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A previous study using Thermostable Group II Intron Reverse Transcriptase sequencing (TGIRT-seq) found human plasma contains short (≤300 nt) structured full-length excised linear intron (FLEXI) RNAs with potential to serve as blood-based biomarkers. Here, TGIRT-seq identified >9,000 different FLEXI RNAs in human cell lines, including relatively abundant FLEXIs with cell-type-specific expression patterns. Analysis of public CLIP-seq datasets identified 126 RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that have binding sites within the region corresponding to the FLEXI or overlapping FLEXI splice sites in pre-mRNAs, including 53 RBPs with binding sites for ≥30 different FLEXIs. These included splicing factors, transcription factors, a chromatin remodeling protein, cellular growth regulators, and proteins with cytoplasmic functions. Analysis of ENCODE datasets identified subsets of these RBPs whose knockdown impacted FLEXI host gene mRNA levels or proximate alternative splicing, indicating functional interactions. Hierarchical clustering identified six subsets of RBPs whose FLEXI binding sites were co-enriched in six subsets of functionally related host genes: AGO1-4 and DICER, including but not limited to agotrons or mirtron pre-miRNAs; DKC1, NOLC1, SMNDC1, and AATF (Apoptosis Antagonizing Transcription Factor), including but not limited to snoRNA-encoding FLEXIs; two subsets of alternative splicing factors; and two subsets that included RBPs with cytoplasmic functions (e.g., LARP4, PABPC4, METAP2, and ZNF622) together with regulatory proteins. Cell fractionation experiments showed cytoplasmic enrichment of FLEXI RNAs with binding sites for RBPs with cytoplasmic functions. The subsets of host genes encoding FLEXIs with binding sites for different subsets of RBPs were co-enriched with non-FLEXI other short and long introns with binding sites for the same RBPs, suggesting overarching mechanisms for coordinately regulating expression of functionally related genes. Our findings identify FLEXIs as a previously unrecognized large class of cellular RNAs and provide a comprehensive roadmap for further analyzing their biological functions and the relationship of their RBPs to cellular regulatory mechanisms. Author summary: We characterized a previously unrecognized, large class of full-length excised liner intron (FLEXI) RNAs that are ≤300 nucleotides in length and relatively stable in human cells and plasma. These included subsets of FLEXIs with binding sites for different subsets of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that have different cellular functions and are co-enriched in subsets of functionally related genes with other short and long introns with binding sites for the same RBPs, potentially enabling coordinate regulation of different gene sets. Many of the proteins that have binding sites in different subsets of FLEXIs were also identified as interacting with each other by STRING protein-network analysis, potentially enabling co-localization of subsets of proteins to different intracellular locations, including the cytoplasm. Our findings provide a comprehensive road map for further analysis of the functions of FLEXIs and their associated RBPs and for the identification of FLEXIs that can serve as biomarkers in human cells and plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the use of breast cancer organoids (BCOs) in personalized medicine. The study reveals that BCOs effectively preserve molecular characteristics in hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive breast cancers, but there are notable differences in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) due to culture conditions. BCOs exhibit a decrease in immune and stromal cells compared to primary breast cancer tissues, but an increase in epithelial cells. The study also investigates genomic concordance, gene expression profiling, and drug sensitivity in BCOs. The findings suggest that BCOs are valuable for studying epithelial components of tumors, but may have limitations in accurately predicting drug sensitivity in TNBC. The article provides supporting information for a research project and is authored by a group of individuals whose names are listed at the end of the article. [Extracted from the article]

Senataxin is an evolutionarily conserved RNA-DNA helicase involved in DNA repair and transcription termination that is associated with human neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we investigated whether Senataxin loss affects protein homeostasis based on previous work showing R-loop-driven accumulation of DNA damage and protein aggregates in human cells.We find that Senataxin loss results in the accumulation of insoluble proteins, including many factors known to be prone to aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders. These aggregates are located primarily in the nucleolus and are promoted by upregulation of non-coding RNAs expressed from the intergenic spacer region of ribosomal DNA. We also map sites of R-loop accumulation in human cells lacking Senataxin and find higher RNA-DNA hybrids within the ribosomal DNA, peri-centromeric regions, and other intergenic sites but not at annotated protein-coding genes. These findings indicate that Senataxin loss affects the solubility of the proteome through the regulation of transcription-dependent lesions in the nucleus and the nucleolus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical students are known to be at a greater risk of psychological disorders compared to the general population. However, their rate of help-seeking behavior is low. The purpose of this study was to explore the influencing factors of attitudes towards psychological help-seeking among Chinese medical students and to examine its gender differences. Methods: A total of 3,453 medical students from three medical colleges in Hainan Province, China, completed anonymous questionnaires that included socio-demographic attributes, the Family APGAR Index, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-20), and the Attitudes Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). Associations between predictor variables and attitudes towards help-seeking were explored using multivariate linear regression, and regression models with interaction terms were employed to test gender difference. Results: The mean score on ATSPPH-SF Scale was 15.04 ± 3.45, with males scoring significantly lower than females (14.34 vs. 15.64, P < 0.0001). For both male and female groups, psych knowledge, mental health status, family function and help-seeking utility perception significantly influenced attitudes toward psychological help-seeking. Furthermore, having more than once psycho-help experiences was positively correlated with women’s attitudes. Significant