GateView: A Multi-Omics Platform for Gene Feature Analysis of Virus Receptors within Human Normal Tissues and Tumors.

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that rely on cell surface receptor molecules to complete the first step of invading host cells. The experimental method for virus receptor screening is time-consuming, and receptor molecules have been identified for less than half of known viruses. This study collected known human viruses and their receptor molecules. Through bioinformatics analysis, common characteristics of virus receptor molecules (including sequence, expression, mutation, etc.) were obtained to study why these membrane proteins are more likely to become virus receptors. An in-depth analysis of the cataloged virus receptors revealed several noteworthy findings. Compared to other membrane proteins, human virus receptors generally exhibited higher expression levels and lower sequence conservation. These receptors were found in multiple tissues, with certain tissues and cell types displaying significantly higher expression levels. While most receptor molecules showed noticeable age-related variations in expression across different tissues, only a limited number of them exhibited gender-related differences in specific tissues. Interestingly, in contrast to normal tissues, virus receptors showed significant dysregulation in various types of tumors, particularly those associated with dsRNA and retrovirus receptors. Finally, GateView, a multi-omics platform, was established to analyze the gene features of virus receptors in human normal tissues and tumors. Serving as a valuable resource, it enables the exploration of common patterns among virus receptors and the investigation of virus tropism across different tissues, population preferences, virus pathogenicity, and oncolytic virus mechanisms.

Predicting tall-cell subtype of papillary thyroid carcinomas independently with preoperative multimodal ultrasound.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the differences between tall-cell subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma (TCPTC) and classical papillary thyroid carcinoma (cPTC) using multimodal ultrasound, and identify independent risk factors for TCPTC to compensate the deficiency of preoperative cytological and molecular diagnosis on PTC subtypes. METHODS: 46 TCPTC patients and 92 cPTC patients were included. Each patient received grey-scale ultrasound, color Dopplor flow imaging (CDFI) and shear-wave elastography (SWE) preoperatively. Clinicopathologic information, grey-scale ultrasound features, CDFI features and SWE features of 98 lesion were compared using univariate analysis to find out predictors of TCPTC, based on which, a predictive model was built to differentiate TCPTC from cPTC and validated with 40 patients. RESULTS: Univariate and multivariate analysis identified that extrathyroidal extension (OR, 15.12; 95% CI, 2.26-115.44), aspect ratio (≥0.91) (OR, 29.34; 95% CI, 1.29-26.23), and maximum diameter ≥ 14.6 mm (OR, 20.79; 95% CI, 3.87-111.47) were the independent risk factors for TCPTC. Logistic regression equation: p = 1/1+ExpΣ[-5.099 + 3.004 × (if size ≥14.6 mm)+2.957 × (if aspect ratio≥0.91)+2.819 × (if extra-thyroidal extension)]. The prediction model had a good discrimination performance for TCPTC: the AUC, sensitivity and specificity were 0.928, 0.848 and 0.954 in cohort 1, and the corresponding values in cohort 2 were 0.943, 0.923 and 0.926. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound has potential for differential diagnosis of TCPTC from cPTC. A prediction model based on ultrasound characteristics (extrathyroidal extension, aspect ratio ≥0.91, and maximum diameter ≥14.6 mm) was useful to predict TCPTC. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Multimodal ultrasound prediction of TCPTC were supplements to preoperative cytological diagnosis and molecular diagnosis on PTC subtypes.

Low-voltage stimulated denitrification performance of high-salinity wastewater using halotolerant microorganisms.

