Sandwich Layer-Modified Ω-Shaped Fiber-Optic LSPR Enables the Development of an Aptasensor for a Cytosensing-Photothermal Therapy Circuit.

The metastasis of cancer cells is a principal cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer. The combination of a cytosensor and photothermal therapy (PTT) cannot completely eliminate cancer cells at one time. Hence, this study aimed to design a localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR)-based aptasensor for a circuit of cytosensing-PTT (COCP).

Electrospun nanofiber-based indicatorpaper sensing platform for fluorescence and visualization detection of norfloxacin.

Norfloxacin (NOR) residues in water pose a serious threat to human health via the food chain, necessitating the development of a rapid on-site antibiotic detection technique. In this work, we utilize electrostatic spinning technology that combines polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-rare earth metal Tb complexes (ATP/Tb) to construct a new ternary film-based sensor for sensitive, quick, and convenient field testing of NOR in water. The operating mechanism is that the ternary system produces gradually enhanced bright green fluorescence at increasing concentrations of NOR.

T-Shaped Aptamer-Based LSPR Biosensor Using Ω-Shaped Fiber Optic for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2.

SARS-CoV-2, especially the variant strains, is rapidly spreading around the world. Rapid detection methods for the virus are crucial for controlling the COVID-19 epidemic. Herein, a localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) biosensor based on Ω-shaped fiber optic (Ω-FO) was developed for dual assays of SARS-CoV-2 monitoring.

Surface-enhanced coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering based on coupled nanohole-slit arrays.

Metal nanohole arrays show excellent performance when applied for sensing, optical fibers, and surface-enhanced spectroscopy, but they are not ideal candidates for surface-enhanced coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (SECARS) because of their low enhancement factor (EF). Here, the finite element method was used to study the dependence of the period, width, and thickness of nanoslits on the EF of SECARS and optical transmission in Au nanohole-slit arrays. Nanoslits across the nanoholes significantly modulated the SECARS signal, and we observed an ∼10 improvement in the EF of SECARS compared with the nanohole-only structure.

Regulation of the integrin αVβ3- actin filaments axis in early osteogenesis of human fibroblasts under cyclic tensile stress.

Background: Integrins play a prominent role in osteogenic differentiation by transmitting both mechanical and chemical signals. Integrin expression is closely associated with tensile stress, which has a positive effect on osteogenic differentiation. We investigated the relationship between integrin αVβ3 and tensile stress.

Hybridized nanolayer modified Ω-shaped fiber-optic synergistically enhances localized surface plasma resonance for ultrasensitive cytosensor and efficient photothermal therapy.

Inadequate sensitivity and side-effect are the main challenges to develop cytosensors combining with therapeutic potential simultaneously for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Herein, localized surface plasma resonance (LSPR) based on hybridized nanolayer modified Ω-shaped fiber-optic (HN/Ω-FO) was developed to integrate cytosensor and plasmonic photothermal treatment (PPT). On one hand, hybridized nanolayers improve the coverage of nanoparticles and refractive index sensitivity (RIS).

A Cost-Effective Method for Preparing Robust and Conductive Superhydrophobic Coatings Based on Asphalt.

The wide application of superhydrophobic materials is mainly hindered by the poor mechanical robustness and complicated preparation method. To overcome these problems, we tried to make a combination of hierarchical and self-similar structure by the means of a simple spraying method. By adding nanofiller (carbon nanotube) and microfiller (graphite powder and expanded graphite), the hierarchical structure was constructed.

Surface and coherent contributions of plasmon fields to ultraviolet tip-enhanced coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering.

Design of plasmonic substrates is of immense importance for high sensitivity and spatial resolution in plasmon-enhanced spectroscopy. In this study, the enhancement factors (EFs) of tip-enhanced coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (TECARS) contributed by surface and quantum coherent effects in the ultraviolet region are theoretically analyzed using three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (3D-FDTD) method. In the multi-resonant TECARS configuration, surface and coherent EFs of 10 and 10, respectively, can be achieved by considering the synthetic effect of surface and coherent enhancement mechanisms, providing the total TECARS EF of 10 and sub-5 nm spatial resolution.

Detection of Aflatoxin B Based on a Porous Anodized Aluminum Membrane Combined with Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy.

An Aflatoxin B (AFB) biosensor was fabricated via an Ag nanoparticles assembly on the surface of a porous anodized aluminum (PAA) membrane. First, the Raman reporter 4-Aminothiophenol (4-ATP) and DNA (partially complementary to AFB aptamer) were attached to the surface of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) by chemical bonding to form a 4-ATP-AgNPs-DNA complex. Similarly, the surface of a PAA membrane was functionalized with an AFB aptamer.

The Role of miR-326 in Adipogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells by Targeting C/EBPα in vitro.

The CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) plays an important role in adipogenic differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASC). Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the regulation of self-renewal, proliferation, and multi-directional differentiation of ASCs. In the present study, we analyzed the targeting miRNAs on C/EBPα and found that miR-326 played an essential role in it.

