Integrating Metal-Phenolic Networks-Mediated Separation and Machine Learning-Aided Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Accurate Nanoplastics Quantification and Classification.

Increasing accumulation of nanoplastics across ecosystems poses a significant threat to both terrestrial and aquatic life. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an emerging technique used for nanoplastics detection. However, the identification and classification of nanoplastics using SERS faces challenges regarding sensitivity and accuracy as nanoplastics are sparsely dispersed in the environment. Metal-phenolic networks (MPNs) have the potential to rapidly concentrate and separate various types and sizes of nanoplastics. SERS combined with machine learning may improve prediction accuracy. Herein, we report the integration of MPNs-mediated separation with machine learning-aided SERS methods for the accurate classification and high-precision quantification of nanoplastics, which is tailored to include the complete region of characteristic peaks across diverse nanoplastics in contrast to the traditional manual analysis of SERS spectra on a singular characteristic peak. Our customized machine learning system (e.g., outlier detection, classification, quantification) allows for the identification of detectable nanoplastics (accuracy 81.84%), accurate classification (accuracy > 97%), and sensitive quantification of various types of nanoplastics (polystyrene (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), and poly(lactic acid) (PLA)) down to ultralow concentrations (0.1 ppm) as well as accurate classification (accuracy > 92%) of nanoplastic mixtures at a subppm level. The effectiveness of this approach is substantiated by its ability to discern between different nanoplastic mixtures and detect nanoplastic samples in natural water systems.

Electrospinning-based sensing technologies: Opportunities for food applications.

The article explores the science and practice of electrospinning, tracing its history and examining the factors that influence fiber morphology, including the solution composition, processing conditions, and environmental conditions. It offers a thorough examination of electrospinning fundamentals geared toward generating an appropriate platform for creating tailored nanofibers for sensing applications in the food industry. These nanofibers play a critical role in food analysis, sensing, and traceability, and we highlight their effectiveness in identifying pesticide residues, food components, antibiotics, heavy metals, and foodborne pathogens as well as in monitoring the freshness and spoilage of food. The use of electrospinning technology is poised to make sensing platforms more accessible, affordable, and widespread, thereby significantly contributing to the improvement of food quality and safety monitoring practices.

Cost-Effective and Wireless Portable Device for Rapid and Sensitive Quantification of Micro/Nanoplastics.

The accumulation of micro/nanoplastics (MNPs) in ecosystems poses tremendous environmental risks for terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Designing rapid, field-deployable, and sensitive devices for assessing the potential risks of MNPs pollution is critical. However, current techniques for MNPs detection have limited effectiveness. Here, we design a wireless portable device that allows rapid, sensitive, and on-site detection of MNPs, followed by remote data processing via machine learning algorithms for quantitative fluorescence imaging. We utilized a supramolecular labeling strategy, employing luminescent metal-phenolic networks composed of zirconium ions, tannic acid, and rhodamine B, to efficiently label various sizes of MNPs (e.g., 50 nm-10 µm). Results showed that our device can quantify MNPs as low as 330 microplastics and 3.08 × 106 nanoplastics in less than 20 min. We demonstrated the applicability of the device to real-world samples through determination of MNPs released from plastic cups after hot water and flow induction and nanoplastics in tap water. Moreover, the device is user-friendly and operative by untrained personnel to conduct data processing on the APP remotely. The analytical platform integrating quantitative imaging, customized data processing, decision tree model, and low-cost analysis ($0.015 per assay) has great potential for high-throughput screening of MNPs in agrifood and environmental systems.

Intelligent food packaging for smart sensing of food safety.

In this contemporary era, with over 8 billion people worldwide, ensuring food safety has become more critical than ever. To address this concern, the introduction of intelligent packaging marks a significant breakthrough. Essentially, this innovation tackles the challenge of rapid deterioration in perishable foods, which is vital to the well-being of communities and food safety. Unlike traditional methods that primarily emphasize shelf-life extension, intelligent packaging goes further by incorporating advanced sensing technologies to detect signs of spoilage and contamination in real-time, such as changes in temperature, oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, humidity, and the presence of harmful microorganisms. The innovation can rely on various packaging materials like plastics, metals, papers, or biodegradable polymers, combined with sophisticated sensing techniques such as colorimetric sensors, time-temperature indicators, radio-frequency identification tags, electronic noses, or biosensors. Together, these elements form a dynamic and tailored packaging system. This system not only protects food from spoilage but also offers stakeholders immediate and adequate information about food quality. Moreover, the real-world application on seafood, meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables demonstrates the feasibility of using intelligent packaging to significantly enhance the safety and shelf life of a wide variety of perishable goods. By adopting intelligent packaging for smart sensing solutions, both the food industry and consumers can significantly reduce health risks linked with contamination and reduce unnecessary food waste. This underscores the crucial role of intelligent packaging in modern food safety and distribution systems, showcasing an effective fusion of technology, safety, and sustainability efforts aimed at nourishing a rapidly growing global population.

