RANK-BASED INDICES FOR TESTING INDEPENDENCE BETWEEN TWO HIGH-DIMENSIONAL VECTORS.

To test independence between two high-dimensional random vectors, we propose three tests based on the rank-based indices derived from Hoeffding's D, Blum-Kiefer-Rosenblatt's R and Bergsma-Dassios-Yanagimoto's τ*. Under the null hypothesis of independence, we show that the distributions of the proposed test statistics converge to normal ones if the dimensions diverge arbitrarily with the sample size. We further derive an explicit rate of convergence. Thanks to the monotone transformation-invariant property, these distribution-free tests can be readily used to generally distributed random vectors including heavily tailed ones. We further study the local power of the proposed tests and compare their relative efficiencies with two classic distance covariance/correlation based tests in high dimensional settings. We establish explicit relationships between D,R,τ* and Pearson's correlation for bivariate normal random variables. The relationships serve as a basis for power comparison. Our theoretical results show that under a Gaussian equicorrelation alternative, (i) the proposed tests are superior to the two classic distance covariance/correlation based tests if the components of random vectors have very different scales; (ii) the asymptotic efficiency of the proposed tests based on D,τ* and R are sorted in a descending order.

StMAPKK5 Positively Regulates Response to Drought and Salt Stress in Potato.

MAPKKs, as one of the main members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade pathway, are located in the middle of the cascade and are involved in many physiological processes of plant growth and development, as well as stress tolerance. Previous studies have found that StMAPKK5 is responsive to drought and salt stress. To further investigate the function and regulatory mechanism of StMAPKK5 in potato stress response, potato variety 'Atlantic' was subjected to drought and NaCl treatments, and the expression of the StMAPKK5 gene was detected by qRT-PCR. StMAPKK5 overexpression and RNA interference-mediated StMAPKK5 knockdown potato plants were constructed. The relative water content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) activities, as well as proline (Pro) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents of plant leaves, were also assayed under drought and NaCl stress. The StMAPKK5 interacting proteins were identified and validated by yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). The results showed that the expression of StMAPKK5 was significantly up-regulated under drought and NaCl stress conditions. The StMAPKK5 protein was localized in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane. The expression of StMAPKK5 affected the relative water content, the enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, and POD, and the proline and MDA contents of potatoes under drought and salt stress conditions. These results suggest that StMAPKK5 plays a significant role in regulating drought and salt tolerance in potato crop. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening identified four interacting proteins: StMYB19, StZFP8, StPUB-like, and StSKIP19. BiFC confirmed the authenticity of the interactions. These findings suggest that StMAPKK5 is crucial for potato growth, development, and response to adversity.

The relationship between cervical length and area measurements evaluated by MRI and the amount of hemorrhage in PAS cases.

BACKGROUND: Placenta accreta spectrum often leads to massive hemorrhage and even maternal shock and death. This study aims to identify whether cervical length and cervical area measured by magnetic resonance imaging correlate with massive hemorrhage in patients with placenta accreta spectrum. METHODS: The study was conducted at our hospital, and 158 placenta previa patients with placenta accreta spectrum underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging examination were included. The cervical length and cervical area were measured and evaluated their ability to identify massive hemorrhage in patients with placenta accreta spectrum. RESULTS: The cervical length and area in patients with massive hemorrhage were both significantly smaller than those in patients without massive hemorrhage. The results of multivariate analysis show that cervical length and cervical area were significantly associated with massive hemorrhage. In all patients, a negative linear was found between cervical length and amount of blood loss (r =-0.613), and between cervical area and amount of blood loss (r =-0.629). Combined with cervical length and cervical area, the sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve for the predictive massive hemorrhage were 88.618%, 90.209%, and 0.890, respectively. CONCLUSION: The cervical length and area might be used to recognize massive hemorrhage in placenta previa patients with placenta accreta spectrum.