Nitrate is a common contaminant in high-salinity wastewater, which has adverse effects on both the environment and human health. However, conventional biological treatment exhibits poor denitrification performance due to the high-salinity shock. In this study, an innovative approach using an electrostimulating microbial reactor (EMR) was explored to address this challenge. With a low-voltage input of 1.2 V, the EMR reached nitrate removal kinetic parameter (kNO3-N) of 0.0166-0.0808 h-1 under high-salinities (1.5 %-6.5 %), which was higher than that of the microbial reactor (MR) (0.0125-0.0478 h-1). The mechanisms analysis revealed that low-voltage significantly enhanced microbial salt-in strategy and promoted the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances. Halotolerant denitrification microorganisms (Pseudomonas and Nitratireductor) were also enriched in EMR. Moreover, the EMR achieved a NO3-N removal efficiency of 73.64 % in treating high-salinity wastewater (salinity 4.69 %) over 18-cycles, whereas the MR only reached 54.67 %. In summary, this study offers an innovative solution for denitrification of high-salinity wastewater.

[Cloning and functional analysis of 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase gene involved in biosynthesis of digitoxin].

Digitoxin, an important secondary metabolite of Digitalis purpurea, is a commonly used cardiotonic in clinical practice. 3ß-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(3ßHSD) is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of digitoxin. It belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase(SDR) family, playing a role in the biosynthesis of cardiac glycosides by oxidizing and isomerizing the precursor sterol. In this study, two 3ßHSD genes were cloned from D. purpurea. The results showed that the open reading frame(ORF) of Dp3ßHSD1 was 780 bp, encoding 259 amino acid residues. The ORF of Dp3ßHSD2 was 774 bp and encoded 257 residues. Dp3ßHSD1/2 had the cofactor binding site TGxxxA/GxG and the catalytic site YxxxK. In vitro experiments confirmed that Dp3ßHSD1/2 catalyzed the generation of progesterone from pregnenolone, and Dp3ßHSD1 had stronger catalytic capacity than Dp3ßHSD2. The expression level of Dp3ßHSD1 was much higher than that of Dp3ßHSD2 in leaves, and digitoxin was only accumulated in leaves. The results implied that Dp3ßHSD1 played a role in the dehydrogenation of pregnenolone to produce progesterone in the biosynthesis of digitoxin. This study provides a reference for further exploring the biosynthetic pathway of cardiac glycosides in D. purpurea.

Simultaneous biogas upgrading and medium-chain fatty acids production using a dual membrane biofilm reactor.

Utilizing H2-assisted ex-situ biogas upgrading and acetate recovery holds great promise for achieving high value utilization of biogas. However, it faces a significant challenge due to acetate's high solubility and limited economic value. To address this challenge, we propose an innovative strategy for simultaneous upgrading of biogas and the production of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). A series of batch tests evaluated the strategy's efficiency under varying initial gas ratios (v/v) of H2, CH4, CO2, along with varying ethanol concentrations. The results identified the optimal conditions as initial gas ratios of 3H2:3CH4:2CO2 and an ethanol concentration of 241.2 mmol L-1, leading to maximum CH4 purity (97.2 %), MCFAs yield (54.2 ± 2.1 mmol L-1), and MCFAs carbon-flow distribution (62.3 %). Additionally, an analysis of the microbial community's response to varying conditions highlighted the crucial roles played by microorganisms such as Clostridium, Proteiniphilum, Sporanaerobacter, and Bacteroides in synergistically assimilating H2 and CO2 for MCFAs production. Furthermore, a 160-day continuous operation using a dual-membrane aerated biofilm reactor (dMBfR) was conducted. Remarkable achievements were made at a hydraulic retention time of 2 days, including an upgraded CH4 content of 96.4 ± 0.3 %, ethanol utilization ratio (URethanol) of 95.7 %, MCFAs production rate of 28.8 ± 0.3 mmol L-1 d-1, and MCFAs carbon-flow distribution of 70 ± 0.8 %. This enhancement is proved to be an efficient in biogas upgrading and MCFAs production. These results lay the foundation for maximizing the value of biogas, reducing CO2 emissions, and providing valuable insights into resource recovery.

Integrated biogas upgrading and medium-chain fatty acids production for more efficient resource recovery.

The conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) from biogas into medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) represents an eco-friendly resource recovery approach to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and combat global climate change. This study presented the novel concept of integrated resource recovery by coupling biogas upgrading and MCFAs production for the first time. Initially, the impact of different initial ethanol concentrations on chain elongation was examined, determining that an ethanol concentration of 160 mmol/L maximized MCFAs yield at 45.7 mmol/L. Subsequently, using this optimal ethanol supply, the integrated strategy was implemented by connecting two bioreactors in series and maintaining continuous operation for 160-day. The results were noteworthy: upgraded bio-methane purity reached 97.6 %, MCFAs production rate and carbon-flow distribution reached 24.5 mmol/L d-1 and 76.1 %, respectively. In summary, these promising outcomes pioneer a resource recovery approach, enabling the high-value utilization of biogas and the conversion of CO2 into valuable bio-chemicals.

Huangqin decoction alleviates lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by triggering Sirt1/NF-κB pathway.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinicopathological entity characterized by intrahepatic ectopic steatosis. As a consequence of increased consumption of high-calorie diet and adoption of a sedentary lifestyle, the incidence of NAFLD has surpassed that of viral hepatitis, making it the most common cause of chronic liver disease globally. Huangqin decoction (HQD), a Chinese medicinal formulation that has been used clinically for thousands of years, has beneficial outcomes in patients with liver diseases, including NAFLD. However, the role and mechanism of action of HQD in lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in NAFLD remain poorly understood. AIM: To evaluate the ameliorative effects of HQD in NAFLD, with a focus on lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action. METHODS: High-fat diet-induced NAFLD rats and palmitic acid (PA)-stimulated HepG2 cells were used to investigate the effects of HQD and identify its potential mechanism of action. Phytochemicals in HQD were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify the key components. RESULTS: Ten primary chemical components of HQD were identified by HPLC analysis. In vivo, HQD effectively prevented rats from gaining body and liver weight, improved the liver index, ameliorated hepatic histological aberrations, decreased transaminase and lipid profile disorders, and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory factors and insulin resistance. In vitro studies revealed that HQD effectively alleviated PA-induced lipid accumulation, inflammation, and insulin resistance in HepG2 cells. In-depth investigation revealed that HQD triggers Sirt1/NF-κB pathway-modulated lipogenesis and inflammation, contributing to its beneficial actions, which was further corroborated by the addition of the Sirt1 antagonist EX-527 that compromised the favorable effects of HQD. CONCLUSION: In summary, our study confirmed that HQD mitigates lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in NAFLD by triggering the Sirt1/NF-κB pathway.

Tele-Mentored Handheld Ultrasound System for General Practitioners: A Prospective, Descriptive Study in Remote and Rural Communities.

BACKGROUND: Rural general practitioners (GPs) have insufficient diagnostic information to deal with complex clinical scenarios due to the inequality in medical imaging resources in rural and remote communities. The objective of this study is to explore the value of a tele-mentored handheld ultrasound (tele-HHUS) system, allowing GPs to provide ultrasound (US) services in rural and remote communities. METHODS: Overall, 708 patients underwent tele-HHUS examination between March and October 2021 and March and April 2022 across thirteen primary hospitals and two tertiary-care general hospitals. All US examinations were guided and supervised remotely in real time by US experts more than 300 km away using the tele-HHUS system. The following details were recorded: location of tele-HHUS scanning, primary complaints, clinical diagnosis, and US findings. The recommendations (referral or follow-up) based on clinical experience alone were compared with those based on clinical experience with tele-HHUS information. RESULTS: Tele-HHUS examinations were performed both in hospital settings (90.6%, 642/708) and out of hospital settings (9.4%, 66/708). Leaving aside routine physical examinations, flank pain (14.2%, 91/642) was the most common complaint in inpatients, while chest distress (12.1%, 8/66) and flank discomfort (12.1%, 8/66) were the most common complaints in out-of-hospital settings. Additionally, the referral rate increased from 5.9% to 8.3% (kappa = 0.202; p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The tele-HHUS system can help rural GPs perform HHUS successfully in remote and rural communities. This novel mobile telemedicine model is valuable in resource-limited areas.

iORbase: A database for the prediction of the structures and functions of insect olfactory receptors.

