Efficient Photothermal Sensor Based on Coral-Like Hollow Gold Nanospheres for the Sensitive Detection of Sulfonamides.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), universally regarded as colorimetric signal reporters, are widely employed in lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs). However, it is difficult for AuNPs-LFIA to achieve a wide range and sensitive detection. Herein, novel coral-like hollow gold nanospheres (CHGNPs) are synthesized. The growth of gold nanospheres can be regulated to obtain a multibranched and hollow construction. The obtained CHGNPs possess intense broadband absorption across the visible to near-infrared region, exhibiting a high molar extinction coefficient of 14.65 × 1011 M-1 cm-1 and a photothermal conversion efficiency of 79.75%. Thus, the photothermal/colorimetric dual-readout LFIA is developed based on CHGNPs (CHGNPs-PT-LFIA and CHGNPs-CM-LFIA) to effectively improve the detection sensitivity and broaden the detection range in regard to sulfonamides (SAs). The limits of detection of the CHGNPs-PT-LFIA and CHGNPs-CM-LFIA reached 1.9 and 2.8 pg mL-1 for the quantitative detection of sulfaquinoxaline, respectively, which are 6.3-fold and 4.3-fold lower than that of the AuNPs-LFIA. Meanwhile, the CHGNPs-PT-LFIA broadened the detection range to three orders of magnitude, which ranged from 2.5 to 5000 pg mL-1 . The synthesized photothermal CHGNPs have been proven effective in improving the performance of the LFIA and provide a potential option for the construction of sensing platforms.

Genomic evidence reveals high genetic diversity in a narrowly distributed species and natural hybridization risk with a widespread species in the genus Geodorum.

BACKGROUND: Understanding genetic diversity is a core issue in conservation genetics. However, previous genetic diversity evaluations of narrowly distributed species have rarely used closely related widespread species as a reference. Furthermore, identifying natural hybridization signals between narrowly and widely distributed sympatric species is of great importance for the development of species conservation programs. METHODS: In this study, population genotyping by sequencing (GBS) was performed for a narrowly distributed species, Geodorum eulophioides (endemic and endangered in Southwest China), and a widespread species, G. densiflorum. A total of 18,490 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified at the whole-genome level. RESULTS: The results showed that the nucleotide diversity and heterozygosity of G. eulophioides were significantly higher than those of G. densiflorum, confirming that narrowly distributed species can still preserve high genetic diversity. Consistent with taxonomic boundaries, all sampled individuals from the two species were divided into two genetic clusters and showed high genetic differentiation between species. However, in a sympatric population, a few G. eulophioides individuals were detected with genetic components from G. densiflorum, suggesting potential interspecific natural hybridization. This hypothesis was supported by Treemix analysis and hand-hybridization trials. Invasion of the habitat of G. eulophioides invasion by G. densiflorum under anthropogenic disturbance may be the main factor causing interspecific hybridization. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, reducing or avoiding habitat disturbance is a key measure to protect the G. eulophioides populations. This study provides valuable information for future conservation programs for narrowly distributed species.

Conformal sphincteric resection for ultra-low rectal cancer located below the dentate line: A pilot report.