An exosome mRNA-related gene risk model to evaluate the tumor microenvironment and predict prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The interplay between exosomes and the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. We investigated the influence of exosomes on the TME in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focusing on their mRNA expression profile. METHODS: mRNA expression profiles of exosomes were obtained from exoRBase. RNA sequencing data from HCC patients' tumors were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). An exosome mRNA-related risk score model of prognostic value was established. The patients in the two databases were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the median risk score value, and used to validate one another. Functional enrichment analysis was performed based on a differential gene prognosis model (DGPM). CIBERSORT was used to assess the abundance of immune cells in the TME. The correlation between the expression levels of immune checkpoint-related genes and DGPM was analyzed alongside the prediction value to drug sensitivity. RESULTS: A prognostic exosome mRNA-related 4-gene signature (DYNC1H1, PRKDC, CCDC88A, and ADAMTS5) was constructed and validated. A prognostic nomogram had prognostic ability for HCC. The genes for this model are involved in extracellular matrix, extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Expression of genes here had a positive correlation with immune cell infiltration in the TME. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results demonstrate that an exosome mRNA-related risk model can be established in HCC, highlighting the functional significance of the molecules in prognosis and risk stratification.

A sensitive and versatile electrochemical sensor based on hybridization chain reaction and CRISPR/Cas12a system for antibiotic detection.

A sensitive electrochemical platform was constructed with NH2-Cu-MOF as electrochemical probe to detect antibiotics using CRISPR/Cas12a system triggered by hybridization chain reaction (HCR). The sensing system consists of two HCR systems. HCR1 occurred on the electrode surface independent of the target, generating long dsDNA to connect signal probes and producing a strong electrochemical signal. HCR2 was triggered by target, and the resulting dsDNA products activated the CRISPR/Cas12a, thereby resulting in effective and rapid cleavage of the trigger of HCR1, hindering the occurrence of HCR1, and reducing the number of NH2-Cu-MOF on the electrode surface. Eventually, significant signal change depended on the target was obtained. On this basis and with the help of the programmability of DNA, kanamycin and ampicillin were sensitively detected with detection limits of 60 fM and 10 fM (S/N = 3), respectively. Furthermore, the sensing platform showed good detection performance in milk and livestock wastewater samples, demonstrating its great application prospects in the detection of antibiotics in food and environmental water samples.

Environmental plastics in the context of UV radiation, climate change, and the Montreal Protocol.

There are close links between solar UV radiation, climate change, and plastic pollution. UV-driven weathering is a key process leading to the degradation of plastics in the environment but also the formation of potentially harmful plastic fragments such as micro- and nanoplastic particles. Estimates of the environmental persistence of plastic pollution, and the formation of fragments, will need to take in account plastic dispersal around the globe, as well as projected UV radiation levels and climate change factors.

Application of machine learning combined with population pharmacokinetics to improve individual prediction of vancomycin clearance in simulated adult patients.

Background and aim: Vancomycin, a glycopeptide antimicrobial drug. PPK has problems such as difficulty in accurately reflecting inter-individual differences, and the PPK model may not be accurate enough to predict individual pharmacokinetic parameters. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate whether the application of machine learning combined with the PPK method can improve the prediction of vancomycin CL in adult Chinese patients. Methods: In the first step, a vancomycin CL prediction model for Chinese adult patients is given by PPK and Hamilton Monte Carlo sampling is used to obtain the reference CL of 1,000 patients; the second step is to obtain the final prediction model by machine learning using an appropriate model for the predictive factor and the reference CL; and the third step is to randomly select, in the simulated data, a total of 250 patients for prediction effect evaluation. Results: XGBoost model is selected as final machine learning model. More than four-fifths of the subjects' predictive values regarding vancomycin CL are improved by machine learning combined with PPK. Machine learning combined with PPK models is more stable in performance than the PPK method alone for predicting models. Conclusion: The first combination of PPK and machine learning for predictive modeling of vancomycin clearance in adult patients. It provides a reference for clinical pharmacists or clinicians to optimize the initial dosage given to ensure the effectiveness and safety of drug therapy for each patient.

Reconfigurable memlogic long wave infrared sensing with superconductors.

