Transcriptome analysis of Schizothorax oconnori (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) oocytes: The role of K+ in promoting yolk globule fusion and regulating oocyte maturation.

Schizothorax oconnori (S. oconnori) is an economically important fish in Tibet. Oocyte maturation is a physiological process that is of great significance to reproduction and seed production in S. oconnori, yet little is currently known regarding the molecular mechanisms of oocyte development in this species. To identify candidate genes involved in reproduction of female fish, a combination of PacBio and Illumina HiSeq technologies was employed to provide deep coverage of the oocyte transcriptome. Transcriptome analysis revealed several candidate genes that are potentially involved in the regulation of oocyte maturation in S. oconnori, including GIRK1, CHRM3, NPY2R, GABRA3, GnRH3, mGluR1α, GPER1, GDF9, HSP90, and ESR2. Genes that are significantly expressed during oocyte maturation mainly contribute to the GPCR signaling pathway and the estrogen signaling pathway. Neurotransmitter (Ach, NPY, and GABA) and peptide hormone (GnRH3) binding to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) frees G-protein ßγ subunits to interact with the G protein-gated inward rectifier K+ channel 1 (GIRK1). This process helps release K+ from granulosa cells to maturing oocytes, allowing yolk globule fusion. This mechanism may play an important role in oocyte maturation in S. oconnori. In conclusion, this study provides a valuable basis for deciphering the reproductive system in S. oconnori during the oocyte maturation process.

Effects of sowing date on photosynthetic characteristics, chlorophyll fluorescence and yield of different Echium plantagineum L. cultivars.

The seed oil of Echium plantagineum L. is rich in unsaturated fatty acids. With the gradual development of the value of echium oil in food, medical care and cosmetics, the corresponding market demand has also increased. The selection of suitable cultivars and the increase of yield per unit area has also become one of the main objectives of current breeding and cultivation of E. plantagineum. To effectively use the local photothermal resources, to improve the use of light energy by E. plantagineum, and to enhance the growth and yield of E. plantagineum. E. plantagineum cultivars Blue Bedder and Mixed Bedding were used as research subjects to study the effects of different sowing dates (1 May, 8 May, 15 May, 22 May and 29 May) on the photosynthetic characteristics and yield of E. plantagineum. Under the same cultivar conditions, with the delay in sowing date, the leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD), photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal limitation value (Ls), photochemical quenching (qP), electron transfer rate (ETR), actual photochemical efficiency (ΦpsII) and yield of Blue Bedder decreased and reached a maximum at T1, while the SPAD, Pn, Tr, water use efficiency (WUE), Ls, initial fluorescence (Fo), maximum fluorescence (Fm), qP, ETR, ΦpsII and yield of Mixed Bedding reached the maximum at T4. Blue Bedder should be sown early at T1 and Mixed Bedding late at T4 during planting, which will help to improve the photosynthetic characteristics and grain yield of E. plantagineum.

Label-free dual-mode sensing platform based on target-regulated CRISPR-Cas12a activity for ochratoxin A in Morinda officinalis.

Many traditional Chinese herbs are susceptible to ochratoxin A (OTA), a potent mycotoxin, which causes serious effects on the quality of the herb and on people's health. The development of methods to detect OTA is extremely important. Most methods for detecting OTA are based on a single-signal output mode, which might be easily influenced by complex environmental conditions. In this research, by taking advantage of the cleavage of DNA by target-induced CRISPR-Cas12a activity and the difference in electrostatic force of DNA to different charge electrochemiluminescent (ECL) and electrochemical (EC) probes, a biosensor is developed for the detection of OTA. First, the CRISPR-Cas12a system consists of a well-designed crRNA, its complementary strand (also as an aptamer for OTA), and Cas12a. Without the target, this CRISPR-Cas12a system is in the "activated stage", which digests hairpin DNA on the electrode, resulting in a weak ECL signal and strong current response. With the introduction of OTA bound with the aptamer, CRISPR-Cas12a activity is inhibited ("locked stage"). Thus, hairpin DNA remained intact on the electrode, resulting in recovery of the ECL signal and attenuation of the current intensity. As a result, this label-free dual-mode sensing platform realizes an assay for OTA in Morinda officinalis. This target-regulated CRISPR-Cas12a activity-sensing platform with dual-mode output not only provides high sensitivity (due to the CRISPR-Cas12a system), but also has good anti-interference ability against complex substrates (due to dual-mode output), and exhibits a broad range of prospects for application.

