Distinguishable Magnetic Reporter Coordination with Buoyancy-Magnetism Separation for Immobilization-Free Dual-Target Electrochemical Immunosensing.

Simultaneous sensitive and precise determination of multibiomarkers is of great significance for improving detection efficiency, reducing diagnosis and treatment expenses, and elevating survival rates. However, the development of simple and portable biosensors for simultaneous determination of multiplexed targets in biological fluids still faces challenges. Herein, a unique and versatile immobilization-free dual-target electrochemical biosensing platform, which combines distinguishable magnetic signal reporters with buoyancy-magnetism separation, was designed and constructed for simultaneous detection of carcinoembryonic (CEA) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) in intricate biological fluids. To construct such distinguishable magnetic signal reporters with signal transduction, amplification, and output, secondary antibodies of CEA and AFP were respectively functionalized on methylene blue (MB) and 6-(ferrocenyl)hexanethiol (FeC) modified Fe3O4@Au magnetic nanocomposites. Meanwhile, a multifunctional flotation probe with dual target recognition, capture, and isolation capability was prepared by conjugating primary antibodies (Ab1-CEA, Ab1-AFP) to hollow buoyant microspheres. The target antigens of CEA and AFP can trigger a flotation-mediated sandwich-type immunoreaction and capture a certain amount of the distinguishable magnetic signal reporter, which enables the conversion of the target CEA and AFP quantities to the signal of the potential-resolved MB and FeC. Thus, the MB and FeC currents of magnetically adsorbed distinguishable magnetic reporters can be used to determine the CEA and AFP targets simultaneously and precisely. Accordingly, the proposed strategy exhibited a delightful linear response for CEA and AFP in the range of 100 fg·mL-1-100 ng·mL-1 with detection limits of 33.34 and 17.02 fg·mL-1 (S/N = 3), respectively. Meanwhile, no significant nonspecific adsorption and cross-talk were observed. The biosensing platform has shown satisfactory performance in the determination of real clinical samples. More importantly, the proposed approach can be conveniently extended to universal detection just by simply substituting biorecognition events. Thus, this work opens up a new promising perspective for dual and even multiple targets and offers promising potential applications in clinical diagnosis.

Dual-potential ratiometric electrochemiluminescence based on single emitter and single coreactant for the sensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen.

Dual-potential ratiometric electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is in favor of resistance to environmental interference. However, two kinds of emitters or coreactants, and a wide scan potential range (>2 V) are mandatory. This work developed a new dual-potential ratiometric ECL sensor for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) using single emitter (luminol) and single coreactant (H2O2) with a mild potential range from -0.1 to 0.6 V. Luminol could produce a strong cathodic ECL (Ec) induced by hydroxyl radicals (HO‧) from the reduction of H2O2, and a relatively weak anodic ECL (Ea). After the ferrocene modified CEA aptamer (Apt-Fc) was attached, Fc could promote Ea by catalyzing the oxidation of H2O2, and reduce Ec by consuming HO‧. With the cycling amplification of the exonuclease I, CEA could substantially reduce the amount of Apt-Fc, resulting in the decrease of Ea and the rise of Ec. So, the ratio of Ec to Ea (Ec/Ea) was used as the detection signal, realizing the sensitive determination of CEA from 0.1 pg mL-1 to 10 ng mL-1 with a LOD of 41.85 fg mL-1 (S/N = 3). The developed sensor demonstrated excellent specificity, stability and reproducibility, with satisfactory results in practical detection.