AIM: Sphincter-sparing surgery can be achieved in most cases of low rectal cancer with the development of intersphincteric resection. However, abdominoperineal resection is still inevitable for patients with tumours located below the dentate line. To address this, we have developed a procedure called conformal sphincteric resection (CSR) in which the corresponding part of the subcutaneous portion of the external anal sphincter and the perianal skin on the tumour side is removed to achieve a safe distal resection margin and lateral resection margin while the dentate line and the internal anal sphincter on the tumour-free side are preserved as much as possible, to achieve sphincter preservation without compromising oncological safety and functional acceptability, and to render tumour location no longer a contraindication for sphincter-sparing surgery. This is the first study to describe the concept, indication and surgical procedure of CSR and to report its preliminary surgical, oncological and functional results. METHODS: This is a retrospective, single-centre, single-arm pilot study conducted at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University. Demographic, clinicopathological, oncological and functional follow-up data were collected from 20 consecutive patients with rectal tumours located below the dentate line who underwent laparoscopic CSR by the same surgical team from June 2018 to March 2022. RESULTS: The mean distance of the tumour's lower edge from the anal verge was 13.1 ± 6.0 mm. The mean distal resection margin was 10.6 ± 4.3 mm. All circumferential resection margins were negative. There were no instances of perioperative mortality. The complication rate was 25% but all were Clavien-Dindo Grade I. Among the 20 cases, 17 were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, one with squamous cell carcinoma and two with adenoma featuring high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. Pathological TNM staging revealed two, seven, five, five and one case(s) in Stages 0, I, II, III and IV, respectively. The median follow-up period was 20 months (interquartile range 22 months), with no withdrawals. The overall and disease-free survival rates were both 95%. The mean Wexner incontinence score and low anterior resection syndrome score recorded 18 months following diverting ileostomy closure were 6.3 ± 3.8 and 27.3 ± 3.6, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study has proposed the CSR procedure for the first time, which is a technically feasible, oncologically safe and functionally acceptable procedure for carefully selected patients with rectal tumours located below the dentate line.

Robotic colorectal cancer surgery in China: a nationwide retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Robotic colorectal cancer surgery is widely accepted and applied. However, there is still no objective and comprehensive assessment on the data of nationwide multicenter series. METHOD: A total of 28 medical centers in Mainland China participated in this nationwide retrospective observational study. From the first case performed in each center to the last until December 2017, patients with robotic resection for primary tumor and pathologically confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma were consecutively enrolled. Clinical, pathological and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 5389 eligible patients were finally enrolled in this study, composing 72.2% of the total robotic colorectal surgery volume of Mainland China in the same period. For resections of one bowel segment of primary tumor, the postoperative mortality rate was 0.08% (4/5063 cases), and the postoperative complication rate (Clavien-Dindo grade II or higher) was 8.6% (434/5063 cases). For multiple resections, the postoperative mortality rate was 0.6% (2/326 cases), and the postoperative complication rate was 16.3% (53/326 cases). Out of 2956 patients receiving sphincter-preserving surgery in only primary resection, 130 (4.4%) patients had anastomotic leakage. Traditional low anterior resection (tumor at middle rectum) (OR 2.384, P < 0.001), traditional low anterior resection (tumor at low rectum) (OR 1.968, P = 0.017) and intersphincteric resection (OR 5.468, P = 0.006) were significant independent risk factors for anastomotic leakage. Female gender (OR 0.557, P = 0.005), age ≥ 60 years (OR 0.684, P = 0.040), and preventive stoma (OR 0.496, P = 0.043) were significant independent protective factors. Body mass index, preoperative chemotherapy/radiotherapy, tumor size, and TNM stage did not independently affect the occurrence of anastomotic leakage. CONCLUSION: Robotic colorectal cancer surgery was safe and reliable and might have advantages in patients at high risk of anastomotic leakage.

Upregulation of 24(R/S),25-epoxycholesterol and 27-hydroxycholesterol suppresses the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers and is the second-leading cause of cancer-associated morbidity worldwide. Oxysterols are oxidized derivatives of cholesterol that may be important in many biological processes, but the levels and roles of oxysterols in gastric tumours remain to be elucidated. The levels of cholesterol, oxysterols and sulfated oxysterols in human gastric tumour tissues, adjacent normal mucosal tissues, cancerous gastric juice and gastric juice obtained from healthy subjects were detected by LC-MS. It was found that the levels of 24(R/S),25-EC and 27HC in human gastric tumour tissues and cancerous gastric juice were significantly increased compared with those of adjacent normal mucosal tissues and gastric juice from healthy subjects. Compared with normal gastric mucosal tissue, the levels of sulfated 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC3S) and the ratio of 25HC3S/25HC were decreased in human gastric tumour tissues, which might be related to the dramatically decreased SULT2A1 expression in gastric tumour tissue. Both 24(R/S),25-EC and 27HC suppressed gastric cancer proliferation, which was not altered by LXRα-siRNA treatment. The suppression of cell proliferation induced by 27HC was attenuated by LXRß-siRNA, but the suppression of cell proliferation induced by 24(R/S),25-EC was intensified by LXRß-siRNA. Both 24(R/S),25-EC and 27HC dramatically inhibited HGC-27 cell migration, which was attenuated by the co-transfection of cells with LXRα-siRNA and LXRß-siRNA, but not LXRα-siRNA or LXRß-siRNA alone. In conclusion, the accumulated 24(R/S),25-EC and 27HC in human gastric tumour tissues might play important roles in gastric cancer development.