An immobilization-free electrochemical aptamer-based assay for zearalenone based on target-triggered dissociation of DNA from polydopamine nanospheres with strand displacement amplification.

Zearalenone (ZEN), a widespread mycotoxin, can cause great harm to people's health. In order to assay ZEN, an immobilization-free electrochemical sensor has been developed. A multifunctional hairpin DNA has been carefully designed, including three functions: the aptamer for zearalenone (ZEN), primer, and template sequence. This hairpin DNA can anchor on polydopamine nanospheres (PDANSs), which can protect DNA against the digestion of enzymes and prevent the occurrence of strand displacement amplification (SDA). In the presence of ZEN, the hairpin DNA is dissociated from PDANSs due to the interaction between ZEN and the aptamer, and the SDA reaction is initiated with the help of endonuclease and polymerase. During the SDA process, substantial amounts of negatively charged dsDNA are generated. The MB molecules are embedded into the dsDNA grooves to obtain the complex with a negative charge. The confined MB is repelled on the surface of the negatively charged ITO electrode, leading to the decline of the current. This immobilization-free method possesses high sensitivity (LOD of 0.18 pg mL-1) and good selectivity and can be applied to assay ZEN in corn flour.

Smart Chondroitin Sulfate Micelles for Effective Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin Against Breast Cancer Metastasis.

Introduction: Metastasis is a major challenge in breast cancer therapy. The successful chemotherapy of breast cancer largely depends on the ability to block the metastatic process. Herein, we designed a dual-targeting and stimuli-responsive drug delivery system for targeted drug delivery against breast cancer metastasis. Methods: AS1411 aptamer-modified chondroitin sulfate A-ss-deoxycholic acid (ACSSD) was synthesized, and the unmodified CSSD was used as the control. Chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX)-containing ACSSD (D-ACSSD) micelles were prepared by a dialysis method. The ACSSD conjugate was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of D-ACSSD micelles were studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and MTT assay in breast tumor cells. The inhibition capability of D-ACSSD micelles in cell migration and invasion was carried out in 4T1 cells. In vivo antitumor activity of DOX-containing micelles was investigated in metastatic 4T1-bearing Balb/c mice. Results: D-ACSSD and DOX-loaded CSSD (D-CSSD) micelles exhibited high drug encapsulation content and reduction-responsive characteristics. D-ACSSD micelles were spherical in shape. Compared with D-CSSD, D-ACSSD showed higher cellular uptake and more potent killing activity in 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Additionally, D-ACSSD exhibited stronger inhibitory effects on the invasion and migration of highly metastatic 4T1 cells than unmodified D-CSSD. Among the DOX-containing formulations, D-ACSSD micelles presented the most effective inhibition of tumor growth and lung metastasis in orthotopic 4T1-bearing mice in vivo. It also revealed that ACSSD micelles did not exhibit obvious systemic toxicity. Conclusion: The smart D-ACSSD micelles could be a promising delivery system for the therapy of metastatic breast cancer.

Unexpected rise of atmospheric secondary aerosols from biomass burning during the COVID-19 lockdown period in Hangzhou, China.

After the global outbreak of COVID-19, the Chinese government took many measures to control the spread of the virus. The measures led to a reduction in anthropogenic emissions nationwide. Data from a single particle aerosol mass spectrometer in an eastern Chinese megacity (Hangzhou) before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown (5 January to February 29, 2020) was used to understand the effect lockdown had on atmospheric particles. The collected single particle mass spectra were clustered into eight categories. Before the lockdown, the proportions of particles ranked in order of: EC (57.9%) < K-SN (13.6%) < Fe-rich (10.2%) < ECOC (6.7%) < K-Na (6.6%) < OC (3.4%) < K-Pb (1.0%) < K-Al (0.7%). During the lockdown period, the EC and Fe-rich particles decreased by 42.8% and 93.2% compared to before lockdown due to reduced vehicle exhaust and industrial activity. By contrast, the K-SN and K-Na particles containing biomass burning tracers increased by 155.2% and 45.2% during the same time, respectively. During the lockdown, the proportions of particles ranked in order of: K-SN (39.7%) < EC (38.1%) < K-Na (11.0%) < ECOC (7.7%) < OC (1.2%) < K-Pb (0.9%) < Fe-rich (0.8%) < K-Al (0.6%). Back trajectory analysis indicated that both inland (Anhui and Shandong provinces) and marine transported air masses may have contributed to the increase in K-SN and K-Na particles during the lockdown, and that increased number of fugitive combustion points (i.e., household fuel, biomass combustion) was a contributing factor. Therefore, the results imply that regional synergistic control measures on fugitive combustion emissions are needed to ensure good air quality.

