Inhibition effect of p-d orbital hybridized PtSn nanozymes for colorimetric sensor array of antioxidants.

Rational design of peroxidase (POD)-like nanozymes with high activity and specificity still faces a great challenge. Besides, the investigations of nanozymes inhibitors commonly focus on inhibition efficiency, the interaction between nanozymes-involved catalytic reactions and inhibitors is rarely reported. In this work, we design a p-block metal Sn-doped Pt (p-d/PtSn) nanozymes with the selective enhancement of POD-like activity. The p-d orbital hybridization interaction between Pt and Sn can effectively optimize the electronic structure of PtSn nanozymes and thus selectively enhance POD-like activity. In addition, the antioxidants as nanozymes inhibitors can effectively inhibit the POD-like activity of p-d/PtSn nanozymes, which results in the fact that antioxidants absorbed on the p-d/PtSn surface can hinder the adsorption of hydrogen peroxide. The inhibition type (glutathione as a model molecule) is reversible mixed-inhibition with inhibition constants (Ki' and Ki) of 0.21 mM and 0.03 mM. Finally, based on the varying inhibition levels of antioxidant molecules, a colorimetric sensor array is constructed to distinguish and simultaneously detect five antioxidants. This work is expected to design highly active and specific nanozymes through p-d orbital hybrid engineering, and also provides insights into the interaction between nanozymes and inhibitors.

Catalase-like Fe Nanoparticles and Single Atoms Catalysts with Boosted Activity and Stability of Oxygen Reduction for Pesticide Detection.

Although oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as an effective signal amplification strategy has been extensively investigated for the improvement of sensitivity of electrochemical sensors, their activity and stability are still a great challenge. Herein, single-atom Fe (FeSA) and Fe nanoparticles (FeNP) on nitrogen-doped carbon (FeSA/FeNP) catalysts demonstrate a highly active and stable ORR performance, thus achieving the sensitive and stable electrochemical sensing of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs). Experimental investigations indicate that FeNP in FeSA/FeNP can improve the ORR activity by adjusting the electronic structure of FeSA active sites. Besides, owing to the excellent catalase-like activity, FeSA/FeNP can rapidly consume in situ generated H2O2 in the ORR process and avoid the leakage of active sites, thereby improving the stability of ORR. Utilizing the excellent ORR performance of FeSA/FeNP, an electrochemical sensor for OPs is established based on the thiocholine-induced poison of the active sites, demonstrating satisfactory sensitivity and stability. This work provides new insight into the design of high performance ORR catalysts for sensitive and stable electrochemical sensing.

Identification of HSP70 genes in Diaphorina citri Kuwayama Reveals Their Involvement in Immunity and Development.

Huanglongbing (HLB), a global citrus threat, is transmitted by Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, a widespread insect pest. The disease's rapid spread and incurability necessitate efficient, sustainable control strategies. This study investigates heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes in D. citri, known to play a pivotal role in insect survival and stress response. The genome-wide identification, gene structure analysis, and conserved protein domain analysis of 22 HSP70 genes in D. citri were performed. Furthermore, the expression of these genes during HLB infection or developmental processes was gauged. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the functional categorization of the identified genes, while gene structure and conserved motifs offered insights into gene function. The expression analysis unveiled dynamic profiles in response to infection and across development stages, potentially aiding future targeted pest control strategies. These findings offer promising leads for the design of novel inhibitors or RNAi strategies targeting D. citri and HLB.

Genetic Screening Revealed the Negative Regulation of miR-310~313 Cluster Members on Imd Pathway during Gram-Negative Bacterial Infection in Drosophila.

Innate immune response is the first line of host defense against pathogenic microorganisms, and its excessive or insufficient activation is detrimental to the organism. Many individual microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as crucial post-transcriptional regulators of immune homeostasis in Drosophila melanogaster. However, the synergistical regulation of miRNAs located within a cluster on the Imd-immune pathway remains obscured. In our study, a genetic screening with 52 transgenic UAS-miRNAs was performed to identify ten miRNAs or miRNA clusters, including the miR310~313 cluster, which may function on Imd-dependent immune responses. The miRNA RT-qPCR analysis showed that the expression of miR-310~313 cluster members exhibited an increase at 6-12 h post E. coli infection. Furthermore, the overexpression of the miR-310~313 cluster impaired the Drosophila survival. And the overexpression of miR-310/311/312 reduced Dpt expression, an indication of Imd pathway induced by Gram-negative bacteria. Conversely, the knockdown of miR-310/311/312 led to increases in Dpt expression. The Luciferase reporter expression assays and RT-qPCR analysis confirmed that miR-310~313 cluster members directly co-targeted and inhibited Imd transcription. These findings reveal that the members of the miR-310~313 cluster synergistically inhibit Imd-dependent immune responses by co-targeting the Imd gene in Drosophila.