Optical sensors with in-cell logic and memory capabilities offer new horizons in realizing machine vision beyond von Neumann architectures and have been attempted with two-dimensional materials, memristive oxides, phase-changing materials etc. Noting the unparalleled performance of superconductors with both quantum-limited optical sensitivities and ultra-wide spectrum coverage, here we report a superconducting memlogic long-wave infrared sensor based on the bistability in hysteretic superconductor-normal phase transition. Driven cooperatively by electrical and optical pulses, the device offers deterministic in-sensor switching between resistive and superconducting (hence dissipationless) states with persistence > 105 s. This results in a resilient reconfigurable memlogic system applicable for, e.g., encrypted communications. Besides, a high infrared sensitivity at 12.2 µm is achieved through its in-situ metamaterial perfect absorber design. Our work opens the avenue to realize all-in-one superconducting memlogic sensors, surpassing biological retina capabilities in both sensitivity and wavelength, and presents a groundbreaking opportunity to integrate visional perception capabilities into superconductor-based intelligent quantum machines.

[Analysis of a child with SPONASTRIME dysplasia due to compound heterozygous variants of TONSL gene].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical features and genetic etiology of a child with SPONASTRIME dysplasia (SD). METHODS: A 9-month-old female who had presented at the Linyi People's Hospital in August 2022 for short stature was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child were collected, and whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out. Sanger sequencing was used for validating the candidate variants. RESULTS: The child has manifested short stature, mid-face hypoplasia, joint laxity, internal knee rotation, irregularities in the metaphysis of long bones, and flat and concave lumbar vertebrae. WES revealed that she has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the TONSL gene, namely c.3088G>T (p.Glu1030*) and c.3053G>A (p.Arg1018His), which were inherited from her phenotypically normal parents. Neither variant was reported previously. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c.3088G>T variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting), whilst the c.3053G>A was classified as a variant of uncertain significance (PM2_Supporting+PM3+PP3). CONCLUSION: The c.3088G>T and c.3053G>A compound heterozygous variants of the TONSL gene probably underlay the pathogenesis in this patient. Above finding has facilitated the clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling for her family.

Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer Nanofibrous Cation Exchange Chromatographic Membranes with a Gradient Porous Structure for Lysozyme Separation.

Lysozyme, a common antimicrobial agent, is widely used in the food, biopharmaceutical, chemical, and medicine fields. Rapid and effective isolation of lysozymes is an everlasting topic. In this work, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer nanofibrous membranes with a gradient porous structure used for lysozyme adsorption were prepared through layer-by-layer nanofiber wet-laying and a cost-efficient ultraviolet (UV)-assisted graft-modification method, where benzophenone was used as an initiator and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid as a modifying monomer. As indicated in the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectric energy spectrometer (XPS) investigation, sulfonic acid groups were introduced on the surface of the modified nanofibrous membrane, which possessed the ability to adsorb lysozyme. Compared with membranes with homogenous porous structures, membranes with a gradient porous structure present higher static (335 mg/g) and dynamic adsorption capacities (216.3 mg/g). Meanwhile, the adsorption capacity remained high after five cycles of the adsorption-desorption process. The results can be attributed to the gradient porous structure rather than the highest porosity and specific surface area. This suggests that the membrane with comprehensive separation performance can be designed from the view of the transmembrane porous structure, which is of significance for the development of next-generation advanced chromatographic membranes.

Relationship between syncopal symptoms and head-up tilt test modes.

OBJECTIVE: Head-up tilt test (HUTT) is an important tool in the diagnosis of pediatric vasovagal syncope. This research will explore the relationship between syncopal symptoms and HUTT modes in pediatric vasovagal syncope. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 2513 children aged 3-18 years, who were diagnosed with vasovagal syncope, from Jan. 2001 to Dec. 2021 due to unexplained syncope or pre-syncope. The average age was 11.76 ± 2.83 years, including 1124 males and 1389 females. The patients were divided into the basic head-up tilt test (BHUT) group (596 patients) and the sublingual nitroglycerine head-up tilt test (SNHUT) group (1917 patients) according to the mode of positive HUTT at the time of confirmed pediatric vasovagal syncope. RESULTS: (1) Baseline characteristics: Age, height, weight, heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and composition ratio of syncope at baseline status were higher in the BHUT group than in the SNHUT group (all P < 0.05). (2) Univariate analysis: Age, height, weight, HR, SBP, DBP, and syncope were potential risk factors for BHUT positive (all P < 0.05). (3) Multivariate analysis: syncope was an independent risk factor for BHUT positive, with a probability increase of 121% compared to pre-syncope (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The probability of BHUT positivity was significantly higher than SNHUT in pediatric vasovagal syncope with previous syncopal episodes.