Insect olfactory receptors (iORs) with atypical 7-transmembrane domains, unlike Chordata olfactory receptors, are not in the GPCR protein family. iORs selectively bind to volatile ligands in the environment and affect essential insect behaviors. In this study, we constructed a new platform (iORbase, https://www.iorbase.com) for the structural and functional analysis of iORs based on a combined algorithm for gene annotation and protein structure prediction. Moreover, it provides the option to calculate the binding affinities and binding residues between iORs and pheromone molecules by virtual screening of docking. Furthermore, iORbase supports the automatic structural and functional prediction of user-submitted iORs or pheromones. iORbase contains the well-analyzed results of approximately 6 000 iORs and their 3D protein structures identified from 59 insect species and 2 077 insect pheromones from the literature, as well as approximately 12 million pairs of simulated interactions between functional iORs and pheromones. We also built 4 online modules, iORPDB, iInteraction, iModelTM, and iOdorTool to easily retrieve and visualize the 3D structures and interactions. iORbase can help greatly improve the experimental efficiency and success rate, identify new insecticide targets, or develop electronic nose technology. This study will shed light on the olfactory recognition mechanism and evolutionary characteristics from the perspectives of omics and macroevolution.

Deciphering the role and mechanism of nano zero-valent iron on medium chain fatty acids production from CO2 via chain elongation in microbial electrosynthesis.

The integrated system of microbial electrosynthesis (MES) coupled with chain elongation has been considered a promising platform for carboxylic acids production. However, this biotechnology is still in its infancy, and many limitations are needed to be transcended, such as low electron transfer efficiency between cathode and microbes. In this study, nano zero-valent iron (NZVI) was employed to improve carboxylic acid production in the integrated system, and the promotion mechanisms were revealed. Results suggested that the highest production concentrations of acetate, butyrate, and caproate were observed at 7.5 g/L optimized NZVI dosage, increasing the total yield and coulomb efficiency by 23.7 % and 40.3 % compared to the control. Mechanism studies indicated that the hydrogen and electron released by the anaerobic corrosion of NZVI could be used as additional reducing equivalents, thereby enhancing the electron transfer performance. Besides, NZVI was also proven to facilitate the formation of electroactive biofilms according to the results of biofilm characterization and total DNA. In functional microbes' respect, the moderate NZVI enriched the chain elongator in biofilm, like Clostridium_sensu-stricto_12, and upregulated the activities of key enzymes of homoacetogenesis and chain elongation metabolic pathways, like carbon-monoxide dehydrogenase and hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase. This study provided the evidence and revealed how NZVI assisted carboxylic acid production from CO2 via chain elongation in MES.

Improving the catalytic activity of ß-glucosidase from Coniophora puteana via semi-rational design for efficient biomass cellulose degradation.

In order to improve the degradation activity of ß-glucosidase (CpBgl) from Coniophora puteana, the structural modification was conducted. The enzyme activity of mutants CpBgl-Q20C and CpBgl-A240S was increased by 65.75% and 58.58%, respectively. These mutants exhibited maximum activity under the same conditions as wild-type CpBgl (65 â„ƒ and pH 5.0), slightly improved stabilities compared that of the wild-type, and remarkably enhanced activities in the presence of Mn2+ or Fe2+. The Vmax of CpBgl-Q20C and CpBgl-A240S was increased to 138.18 and 125.14 µmol/mg/min, respectively, from 81.34 µmol/mg/min of the wild-type, and the catalysis efficiency (kcat/Km) of CpBgl-Q20C (335.79 min-1/mM) and CpBgl-A240S (281.51 min-1/mM) was significantly improved compared with that of the wild-type (149.12 min-1/mM). When the mutant CpBgl-Q20C were used in the practical degradation of different biomasses, the glucose yields of filter paper, corncob residue, and fungi mycelia residue were increased by 17.68%, 25.10%, and 20.37%, respectively. The spatial locations of the mutation residues in the architecture of CpBgl and their unique roles in the enzyme-substrate binding and catalytic efficiency were probed in this work. These results laid a foundation for evolution of other glycoside hydrolases and the industrial bio-degradation of cellulosic biomass in nature.

Predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules based on conventional ultrasound and elastography: the value of predictive models in a multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to establish predictive models based on features of Conventional Ultrasound (CUS) and elastography in a multi-center study to determine appropriate preoperative diagnosis of malignancy in thyroid nodules with different risk stratification based on 2017 Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System by the American College of Radiology (ACR TI-RADS) guidelines. METHODS: Five hundred forty-eight thyroid nodules from three centers pathologically confirmed by the cytology or histology were retrospectively enrolled in the study, which were examined by CUS and elastography before fine needle aspiration (FNA) and surgery. Characteristics of CUS of thyroid nodules were reviewed according to 2017 ACR TI-RADS. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to develop the prediction models based on the different risk stratification of CUS features and elastography which were statistically significant. Values of predictive models were evaluated regarding the discrimination and calibration. RESULTS: Binary logistic regression showed that patients' age, taller-than-wider, lobulated or irregular boundary, extra-thyroid extension, microcalcification and the elastic parameter of Virtual touch tissue imaging quantification (VTIQ) max were independent predictors for thyroid malignancy (p < 0.05) in the ACR model and showed the area under the curve (AUC) in training (0.912) and validation cohort (internal and external: 0.877 vs 0.935). Predictive models showed predictors in ACR TR4 and TR5 for malignancy and diagnostic performance of AUC in training, internal and external validation cohort respectively: the VTIQ max (p < 0.001) with AUC of 0.809 vs 0.842 vs 0.705 and the age, taller than wide, VTIQ max variables with AUC of 0.859 vs 0.830 vs 0.906 in validation cohort. All predictive models have better calibration capabilities (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Predictive models combined CUS and elastography features would aid clinicians to make appropriate preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules among different risk stratification. The elastography parameter of VTIQ max has the priority in distinguishing thyroid malignancy with moderately suspicious (ACR TR4).

[Functional characterization and enzymatic properties of flavonoid glycosyltransferase gene CtUGT49 in Carthamus tinctorius].

Carthami Flos, as a traditional blood-activating and stasis-resolving drug, possesses anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory pharmacological activities. Flavonoid glycosides are the main bioactive components in Carthamus tinctorius. Glycosyltransferase deserves to be studied in depth as a downstream modification enzyme in the biosynthesis of active glycoside compounds. This study reported a flavonoid glycosyltransferase CtUGT49 from C. tinctorius based on the transcriptome data, followed by bioinformatic analysis and the investigation of enzymatic properties. The open reading frame(ORF) of the gene was 1 416 bp, encoding 471 amino acid residues with the molecular weight of about 52 kDa. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CtUGT49 belonged to the UGT73 family. According to in vitro enzymatic results, CtUGT49 could catalyze naringenin chalcone to the prunin and choerospondin, and catalyze phloretin to phlorizin and trilobatin, exhibiting good substrate versatility. After the recombinant protein CtUGT49 was obtained by hetero-logous expression and purification, the enzymatic properties of CtUGT49 catalyzing the formation of prunin from naringenin chalcone were investigated. The results showed that the optimal pH value for CtUGT49 catalysis was 7.0, the optimal temperature was 37 ℃, and the highest substrate conversion rate was achieved after 8 h of reaction. The results of enzymatic kinetic parameters showed that the K_m value was 209.90 µmol·L~(-1) and k_(cat) was 48.36 s~(-1) calculated with the method of Michaelis-Menten plot. The discovery of the novel glycosyltransferase CtUGT49 is important for enriching the library of glycosylation tool enzymes and provides a basis for analyzing the glycosylation process of flavonoid glycosides in C. tinctorius.