OrangeExpDB: an integrative gene expression database for Citrus spp.

BACKGROUND: Citrus is a major fruit crop, and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data can be utilized to investigate its gene functions, heredity, evolution, development, and the detection of genes linked to essential traits or resistance to pathogens. However, it is challenging to use the public RNA-seq datasets for researchers without bioinformatics training, and expertise. RESULTS: OrangeExpDB is a web-based database that integrates transcriptome data of various Citrus spp., including C. limon (L.) Burm., C. maxima (Burm.) Merr., C. reticulata Blanco, C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck, and Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf., downloaded from the NCBI SRA database. It features a blast tool for browsing and searching, enabling quick download of expression matrices for different transcriptome samples. Expression of genes of interest can be easily generated by searching gene IDs or sequence similarity. Expression data in text format can be downloaded and presented as a heatmap, with additional sample information provided at the bottom of the webpage. CONCLUSIONS: Researchers can utilize OrangeExpDB to facilitate functional genomic analysis and identify key candidate genes, leveraging publicly available citrus RNA-seq datasets. OrangeExpDB can be accessed at http://www.orangeexpdb.com/ .

Clinical Characteristics and Diagnosis of Ph-Positive Mixed Phenotype Acute Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: The goal was to improve the clinical cognition of Ph-positive mixed phenotype acute leukemia and avoid misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. METHODS: The clinical manifestations and laboratory results (bone marrow cell morphology, multiparameter flow cytometry, and cytogenetics) of a case of Ph-positive mixed phenotype acute leukemia were analyzed, and related literature was reviewed. RESULTS: Blood routine: WBC 386.35 x 109/L, HGB 117.00 g/L, PLT 31 x 109/L; 80% of the original cells can be seen by artificial classification. Morphological examination of bone marrow cells showed that the proliferation of nucleated cells was obviously active, and the original cells accounted for 76%. The size of the original cells was somewhat uniform, most of the cells had less mass, were stained light grayish blue, the cytoplasm particles were not obvious, the nuclei were mostly round or quasi-round, some of them showed distortion and nuclear notch, and the chromatin was coarse. Some of the cells were rich in mass, small azurin granules were seen, the nuclei were regular, most of them were round, the chromatin was fine, the myeloperoxidase and esterase staining were negative, the eosinophils accounted for 2.5%, and the basophils accounted for 0.5%. Flow cytometry immunotyping: Two groups of abnormal cells were seen in the bone marrow. 1. A group included 12.32% of nuclear cells and showed abnormal myeloid primitive cell phenotype. Main expression: CD117, CD34, CD38, HLA-DR, CD33, CD64, CD123, weak expression: CD13, CD19. 2. The other group included 45.61% of the nuclear cells and had a B-lymphoblastic phenotype. Main expression: CD34, CD38, HLA-DR, CD123, CD19, CD10, CD9, cCD79a, TDT, weak expression of CD13, CD22. Mixed phenotype acute leukemia (M/B) immunophenotype was considered. Chromosome: 46,XY,t(9; 22)(q34;q11.2) [20]. BCR-ABL (P210) fusion gene was positive. CONCLUSIONS: Mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is a rare type of malignant hematologic disease. Its diagnosis is based on the comprehensive evaluation of bone marrow cell morphology, immunophenotype, molecular and cytogenetic features.