Development and characterization of edible and active coating based on xanthan gum nanoemulsion incorporating betel leaf extract for fresh produce preservation.

Developing an edible and active coating, incorporating environmentally-friendly antimicrobial agents into edible polymers, provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional packaging and exhibits significant potential in preserving the quality of postharvest food. Herein, we aim to develop a novel edible and active coating based on xanthan gum (XG) nanoemulsion (NE) incorporating betel leaf extract (BLE) for the preservation of fresh produce. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity of the methanol extract of BLE at various concentrations were characterized. Further development of the active coating at different formulations of Tween 80 (1 % and 3 % w/v), XG (0.1 % to 0.5 % w/v), and BLE (1 % to 5 % w/v) was characterized by physical stability, viscosity, and antimicrobial properties. Results showed that the active coating at 1 % BLE showed significant antimicrobial properties against diverse bacterial and fungal foodborne pathogens (e.g., B. cereus, S. aureus) and fungal cultures (e.g., C. albicans). The study also examined the shelf-life of tomatoes coated with the BLE-XG NE solution, stored at 4 °C for 27 days. Analyses of weight retention, soluble solids, pH, texture, sensory attributes, and microbial populations showed that the coating effectively preserved tomato quality, highlighting its potential to preserve fresh produce and enhance food security.

Quantitative and rapid detection of nanoplastics labeled by luminescent metal phenolic networks using surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

The escalating prevalence of nanoplastics contamination in environmental ecosystems has emerged as a significant health hazard. Conventional analytical methods are suboptimal, hindered by their inefficiency in analyzing nanoplastics at low concentrations and their time-intensive processes. In this context, we have developed an innovative approach that employs luminescent metal-phenolic networks (L-MPNs) coupled with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to separate and label nanoplastics, enabling rapid, sensitive and quantitative detection. Our strategy utilizes L-MPNs composed of zirconium ions, tannic acid, and rhodamine B to uniformly label nanoplastics across a spectrum of sizes (50-500 nm) and types (e.g., polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polylactic acid). Rhodamine B (RhB) functions as a Raman reporter within these L-MPNs-based SERS tags, providing the requisite sensitivity for trace measurement of nanoplastics. Moreover, the labeling with L-MPNs aids in the efficient separation of nanoplastics from liquid media. Utilizing a portable Raman instrument, our methodology offers cost-effective, swift, and field-deployable detection capabilities, with excellent sensitivity in nanoplastic analysis and a detection threshold as low as 0.1 µg/mL. Overall, this study proposes a highly promising strategy for the robust and sensitive analysis of a broad spectrum of particle analytes, underscored by the effective labeling performance of L-MPNs when coupled with SERS techniques.

Folding correctors can restore CFTR posttranslational folding landscape by allosteric domain-domain coupling.

The folding/misfolding and pharmacological rescue of multidomain ATP-binding cassette (ABC) C-subfamily transporters, essential for organismal health, remain incompletely understood. The ABCC transporters core consists of two nucleotide binding domains (NBD1,2) and transmembrane domains (TMD1,2). Using molecular dynamic simulations, biochemical and hydrogen deuterium exchange approaches, we show that the mutational uncoupling or stabilization of NBD1-TMD1/2 interfaces can compromise or facilitate the CFTR(ABCC7)-, MRP1(ABCC1)-, and ABCC6-transporters posttranslational coupled domain-folding in the endoplasmic reticulum. Allosteric or orthosteric binding of VX-809 and/or VX-445 folding correctors to TMD1/2 can rescue kinetically trapped CFTR post-translational folding intermediates of cystic fibrosis (CF) mutants of NBD1 or TMD1 by global rewiring inter-domain allosteric-networks. We propose that dynamic allosteric domain-domain communications not only regulate ABCC-transporters function but are indispensable to tune the folding landscape of their post-translational intermediates. These allosteric networks can be compromised by CF-mutations, and reinstated by correctors, offering a framework for mechanistic understanding of ABCC-transporters (mis)folding. One-Sentence Summary: Allosteric interdomain communication and its modulation are critical determinants of ABCC-transporters post-translational conformational biogenesis, misfolding, and pharmacological rescue.

