Emerging electrochemical biosensors for lung cancer-associated protein biomarker and miRNA detection.

Lung cancer remains a major driver of global morbidity and mortality, and diagnosing lung tumors early in their development is vital to maximizing treatment efficacy and patient survival. Several biomarkers, including CYFRA 21-1, NSE, ProGRP, CEA, and miRNA, have been identified as reliable indicators for early lung cancer detection and monitoring treatment progress. However, the minute changes in the levels of these biomarkers during the early stages of disease necessitate advanced detection platforms. In this space, electrochemical biosensors have currently emerged as robust tools for early lung cancer screening and diagnosis owing to their low costs, rapid responses, and superior sensitivity and selectivity. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the application of electrochemiluminescence, photoelectrochemical, and other electrochemical analytical strategies for detecting lung cancer-associated protein biomarkers, and miRNA. This review compares these techniques to provide a concise overview of the principles underlying these electrochemical analytical methods, the preparation of their components, and the performance of the resulting biosensors. Lastly, a discussion of the challenges and opportunities associated with electrochemical biosensors detection of lung cancer-associated biomarkers are provided.

[Research progress in biosensors for adiponectin].

Adiponectin, a cytokine associated with adipose tissue, is a recently defined adipocytokine involved in insulin, glucose, and adipocyte metabolism. Reduced adiponectin levels can increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MS). Adiponectin is considered an important target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and MS due to its anti-atherosclerotic and insulin-sensitizing effects. Therefore, the accurate determination of adiponectin concentrations in human plasma is necessary for the management of both T2DM and MS. A variety of biosensors have been developed for the detection of biomarkers such as adiponectin. This paper reviews the applications of electrochemical sensors, surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensors, and microfluidic chip-based chemiluminescence sensors in the detection of adiponectin and the recent research progress in the sensors for the detection of adiponectin, aiming to provide a reference for the research and application of sensors for adiponectin in the medical field.

Construction and antibacterial activities of walnut green husk polysaccharide based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).

In this paper, the size-controllable nano­silver particles (AgNPs) were synthesized from walnut green husk polysaccharide, and its cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity were evaluated. Firstly, acidic polysaccharide WGHP2 was extracted from walnut green husk, and then the silver ion in AgNO3 was reduced in WGHP2 aqueous solution using NaBH4, so as to synthesize the nano­silver composite. The nano­silver composite was characterized by transmission electron microscope, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrometer, scanning electron microscope, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that AgNPs stabilized by WGHP2 are mainly regular spheres with an average particle size distribution of 15.04-19.23 nm. The particle size distribution and morphology of AgNPs changed with the concentration of silver precursor, which is related to the dispersion of silver precursor in polysaccharide aqueous solution and the formation of AgO coordination bond between silver precursor and polysaccharide molecules. These coordination bonds changed the ability of nanoparticles to produce and release Ag+, and thus regulated their antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity, as evidenced by the experimental result of the cytotoxicity of the nano­silver particle against PC12 cells and the bacteriostatic effect on E.coli and S.aureus. Conclusively, WGHP2-Ag has good stability, antibacterial activity and low cytotoxicity.

Chemical Components, Nutritional Value, Volatile Organic Compounds and Biological Activities In Vitro of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Water with Different Maturities.

The differences in chemical components, nutritional value, volatile organic compounds, antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibiting capacity in vitro in coconut waters with different maturities (8, 10, and 12 months after pollination and germination height below 10 cm were named CW-8, CW-10, CW-2, and MCW, respectively) from the tall coconut variety were compared and analyzed. Results showed that as the maturity increased, the ash and reducing sugar in coconut water gradually decreased, while the protein content and fatty acids continued to increase. Potassium, phosphorus, and sodium in four coconut waters showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, and CW-12 had the highest content of 2133.85 mg/kg, 239.74 mg/kg, and 310.75 mg/kg, respectively. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in higher amounts are alcohols and esters in coconut waters, among which 2-methylbutyl acetate, ethyl acetate monomer, and 2-methyl-1-propanol dimer were the characteristic volatile substances that distinguish MCW from the other three coconut waters. MCW has the best DPPH-scavenging and ferrous-ion-chelating ability (87.39% and 7.65%), while CW-8 had the highest hydroxyl and ABTS radicals scavenging rate (97.31% and 83.48%) and α-glucosidase inhibitory rate (81.36%). These results can provide support for the differential and high-value utilization of coconut water with different maturities.