Drug Analysis of Voriconazole Combined with Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to improve the clinical cognition of leukemia-like reaction caused by voriconazole and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and to avoid misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. METHODS: A case of drug analysis of Voriconazole combined with granulocyte colony stimulating factor was retrospectively analyzed and related literature was reviewed. RESULTS: Blood routine of the patient on July 29: WBC 13.48 x 109/L, neutrophil 85.3%, lymphocyte 13.4%, hemoglobin 111 g/L, platelet 285 x 109/L. Vancomycin was given to prevent intracranial infection. Lumbar puncture was performed on July 30, cerebrospinal fluid was sent for routine and biochemical examination, leukocytes were 0.15 x 109/L, monocytes 45%, polynuclear cells 55%, protein 1.172 g/L, Acinetobacter baumannii and Candida clorbicus were detected in sputum culture, vancomycin and meropenem static sites were given to prevent intracranial secondary infection. Fungi were detected in urine culture, and voriconazole was given to prevent fungal infection. Blood routine: White blood cell 0.61 x 109/L, neutrophil 23%, lymphocyte 73.8%, red blood cell 2.65 x 1012/L, hemoglobin 77 g/L, platelet 17 x 109/L, bone marrow was extracted after medication. Bone marrow images show poor myelodysplasia, with granulocytes dominated by protoearly cells. Subsequent flow cytometry, chromosomal karyotype, and fusion gene analysis were performed to exclude the possibility of leukemia. Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of myeloid primordial cells was not high, the granulocytes were mainly at the early and young stage, no abnormal phenotype was observed in erythrocytes, monocytes and NK cells, no obvious mature B lymphocytes were observed, and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ was decreased. Karyotype results showed that there was no mitotic phase. The results of fusion gene analysis showed that the fusion gene was negative or lower than the detection sensitivity. Voliconazole was stopped first, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor was stopped 3 days later. Two weeks later, blood and bone marrow images basically recovered, white blood cell 7.88 x 109/L, neutrophil 46.3%, lymphocyte 48.2%, hemoglobin 126 g/L, platelet 142 x 109/L, bone marrow hyperplasia active. The proportion of three series is roughly normal. CONCLUSIONS: The reason for the occurrence of leukemia-like reaction in this patient was considered to be related to voriconazole and granulocyte colony stimulating factor, cessation of voriconazole and granulocyte colony stimulating factor, and recovery of blood and bone marrow images. In the clinical use of voriconazole and granulocyte colony stimulating factor, close attention should be paid to the drug interaction and individualized medication should be carried out to ensure the safety of medication.

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) Positive Associated Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND: The goal was to explore the cognition of diagnosis and treatment level of IgG4-related diseases mainly involving lymph nodes. METHODS: The clinical manifestations, laboratory indicators, histopathology, and therapeutic effects of a patient with IgG4-RD suspected of lymphoma were analyzed and the relevant literature was reviewed. RESULTS: Lymph node biopsy showed reactive hyperplasia of lymph node tissue. The liver biochemical indexes were abnormal and the bone marrow smear showed atypical lymphocytes. Lymph node section: IgG4+ cells > 100/HPF (IgG4/IgG > 40%). The serum IgG4 level was 17,200 mg/L, and the diagnosis was IgG4-RD. Oral glucocorticoids took effect after 2 weeks, and no significant enlargement of lymph nodes was observed. CONCLUSIONS: For the diagnosis of IgG4-RD, at present, histopathology is still the gold standard, but a single result cannot diagnose the disease. Comprehensive judgment should be made by combining clinical symptoms, serum IgG4 level and imaging results to prevent misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, and to avoid over-diagnosis. Short-term hormonal diagnostic therapy may be used in highly suspected patients who cannot be diagnosed. Once diagnosed, standardized medication, adhere to follow-up, regular review, to prevent recurrence and adverse drug reactions.

Blocking Interfacial Proton Transport via Self-Assembled Monolayer for Hydrogen Evolution-Free Zinc Batteries.

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) are promising next-generation energy storage devices, yet suffer from the issues of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and intricate side reactions on the Zn anode surface. The hydrogen (H)-bond networks play a critical role in interfacial proton transport that may closely relate to HER but are rarely investigated. Herein, we report a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) strategy which is constructed by anchoring ionic liquid cations on Ti3C2Tx substrate for HER-free Zn anode. Molecule dynamics simulations reveal that the rationally designed SAM with a high coordination number of water molecules (25-27, 4-6 for Zn2+) largely reduces the interfacial densities of H2O molecules, therefore breaking the connectivity of H-bond networks and blocking proton transport on the interface, by which the HER is suppressed. Then, a series of in situ characterizations demonstrate that negligible amounts of H2 gas are collected from the Zn@SAM-MXene anode. Consequently, the symmetric cell enables a long-cycling life of 3000 h at 1 mA cm-2 and 1000 h at 5 mA cm-2. More significantly, the stable Zn@SAM-MXene films are successfully used for coin full cells showing high-capacity retention of over 94 % after 1000 cycles and large-area (10×5 cm2) pouch cells with desired performance.

Analysis of huanglongbing-associated RNA-seq data reveals disturbances in biological processes within Citrus spp. triggered by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus infection.