Comparative analysis of the main medicinal substances and applications of Echium vulgare L. and Echium plantagineum L.: A review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Echium vulgare L. and Echium plantagineum L. originated in the Mediterranean, and were later domesticated in Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania, where they were widely used to treat many diseases including cough, urinary tract infection, fever, inflammation and muscle strain. AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this review is to provide scientific literature on the traditional uses, bioactive chemical components and pharmacological activities of two species of Echium, and to critically analyze the information provided, so as to understand the current work on these two species and explore the possible prospect of this plant in pharmaceutical research. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to Prisma guidelines, and the related literatures searched on Google Academic, Science Direct, Baidu Scholars and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) up to June 2021 were reviewed. The key words used are: Echium, E.vulgare, E.plantagineum, plant components, chemical components, pharmacological activities, pharmaceutical products and applications. Thereafter all eligible studies are analyzed and summarized in this review. The selection of manuscripts is based on the following inclusion criteria: the article has years of research or publication, is published in English, Portuguese or Spanish and Chinese, and there are keywords in the title, abstract, keywords or full text of the article. For the selection of manuscripts, first, select articles according to titles, then summarize them, and finally, analyze the full text of the publication. Elimination criteria: 1. Duplicate reports; 2. There are research design defects and poor quality; 3. Incomplete data and unclear ending effect; 4. The statistical method is wrong and cannot be corrected. RESULTS: The pharmacological characteristics of E.vulgare and E.plantagineum can basically support their traditional use, but the medicinal substances contained in them are quite different in composition and content, and the development and application of corresponding products are also different. CONCLUSIONS: At present, there is little clinical data about drugs related to the two species, and more research is needed in the future, especially human experiments and clinical trials, to evaluate the cellular and molecular mechanisms based on pharmacological, biological activity and safety studies, and to provide more powerful scientific basis for their traditional medicinal properties. In addition, the further application and development of the medicinal products of E.vulgare and E.plantagineum still need to be precise and identified, so as to give full play to their medicinal potential.

An electrochemiluminescence biosensor for cadmium ion based on target-induced strand displacement amplification and magnetic Fe3O4-GO nanosheets.

Taking advantage of an exquisite hairpin DNA for strand displacement amplification (SDA) and the magnetic Fe3O4-graphene oxide nanosheets (MGN) as the carrier, an immobilization-free ECL biosensor was constructed for ultra-trace detection of Cd2+. Firstly, the ECL probe Ru (phen)32+ easily diffuses in the solution and reaches the electrode surface to induce strong ECL signal. This is because the pre-designed hairpin DNA is constrained by MGN in the absence of Cd2+. The presence of Cd2+ releases cDNA by binding to its corresponding aptamer, leading to removal of hairpin DNA away from the surface of MGN. In this case, SDA amplification was evoked and generated numerous dsDNA which further trapped Ru (phen)32+ in its groove. It is difficult for the embedded ECL probe to touch the electrode surface to generate ECL signal. Therefore, the concentration of Cd2+ was monitored according to the attenuation of ECL signal. This method showed high sensitivity to Cd2+ with a detection limit of 1.1 × 10-4 ppb. Moreover, it not only avoids many condition optimizations required in the conventional SDA method, but also circumvent the modification and immobilization of DNA probe. This sensor is further applied in the detection of Cd2+ in the sample of traditional Chinese medicine.

Inhibition of the mevalonate pathway improves myocardial fibrosis.