The role of purinergic signaling in acupuncture-mediated relief of neuropathic and inflammatory pain.

Acupuncture is a traditional medicinal practice in China that has been increasingly recognized in other countries in recent decades. Notably, several reports have demonstrated that acupuncture can effectively aid in pain management. However, the analgesic mechanisms through which acupuncture provides such benefits remain poorly understood. Purinergic signaling, which is mediated by purine nucleotides and purinergic receptors, has been proposed to play a central role in acupuncture analgesia. On the one hand, acupuncture affects the transmission of nociception by increasing adenosine triphosphate dephosphorylation and thereby decreasing downstream P2X3, P2X4, and P2X7 receptors signaling activity, regulating the levels of inflammatory factors, neurotrophic factors, and synapsin I. On the other hand, acupuncture exerts analgesic effects by promoting the production of adenosine, enhancing the expression of downstream adenosine A1 and A2A receptors, and regulating downstream inflammatory factors or synaptic plasticity. Together, this systematic overview of the field provides a sound, evidence-based foundation for future research focused on the application of acupuncture as a means of relieving pain.

Visualization of Charge Dynamics when Water Droplets Bounce on a Hydrophobic Surface.

Visualizing the motion of water droplets and understanding their electrification behavior holds significance for applications related to droplet transport, self-cleaning, and anti-icing/deicing and for providing a comprehensive explanation of the solid-liquid triboelectrification mechanism. Here, by constructing microcolumnar structures on the polytetrafluoroethylene surface, a water droplet-based single electrode triboelectric nanogenerator was fabricated for visualizing charge dynamics when a water droplet bounces on a hydrophobic surface. The motion state of the water droplet is closely linked to its electrification behavior through the integration of a high-speed camera and an ammeter. The electrification behavior stemming from the bounce of the water droplet is dynamically captured in real-time. The results show that the magnitude and polarity of the electrical signal have strong dependence on the motion state of the water droplet. For instance, when a water droplet approaches or moves away from the substrate in a single direction, a unipolar electrical signal is generated. However, when the water droplet reaches its limit in the initial motion direction, it signifies a static equilibrium state, resulting in the electrical signal being at zero. Furthermore, we examine the impact of factors such as impact speed, drop contact area, contact line spreading/retraction speed, and impact angle on electrification. Finally, based on the close relationship between poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) droplet bounce dynamics and electrical signals, the bouncing details of PEO droplets with different concentrations are tracked by electrical signals. This study digitally presents the whole process of droplet bounce in situ and provides a means for monitoring and tracking droplet movement.

The impact of statin use before intensive care unit admission on patients with acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery.

Background: Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a common and serious complication after cardiac surgery. The influence of statin use before surgery on the renal outcome of patients undergoing cardiac surgery is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of statins on postoperative renal outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: We included CSA-AKI patients in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV database and were divided into statin group and non-statin group according to whether they used statins before entering intensive care units (ICU). The main outcomes were hospitalization and 30-day mortality, and the secondary outcomes were 60-day mortality and 90-day mortality. We used propensity score matching (PSM) to adjust for confounding factors. The 95% confidence interval (CI) and risk ratio (RO) were calculated by the COX proportional regression model. At the same time, stratified analysis was used to explore whether the relationship between the statins use before intensive care units and mortality was different in each subgroup and whether the relationship between different doses of Atorvastatin and mortality was different. Result: We identified 675 pre-ICU statin users and 2095 non-statin users. In the COX proportional regression model, pre-ICU statin use was associated with decreased in-hospital (HR = 0.407, 95%confidence interval 0.278-0.595, p < 0.001) and 30-day mortality (HR = 0.407, 95%CI 0.279-0.595, p < 0.001). The survival rate of patients who took statins before entering ICU was significantly higher than that of those who did not use statins at 30 days, 60 days and 90 days. There is a significant interaction between patients with aged>65 years (HR = 0.373, 95%CI 0.240-0.581, p < 0.001), Acute kidney injury grade I (HR = 0.244, 95%CI 0.118-0.428, p < 0.001), and without post-myocardial infarction syndrome (HR = 0.344, 95%CI 0.218-0.542, p < 0.001). The mortality in hospital and 60 days of CSA-AKI patients treated with ≥80 mg Atorvastatin before operation was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The pre-ICU statin use was significantly associated with decreased risk in hospital and 30-day mortality. The preoperative use of ≥80 mg Atorvastatin may improve the prognosis of CSA-AKI.