Application of cryoablation to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer in a rabbit model.

OBJECTIVES: Peritoneal carcinomatosis is one of the causes of death in patients with advanced gastric cancer. We assumed that cryoablation could be applied as adjuvant therapy to control peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer. METHODS: We investigated the feasibility of cryoablation technique in rabbit model using a novel cryoablation balloon probe. The cryozones were harvested 7 days after cryoablation for histological evaluation. The levels of cytokines in the peripheral blood of rabbits were also detected. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that cryoablation could be applied in a rabbit model of peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastric cancer. Seven days after cryoablation, necrotic tumor cells could be seen the cryozones. Higher level of IFN-γ was observed. The level of IL-10 was decreased after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provided the experimental basis for the future application of cryoablation in patients.

Advantages of Early Preventive Ileostomy Closure after Total Mesorectal Excision Surgery for Rectal Cancer: An Institutional Retrospective Study of 123 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Preventive ileostomy is frequently constructed to minimizethe consequences of anastomotic leakage after resection of rectal cancer. There is no consensus regarding the best timing for temporary stoma closure after proctectomy for rectal cancer. This retrospective study sought to determine whether the timing of stoma closure influenced postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Subjects were 123 patients with rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic or open total mesorectal excision surgery with preventive ileostomy from 2012 to 2015. They were divided into 2 groups according the timing of stoma closure: the standard group who had closure within 90 (60-120) days (n = 78) and the late group who had closure after 180 (150-210) days (n = 45). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in operative time, operative blood loss or postoperative complications between the 2 groups. Timing of postoperative fasting and length of hospital stay was similar in both groups. Adjuvant chemotherapy was not a risk factor for postoperative complications after stoma closure. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference between different timings of temporary stoma closure in relation to postoperative complications. Delayed stoma closure showed no benefit in prevention of morbidity. Early closure is safe and can provide better quality of life for patients.

MiR-622 inhibited colorectal cancer occurrence and metastasis by suppressing K-Ras.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide, with many oncogenes and anti-oncogenes involved. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, noncoding RNA molecules that can adjust downstream targets. Accumulating evidence has revealed that microRNAs govern the occurrence and development of cancer. Here, we studied the role of miR-622 in CRC and clarified the underlying mechanism. We detected that miR-622 was down-regulated in colorectal tumor tissues and cell lines and that miR-622 was lower in metastatic CRC tissues compared with that in non-metastatic specimens. Furthermore, we confirmed that miR-622 inhibited tumor proliferation and migration in vitro. Through dual-luciferase reporter assay, we found kirsten rat sarcoma (K-Ras) gene was the direct target of miR-622. More importantly, K-Ras overexpression can rescue the inhibitory effect of miR-622 on CRC development. All these data were validated in colon xenograft tumor model. MiR-622-K-Ras signal pathway was a potentially new direction in the development of screening target and therapeutic treatments for CRC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Clinical safety and outcomes of laparoscopic surgery versus open surgery for palliative resection of primary tumors in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to compare the clinical safety and outcomes of laparoscopic versus open surgery for primary tumors in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer. METHODS: Pertinent studies were selected from the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases; references from published articles; and reviews. Both prospective and retrospective studies were included for the meta-analysis. Clinical outcomes included safety, complications, mortality, and survival. RESULTS: Six trials involving 1802 patients were included. The operative time was longer for laparoscopic than for open surgery (mean difference (MD) = 44.20, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 17.31-71.09, Z = 3.22, P = 0.001). Laparoscopic surgery was also associated with fewer postoperative complications (odds ratio 0.53, 95 % CI 0.37-0.78, Z = 3.29, P = 0.001) and less operative blood loss (MD = -65.40, 95 % CI -102.37 to -28.42, Z = 3.47, P = 0.0005). Median survival ranged from 11.4 to 30.1 months. The total hospital stay was 1.68 days shorter for laparoscopic than for open surgery (95 % CI -1.83 to -1.53, Z = 21.64, P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery for palliative resection of stage IV colorectal cancer is associated with better perioperative outcomes than open surgery.