The mevalonate (MVA) pathway serves an important role in ventricular remodeling. Targeting the MVA pathway has protective effects against myocardial fibrosis. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism behind these effects. Primary cultured cardiac fibroblasts from C57BL/6 mice were treated in vitro in 5 groups: i) negative control; ii) angiotensin II (Ang II) model (1x10-5 mol/l); iii) Ang II + rosuvastatin (ROS); iv) Ang II + alendronate (ALE); and v) Ang II + fasudil (FAS). Collagen and crystal violet staining were used to assess morphological changes in cardiac fibroblasts. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to analyze the expression of key signaling molecules involved in the MVA pathway. Collagen staining in the ALE, FAS, and ROS groups was weak compared with the Ang II group, while the rate of cell proliferation in the ROS, ALE, and FAS groups was slower compared with that in the Ang II group. In addition, the expression of key signaling molecules in the MVA pathway, including transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), collagen type I α1 (COL1A1), vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (VEGF2) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), was decreased in the FAS and ROS groups compared with the Ang II model. Compared with the Ang II group, 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) gene expression was significantly lowered in the drug intervention groups, whereas farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FDPS) expression was downregulated in the ALE group, but elevated in the FAS and ROS groups. Compared with that in the Ang II group, ras homolog family member A (RhoA) expression was downregulated in the FAS and ROS groups, whilst mevalonate kinase expression was reduced in the ROS group. Protein expression of TGF-ß1, COL1A1 and HSP47 were decreased following intervention with each of the three drugs compared with the Ang II group. Overall, rosuvastatin, aledronate and fasudil decreased the proliferation of myocardial fibroblasts and inhibited collagen synthesis. Rosuvastatin had the strongest protective effects against myocardial fibrosis compared with the other drugs tested, suggesting this to be a potential agent for the clinical treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Confirmation of inhibitingTLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signalling Pathway by Duhuo Jisheng Decoction on Osteoarthritis: A Network Pharmacology Approach-Integrated Experimental Study.

This study was conducted to identify whether the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalling pathway plays a vital role in osteoarthritis (OA) treatment with Duhuo Jisheng Decoction (DHJSD) on the basis of a network pharmacology approach (NPA)-integrated experiment. Two experiments were conducted as follow: NPA for DHJSD using six OA-related gene series and the key pathway was screened out using NPA. NPA identified a vital role for the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalling pathway in OA treatment with DHJSD, the conventional western blot analysis and qPCR confirmed it. Furthermore, changes of miR-146a-5p and miR-34a-5p in the cellular models were recovered by DHJSD administration, which synergistically contributed to OA therapy. The toll-like receptor signalling pathway and the NF-κB signalling pathway were meaningfully enriched by the miRNA-regulated gene pathways. This study identified and confirmed the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signalling pathway is an essential inflammatory signalling pathway in the DHJSD underlying OA treatment. The results provide a basis for further evaluation of the regulatory mechanism of the drug's efficacy in treating OA.

A simple enzyme-catalyzed reaction induced "switch" type fluorescence biosensor based on carbon nitride nanosheets for the assay of alkaline phosphatase activity.

An enzyme-catalyzed fluorescence "switch" type sensor was constructed for the determination of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity by combining the fluorescence quenching effect of Ag+ on ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets (CNNSs) with the simple redox reaction of AA and Ag+. Briefly, Ag+ exhibits a significant quenching effect on the fluorescence of CNNSs. Thus the fluorescence signal of the CNNS-Ag+ system is extremely weak even in the presence of l-ascorbic acid-2-phosphate (AAP) ("off" state). When ALP coexists in the system, the enzyme can specifically catalyze the hydrolysis of AAP to form ascorbic acid (AA), which reduces Ag+ to Ag0. In this case, the fluorescence signal of the system is recovered ("on" state). Based on this principle, a signal-enhanced CNNS fluorescence sensor was developed to determine the activity of alkaline phosphatase. The experimental results show that the detection range of alkaline phosphatase is 0.5-20 U L-1, and the detection limit is 0.05 U L-1 (S/N = 3). Meanwhile, this method was used to assay ALP in serum samples.

Masking quercetin: A simple strategy for selective detection of rutin by combination of bovine serum albumin and fluorescent silicon nanoparticles.

As a typical kind of bioactive flavonoid glycoside, rutin and its aglycone quercetin possess similar chemical structures and properties. It still remains a challenge to achieve reliably and accurately detection of rutin in the presence of quercetin. In this work, a simple fluorescent method combining water-dispersed silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were constructed for the selective detection of rutin in the presence of quercetin and other common compounds in traditional Chinese herbs. SiNPs with high fluorescent quantum yield and good thermostability were prepared by one-pot hydrothermal method using ferulic acid as the reduction reagent for the first time. The fluorescence of SiNPs could be obviously quenched both by rutin and quercetin in phosphate buffer solution. Interestingly, when the solution contained certain concentration of BSA, the fluorescence of the SiNPs can only be remarkably quenched by rutin. The innovative use of BSA to block the interference of quercetin make it possible to selectively detect of rutin by fluorescence spectrometry under the coexistence of quercetin. Under the optimum conditions, the fluorescence displayed a linear decrease response as the rutin concentration increased in the range of 0.33-33.30 µM with a detection limit of 0.04 µM (S/N = 3). The possible quenching mechanism of rutin to SiNPs has also explored and concluded to be mainly caused by inner filter effect. This work provides a novel methodology for the simple, low-cost and selective determination method for rutin.