A smartphone-based electrochemical POCT for CEA based on signal amplification of Zr6MOFs.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a biomarker of high expression in cancer cells. Highly sensitive and selective detection of CEA holds significant clinical value in the diagnosis, monitoring and efficacy evaluation of malignant tumors. In this work, a smartphone-based electrochemical point-of-care testing (POCT) platform for the detection of CEA was developed based on a Zr6MOF signal amplification strategy. Ferrocene labeled DNA strands (Fc-DNA) were immobilized on Zr6MOFs to form a Fc-DNA/Zr6MOF signal probe. Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) formed by complementary DNA (cDNA) and CEA aptamer was assembled on a screen-printed electrode via an Au-S bond. When CEA was added, the aptamer specifically bound with CEA, resulting in the exposure of cDNA. Then, Fc-DNA/Zr6MOF signal probes were introduced on the electrode surface through hybridization between Fc-DNA and cDNA. The detection of CEA was realized by measuring the electrochemical response of Fc. The POCT device was made by connecting a modified electrode with a smartphone through a Sensit Smart USB flash disk. Due to the signal amplification of Zr6MOFs, this POCT platform exhibited high sensitivity, wide linear range, and low detection limit for CEA detection. The developed POCT platform has been used for the detection of CEA in actual human serum samples with satisfactory results.

An electrochemical ratiometric biosensor for the detection of dopamine based on an MXene-Au nanocomposite.

Compared with single signal detection, a ratiometric biosensor could offer more accurate and reliable results. Here, a ratiometric electrochemical biosensor for the sensitive and accurate detection of dopamine was developed based on the strong adsorption ability of MXene-Au toward methylene blue, an inner reference element. This ratiometric sensing strategy opened up a new avenue for the development of a ratiometric platform.

Prevalence and genomic analysis of t203-like G9 (G9-VI) rotaviruses circulating in children with gastroenteritis in Beijing, China.

Our previous surveillance revealed that t203-like G9 (tentatively designated subtype G9-VI) rotaviruses re-emerged in 2010 in Beijing and rapidly prevailed over the G9-III subtype (the most common G9 subtype globally) and previously predominant G genotypes over the following two years. G9-VI belongs to the VP7 evolutionary lineage VI, which includes unusual and sporadic human rotaviruses from China (t203) and Japan. To obtain insight into the epidemiology, evolution, and transmission advantages of G9-VI rotavirus, we performed follow-up surveillance (2014-2017) and whole-genome analysis of 12 representative G9 strains. The results showed that the G9 genotype was predominant (77.4%), with a marked increase in prevalence (previously 43.5%). Within the G9 genotype, subtype G9-VI accounted for the majority (98.3%) of cases. The most prevalent P-genotype was P[8] (93.7%), within which subtype P[8]b was rare (0.7%). Phylogenetically, the G9-VI subtype strains in this study clustered closely with contemporary emerging human rotaviruses from many other countries in VP7 lineage VI, indicating that this subtype is capable of spreading globally. These currently emerging G9-VI rotaviruses formed a distinct monophyletic subcluster when compared to early G9-VI rotaviruses. Furthermore, four specific amino acid substitutions and synonymous codon substitutions were observed in the VP7 genes between the current G9-VI and globally common G9-III rotaviruses. The remaining nine genes of all of the analyzed representative G9 strains, whether G9-VI or G9-III, combined with the P[8]a, P[8]b, or P[6] genotype and exhibited the same Wa-like backbone constellation.

A label-free electrochemical aptasensor based on Bi-Sb alloy materials for potential POCT of HER-2.

As a prognostic biomarker for breast cancer, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) is of crucial diagnostic value. Here, a label-free electrochemical aptasensor was established for the ultrasensitive detection of HER-2 using a modified electrode of Bi-Sb alloy materials (Bi-Sb AMs). The performance of the aptasensor was enhanced greatly due to the introduction of Bi-Sb alloy materials (Bi-Sb AMs) with high conductivity. Furthermore, by integrating the aptasensor with the Sensit Smart U-disk electrochemical analyzer, the point-of-care testing (POCT) for HER-2 was realized. Under the optimal experimental parameters, the POCT analyzer showed a wide linear response from 0.01 pg mL-1 to 100 ng mL-1, with a low detection limit (LOD) of 5.96 fg mL-1 for the detection of HER-2. The presented POCT analyzer exhibited good specificity, stability, and reproducibility. Benefiting from the simple operation and rapid testing, the developed analyzer will have potential application in the prognostic diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Fascinating Immobilization-Free Electrochemical Immunosensing Strategy Based on the Cooperation of Buoyancy and Magnetism.