Identification of a cytochrome P450 from Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Levl.) Hutch that catalyzes polpunonic acid formation in celastrol biosynthesis.

Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Levl.) Hutch, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a long history of use, is widely distributed in China. One of its main active components, celastrol, has great potential to be developed into anti-cancer and anti-obesity drugs. Although it exhibits strong pharmacological activities, there is a lack of sustainable sources of celastrol and its derivatives, making it crucial to develop novel sources of these drugs through synthetic biology. The key step in the biosynthesis of celastrol is considered to be the cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene into friedelin under the catalysis of 2,3-oxidosqualene cyclases. Friedelin was speculated to be oxidized into celastrol by cytochrome P450 oxidases (CYP450s). Here, we reported a cytochrome P450 ThCYP712K1 from Tripterygium hypoglaucum (Levl.) Hutch that catalyzed the oxidation of friedelin into polpuonic acid when heterologously expressed in yeast. Through substrate supplementation and in vitro enzyme analysis, ThCYP712K1 was further proven to catalyze the oxidation of friedelin at the C-29 position to produce polpunonic acid, which is considered a vital step in the biosynthesis of celastrol, and will lay a foundation for further analysis of its biosynthetic pathway.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the assessment of Crohn's disease activity: comparison with computed tomography enterography.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Continuous assessment of disease activity remains a huge challenge during the follow-ups of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) by comparing with computed tomography enterography (CTE) in the assessment of disease activity in CD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients diagnosed with CD were included in this study, using the CEUS and CTE as imaging methods for comparison. The selected parameters included the location and thickness of the thickest part of the intestinal wall, mesenteric fat proliferation, mesenteric vessels change, enhancement pattern and the presence of complications. Patients were clinically assessed using the Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD) was regarded as the reference standard. RESULTS: The location of the thickest part of the intestinal wall (κ = 0.653), bowel wall thickness (ICC = 0.795), mesenteric vessels change (κ = 0.692) and complications (κ = 0.796) displayed substantial agreement (0.61-0.80) between CEUS and CTE, while the detection of mesenteric fat proliferation (κ = 0.395) and enhancement pattern (κ = 0.288) showed fair consistency (0.21-0.40) for comparison. In CEUS, bowel wall thickness, mesenteric fat proliferation, enhancement pattern and mesenteric vessels change were statistically significant in assessing CD activity, while bowel wall thickness, mesenteric fat proliferation and mesenteric vessels change in CTE. Bowel wall thickness showed the best diagnostic performance in the assessment of CD activity at CEUS and CTE. CONCLUSION: CEUS provides a radiation-free and effective way to assess the CD activity in comparison with CTE, which also avoids frequent colonoscopy examinations, improves tolerance of patients, and reduces the cost of medical care, thereby serving as a useful tool for CD follow-up.

Ultrasound-based computer-aided diagnosis for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules with different radiologists.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) technique in predicting malignancy for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (TNs) as compared with different experienced radiologists. METHOD: 436 patients with 436 cytologically indeterminate TNs on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) were included and all were confirmed by surgical pathology. They were retrospectively analyzed with respect to ultrasound (US) characteristics using a commercially available CAD system (AmCAD-UT; AmCad BioMed, Taiwan, China) and reviewed by one junior and one senior radiologists.The CAD system and different experienced radiologists stratified the risk of malignancy using ACR TI-RADS category. The diagnostic performance by different experienced radiologists independently and after consulting the CAD (different experienced radiologists + CAD) and by the CAD alone were compared. RESULTS: The different experienced radiologists showed significantly higher specificities than the CAD system alone. The combination of radiologist and CAD system showed improved diagnostic performance with an AUC (Area under the curve) of 0.740 in the senior radiologist and 0.677 in the junior radiologist, as compared with CAD (AUC: 0.585) alone (all P < 0.05). The combination of senior radiologist and CAD system had the highest diagnostic performance (AUC: 0.740) and specificity (68.9%) compared to the others (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The CAD system may play the potential role as a decision-making assistant alongside radiologists for differential diagnosis of TNs with indeterminate cytology.