Target-responsive ratiometric fluorescent aptasensor for OTA based on energy transfer between [Ru(bpy)3]2+ and silica quantum dots.

A ratiometric fluorescent aptasensor based on energy transfer between [Ru(bpy)3]2+ and silica quantum dots (silica QDs) for assaying OTA was fabricated. The aptamer for OTA was used as the gate to shield the fluorescent reagent [Ru(bpy)3]2+ into mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN). In the presence of OTA, the constrained [Ru(bpy)3]2+ was released from MSN due to a target-induced aptamer conformational change. The released [Ru(bpy)3]2+ adsorbed onto the negatively charged silica QDs through electrostatic interaction. This creates appearance of fluorescence from [Ru(bpy)3]2+ at 625 nm and decrease of the fluorescence from silica QDs at 442 nm owing to the energy transfer. The value of FL625nm/FL442nm was in proportion to the concentration of OTA in the range 0.5~100 ng mL-1 with a LOD of 0.08 ng mL-1. Practical applicability of this method was validated by the determination of OTA in flour samples. Graphical abstract The sensing principle of this sensor.

Exosomes of Human Umbilical Cord MSCs Protect Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Pyroptosis of Cardiomyocytes via the miRNA-100-5p/FOXO3/NLRP3 Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and death worldwide. Studies have indicated that microRNAs in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes are crucial for treating various diseases. METHODS: Human umbilical cord MSC (hucMSC)-derived exosomes (hucMSC-exo) were isolated and used to treat cardiomyocytes that underwent hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury. Bioluminescence assessment was used to study binding of miRNA to its targeting gene. RESULTS: We found that H/R decreased the viability of AC16 cells, increased the expression of NLRP3, and activated caspase-1(p20) and GSDMD-N as well as release of IL-1ß and IL-18, and such effects were abolished by administration of hucMSC-exo. Administration of exosomes from negative scramble miRNA (NC)-transfected hucMSCs blocked H/R-caused lactate dehydrogenase release, pyroptosis, and over-regulation of NLRP3 and activated caspase-1(p20) and GSDMD-N as well as release of IL-1ß and IL-18. More importantly, in comparison to exsomes from NC-transfected hucMSCs, exsomes from miR-100-5p-overexpressing hucMSCs had more obvious effects, and those from miR-100-5p-inhibitor-transfected hucMSCs showed fewer effects. Functional study showed that miR-100-5p bound to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of FOXO3 to suppress its transcription. Moreover, overexpression of FOXO3 abolished the protective effects of miR-100-5p. CONCLUSION: Enriched miR-100-5p in hucMSC-exo suppressed FOXO3 expression to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation and suppress cytokine release and, therefore, protected cardiomyocytes from H/R-induced pyroptosis and injury.

A novel hybrid platform of g-C3N4 nanosheets /nucleic-acid-stabilized silver nanoclusters for sensing protein.

The fabrication of nanomaterials-based sensing platform has attracted a great deal of interest due to their unique properties. Here, we report a novel hybrid platform of g-C3N4 nanosheets/DNA-stabilized Ag nanoclusters (CNNS/AgNCs) for sensing application. In this platform, the fluorescent AgNCs was synthesized using a pair of double-functional ssDNA sequence as a template, including the aptamer segment against thrombin and C-rich segment for AgNCs. Next, the interaction between the fluorescent Apt-AgNCs and CNNS was investigated. It is verified that DNA-stabilized AgNCs could absorb on the CNNS surface via the stronger π-π interaction to form the hybrid platform, whose fluorescence is quenched by CNNS through the photoelectron transfer effect (PET). When targets are introduced into the system, target/Apt-AgNCs complex will fall off from the CNNS surface, resulting in the fluorescence recovery. This hybrid platform can achieve the detection of biomolecule with high sensitivity and selectivity. Considering the fluorescence variability of DNA scaffold AgNCs, this hybrid platform is promising to extend to other target and even multi-target detection.

Water-dispersed silicon quantum dots for on-off-on fluorometric determination of chromium(VI) and ascorbic acid.