Folding correctors can restore CFTR posttranslational folding landscape by allosteric domain-domain coupling.

The folding/misfolding and pharmacological rescue of multidomain ATP-binding cassette (ABC) C-subfamily transporters, essential for organismal health, remain incompletely understood. The ABCC transporters core consists of two nucleotide binding domains (NBD1,2) and transmembrane domains (TMD1,2). Using molecular dynamic simulations, biochemical and hydrogen deuterium exchange approaches, we show that the mutational uncoupling or stabilization of NBD1-TMD1/2 interfaces can compromise or facilitate the CFTR(ABCC7)-, MRP1(ABCC1)-, and ABCC6-transporters posttranslational coupled domain-folding in the endoplasmic reticulum. Allosteric or orthosteric binding of VX-809 and/or VX-445 folding correctors to TMD1/2 can rescue kinetically trapped CFTR posttranslational folding intermediates of cystic fibrosis (CF) mutants of NBD1 or TMD1 by global rewiring inter-domain allosteric-networks. We propose that dynamic allosteric domain-domain communications not only regulate ABCC-transporters function but are indispensable to tune the folding landscape of their posttranslational intermediates. These allosteric networks can be compromised by CF-mutations, and reinstated by correctors, offering a framework for mechanistic understanding of ABCC-transporters (mis)folding.

Immobilization of Pb and Zn in Contaminated Soil Using Alumina-Silica Nano-Amendments Synthesized from Coal Fly Ash.

To apply coal fly ash to the remediation of heavy-metal-contaminated soil, an alumina-silica nano-amendment (ASNA) was synthesized from coal fly ash and was used for the immobilization of lead and zinc in contaminated soil. The investigation on the synthesis of the ASNA shows that the ASNA can be obtained under a roasting temperature of 700 °C, a ratio of alkali to coal fly ash of 1.2:1, and a molar ratio of silicon to aluminum of 1:1. The ASNA could increase the soil pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC) and decrease the bioavailability of Pb and Zn. When the ASNA addition increased from 0 to 2%, the bioavailability (extracted by CaCl2) of Pb and Zn decreased by 47% and 72%, respectively. Moreover, the addition of the ASNA facilitated the transformation of Pb from a reducible fraction to oxidizable and residual fractions and Zn from an exchangeable fraction to a residual fraction. The correlation analysis and cluster analysis verify that the ASNA modulates the chemical speciation of heavy metals by increasing the soil's CEC and pH, thereby immobilizing heavy metals. It is expected that this study can provide a new method for the remediation of Pb- and Zn-contaminated soil.

Audiological characteristics and effect of endoscopic surgery for simple congenital malformation of ossicular chain.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the audiological characteristics and surgical results in patients undergoing surgery for simple congenital ossicular chain malformation, and the effect of endoscopic surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 86 patients who underwent surgery for the congenital malformation of the ossicular chain. Clinical characteristics and audiometric data were analyzed. Fifty-eight patients had detailed postoperative data, and the preoperative and postoperative audiometric results were compared. The subjects were further divided into endoscopic and microscopic groups, and their surgical effects were examined. RESULTS: The preoperative audiometry results in the low-frequency group were worse than those in the high-frequency group (P < 0.05). A postoperative air-bone gap closure to 20 dB or less was achieved in 73.33% of the 60 ears of patients postoperatively. The postoperative air conduction and air-bone gap were significantly better than the preoperative ones (P < 0.05), and the improvement effect was the best in class III patients (P < 0.05). Postoperative hearing had no significant differences between the endoscopic and microscopic groups. However, endoscopic surgery also was more advantageous in terms of operating time (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative pure tone audiometric results showed moderate or moderate-severe hearing loss, especially in the low-frequency area. The reconstruction of the auditory ossicle chain can achieve satisfactory results, especially in class III patients. Endoscopic and microscopic surgery in the treatment of simple congenital ossicular chain malformations can effectively improve postoperative hearing.

