An RNA aptamer photoelectrochemical biosensor based on the exciton energy transfer constructed for theophylline detection.

A novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor was developed incorporating a specifically designed RNA aptamer for the detection of theophylline (TP). This involved utilizing two nucleotide base aptamers with tailored sequences designed to target TP. The 3' end of a single-stranded RNA sequence (5'-GGAUACCA-(CH)-SH-3') and the 5' end of a complementary stranded RNA sequence (5'-HS-(CH)-CCUUGGAAGCC-3') were linked to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and CdS quantum dots (QDs), respectively.

Lipid droplets-specific fluorescent probe for wash-free imaging and in vivo diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Lipid droplets (LDs) dysfunction is closely associated with a multitude of diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, it is imperative to develop fluorescent probes that specifically target LDs for the early detection and diagnosis of NAFLD. In this study, a series of lipophilic fluorophores CZ1-CZ4 that feature a D-π-A configuration were designed and synthesized based on the carbazole and tricocyanofuran derivatives.

Integrating pyriproxyfen into the incompatible insect technique enhances mosquito population suppression efficiency and eliminates the risk of population replacement.

Background: The incompatible insect technique (IIT) has been used for Aedes mosquito population suppression to curb the transmission of dengue. However, its wide application is limited owing to the low output of male mosquitoes and the risk of population replacement from the release of fertile Wolbachia-infected females. This study aims to improve IIT efficiency for broader adoption.

iTRAQ-based proteomics reveals serum protein changes in hypertensive rats induced by a high-salt diet.

High-salt diets may increase both hypertension and risk of cardiovascular diseases. Although high-salt diets can result in hypertension and impaired vascular function, the molecular mechanisms underlying these dysfunctions are not fully known. Thus, the aims of the present study were to identify key proteins and their signaling pathways and associated molecular mechanisms that may contribute to, as well as be potential biomarkers of, the pathogenesis of hypertension-related cardiovascular diseases.

TRPP2 and STIM1 form a microdomain to regulate store-operated Ca entry and blood vessel tone.

Background: Polycystin-2 (TRPP2) is a Ca permeable nonselective cationic channel essential for maintaining physiological function in live cells. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is an important Ca sensor in store-operated Ca entry (SOCE). Both TRPP2 and STIM1 are expressed in endoplasmic reticular membrane and participate in Ca signaling, suggesting a physical interaction and functional synergism.

Gold Microstructures/Polyaniline/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Prussian Blue Composite as Stable Redox Matrix for Label-free Electrochemical Immunoassay of α-Fetoprotein.

Sensitivity amplification strategies in label-free electrochemical immunosensors are mainly limited by redox molecules leaking and degradation of electrical conductivity caused by layers of decoration. Herein, a relatively stable and sensitive label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on a hierarchically flower-like gold microstructures/polyaniline/reduced graphene oxide/prussian blue (HFG/PANI/rGO/PB) composite modified electrode was stepwise fabricated for determination of α-fetoprotein (AFP). In this process, the effect of PANI and rGO on the proposed immunosensor was studied.

A novel signal-on photoelectrochemical immunosensor for detection of alpha-fetoprotein by in situ releasing electron donor.

A signal-on photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunosensor was constructed for detecting tumor marker in this work. α-fetoprotein (AFP) was chosen as a model analyte to investigate the prepared procedure and the analytical performance of the exploited sensor. In order to construct the sensor, CdSe QDs were used as photoactive material, biotin conjugated AFP antibody (Bio-anti-AFP) as detecting probe, streptavidin (SA) as signal capturing unit, biotin functionalized apoferritin encapsulated ascorbic acid (Bio-APOAA) as amplification unit, which were assembled onto the electrodes.

Nano-encapsulant of ascorbic acid-loaded apoferritin-assisted photoelectrochemical sensor for protease detection.

A signal-on photoelectrochemical (PEC) biosensor based on nano-encapsulant of ascorbic acid-loaded apoferritin-assisted for protease detection is described. The loaded ascorbic acid could be released from the central cavity of apoferritin into the buffer solution as sacrificial electron donor to capture the photo-generated holes of CdTe quantum dots when light is turned on. In this system, the biosensor relied on monitoring the photocurrent intensity as a result of enzymatic substrate proteolysis in the homogeneous aqueous solution.

A Novel Photoelectrochemical Biosensor for Tyrosinase and Thrombin Detection.