Rapid and accurate detection of biomolecules is of vital importance for the diagnosis of disease and for performing timely treatments. The point-of-care analysis of cancer biomarkers in the blood with low cost and easy processing is still challenging. Herein, an advanced and robust strategy, which integrates the buoyant recognition probe with the magnetic reporter probe in one solution, was first proposed for immobilization-free electrochemical immunosensing. The tumor marker of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) can be captured immune-buoyantly, and then a multifunctional magnetic reporter probe in pseudo-homogeneous solution was further captured to fulfill a sandwich-type immunoreaction. The residual magnetic reporter probe can be firmly and efficiently attracted on a magnetic glassy carbon electrode to fulfill the conversion of the target AFP amount into the residual magnetic electrochemical signal indicator. As a result, the electrochemical signal of methylene blue can accurately reflect the original level of target antigen AFP concentration. By integrating buoyancy-driven quasi-homogenous biorecognition with magnetism-mediated amplification and signal output, the proposed immobilization-free electrochemical immunosensing strategy displayed a wide range of linear response (100 fg mL-1 to 10 ng mL-1), low detection limit (14.52 fg mL-1), and good reproducibility, selectivity, and stability. The designed strategy manifests remarkable advantages including assay simplicity, rapidness, and high sensitivity owing to the in-solution instead of on-electrode biorecognition that could accelerate and improve the biorecognition efficiency. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first cooperation of buoyancy-driven biorecognition with magnetism-mediated signal output in bioanalysis, which would be attractive for rapid clinic biomedical application. Thus, this work provides a fresh perspective for convenient and favorable immobilization-free electrochemical biosensing of universal biomolecules.

Human bocavirus 1 and 2 genotype-specific antibodies for rapid antigen testing in pediatric patients with acute respiratory infections.

BACKGROUND: Previous serological studies of human bocavirus (HBoV) 1 could not exclude cross-reactivity with the other three HBoVs, particularly HBoV2. METHODS: To search for genotype-specific antibodies against HBoV1 and HBoV2, the divergent regions (DRs) located on the major capsid protein VP3 were defined through viral amino acid alignment and structure prediction. DR-deduced peptides were used as antigens to harvest corresponding anti-DR rabbit sera. To determine their genotype specificities for HBoV1 and HBoV2, these sera samples were used as antibodies against the antigens VP3 of HBoV1 and HBoV2 (expressed in Escherichia coli) in western blotting (WB), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and bio-layer interferometry (BLI) assays. Subsequently, the antibodies were evaluated with clinical specimens from pediatric patients with acute respiratory tract infection by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). RESULTS: There were four DRs (DR1-4) located on VP3 with different secondary and tertiary structures between HBoV1 and HBoV2. Regarding the reactivity with VP3 of HBoV1 or HBoV2 in WB and ELISA, high intra-genotype cross-reactivity of anti-HBoV1 or HBoV2 DR1, DR3, and DR4, but not anti-DR2, was observed. Genotype-specific binding capacity of anti-DR2 sera was confirmed by BLI and IFA, in which only anti-HBoV1 DR2 antibody reacted with HBoV1-positive respiratory specimens. CONCLUSION: Antibodies against DR2, located on VP3 of HBoV1 or HBoV2, were genotype specific for HBoV1 and HBoV2, respectively.

Electrochemiluminescence detection of miRNA-21 based on dual signal amplification strategies: Duplex-specific nuclease -mediated target recycle and nicking endonuclease-driven 3D DNA nanomachine.