Outcomes of Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Treated With Salvage Surgery: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of treatment outcomes of salvage surgery for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (rNPC). METHODS: We conducted a detailed search of the literatures in biomedical databases published from January 1990 to December 2020. The main research features and results of interest were retrieved from the articles that met the selection criteria for meta-analysis. RESULTS: A total of 21 articles with 778 patients were included, 17 of which met the meta-analysis inclusion criteria. The pooled 2-year overall survival (OS), 5-year OS, and 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) were 71%, 50% and 61%, respectively. Subgroup analysis was conducted with postoperative adjuvant therapy. The pooled 2-year OS, 5-year OS and 2-year DFS of the postoperative adjuvant therapy group compared with the surgery alone group were 69% vs 72%, 44% vs 56%, and 77% vs 54%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on 178 patients with detailed individual postoperative survival data in 10 articles. On multivariate analysis, recurrent T (RT) stage and adjuvant therapy were independent predictors of outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis indicated that recurrent NPC patients can obtain survival benefits from salvage surgery. Accurately assessing the RT stage of the tumor and choosing the appropriate surgical method are important to the success of the surgery. Although the prognostic factors influencing outcome have been studied, conclusive data on the survival benefits are still lacking. Random controlled trials (RCTs) to compare surgery alone and postoperative adjuvant therapy are needed in patients with positive margin status after salvage surgery.

Exploration of the Microstructure and Rheological Properties of Sodium Alginate-Pectin-Whey Protein Isolate Stabilized Β-Carotene Emulsions: To Improve Stability and Achieve Gastrointestinal Sustained Release.

Sodium alginate (SA)-pectin (PEC)-whey protein isolate (WPI) complexes were used as an emulsifier to prepare ß-carotene emulsions, and the encapsulation efficiency for ß-carotene was up to 93.08%. The confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that the SA-PEC-WPI emulsion had a compact network structure. The SA-PEC-WPI emulsion exhibited shear-thinning behavior and was in a semi-dilute or weak network state. The SA-PEC-WPI stabilized ß-carotene emulsion had better thermal, physical and chemical stability. A small amount of ß-carotene (19.46 ± 1.33%) was released from SA-PEC-WPI stabilized ß-carotene emulsion in simulated gastric digestion, while a large amount of ß-carotene (90.33 ± 1.58%) was released in simulated intestinal digestion. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) experiments indicated that the formation of SA-PEC-WPI stabilized ß-carotene emulsion was attributed to the electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions between WPI and SA or PEC, and the hydrophobic interactions between ß-carotene and WPI. These results can facilitate the design of polysaccharide-protein stabilized emulsions with high encapsulation efficiency and stability for nutraceutical delivery in food and supplement products.

A Dual Associated-Functional Fluorescent Switch: From Alternate Detection Cycle for Fe(III) and pH to Molecular Logic Operations.

With the expansion and deepening of scientific research, dual-functional or multifunctional materials are urgently needed to replace those for single application. Herein, a fluorescence sensing system based on an In(III)-organic complex with in situ Lewis acid sites has been constructed, exhibiting high sensitivity for the detection of Fe(III) ions with a low detection limit of 3.95 µM and a short response time of within 10 s. It is noteworthy that the quenched fluorescence of the Fe(III)-incorporated sample could be reopened linearly with an increase of alkalinity, followed by the reactivation of its functionality to identify Fe(III) ions, forming an alternate detection cycle for Fe(III) and pH with off-on-off fluorescent switch characteristics. Considering its unique molecular recognition capability, an advanced three-input (Fe(III), EDTA, and OH-) and two-output (B440 and G489) Boolean logic operation comprising BUFF, NOT, OR, and AND logic gates was integrated, possessing potential applications in intelligent multianalyte sensing systems.

Controlled Zn2+-Triggered Drug Release by Preferred Coordination of Open Active Sites within Functionalization Indium Metal Organic Frameworks.

Drug delivery in target regions could make extraordinary progress in chemoselective therapies. A novel preferred coordination (PC) strategy referring to proactive interacting with open active sites to replace previous occupation by ion-exchange for controlling release of drug molecules is well-constructed. Two topological types of MOF-In1 (Schläfli symbol: (4,8)-connected of (410·615·83)(45·6)2) and MOF-In2 (Schläfli symbol: (4,4)-connected of (66)) show the specific way. Increasing node connectivity as well as the trapping of guest OH- anions, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is preferentially captured into the MOF-In1, which exhibits an outstanding loading capacity around 34.32 wt %. 19F NMR spectroscopy was further employed to investigate host-guest interaction and reveal the binding constant (Ka = 3.84 × 102 M-1). Meanwhile, the controlled release of 5-FU in a simulated human body with liquid phosphate-buffered saline solution by biofriendly Zn2+-triggered is realized. With an elevated Zn2+ concentration, the drug release will be enhanced. This efficient strategy for MOFs as multifunctional drug carrier opens a new avenue for biological and medical applications.