter emission of on-road vehicle braking events on an urban scale. We used massive vehicle trajectories in Tokyo area with short time interval as the database for analysis. From the result, we found that within the in the study area, the average driving distance during braking takes up about 20.60% of total driving distance. The average quantity of PM10 emission from braking for each driving trajectory is 14.09 mg and the one from exhaust emission is 35.36 mg. The emission from braking can averagely occupy 39.85% of exhaust emission. What's more, in our finding, the braking emission from heavy duty vehicle is 2.33 times of light duty vehicle. From the spatial distribution of PM10 braking emission, we found that braking emission usually happened in the city center and popular crowded areas due to the large traffic volume, as well as the main trunk roads of capital expressway or highway. We also found a different spatial pattern between the light duty vehicle and heavy-duty vehicle. In temporal change, we found that rapid peaks during the rush hour on weekday and contrastive stabilization on weekend. We believe our finding can provide a clearer pattern and understanding on the emission behavior of on-road vehicle braking. Image 1 • Proposing a framework to for analysis on the particle matter emission of on-road vehicle braking events on an urban scale. • Proposing a method to detect and mine emission from braking behaviors from GPS trajectory data of vehicle travelling. • Over twenty million historical GPS points of individual vehicle in Tokyo area are employed for analysis. • We found that emission from braking can occupy 39.85% of exhaust emission and HDV emits 2.33 times of LDV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low tumor mutational burden and absence of T cells within the tumor sites are typical characteristics of "cold immune tumors" that paralyzes the immune system. The strategy of reversing "cold tumors" to "hot tumors" infiltrated high degree of T cells in order to activate anti-tumor immunity has attracted lots of attentions. Herein, immunogenic core–shell Au@Se NPs is fabricated by gold-selenium coordination bond to realize nanoparticles-mediated local photothermal-triggered immunotherapy. As expected, incorporation of gold nanostars (AuNSs) with improved photothermal stability and conversion efficiency promotes the disintegration and transformation of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), thus leading to enhanced cancer cells apoptosis by producing higher hyperthermia. Moreover, the results of in vivo experiments demonstrate that the synergy between SeNPs-mediated chemotherapy and AuNSs-induced photothermal therapy not only generated a localized antitumor-immune response with excellent cancer killing effect under the presence of tumor-associated antigens, but also effectively reprogrammed the tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) from M2 to M1 phenotype with tumoricidal activity to devour distant tumors. Without a doubt, this study not only provides a potent strategy to reverse the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, but also offers a new insight for potential clinical application in tumor immunotherapy. The present study provides demonstration of rational design of immunogenic nanotherapeutics Au@Se NPs for PTT-triggered immunotherapy involving reprogramming immunosuppression and activating systemic antitumor responses, which offers a new insight for potential clinical application in tumor immunotherapy. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Internet-supported non-dock bicycle-sharing service had emerged and gradually become warmly applauded by the public. In the non-dock bicycle-sharing system planning, the definition of coverage area and the division of sub service areas are highly essential and fundamental, which get little attention in the existing studies. In this paper, we propose a market-oriented methodology for non-dock bicycle-sharing system planning. Firstly, the potential demand of bicycle-sharing use is identified using mobile phone data. Then, a link network is constructed to represent the spatial distribution of potential demand. The algorithm of community detection is applied to the link network to discover the densely connected nodes in the area and define the division of sub service areas. Finally, the potential patterns of bicycle-sharing use, the spatial distribution of the potential demand, and the potential emission reduction are analysed based on the resulting division of sub service areas. The proposed method is tested using a data set of approximately 34 million GPS trajectories obtained in Tokyo. The area of Tokyo is subdivided into 21 sub service areas. Suggestions for bicycle management, infrastructure development, and the bicycle-sharing system planning are given regarding sub service areas with different properties. The potential emission reduction for the introduction of bicycle-sharing system is calculated in the area of Tokyo. Image 1 • A data set of 34 million trajectories is adopted to develop an integrated method. • A method of sub-area division for the bicycle-sharing system is proposed. • Travel pattern of potential bicycle-sharing behavior is described and analyzed. • Potential emission reduction of promoting bicycle-sharing is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]