Potential utility of ADNP in circulating tumor cells as biomarker for prognostics in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

This study aims to evaluate the prognostic utility of Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) expression in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) inpatients with Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) undergoing Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT). A prospective cohort of 74 bladder cancer patients and 22 non-cancer controls were enrolled. The expression of ADNP mRNA was detected by immunomagnetic beads-droplet digital PCR. The ADNP mRNA expression was evaluated in patients with high-risk NMIBC and those with indeterminate invasion depth post 2nd TURBT. Primary cultured bladder cancer cells and PBMCs from healthy donors were immunofluorescence stained. Our findings suggest that baseline ADNP mRNA level in CTCs shows potential as a prognostic marker for NMIBC with a sensitivity of 83.33% and a specificity of 73.58%. In comparison to baseline, ADNP mRNA expression increased post 2nd TURBT in 5 patients, where 2 experienced recurrence. Meanwhile, among the 12 patients with decreased levels, only one patient relapsed. A considerable limitation of this study entails the small sample size. The Immuno-magnetic beads-ddPCR technique provided a viable method for ADNP mRNA detection in CTCs from bladder cancer patients. The preoperative ADNP mRNA level in CTCs was identified as a prognostic indicator for NMIBC. Longitudinal monitoring of ADNP mRNA in CTCs of bladder cancer patients shows promise in evaluating treatment responses and predicting prognosis.

In Situ Preparation of Chlorine-Regenerable Antimicrobial Polymer Molecular Sieve Membranes.

Microbial contamination has profoundly impacted human health, and the effective eradication of widespread microbial issues is essential for addressing serious hygiene concerns. Taking polystyrene (PS) membrane as an example, we herein developed report a robust strategy for the in situ preparation of chlorine-regenerable antimicrobial polymer molecular sieve membranes through combining post-crosslinking and nucleophilic substitution reaction. The cross-linking PS membranes underwent a reaction with 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMH), leading to the formation of polymeric N-halamine precursors (PS-DMH). These hydantoinyl groups within PS-DMH were then efficiently converted into biocidal N-halamine structures (PS-DMH-Cl) via a simple chlorination process. ATR-FTIR and XPS spectra were recorded to confirm the chemical composition of the as-prepared PS-DMH-Cl membranes. SEM analyses revealed that the chlorinated PS-DMH-Cl membranes displayed a rough surface with a multitude of humps. The effect of chlorination temperature and time on the oxidative chlorine content in the PS-DMH-Cl membranes was systematically studied. The antimicrobial assays demonstrated that the PS-DMH-Cl membranes could achieve a 6-log inactivation of E. coli and S. aureus within just 4 min of contact time. Additionally, the resulting PS-DMH-Cl membranes exhibited excellent stability and regenerability of the oxidative chlorine content.

Versatile Hyper-Cross-Linked Polymers Derived from Waste Polystyrene: Synthesis, Properties, and Intentional Recycling.

Waste polystyrene contributes considerably to environmental pollution due to its persistent nature, prompting a widespread consensus on the urgent need for viable recycling solutions. Owing to the aromatic groups structure of polystyrene, hyper-cross-linked polymers can be synthesized through the Friedel-Crafts cross-linking reaction using Lewis acids as catalysts. In addition, hyper-cross-linked polystyrene and its carbonaceous counterparts can be used in several important applications, which helps in their efficient recycling. This review systematically explores methods for preparing multifunctional hyper-cross-linked polymers from waste polystyrene and their applications in sustainable recycling. We have comprehensively outlined various synthetic approaches for these polymers and investigated their physical and chemical properties. These multifunctional polymers not only exhibit structural flexibility but also demonstrate diversity in performance, making them suitable for various applications. Through a systematic examination of synthetic methods, we showcase the cutting-edge positions of these materials in the field of hyper-cross-linked polymers. Additionally, we provide in-depth insights into the potential applications of these hyper-cross-linked polymers in intentional recycling, highlighting their important contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development. This research provides valuable references to the fields of sustainable materials science and waste management, encouraging further exploration of innovative approaches for the utilization of discarded polystyrene.