Introduction: Huanglongbing (HLB), a disease that's ubiquitous worldwide, wreaks havoc on the citrus industry. The primary culprit of HLB is the gram-negative bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) that infects the phloem, but its damaging mechanism is yet to be fully understood. Methods and results: In this study, a multitude of tools including weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and gene expression profiling are employed to unravel the intricacies of its pathogenesis. The investigation pinpoints various central genes, such as the ethylene-responsive transcription factor 9 (ERF9) and thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1), that are associated with CLas invasion and resultant disturbances in numerous biological operations. Additionally, the study uncovers a range of responses through the detection of differential expressed genes (DEGs) across different experiments. The discovery of core DEGs leads to the identification of pivotal genes such as the sieve element occlusion (SEO) and the wall-associated receptor kinase-like 15 (WAKL15). PPI network analysis highlights potential vital proteins, while GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis illustrate a significant impact on multiple defensive and metabolic pathways. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) indicates significant alterations in biological processes such as leaf senescence and response to biotic stimuli. Discussion: This all-encompassing approach extends valuable understanding into the pathogenesis of CLas, potentially aiding future research and therapeutic strategies for HLB.

Genome-wide characterization of heavy metal-associated isoprenylated plant protein gene family from Citrus sinensis in response to huanglongbing.

Introduction: Heavy metal-associated isoprenylated plant proteins (HIPPs) play vital roles in maintaining heavy metal balance and responding to both biotic and abiotic stresses in vascular plants. However, the role of HIPPs in the response to Huanglongbing (HLB), a harmful disease of citrus caused by the phloem-colonizing bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), has not been examined. Methods and results: In this study, a total of 26 HIPP genes were identified in Citrus sinensis, and they were grouped into 5 clades. The CsHIPP genes are distributed on 8 chromosomes and exhibited considerable synteny with HIPPs found in Arabidopsis thaliana. Additionally, we analyzed the gene structure, conserved motifs and domains of the CsHIPPs. Various cis-acting elements related to plant hormones and stress responses were identified in the promoters of CsHIPPs. Public transcriptome data and RT-qPCR analysis showed that the expression level of CsHIPP03 was significantly reduced in samples infected by CLas and Xanthomonas citri ssp. citri (Xcc). Furthermore, silencing the homologous gene of CsHIPP03 in Nicotiana benthamiana increased the disease resistance of plants to bacteria. Discussion: Our results provide a basis for functional studies of HIPP gene family in C. sinensis, highlighting their functions in bacterial resistance, and improve our understanding to the susceptibility mechanism of HLB.

A modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based model from the radiologist's perspective: improved performance in determining the surgical resectability of advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Complete resection of all visible lesions during primary debulking surgery is associated with the most favorable prognosis in patients with advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer. An accurate preoperative assessment of resectability is pivotal for tailored management. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the potential value of a modified model that integrates the original 8 radiologic criteria of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center model with imaging features of the subcapsular or diaphragm and mesenteric lesions depicted on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and growth patterns of all lesions for predicting the resectability of advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer. STUDY DESIGN: This study included 184 patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer who underwent preoperative diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging between December 2018 and May 2023 at 2 medical centers. The patient cohort was divided into 3 subsets, namely a study cohort (n=100), an internal validation cohort (n=46), and an external validation cohort (n=38). Preoperative radiologic evaluations were independently conducted by 2 radiologists using both the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center model and the modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based model. The morphologic characteristics of the ovarian tumors depicted on magnetic resonance imaging were assessed as either mass-like or infiltrative, and transcriptomic analysis of the primary tumor samples was performed. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: In the study cohort, both the scores derived using the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.980 and 0.959, respectively; both P<.001) and modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based models (intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.962 and 0.940, respectively; both P<.001) demonstrated excellent intra- and interobserver agreement. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center model (odds ratio, 1.825; 95% confidence interval, 1.390-2.395; P<.001) and the modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based model (odds ratio, 1.776; 95% confidence interval, 1.410-2.238; P<.001) independently predicted surgical resectability. The modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based model demonstrated improved predictive performance with an area under the curve of 0.867 in the study cohort and 0.806 and 0.913 in the internal and external validation cohorts, respectively. Using the modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based model, patients with scores of 0 to 2, 3 to 4, 5 to 6, 7 to 10, and ≥11 achieved complete tumor debulking rates of 90.3%, 66.7%, 53.3%, 11.8%, and 0%, respectively. Most patients with incomplete tumor debulking had infiltrative tumors, and both the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based models yielded higher scores. The molecular differences between the 2 morphologic subtypes were identified. CONCLUSION: When compared with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center model, the modified diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging-based model demonstrated enhanced accuracy in the preoperative prediction of resectability for advanced high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Patients with scores of 0 to 6 were eligible for primary debulking surgery.