A plasma microRNA panel for early detection of colorectal cancer.

Colonoscopy remains the standard screening method for detecting colorectal cancer (CRC) at an early stage. However, many people avoid having a colonoscopy because of the fear for its potential complications. Our study aimed to identify plasma microRNAs for preliminarily screening CRC in general population, so that some unnecessary colonoscopies can be avoided. We investigated plasma microRNA expression in three independent cohorts including the discovery (n = 80), training (n = 112), and validation (n = 49) phases recruited at two medical centers. Microarrays were used for screening 723 microRNAs in 80 plasma samples to identify candidate microRNAs. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR was performed on the 161 training and validation plasma samples to evaluate the candidate microRNAs discovered from microarrays. A logistic regression model was constructed based on the training cohort and then verified by using the validation dataset. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy. We identified a panel of miR-409-3p, miR-7, and miR-93 that yielded high diagnostic accuracy in discriminating CRC from healthy group (AUC: 0.866 and 0.897 for training and validation dataset, respectively). Moreover, the diagnostic performance of the microRNA panel persisted in nonmetastasis CRC stages (Dukes' A-B, AUC: 0.809 and 0.892 for training and validation dataset, respectively) and in metastasis CRC stages (Dukes' C-D, AUC: 0.917 and 0.865 for training and validation dataset, respectively). In conclusion, our study reveals a plasma microRNA panel that has potential clinical value in early CRC detection and would play a critical role on preliminarily screening CRC in general population.

MiR-301a promotes colorectal cancer cell growth and invasion by directly targeting SOCS6.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and microRNAs play a crucial role in CRC biology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the exact functions and potential mechanisms of action of miR-301a in CRC. METHODS: Quantitative real-time PCR was conducted to assess the expression of miR-301a. Cell proliferation was detected using MTT and colony formation assay, and cell invasion and migration were evaluated using Transwell assay. Luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the direct regulation of suppressor of cytokine signaling 6 (SOCS6) by miR-301a. RESULTS: We first confirmed the upregulation of miR-301a in CRC tissues and cell lines. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies in the human CRC cell lines, SW480 and SW620, showed that miR-301a acts as an oncogene by increasing cell proliferation, migration and invasion as well as tumor growth. Furthermore, SOCS6 was identified as a target gene of miR-301a. Reintroduction of SOCS6 partially abrogated miR-301a-induced cell proliferation, migration and invasion. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that miR-301a promotes CRC progression by directly downregulating SOCS6 expression, and miR-301a may represent a novel biomarker for the prevention and treatment of CRC.

Prognostic factors and multidisciplinary treatment modalities for brain metastases from colorectal cancer: analysis of 93 patients.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review patient characteristics and evaluate the potential factors affecting prognosis in cases of brain metastasis (BM) from colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 93 cases of BM from CRC in our hospital. Patient demographics, neurologic symptoms, and location and number of BMs were recorded. Factors analyzed included: age; sex; Karnofsky performance score; number of BMs; presence of extracranial metastases; dimensions; location of tumors; treatment modalities. RESULTS: The overall 1- and 2-year survival rates were 27.7 and 9.9%. On multivariate analysis, the number of BMs, extracranial metastases and the initial treatment modalities were found to be independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Patients treated with surgical resection followed by WBRT or SRS had an improved prognosis relative to those treated with surgery alone (P=0.02 and P=0.02, respectively). No significance difference in survival rate was found between patients treated with SRS alone or SRS plus WBRT (P=0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection of BMs from CRC in selected patients may help prolong survival. Additional radiotherapy following surgery is valuable in improving prognosis. Extracranial metastasis, multiple BM lesions and initial non operation can be considered as independent factors associated with poor prognosis.