DNA nanomachines have shown potential application in the construction of various biosensors. Here, an electrochemiluminescence biosensor for the sensitive detection of miRNA-21 were reported based on three-dimensional (3D) DNA nanomachine and duplex-specific nuclease (DSN)-mediated target recycle amplification strategy. First, the bipedal DNA walkers were obtained by DSN-mediated digestion reaction initiated by target miRNA-21.3D DNA tracks were prepared by modifying Fe3O4 magnetic beads (MBs) with ferrocene-labeled DNA (Fc-DNA). The produced DNA walkers autonomously moved along 3D DNA tracks powered by nicking endonuclease. During the movement, ferrocene-labeled DNA was cleaved, resulting in large amounts of Fc-labeled DNA fragments away from the MBs surface. Finally, the liberated Fc-labeled DNA fragments were dropped on the C-g-C3N4 modified electrode surface, leading to the quenching of C-g-C3N4 electrochemiluminescence (ECL). Benefiting from the dual amplification strategy of 3D DNA nanomachine and DSN-mediated target recycling, the developed ECL biosensor exhibited an excellent performance for miRNA-21 detection with a wide linear range of 10 fM to 10 nM and a low detection limit of 1.0 fM. This work offers a new thought for the application of DNA walkers in the construction of various biosensors.

Thalassiosira weissflogii grown in various Zn levels shows different ecophysiological responses to seawater acidification.

The presence of zinc (Zn), a vital element for algal physiological functions, coupled with the silicification of diatoms implies that it plays an integral role in the carbon and silicon cycles of the sea. In this study, we examined the effects of different pCO2 and Zn levels on growth rate, elemental compositions and silicification by Thalassiosira weissflogii. The results showed that under normal pCO2 (400 µatm), cultures of T. weissflogii were depressed for growth rate and silica incorporation rate, but encouraged for cellular silicon content, Si/C, Si/N, and sinking rate when Zn deficient (0.3 pmol L-1). However, cellular silicon and sinking rate of Zn-deficient and Zn-replete (25 pmol L-1) T. weissflogii were decreased and increased at higher pCO2 (800 µatm), respectively. Thus, acidification may affect diatoms significantly differently depending on the Zn levels of the ocean and then alter the biochemical cycling of carbon and silica.

Ratiometric Electrochemiluminescence Sensing of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Based on Luminol.

Ratiometric electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors can efficiently remove environmental interference to attain precise detection. Nonetheless, two eligible luminophores or coreactants were usually needed, increasing the complexity and restricting their practical application. In this study, a single luminophore of luminol with a single coreactant of H2O2 was employed to construct a dual-potential ratiometric ECL sensor for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The produced palladium nanoclusters (Pd NCs) employing a DNA duplex as a template could not only stimulate luminol to produce cathodic ECL (Icathodic) but also quench its anodic ECL (Ianodic). During the detection process, CEA could damage the double-stranded structure and reduce the Pd NCs' amount, triggering a significant decrease in the ratio of Icathodic to Ianodic (Icathodic/Ianodic) and thereby achieving sensitive CEA's detection. Furthermore, the Icathodic/Ianodic was independent of the H2O2 concentration, which avoided a prejudicial effect from H2O2 decomposition and considerably enhanced the detection's reliability. The developed ratiometric ECL sensor demonstrated a sensitive detection toward CEA with a wide linear range from 100 ag/mL to 10 ng/mL and a detection limit of 87.1 ag/mL (S/N = 3). In conclusion, this study offers a new idea for constructing ratiometric ECL sensors based on a single luminophore and technical support for cancer's early diagnosis.

Responses of nickel bioavailability and toxicity of Prorocentrum Donghaienses to dissolved organic matter (DOM) fractions incubated in urea.

Urea, nickel (Ni) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) from land varied with different sources have a great impact on the offshore ecosystem. The heterogeneity of Ni bioavailability and toxicity of Prorocentrum donghaiense influenced by DOM fractions incubated in urea was investigated in this study. On the occasion, chlorophyll (Chl a) concentration, growth rate, and photosynthesis parameters were monitored to track changes occurring in the test organism. Chl a concentration and photosynthesis parameters in the treatment of hydrophilic DOM (HPI) with Ni-free was significantly higher than that in the control treatment, and similar data were shown in the treatment of hydrophobic DOM（HPO）with the low Ni environment (0.17µmol L-1). However, the opposite phenomena were observed in the treatments of HPO with the higher Ni environment (over 170µmol L-1). Moreover, the EC50 of Ni for P.donghaiense incubated in HPO was relatively lower than that in HPI and control treatment, which implied that HPO elevated the toxicity of Ni. Therefore, the varied DOM compositions because of different origins, as a chelating agent and potential nutrient source in coastal waters, shows the significantly different bioavailability and toxicity of Ni with the increasing inputs of urea, which in turn influences the dynamics of phytoplankton.