Crosslinking and fluorination reinforced PTFE nanofibrous membrane with excellent amphiphobic performance for low-scaling membrane distillations.

Membrane distillation (MD) has emerged as a promising technology for desalination and concentration of hypersaline brine. However, the efficient preparation of a structurally stable and salinity-resistant membrane remains a significant challenge. In this study, an amphiphobic polytetrafluoroethylene nanofibrous membrane (PTFE NFM) with exceptional resistance to scaling has been developed, using an energy-efficient method. This innovative approach avoids the high-temperature sintering treatment, only involving electrospinning with PTFE/PVA emulsion and subsequent low-temperature crosslinking and fluorination. The impact of the PVA and PTFE contents, as well as the crosslinking and subsequent fluorination on the morphology and MD performance of the NFM, were systematically investigated. The optimized PTFE NFM displayed robust amphiphobicity, boasting a water contact angle of 155.2º and an oil contact angle of 132.7º. Moreover, the PTFE NFM exhibited stable steam flux of 52.1 L·m-2·h-1 and 26.7 L·m-2·h-1 when fed with 3.5 wt % and 25.0 wt % NaCl solutions, respectively, and an excellent salt rejection performance (99.99 %, ΔT = 60 °C) in a continuous operation for 24 h, showing exceptional anti-scaling performance. It also exhibited stable anti-wetting and anti-fouling properties against surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate) and hydrophobic contaminants (diesel oil). These results underscore the significant potential of the PTFE nanofibrous membrane for practical applications in desalination, especially in hypersaline or polluted aqueous environments.

AUXIN RESISTANT 2 and SHORT HYPOCOTYL 2 regulate cotton fiber initiation and elongation.

Auxin, a pivotal regulator of diverse plant growth processes, remains central to development. The auxin-responsive genes auxin/indole-3-acetic acids (AUX/IAAs) are indispensable for auxin signal transduction, which is achieved through intricate interactions with auxin response factors (ARFs). Despite this, the potential of AUX/IAAs to govern the development of the most fundamental biological unit, the single cell, remains unclear. In this study, we harnessed cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fiber, a classic model for plant single-cell investigation, to determine the complexities of AUX/IAAs. Our research identified two pivotal AUX/IAAs, auxin resistant 2 (GhAXR2) and short hypocotyl 2 (GhSHY2), which exhibit opposite control over fiber development. Notably, suppressing GhAXR2 reduced fiber elongation, while silencing GhSHY2 fostered enhanced fiber elongation. Investigating the mechanistic intricacies, we identified specific interactions between GhAXR2 and GhSHY2 with distinct ARFs. GhAXR2's interaction with GhARF6-1 and GhARF23-2 promoted fiber cell development through direct binding to the AuxRE cis-element in the constitutive triple response 1 (GhCTR1) promoter, resulting in transcriptional inhibition. In contrast, the interaction of GhSHY2 with GhARF7-1 and GhARF19-1 exerted a negative regulatory effect, inhibiting fiber cell growth by activating the transcription of xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase 9 (GhXTH9) and cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (GhC4H). Thus, our study reveals the intricate regulatory networks surrounding GhAXR2 and GhSHY2, elucidating the complex interplay of multiple ARFs in AUX/IAA-mediated fiber cell growth. This work enhances our understanding of single-cell development and has potential implications for advancing plant growth strategies and agricultural enhancements.

Identification, Characterization, Cloning, and Cross-Reactivity of Zan b 2, a Novel Pepper Allergen of 11S Legumin.