Dysregulation of over-expressed IL-32 in colorectal cancer induces metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL)-32 is a described intracellular pluripotent pro-inflammatory mediator, characterized by the signaling of NF-κB and STAT3. METHODS: Our study investigated whether IL-32 expression has clinical significance in the metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC). A total of 70 CRC patients were enrolled, 47 cases of which were single CRC organic metastasis lesions while the rest of which were primary CRC lesions (T4NxM0). IL-32 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the correlation between IL-32 expression and CRC metastases was analyzed. RESULTS: The positive rates of IL-32 in the CRC organic metastasis group were more severe than those in the primary CRC group (P < 0.05). The positive rate of IL-32 in primary CRC with lymph node metastasis was more severe than that of IL-32 in primary CRC without lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The level of IL-32 expression could influence the N grade of CRC. Thus, IL-32 expression may stimulate the organic metastasis and the lymph node metastasis of CRC.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Duodenal Injury: A Clinical Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Duodenal injuries do not often occur and are usually difficult to be diagnosed or treated. METHODOLOGY: To summarize the experience in managing duodenal injuries and determine some prognostic factors, we conducted a retrospective review on 42 cases of duodenal injuries including 17 traumatic (blunt 31.0%, penetrating 9.5%) and 25 iatrogenic (59.5%) ones, which were admitted to our hospital from 1993 to 2013. RESULTS: The mortality rate was 23.8% (n = 10). Main cause of late death was multiple system organ failure and infection. Senility and high APACHE II score were both correlated with mortality rate (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively). High morbidity and mortality rate were more likely to be associated with those had long delays in treatment or injury in the second part of the duodenum (P < 0.05). The number of associated injuries affected mortality rate (P < 0.05). For traumatic injuries, the mechanism of injury, method of initial surgical management, Organ Injury Scale and Abbreviated Injury Scale were not related to patients' outcome (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that early diagnosis and timely treatment were of great clinical value. Primary repair with an effective diversion was practicable. Age and APACHE II Score were the independent prognostic factors.

MicroRNA-135a acts as a putative tumor suppressor by directly targeting very low density lipoprotein receptor in human gallbladder cancer.

The precise functions and mechanisms of microRNAs (miR) in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remain elusive. In this study, we found that miR-135a-5p expression is often dampened and correlated with neoplasm histologic grade in GBC. MicroRNA-135a-5p introduction clearly inhibited GBC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), which is often upregulated in GBC tissues, was identified as a direct functional target of miR-135a-5p. Furthermore, the p38 MAPK pathway was proven to be involved in miR-135a-VLDLR downstream signaling. Together, these results suggested that the miR-135a-VLDLR-p38 axis may contribute to GBC cell proliferation.

Clinical application of adoptive T cell therapy in solid tumors.

As an emerging therapeutic approach, adoptive T cell therapy shown promise in advanced solid malignancies. The results obtained in patients with metastatic melanoma and kidney cancer are encouraging because of the visible clinical benefits and limited adverse effects. Recently, the genetically-modified T cells expressing specific T cell receptors or chimeric antigen receptors are just now entering the clinical arena and show great potential for high avidity to tumor-associated antigens and long-lasting anti-tumor responses. However, continued investigations are necessary to improve the cell product quality so as to decrease adverse effects and clinical costs, and make adoptive T cell therapy a tool of choice for solid malignancies.