Carboxylic Acid-Enabled Vinylene Transfer Reaction by Co(III) Catalyst: Scope and Applications to the Five-Step Total Synthesis of Protoberberine Alkaloids Containing Free Hydroxyl Group without Protection.

A Co(III)-catalyzed vinylene transfer reaction enabled by carboxylic acid is presented. This redox-neutral transformation tolerates various functional groups, including free hydroxyl groups, and features practicality. Five-step routes based on the vinylene transfer reaction and Heck annulation have been devised to the total synthesis of 8-oxodehydrodiscretamine and 2-demethyl-oxypalmatine without the protection of the free hydroxyl functionality.

Label-free fluorescence detection of mercury ions based on thymine-mercury-thymine structure and CRISPR-Cas12a.

In this work, we developed a novel label-free fluorescent sensor for the highly sensitive detection of mercury ions (Hg2+) based on the coordination chemistry of thymine-Hg2+-thymine (T-Hg2+-T) structures and the properties of CRISPR-Cas12a systems. Most notably, two T-rich sequences (a blocker and an activator) were designed to form stable double-stranded structures in the presence of Hg2+ via the T-Hg2+-T base pairing. The formation of T-T mismatched double-stranded DNA between the blocker and the activator prevented the cleavage of G-rich sequences by Cas12a, allowing them to fold into G-quadruplex-thioflavin T complexes, resulting in significantly enhanced fluorescence. Under the optimized conditions, the developed sensor showed an excellent response for Hg2+ detection in the linear range of 0.05 to 200 nM with a detection limit of 23 pM. Moreover, this fluorescent sensor exhibited excellent selectivity and was successfully used for the detection of Hg2+ in real samples of Zhujiang river water and tangerine peel, demonstrating its potential in environmental monitoring and food safety applications.

Bioinspired FeN5 Sites with Enhanced Peroxidase-like Activity Enable Colorimetric Sensing of Uranyl Ions in Seawater.

Nanozymes with peroxidase (POD)-like activity have garnered significant attention due to their exceptional performance in colorimetric assays. However, nanozymes often possess oxidase (OD) and POD-like activity simultaneously, which affects the accuracy and sensitivity of the detection results. To address this issue, inspired by the catalytic pocket of natural POD, a single-atom nanozyme with FeN5 configuration is designed, exhibiting enhanced POD-like activity in comparison with a single-atom nanozyme with FeN4 configuration. The axial N atom in FeN5 highly mimics the amino acid residues in natural POD to optimize the electronic structure of the metal active center Fe, realizing the efficient activation of H2O2. In addition, in the presence of both H2O2 and O2, FeN5 enhances the activation of H2O2, effectively avoiding the interference of dissolved oxygen in colorimetric sensing. As a proof-of-concept application, a colorimetric detection platform for uranyl ions (UO22+) in seawater is successfully constructed, demonstrating satisfactory sensitivity and specificity.

Integrated extraction, structural characterization, and activity assessment of squid pen protein hydrolysates and ß-chitin with different protease hydrolysis.

Squid pen (SP) is a valuable source of protein and ß-chitin. However, current research has primarily focused on extracting ß-chitin from SP. This study innovatively extracted both SP protein hydrolysates (SPPHs) and SP ß-chitin (SPC) simultaneously using protease hydrolysis. The effects of different proteases on their structural characteristics and bioactivity were evaluated. The results showed that SP alcalase ß-chitin (SPAC) had the highest degree of deproteinization (DP, 98.19 %) and SP alcalase hydrolysates (SPAH) had a degree of hydrolysis (DH) of 24.47 %. The analysis of amino acid composition suggested that aromatic amino acids accounted for 17.44 % in SPAH. Structural characterization revealed that SP flavourzyme hydrolysates (SPFH) had the sparsest structure. SPC exhibited an excellent crystallinity index (CI, over 60 %) and degree of acetylation (DA, over 70 %). During simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGD), the hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, Fe2+ chelating activity, and reducing power of the SPPHs remained stable or increased significantly. Additionally, SPFC exhibited substantial inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (S. aureus and E. coli), with inhibition circle diameters measuring 2.4 cm and 2.1 cm. These findings supported the potential use of SPPHs as natural antioxidant alternatives and suggested that SPC could serve as a potential antibacterial supplement.

p-d Orbital Hybridization-Engineered PdSn Nanozymes for a Sensitive Immunoassay.