Water-dispersed silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) with the quantum yield of 25% was prepared using aminopropyltrimethoxysilane as the silicon source and ascorbic acid (AA) as the reduction reagent. The SiQDs display blue fluorescence with excitation/emission peaks at 350 nm/440 nm. The synthesized SiQDs are shown to be a viable "on-off-on" fluorescent probe for the detection of Cr(VI) and AA. Cr(VI) ions exert an inner filter effect on the fluorescence of the SiQDs which results in a reduction of fluorescence (off-state). On addition of AA, Cr(VI) is chemically reduced to Cr(III) which weakens the inner filter effect and restores fluorescence (on-state). The method has low detection limits for both Cr(VI) and AA (0.16 µM and 0.57 µM, respectively). It was applied to the analysis of spiked lotus seeds and human serum samples. Graphical abstract A simple and facile "on-off-on" fluorometric method for Cr(VI) and ascorbic acid (AA) was developed using water-soluble silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) as the fluorescent probe. The approach was also used to assay Cr(VI) and AA in the lotus seeds and human serum, respectively.

Signal-on fluorescence assay for pyrophosphate ions based on DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters.

Pyrophosphate anion (P2 O7 4- , PPi) is considered as a potential biomarker for arthritic diseases because high levels of PPi may result in calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate crystal deposition diseases. In this study, a simple fluorescence method for PPi was demonstrated by organic integration of the efficient fluorescence quenching ability of copper ions to DNA-scaffolded silver nanoclusters and the strong affinity of PPi towards copper ions. This simple fluorescence sensor showed a low detection limit (0.28 µM based on signal/noise = 3) towards the detection of PPi. Practical application of this method was also validated by detection of PPi in the synovial fluid.

Electrochemiluminescent functional nucleic acids-based sensors for food analysis.

Foodborne contaminants widely exist in foods, which can lead to various foodborne diseases and food safety issues. The development of quick, sensitive and universal analytical approaches for foodborne contaminants is imperative. Electrochemiluminescent functional nucleic acids (ECL FNAs)-based sensors are a series of sensing devices using FNAs as the recognition elements and ECL as the transducer. Contributing to the specific recognition ability of FNA and the high sensitivity of ECL, ECL FNA-based sensors are considered to be of great application potential for foodborne contaminants monitoring. This review mainly presents the applications of ECL FNA-based sensors for foodborne contaminants (including microorganisms, mycotoxins, allergens, antibiotics, heavy metal ions, pesticides and some illegal additives). In general, the application of ECL FNA-based sensors in the field of food analysis is just in its infancy. Although there are several limitations and challenges, it is envisaged that ECL FNA-based sensors will have broad prospects for food analysis in the future.

RNA-seq analyses the effect of high-salt diet in hypertension.

OBJECTIVES: High-salt diet is one of the major risk factors in the development of hypertension. Previous studies have observed a relationship between high-salt induced blood pressure levels and cardiac-cerebral disease. However, the molecular mechanism of high-salt diet induced hypertension and the serious complications in cardiovascular system still remain unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We built high-salt diet induced hypertension rat models, and investigated the transcriptomic alteration in four hypertension affected tissues, i.e. ventricle and atrium in heart as well as cortex and medulla in kidney. Differential expression gene (DEG) analysis and further functional annotation including Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was performed to reveal the molecular mechanism of high-salt induced hypertension and organ injury. RESULTS: We observed that several genes associated with cardiovascular development and organ injury were significantly dysregulated rat fed with high-salt diet, such as Mmp-15, Igfbp7, Rgs18 and Hras. We demonstrated that differential expressed genes were functionally related to the increased levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). CONCLUSION: Our study provided new insight about molecular mechanism of high-salt induced hypertension and heart and kidney damage.

Highly sensitive antibody-aptamer sensor for vascular endothelial growth factor based on hybridization chain reaction and pH meter/indicator.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a crucial signaling protein for the tumor growth and metastasis, which is also acted as the biomarkers for various diseases. In this research, we fabricate an aptamer-antibody sensor for point-of-care test of VEGF. Firstly, target VEGF is captured by antibody immobilized on the microplate, and then binds with aptamer to form the sandwich structure. Next, with the assist of glucose oxidase (GOx)-functionalized ssDNAs, hybridization chain reaction occurs using the aptamer as the primer. Thus, GOx are greatly gathered on the microplate, which catalyzes the oxidization of glucose, leading to the pH change. As a result, the detect limit at a signal-to-noise was estimated to be 0.5pg/mL of target by pH meter, and 1.6pg/mL of VEGF was able to be distinguished by naked eyes. Meanwhile, this method has been used assay VEGF in the serum with the satisfactory results.