An ERP study on the influence of mental abacus calculation on subthreshold arithmetic priming in children.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of mental abacus calculation training (MACT) on subliminal cognitive processes. METHODS: Twenty children with intensive MACT (MACT group) and 20 children without MACT (non-MACT group) were selected. The two groups of children were matched in age, sex, handedness and academic grade. The participants were tested with subthreshold arithmetic priming task while their neural activities were recorded with a 32-channel electroencephalogram system. RESULTS: We found that MACT changed the subliminal cognitive mechanism of computational processing, speeding up the computation. MACT affected the computational processing mode. Specifically, in the identification stage, both groups of children adopted the visual space processing mode, while in the computing stage, the MACT group adopted a visual space processing mode, but the non-MACT group adopted a semantic processing mode. Moreover, MACT improved children's executive functions. CONCLUSION: These results yielded insights into the effect of early abacus training on children's cognitive processing, providing a theoretical basis for the development and promotion of abacus training.

Graphene-PtPd nanocomposite for low-potential-driven electrochemiluminescent determination of carcinoembryonic antigen using Ru(bpy)32.

As well known, the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) (Ru(bpy)32+) heavily relies on highly positive or negative triggered voltage, prejudicing the detection toward the bio-molecules. In this work, Ru(bpy)32+ could generate enhanced and stable ECL at a low potential of 0.05 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) on graphene-PtPd hybrid, attributing to its excellent electrocatalysis from the synergistic effect between Pt and Pd. The obtained low-potential-driven ECL could be quenched by MoS2 nanoflowers. Based on the quenching effect, a sandwich "signal-off" ECL immunosensor was fabricated to sensitively detect carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). A linear calibration curve from 1 fg mL-1 to 1 ng mL-1 was obtained along with a low detection limit of 0.54 fg mL-1 (S/N = 3) under optimal conditions. The sensor showed satisfactory specificity, stability, and reproducibility and was successfully applied to determine CEA in actual samples. The recoveries ranged from 98.80 to 100.23%, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was lower than 5%. Above all, this work explored new materials in low-potential-driven ECL system and provided a reliable sensing strategy for clinical applications.

Molecular epidemiology of coxsackievirus A16 circulating in children in Beijing, China from 2010 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) is one of the major etiological agents of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology and evolutionary characteristics of CVA16. METHODS: Throat swabs were collected from children with HFMD and suspected HFMD during 2010-2019. Enteroviruses (EVs) were detected and typed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RT-PCR. The genotype, evolutionary rate, the most recent common ancestor, population dynamics and selection pressure of CVA16 were analyzed based on viral protein gene (VP1) by bioinformatics software. RESULTS: A total of 4709 throat swabs were screened. EVs were detected in 3180 samples and 814 were CVA16 positive. More than 81% of CVA16-positive children were under 5 years old. The prevalence of CVA16 showed obvious periodic fluctuations with a high level during 2010-2012 followed by an apparent decline during 2013-2017. However, the activities of CVA16 increased gradually during 2018-2019. All the Beijing CVA16 strains belonged to sub-genotype B1, and B1b was the dominant strain. One B1c strain was detected in Beijing for the first time in 2016. The estimated mean evolutionary rate of VP1 gene was 4.49 × 10-3 substitution/site/year. Methionine gradually fixed at site-23 of VP1 since 2012. Two sites were detected under episodic positive selection, one of which (site-223) located in neutralizing linear epitope PEP71. CONCLUSIONS: The dominant strains of CVA16 belonged to clade B1b and evolved in a fast evolutionary rate during 2010-2019 in Beijing. To provide more favorable data for HFMD prevention and control, it is necessary to keep attention on molecular epidemiological and evolutionary characteristics of CVA16.