Potential Application of Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots Synthesized by a Solvothermal Method for Detecting Silver Ions in Food Packaging.

In this paper, nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) were synthesized by a solvothermal method using 1,2,4-triaminobenzene as a carbon precursor. The surface of the synthesized N-CQDs was modified with amino functional groups. The results indicated that N-CQDs had various N-related functional groups and chemical bonds and were amorphous in structure.

Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Detection of Sodium Thiocyanate in Milk Based on the Aggregation of Ag Nanoparticles.

A method is developed for detecting the concentration of sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN) in milk based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology. A trichloroacetic acid solution can be used to enhance the SERS signal because of its function in promoting the aggregation of Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Meanwhile, the protein in milk would be precipitated as trichloroacetic acid added and the interference from protein could be reduced during the detection.

3D-Plotted Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffolds with Smaller Pore Sizes Improve In Vivo Bone Regeneration and Biomechanical Properties in a Critical-Sized Calvarial Defect Rat Model.

Due to the difficulty in fabricating bioceramic scaffolds with smaller pore sizes by the current 3D printing technique, the effect of smaller pore sizes (below 400 µm) of 3D printed bioceramic scaffolds on the bone regeneration and biomechanical behavior is never studied. Herein beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds with interconnected smaller pores of three different sizes (100, 250, and 400 µm) are fabricated by 3D plotting. The resultant scaffolds are then implanted into rat critical-sized calvarial defects without any seeded cells.

Electrochemical Determination of Nitrite by Au Nanoparticle/Graphene-Chitosan Modified Electrode.

A highly sensitive nitrite (NO₂) electrochemical sensor is fabricated using glassy carbon electrode modified with Au nanoparticle and grapheme oxide. Briefly, this electrochemical sensor was prepared by drop-coating graphene oxide-chitosan mixed film on the surface of the electrode and then electrodepositing a layer of Au nanoparticle using cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical behavior of NO₂ on the sensor was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and amperometric i-t curve.

[Research progress of miRNA regulation in differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells].

Objective: To review the research progress of miRNA regulation in the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs).

Methods: The recent literature associated with miRNAs and differentiation of ADSCs was reviewed. The regulatory mechanism was analyzed in detail and summarized.

Cross-talk between microtubules and the linker of nucleoskeleton complex plays a critical role in the adipogenesis of human adipose-derived stem cells.

Background: Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) that show multidifferentiation and anti-immune rejection capacities have been widely used in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Previous studies have indicated that mechanical and biophysical interactions between cells and their surrounding environment regulate essential processes, such as growth, survival, and differentiation, and the cytoskeleton system plays an important role in the mechanotransduction. However, the role of mechanical force in the determination of lineage fate is still unclear.

[Clinical effect on migraine treated with acupoint implantation].

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy on migraine treated with acupoint implantation.

Methods: Sixty cases of migraine were randomized into a implantation group and an electroacupuncture (EA) group, 30 cases in each one. In the implantation group, implantation was used at Fengchi (GB 20), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Waiguan (TE 5), Yanglingquan (GB 34), etc.

[Preliminary study on depth of embedded catgut and qi arrival at cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) under ultrasound guidance].

Objective: To explore the relationship between the needling sensation of catgut embedding therapy and the depth of embedded catgut so as to improve the safety of the needle insertion and catgut implantation of the therapy.

Methods: Twenty healthy adults were selected. Under the ultrasound, the structure of the cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) was observed.

Photoinduced Charge Transport in a BHJ Solar Cell Controlled by an External Electric Field.

This study investigated theoretical photoinduced charge transport in a bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cell controlled by an external electric field. Our method for visualizing charge difference density identified the excited state properties of photoinduced charge transfer, and the charge transfer excited states were distinguished from local excited states during electronic transitions. Furthermore, the calculated rates for the charge transfer revealed that the charge transfer was strongly influenced by the external electric field.

An intelligent displacement pumping film system: a new concept for enhancing heavy metal ion removal efficiency from liquid waste.

A concept of electrochemically switched ion exchange (ESIX) hybrid film system with piston-like proton pumping effect for the removal of heavy metal ions was proposed. Based on this concept, a novel ESIX hybrid film composed of layered alpha zirconium phosphate (α-Zr(HPO4)2; α-ZrP) nanosheets intercalated with a potential-responsive conducting polyaniline (PANI) was developed for the removal of Ni(2+) ions from wastewater. It is expected that the space between α-ZrP nanosheets acts as the reservoir for the functional ions while the intercalated PANI works as the potential-sensitive function element for piston-like proton pumping in such ESIX hybrid films.

Unusual Raman spectra of para-nitroaniline by sequential Fermi resonances.

In this communication, we report the unusual Raman spectra of para-nitroaniline (PNA) by sequential Fermi resonances. The combinational mode 1292 cm(-1) in the experimental Raman spectrum indirectly gains the initial spectral weight at 1392 cm(-1) by three sequential Fermi resonances. These Fermi resonances result in the strong interaction between the donor group of NH2 and the acceptor group of NO2.