Mechanisms of acupuncture-electroacupuncture on inflammatory pain.

Acupuncture, as a traditional treatment, has been extensively used in China for thousands of years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture is recommended for the treatment of 77 diseases. And 16 of these diseases are related to inflammatory pain. As a combination of traditional acupuncture and modern electrotherapy, electroacupuncture (EA) has satisfactory analgesic effects on various acute and chronic pain. Because of its good analgesic effects and no side effects, acupuncture has been widely accepted all over the world. Despite the increase in the number of studies, the mechanisms via which acupuncture exerts its analgesic effects have not been conclusively established. A literature review of related research is of great significance to elaborate on its mechanisms and to inform on further research directions. We elucidated on its mechanisms of action on inflammatory pain from two levels: peripheral and central. It includes the mechanisms of acupuncture in the periphery (immune cells and neurons, purinergic pathway, nociceptive ion channel, cannabinoid receptor and endogenous opioid peptide system) and central nervous system (TPRV1, glutamate and its receptors, glial cells, GABAergic interneurons and signaling molecules). In this review, we collected relevant recent studies to systematically explain the mechanisms of acupuncture in treating inflammatory pain, with a view to providing direction for future applications of acupuncture in inflammatory pain and promoting clinical development.

Flexible needle-type Microbiosensor for real-time monitoring traditional acupuncture-mediated adenosine release In vivo.

Rapid adenosine (ADO) signaling, on the time frame of seconds, regulates physiological and pathological processes, including the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture. Nevertheless, standard monitoring strategies are limited by poor temporal resolution. Herein, an implantable needle-type microsensor capable of monitoring ADO release in vivo in response to acupuncture in real time has been developed. Electrocatalytic Prussian Blue nanoparticles, an immobilized multienzyme system, and a permselective poly-o-phenylenediamine-based membrane were used for the sequential modification of the sensing region of the electrode. The resultant sensor can perform amperometric measurements of ADO levels in response to a very low level of applied potential (-0.05 V vs Ag/AgCl). This microsensor also functioned across a broad linear range (0-50 µM) and exhibited good sensitivity (1.1 nA/µM) with a rapid response time of under 5 s. Importantly, the sensor also exhibited good reproducibility and high selectivity. For in vivo animal studies, the microsensor was employed for the continuous assessment of instantaneous ADO release at the ST36 (Zusanli) acupoint when this acupoint was subjected to twirling-rotating acupuncture manipulation. Benefiting from superior sensor in vivo performance and stability, the positive correlation between the variability in acupuncture-induced ADO release and the stimulus intensity levels that affect the clinical benefit can be demonstrated for the first time. Overall, these results highlight a powerful approach to analyzing the in vivo physiological effects of acupuncture, expanding application realm of micro-nano sensor technology on a fast time scale.

Modulation of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment by Bi2 Te3 -Au/Pd-Based Theranostic Nanocatalysts Enables Efficient Cancer Therapy.

Nanozymes with multienzyme-mimicking activities have shown great potential in cancer therapy due to their ability to modulate the complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, a second near-infrared (NIR-II) photothermal-nanocatalyst by decorating Bi2 Te3 nanosheets with ultrasmall Au/Pd bimetallic nanoparticles (Bi2 Te3 -Au/Pd) to reverse the immunosuppressive TME is developed. The peroxidase (POD)-like and catalase (CAT)-like activities, and glutathione (GSH) consumption capacity of Au/Pd modulates the TME by disrupting the intracellular redox homeostasis and relieving hypoxia in the TME. Notably, the amplified oxidative stress induces the accumulation of lipid hydroperoxides (LPO) for enhanced ferroptosis. Moreover, upon NIR-II photoirradiation at 1064 nm, the localized heat generated by Bi2 Te3 not only directly ablates the cancer cells but also enhances the Au/Pd-mediated catalysis-mediated cancer therapy. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo studies confirm that the Bi2 Te3 -Au/Pd nanocatalysts (BAP NCs) can effectively suppress tumor growth by inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), and suppressing metastasis and recurrence by the synergistic treatment. Overall, this study provides a promising theranostic strategy for effective tumor inhibition.