Facile Preparation of Hydrophobic PLA/PBE Micro-Nanofiber Fabrics via the Melt-Blown Process for High-Efficacy Oil/Water Separation.

Polylactic acid (PLA) micro-nanofiber fabrics with a large specific surface area and excellent biodegradability are commonly used in oil/water separation; however, challenges remain due to their poor mechanical properties. Herein, a thermoplastic polylactic acid/propylene-based elastomer (PLA/PBE) polymer was prepared by blending PLA with PBE. Then, PLA/PBE micro-nanofiber fabrics were successfully prepared using a melt-blown process. The results show that the PLA/PBE micro-nanofiber fabric has a three-dimensional porous structure, improving the thermal stability and fluidity of the PLA/PBE blended polymers. The PLA/PBE micro-nanofiber fabric demonstrated a significantly reduced average fiber diameter and an enhanced breaking strength. Moreover, the water contact angle of the prepared samples is 134°, which suggests a hydrophobic capacity. The oil absorption rate of the fabric can reach 10.34, demonstrating excellent oil/water separation performance. The successful preparation of PLA/PBE micro-nanofiber fabrics using our new method paves the way for the large-scale production of promising candidates for high-efficacy oil/water separation applications.

A review of the non-lyctine powder-post beetles of Yunnan (China) with a new genus and new species (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae).

The powder post beetles (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) (except Lyctinae) of Yunnan Province in Southwest China are reviewed for the first time. Keys to twenty-six genera and fifty-two species from the Yunnan region are provided. One new genus and seven new species are described: Dinoderus (Dinoderastes) hongheensis sp. nov., Dinoderus (Dinoderastes) nanxiheensis sp. nov., Gracilenta yingjiangensis gen. nov., sp. nov., Calonistes vittatus sp. nov., Calophagus colombiana sp. nov., Xylodrypta guochuanii sp. nov. and Xylodrypta zhenghei sp. nov.. Fourteen species are recorded in China for the first time. The bostrichid fauna of Yunnan is compared with those of the neighbouring bio-geographically related Southeast Asian and Himalayan regions. The fauna has a close affinity with that of tropical Southeast Asia and a much weaker relationship with the Palearctic region. The differences with the Himalayas may reflect the separate evolutionary and complex geological history of the two areas.

Production and Characterization of Biotinylated Anti-fenitrothion Nanobodies and Development of Sensitive Fluoroimmunoassay.

A simple and sensitive fluoroimmunoassay (FIA) based on a heavy-chain antibody (VHH) for rapid detection of fenitrothion was developed. A VHH library was constructed from an immunized alpaca, and one clone recognizing fenitrothion (namely, VHHjd8) was achieved after careful biopanning. It was biotinylated by fusing with the Avi tag and biotin ligase to obtain a fusion protein (VHHjd8-BT), showing both binding capacity to fenitrothion and the streptavidin poly-horseradish peroxidase conjugate (SA-polyHRP). Based on a competitive assay format, the absorbance spectrum of oxidized 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine generated by SA-polyHRP overlapped the emission spectrum of carbon dots, which resulted in quenching of signals due to the inner-filter effect. The developed FIA showed an IC50 value of 1.4 ng/mL and a limit of detection of 0.03 ng/mL, which exhibited 15-fold improvement compared with conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The recovery test of FIA was validated by standard GC-MS/MS, and the results showed good consistency, indicating that the assay is an ideal tool for rapid screening of fenitrothion in bulk food samples.