A novel photoelectrochemical biosensor for step-by-step assay of tyrosinase and thrombin was fabricated based on the specific interactions between the designed peptide and the target enzymes. A peptide chain with a special sequence which contains a positively charged lysine-labeled terminal, tyrosine at the other end and a cleavage site recognized by thrombin between them was designed. The designed peptide can be fixed on surface of the CdTe quantum dots (QDs)-modified indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode through electrostatic attraction to construct the photoelectrochemical biosensor.

Serum biomarkers VEGF-C and IL-6 are associated with severe human Peripheral Artery Stenosis.

Background: Emerging reports propose possible biomarkers that are related to inflammation, nutrition and lipid parameters for detection of the progression of atherosclerotic plaques, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and particularly peripheral artery stenosis (PAS). However, it remains unclear which biomarkers in serum are associated with the severity of PAS.

Findings: In this study, we measured serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers along with lipid and nutritional parameters in 53 patients who suffered different degrees of PAS.

[Pollution status of phenolic compounds in the soil and sediment from a chemical industrial park along the Yangtze River].

A determination method of 12 phenolic compounds in soil and sediment samples by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis coupled with accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) for clean-up was developed. The method detection limits (MDLs) varied from 0. 410 μg/kg to 13.

Activation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 in macrophages restrains TLR4-NF-κB signaling and protects against endotoxin shock.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are critical in mediating innate immune responses against infections. However, uncontrolled TLR-triggered inflammation is associated with endotoxin shock. To better understand the homeostatic mechanisms induced by TLR4 signaling, we screened a group of key cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and their receptors for bacteria- or LPS-induced expression.

Calcium ion-induced stabilization and refolding of agkisacutacin from Agkistrodon acutus venom studied by fluorescent spectroscopy.

Agkisacutacin isolated from the venom of Agkistrodon acutus is a coagulation factor IX / coagulation factor X-binding protein with marked anticoagulant- and platelet-modulating activities. Ca(2+) ion-induced stabilization and refolding of Agkisacutacin have been studied by following fluorescent measurements. Ca(2+) ions not only increase the structural stability of agkisacutacin against GdnHCl denaturation, but also induce its refolding.

Effects of metal ions on the conformation and activity of acutolysin D from Agkistrodon Acutus venom.

Acutolysin D, isolated from the venom of Agkistrodon acutus, possesses marked haemorrhagic and proteolytic activities. The molecular weight and the absorption coefficients (A (1%) (280)) of acutolyisn D have been determined to be 47,850 +/- 8 amu and 9.3 by mass spectrometer and UV spectrum, respectively.

Metal ions- and pH-induced conformational changes of acutolysin A from Agkistrodon acutus venom probed by fluorescent spectroscopy.

Acutolysin A isolated from the venom of Agkistrodon acutus is a protein of 22 kDa with marked haemorrhagic and proteolytic activities. The metal ions- and pH-induced conformational changes of acutolysin A have been studied by following fluorescence and activity measurements. Here, we provide evidence for the fact that native holo-acutolysin A adopts two subtly different conformations, native state a (Na) stable in the weak acidic pH range from 6.

Effects of rare earth ions on the conformational stability of anticoagulation factor II from Agkistrodon acutus venom probed by fluorescent spectroscopy.

Anticoagulation factor II (ACF II) isolated from the venom of Agkistrodon acutus is an activated coagulation factor X-binding protein in a Ca(2+)-dependent fashion with marked anticoagulant activity. The equilibrium unfolding of rare earth ions (RE(3+))-reconstituted ACF II in guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl) solution was studied by fluorescence. The GdnHCl-induced unfolding of RE(3+) (Nd(3+), Sm(3+), Eu(3+), Gd(3+))-reconstituted ACF II follows a three-state transition with a stable intermediate state.

Effects of metal ions and an inhibitor on the fluorescence and activity of acutolysin A from Agkistrodon acutus venom.

Acutolysin A, a protein isolated from the venom of Chinese Five-pace snake (Agkistrodon acutus) has shown marked hemorrhagic and proteolytic activities. In the present study, the effects of metal ions and an inhibitor EDTA on the fluorescence and function of autolysin A have been studied, by following fluorescence and activity measurements. Acutolysin A contains a Ca(2+)-binding site, which provides it with important structural stability, and a Zn(2+)-binding site, which is essential for its enzymatic activities.