Protein from Sichuan peppers can elicit mild to severe allergic reactions. However, little is known about their allergenic proteins. We aimed to isolate, identify, clone, and characterize Sichuan pepper allergens and to determine its allergenicity and cross-reactivities. Sichuan pepper seed proteins were extracted and then analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Western blotting was performed with sera from Sichuan pepper-allergic individuals. Proteins of interest were purified using hydrophobic interaction chromatography and gel filtration and further analyzed by analytical ultracentrifugation, circular dichroism spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry (MS). Their coding region was amplified in the genome. IgE reactivity and cross-reactivity of allergens were evaluated by dot blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and competitive ELISA. Western blot showed IgE binding to a 55 kDa protein. This protein was homologous to the citrus proteins and has high stability and a sheet structure. Four DNA sequences were cloned. Six patients' sera (60%) showed specific IgE reactivity to this purified 11S protein, which was proved to have cross-reactivation with extracts of cashew nuts, pistachios, and citrus seeds. A novel allergen in Sichuan pepper seeds, Zan b 2, which belongs to the 11S globulin family, was isolated and identified. Its cross-reactivity with cashew nuts, pistachios, and citrus seeds was demonstrated.

Comparison of the therapeutic effects of medication therapy, specific immunotherapy and anti-IgE (Omalizumab) in patients with hay fever.

Background: Hay fever, characterized by seasonal allergic reactions, poses a significant health challenge. Existing therapies encompass standard drug regimens, biological agents, and specific immunotherapy. This study aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of anti-IgE (omalizumab), medication therapy, and subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) for hay fever. Methods: Conducted as a retrospective cohort study, this research involved 98 outpatient hay fever patients who underwent routine medication, omalizumab treatment, or SCIT before the onset of the spring pollen season. A follow-up was performed one month after the start of the pollen season. The comprehensive symptoms and drug scores were used to evaluate patients with different intervention methods, facilitating a comparative analysis of therapeutic outcomes. Results: Compared with before treatment, the symptoms of patients treated with the three methods were all significantly relieved, and the medication score were significantly reduced. Patients treated with omalizumab demonstrated higher symptoms and medication scores than SCIT group before treatment, but similar scores after treatment, which were both lower than medicine treatment group. After treatment with omalizumab or SCIT, patients in both groups had significantly lower medication scores than the medication group and were close to no longer using medication for symptom relief. The mountain juniper-sIgE was significantly higher after treatment than before treatment in both medicine treatment group and omalizumab treatment group. Conclusion: Omalizumab and SCIT offer superior effects than medication therapy in hay fever patients.

Plastics in the environment in the context of UV radiation, climate change and the Montreal Protocol: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2023.

This Assessment Update by the Environmental Effects Assessment Panel (EEAP) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) considers the interactive effects of solar UV radiation, global warming, and other weathering factors on plastics. The Assessment illustrates the significance of solar UV radiation in decreasing the durability of plastic materials, degradation of plastic debris, formation of micro- and nanoplastic particles and accompanying leaching of potential toxic compounds. Micro- and nanoplastics have been found in all ecosystems, the atmosphere, and in humans. While the potential biological risks are not yet well-established, the widespread and increasing occurrence of plastic pollution is reason for continuing research and monitoring. Plastic debris persists after its intended life in soils, water bodies and the atmosphere as well as in living organisms. To counteract accumulation of plastics in the environment, the lifetime of novel plastics or plastic alternatives should better match the functional life of products, with eventual breakdown releasing harmless substances to the environment.

Factors associated with burnout among frontline nurses in the post-COVID-19 epidemic era: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the risk of burnout among frontline nurses. However, the prevalence of burnout and its associated factors in the post-pandemic era remain unclear. This research aims to investigate burnout prevalence among frontline nurses in the post-pandemic period and pinpoint associated determinants in China. METHODS: From April to July 2023, a cross-sectional study was carried out across multiple centers, focusing on frontline nurses who had been actively involved in the COVID-19 pandemic. The data collection was done via an online platform. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey was utilized to evaluate symptoms of burnout. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to pinpoint factors associated with burnout. RESULTS: Of the 2210 frontline nurses who participated, 75.38% scored over the cut-off for burnout. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that factors like being female [odds ratio (OR) = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.29-0.58] and exercising 1-2 times weekly[OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.42-0.67] were protective factors against burnout. Conversely, having 10 or more night shifts per month[OR = 1.99, 95%CI = 1.39-2.84], holding a master's degree or higher[OR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.59-5.15], poor health status[OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.93-3.08] and [OR = 2.82, 95%CI = 1.80-4.43], under virus infection[OR = 7.12, 95%CI = 2.10-24.17], and elevated work-related stress[OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.17-2.00] were all associated with an elevated risk of burnout. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that post-pandemic burnout among frontline nurses is influenced by several factors, including gender, monthly night shift frequency, academic qualifications, weekly exercise frequency, health condition, and viral infection history. These insights can inform interventions aimed at safeguarding the mental well-being of frontline nurses in the post-pandemic period.