Perioperative mortality and morbidity prediction using POSSUM, P-POSSUM and APACHE II in Chinese gastric cancer patients: surgical method is a key independent factor affecting prognosis.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide. Predicting morbidity and mortality is important in deciding timing of surgery and type of surgery offered. APACHE II, POSSUM, and P-POSSUM are the most reliable scoring methods in use today. This is the first paper to evaluate the utility of all three scoring systems in China. METHODS: We collected data on 851 patients (583 male and 268 female) who underwent surgery between 1991 and 2011. Physiological and pathological data was entered in spreadsheet format and analyzed using STATA version 11.0 to generate ROC curves for each scoring system. RESULTS: In predicting mortality, P-POSSUM and POSSUM were most effective and APACHE II was ineffective. POSSUM predicted a higher morbidity risk than was actually encountered. Age and type of operation were found to be independent risk factors for mortality. DISCUSSION: The utility of the APACHE II score in gastric cancer patients is limited. APACHE II is suitable for considering group versus individual effect. The POSSUM score is useful in general surgery, but needs improvement. We found the P-POSSUM score to be superior for morbidity and mortality prediction. P-POSSUM is useful for both the general population and for a specific cohort. The type of surgery is a key decision point for surgeons, and independently affects prognosis. Based upon these findings and clinical scoring systems, clinicians can develop individualized treatment algorithms.

Comparison of clinical safety and outcomes of early versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical safety and outcomes of early laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis. METHODS: Pertinent studies were selected from the Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases, references from published articles, and reviews. Seven randomized controlled trials (early laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy) were selected. Conventional meta-analysis according to Cochrane Collaboration was used for the pooling of the results. RESULTS: Seven trials with 1106 patients were included. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of bile duct injury (Peto odds ratio 0.49 (95% confidence interval 0.05 to 4.72); P = 0.54) or conversion to open cholecystectomy (risk ratio 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.69 to 1.20); P = 0.50). The total hospital stay was shorter by 4 days for early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (mean difference -4.12 (95% confidence interval -5.22 to -3.03) days; P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy during acute cholecystitis is safe and shortens the total hospital stay.

Integration of a biocompatible metal-phenolic network and fluorescence microspheres as labels for sensitive and stable detection of carbendazim with a lateral flow immunoassay.

High fluorescence intensity microspheres such as aggregation-induced emission fluorescence microspheres (AIEFM) have improved the sensitivity of lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA). The preparation of immune probes in LFIA usually adopts the chemical coupling strategy with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide for antibody coupling, which has the problems of low coupling efficiency, tedious coupling process, and poor repeatability. A biocompatible metal-phenolic network (MPN), which contains large amounts of phenols and galloyl groups, could easily, quickly, and stably couple with antibodies. Herein, we proposed a strategy based on MPN modification on ultrabright AIEFM surface as a novel label for the rapid detection of carbendazim. The limit of detection of AIEFM@MPN-LFIA was 0.019 ng/mL, which was 4.9 times lower than that of AIEFM-LFIA. In spiked samples, the average recoveries of AIEFM@MPN-LFIA ranged from 80% to 118% (coefficient of variation <13.45%). Therefore, AIEFM@MPN was a promising signal label that could improve the detection performance of LFIA.

Photosynthetic physiological characteristics, growth performance, and element concentrations reveal the calcicole-calcifuge behaviors of three Camellia species.

We grew three yellow Camellia species (the calcifuge C. nitidissima and C. tunghinensis, and the calcicole C. pubipetala) in acidic and calcareous soils for 7 months and assessed their photosynthetic physiological characteristics, growth performance, and element concentrations in this developmental context. The calcifuge C. nitidissima and C. tunghinensis species exhibited poor growth with leaf chlorosis, growth stagnation, and root disintegration in calcareous soils, and with their P n, G s, T r, F v/F m, ΦPSII, ETR, qP, leaf Chla, Chlb, and Chl(a + b) concentrations, and root, stem, leaf, and total biomass being significantly lower when grown in calcareous soils relative to in acidic soils. In contrast, the calcicole C. pubipetala grew well in both acidic and calcareous soils, with few differences in the above parameters between these two soil substrates. The absorption and/or transportation of nutrient elements such as N, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe by the two calcifuge Camellia species plants grown in calcareous soils were restrained. Soil type plays a major role in the failure of the two calcifuge Camellia species to establish themselves in calcareous soils, whereas other factors such as competition and human activity are likely more important limiting factors in the reverse case. This study furthers our understanding of the factors influencing the distribution of these rare and endangered yellow Camellia species, allowing for improved management of these species in conservation projects and horticultural production.