Nanozymes with peroxidase-like activity have been extensively studied for colorimetric biosensing. However, their catalytic activity and specificity still lag far behind those of natural enzymes, which significantly affects the accuracy and sensitivity of colorimetric biosensing. To address this issue, we design PdSn nanozymes with selectively enhanced peroxidase-like activity, which improves the sensitivity and accuracy of a colorimetric immunoassay. The peroxidase-like activity of PdSn nanozymes is significantly higher than that of Pd nanozymes. Theoretical calculations reveal that the p-d orbital hybridization of Pd and Sn not only results in an upward shift of the d-band center to enhance hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) adsorption but also regulates the O-O bonding strength of H2O2 to achieve selective H2O2 activation. Ultimately, the nanozyme-linked immunosorbent assay has been successfully developed to sensitively and accurately detect the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), achieving a low detection limit of 1.696 pg mL-1. This work demonstrates a promising approach for detecting PSA in a clinical diagnosis.

Preparation and Modification of Collagen/Sodium Alginate-Based Biomedical Materials and Their Characteristics.

(1) Background: Collagen and sodium alginate are commonly used in the field of biomedical materials due to their excellent biocompatibility. This study focuses on the preparation, modification, and characterization of collagen/sodium alginate (C/SA)-based biomedical materials. (2) Methods: The characteristics, including surface chemistry, mechanical properties, hygroscopicity, and porosity, were analyzed. The hemostatic activity in vitro was measured using a blood clotting assay and dynamic blood clotting assay. (3) Results: The results from microstructure and porosity measurement revealed that all of the sponges exhibited a porosity of more than 95 percent. The sponge cross-linked with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) showed better tensile strength and lower elongation at break. The sponges cross-linked with EDC/NHS and oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) exhibited the highest hygroscopicity in comparison with the uncross-linked sponge. (4) Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the C/SA-based material we prepared exhibited a high level of porosity, enabling efficient absorption of tissue exudate and blood. Additionally, the materials revealed excellent hemocompatibility, making them suitable for use as a hemostatic dressing in the field of biomedical materials.

Transcriptome analysis of Citrus sinensis reveals potential responsive events triggered by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus.

Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), is a devastating immune-mediated disorder that has a detrimental effect on the citrus industry, with the distinguishing feature being an eruption of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study explored the alterations in antioxidant enzyme activity, transcriptome, and RNA editing events of organelles in C. sinensis during CLas infection. Results indicated that there were fluctuations in the performance of antioxidant enzymes, such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), in plants affected by HLB. Transcriptome analysis revealed 3604 genes with altered expression patterns between CLas-infected and healthy samples, including those associated with photosynthesis, biotic interactions, and phytohormones. Samples infected with CLas showed a decrease in the expression of most genes associated with photosynthesis and gibberellin metabolism. It was discovered that RNA editing frequency and the expression level of various genes in the chloroplast and mitochondrion genomes were affected by CLas infection. Our findings provide insights into the inhibition of photosynthesis, gibberellin metabolism, and antioxidant enzymes during CLas infection in C. sinensis.

Relish-facilitated lncRNA-CR11538 suppresses Drosophila Imd immune response and maintains immune homeostasis via decoying Relish away from antimicrobial peptide promoters.

Innate immunity plays a crucial role in host defense against pathogen invasion and its strength and duration requires precise control. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have become important regulators of innate immunity, yet their roles in Drosophila immune responses remain largely unknown. In this study, we identified that the overexpression of lncRNA-CR11538 inhibits the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) Dpt and AttA in Drosophila upon Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection, and influences the survival rate of flies after E. cloacae infection. Mechanically, lncRNA-CR11538 decoys Relish away from AMPs promoter region. We further revealed that Relish can promote the transcription of lncRNA-CR11538. After analyzing the dynamic expression profile of lncRNA-CR11538 during Imd immune response, we put forward a hypothesis that in the late stage of Imd immune response, lncRNA-CR11538 can be activated by Relish and further decoy Relish away from the AMPs promoter to suppress excessive immune signal and maintain immune homeostasis. This mechanism we proposed provides insights into the complex regulatory networks controlling immune responses in Drosophila and suggests potential targets for therapeutic intervention in diseases involving dysregulated immune responses.