The MRI estimations of placental volume, T2 dark band volume, and cervical length correlate with massive hemorrhage in patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorders.

PURPOSE: To identify whether placental volume, T2 dark band volume, and cervical length measured by MRI correlate with massive hemorrhage (MH) in patients with placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders. METHODS: A total of 163 pregnant women with PAS underwent preoperative MRI examination were divided into MH group and non-MH group. The placental volume, T2 dark band volume, and cervical length of PAS patients were measured and evaluated their ability to identify MH in patients with PAS. RESULTS: Patients with MH had a significantly larger placental volume, larger T2 dark band volume, and shorter cervical length than patients without MH (all P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression showed that placental volume (> 890 cm3), T2 dark band volume (> 35 cm3), and cervical length (< 30 mm) were significant independent risk factor in identification of MH. In all PAS patients, a positive linear correlation was found between placental volume and amount of blood loss (r = 0.527), and between T2 dark band volume and amount of blood loss (r = 0.642), and a negative linear correlation was found between cervical length and amount of blood loss (r = - 0.597). When combined with the three MRI indicators, the sensitivity and specificity in identifying cases at high risk for MH were 91.638% and 94.051%, respectively, with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.923. CONCLUSION: The placental volume, T2 dark band volume, and cervical length might be used to predict MH in patients with PAS.

A Skin-Inspired Self-Adaptive System for Temperature Control During Dynamic Wound Healing.

The thermoregulating function of skin that is capable of maintaining body temperature within a thermostatic state is critical. However, patients suffering from skin damage are struggling with the surrounding scene and situational awareness. Here, we report an interactive self-regulation electronic system by mimicking the human thermos-reception system. The skin-inspired self-adaptive system is composed of two highly sensitive thermistors (thermal-response composite materials), and a low-power temperature control unit (Laser-induced graphene array). The biomimetic skin can realize self-adjusting in the range of 35-42 °C, which is around physiological temperature. This thermoregulation system also contributed to skin barrier formation and wound healing. Across wound models, the treatment group healed ~ 10% more rapidly compared with the control group, and showed reduced inflammation, thus enhancing skin tissue regeneration. The skin-inspired self-adaptive system holds substantial promise for next-generation robotic and medical devices.

Label-free electrochemical sensing platform for sensitive detection of ampicillin by combining nucleic acid isothermal enzyme-free amplification circuits with CRISPR/Cas12a.

The residue of ampicillin (AMP) in food and ecological environment poses a potential harm to human health. Therefore, a reliable system for detecting AMP is in great demand. Herein, a label-free and sensitive electrochemical sensor utilizing NH2-Co-MOF as an electrocatalytic active material for methylene blue (MB) was developed for rapid and facile AMP detection by combining hybridization chain reaction (HCR), catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) with CRISPR/Cas12a. The surface of glassy carbon electrode modified with NH2-Co-MOF was able to undergo HCR independent of the AMP, forming long dsDNA complexes to load MB, resulting in strong original electrochemical signal. The presence of AMP could trigger upstream CHA circuit to activate the CRISPR/Cas12a system, thereby achieving rapid non-specific cleavage of the trigger ssDNA of HCR on the electrode surface, hindering the occurrence of HCR and reducing the load of MB. Significant signal change triggered by the target was ultimately obtained, thus achieving sensitive detection of the AMP with a detection limit as low as 1.60 pM (S/N = 3). The proposed sensor exhibited good stability, selectivity, and stability, and achieved reliable detection of AMP in milk and livestock wastewater samples, demonstrating its promising application prospects in food safety and environmental monitoring.