A novel ratiometric electrochemical biosensing strategy based on T7 exonuclease-assisted homogenous target recycling coupling hairpin assembly-triggered double-signal output for the multiple amplified detection of miRNA.

A novel ratiometric electrochemical biosensing strategy based on T7 exonuclease (T7 Exo)-assisted homogenous target recycling coupling hairpin assembly triggered dual-signal output was proposed for the accurate and sensitive detection of microRNA-141 (miRNA-141). Concretely, in the presence of target miRNA, abundant signal transduction probes were released via the T7 Exo-assisted homogenous target recycling amplification, which could be captured by the specially designed ferrocene-labeled hairpin probe (Fc-H1) on -electrode interface and triggered the nonenzymatic catalytic hairpin assembly (Fc-H1 + MB-H2) to realize the cascade signal amplification and dual-signal output. Through such a conformational change process, the electrochemical signal of Fc (IFc) and MB (IMB) is proportionally and substantially decreased and increased. Therefore, the signal ratio of IMB/IFc can be employed to accurately reflect the true level of original miRNA. Benefiting from the efficient integration of the T7 Exo-assisted target recycle, nonenzymatic hairpin assembly and dual-signal output mode, the proposed sensor could realize the amplified detection of miRNA-141 effectively with a wide detection range from 1 fM to 100 pM, and a detection limit of 200 aM. Furthermore, it exhibits outstanding sequence specificity to discriminate mismatched RNA, acceptable reproducibility and feasibility for real sample. This strategy effectively integrated the advantages of multiple amplification and ratiometric output modes, which could provide an accurate and efficient method in biosensing and clinical diagnosis.

A novel signature of two long non-coding RNAs in BRCA mutant ovarian cancer to predict prognosis and efficiency of chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: In this study we aimed to identify a prognostic signature in BRCA1/2 mutations to predict disease progression and the efficiency of chemotherapy ovarian cancer (OV), the second most common cause of death from gynecologic cancer in women worldwide. METHODS: Univariate Cox proportional-hazards and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identifying prognostic factors from data obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve was assessed, and the sensitivity and specificity of the prediction model were determined. RESULTS: A signature consisting of two long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs), Z98885.2 and AC011601.1, was selected as the basis for classifying patients into high and low-risk groups (median survival: 7.2 years vs. 2.3 years). The three-year overall survival (OS) rates for the high- and low-risk group were approximately 38 and 100%, respectively. Chemotherapy treatment survival rates indicated that the high-risk group had significantly lower OS rates with adjuvant chemotherapy than the low-risk group. The one-, three-, and five-year OS were 100, 40, and 15% respectively in the high-risk group. The survival rate of the high-risk group declined rapidly after 2 years of OV chemotherapy treatment. Multivariate Cox regression associated with other traditional clinical factors showed that the 2-lncRNA model could be used as an independent OV prognostic factor. Analyses of data from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) indicated that these signatures are pivotal to cancer development. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Z98885.2 and AC011601.1 comprise a novel prognostic signature for OV patients with BRCA1/2 mutations, and can be used to predict prognosis and the efficiency of chemotherapy.

Construction of aptasensors for sensitive detection of 8-OH-dG based on a diffusion mediated electrochemiluminescence quenching effect.

A DNA immobilization-free ECL aptasensor was developed for the detection of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxygunosine based on the diffusion mediated ECL quenching effect. This ECL aptasensor exhibited a high sensitivity and low detection limit by combining homogeneous DNA reaction with dual signal amplifications: target-induced multi-DNA release and Exo I-assisted target recycling.

Hysteresis in the underdamped three-layer model.

The hysteretic phenomena were investigated in the three-layer model consisting of a chain of harmonically interacting atoms confined between two rigid periodical substrate potentials, where the top substrate was driven by a external force. The pinning to running and the running-to pinning transitions were examined as the driving force was varied and the influence of the equilibrium spacing and strength of the interaction of the particles in the middle layer on the static and kinetic friction force analyzed in detail. The parameter space in which the friction forces could reach their maxima or minima was determined. These results could be interesting for the selection of lubricant materials and minimization of energy loss in tribology.