interactions were found between gender and mental health status. Conclusion: Attitude towards seeking psychological help was relatively negative among Chinese medical students. The implementation of interventions should take into account the at-risk population, especially the males and individuals with poor mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermoelectric effects of ferromagnetic topological insulators with either two-dimensional circular or one-dimensional domain wall skyrmions are studied theoretically. It is found that the topological spin-textures play a significant role in the manipulation of spin-dependent thermoelectric properties. In the vicinity of the charge neutrality point, spin Seebeck coefficients possess finite values whose sign and magnitude can be tuned by temperature in spite of vanishing charge Seebeck coefficients. The majority of the effects of circular skyrmions occurs in the edge-state transport regime by generating Fano antiresonances. While the domain wall skyrmion primarily influences the thermoelectric behaviors near the boundary between the edge-state and bulk-state transport regimes with the resonant tunneling mechanism. Both types of skyrmions which function effectively in distinct transport regimes have potential applications in thermoelectrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The good antimicrobial properties of silver make it widely used in food, medicine, and environmental applications. However, the release and accumulation of silver-based antimicrobial agents in the environment is increasing with the extensive use of silver-based antimicrobials, and the prevalence of silver-resistant bacteria is increasing. To prevent the emergence of superbugs, it is necessary to exercise rational and strict control over drug use. The mechanism of bacterial resistance to silver has not been fully elucidated, and this article provides a review of the progress of research on the mechanism of bacterial resistance to silver. The results indicate that bacterial resistance to silver can occur through inducing silver particles aggregation and Ag+ reduction, inhibiting silver contact with and entry into cells, efflux of silver particles and Ag+ in cells, and activation of damage repair mechanisms. We propose that the bacterial mechanism of silver resistance involves a combination of interrelated systems. Finally, we discuss how this information can be used to develop the next generation of silver-based antimicrobials and antimicrobial therapies. And some antimicrobial strategies are proposed such as the "Trojan Horse" - camouflage, using efflux pump inhibitors to reduce silver efflux, working with "minesweeper", immobilization of silver particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of food contaminants on ecosystems and human health has attracted widespread global attention, and there is an urgent need to develop reliable food safety detection methods. Recently, carbon dots (CDs) have been considered as a powerful material to construct sensors for chemical analysis. Based on the concept of resource conversion and sustainable development, the use of natural, harmless, and renewable materials for the preparation of CDs without the involvement of chemical hazards is a current hot topic. This paper reviews the research progress of green-derived CDs and their application in food safety biosensing. The fabrications of green-derived CDs using various biomasses are described in detail, and the application of CDs especially the sensing mechanisms of photoluminescence, colorimetric, electrochemiluminescence and other sensors are provided. Finally, existing shortcomings and current challenges as well as prospects for food safety monitoring are discussed. We believe that this work provides strong insight into the application of CDs in the sensing of various contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A one-step quadruplex rRT-PCR assay with TaqMan probes to detect SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B virus was validated. • The assay showed 100% specificity with R 2≥0.9846, CVs≤5.32%, and amplification efficiency ≥86.1% for target genes. • The assay has perfect performance on different types of clinical specimens. • The quadruplex rRT-PCR assays will assist in identification and differentiation of suspected cases of COVID-19 and influenza. To develop a novel quadruplex real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay for the diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, differential diagnosis and detection of co-infections. A one-step quadruplex rRT-PCR assay was developed for simultaneous detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2 ORF1ab and N genes, influenza A virus (hIAV) and influenza B virus (hIBV). The quadruplex rRT-PCR assay had good sensitivity and specificity. Correlation coefficients and amplification efficiencies of all singleplex and quadruplex rRT-PCR reactions were within acceptable ranges. The 95% lower limits of detection for plasmid standards and positive nucleic acid extracts of the quadruplex rRT-PCR assay were 57.38–95.11 copies/μL and 114.65–154.25 copies/μL, respectively. Excellent results were attained for inter- and intra-assay reproducibility. Among these clinical samples, only four samples showed results inconsistent with the singleplex rRT-PCR assays. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to report a quadruplex rRT-PCR assay for the detection of two SARS-CoV-2 genes, hIAV and hIBV with perfect clinical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) draw significant attention as a promising biomarker for cancer prognosis, status monitoring, and metastasis diagnosis. However, the concentration of CTCs in peripheral blood is usually extremely low, thereby requiring enrichment followed by isolation of CTCs prior to detection. An immunomagnetic separation is a promising tool for CTCs enrichment. In this study, a cost‐effective magnetic separation method, based on streptavidin–biotin complexation, was developed and the effects of magnetic beads' size in CTCs capture were compared. Magnetic nanobeads which were 25 nm in diameter lead to highest capture efficiency (82.2%) compared with 150 nm magnetic beads and 1 µm microbeads. Based on the streptavidin–biotin system, 25 nm magnetic nanobeads could capture model CTCs over 80% efficiency even at concentrations as low as ∼25 cells/mL that may represent the actual level of CTCs in peripheral blood of cancer patients. Furthermore, the isolated cells remained robust and healthy showing insignificant changes in morphology and behaviour when cultured for 24 h immediately after capture and isolation. The magnetic nanobeads based on streptavidin–biotin complexation showed promise for the easy and efficient capture and isolation of healthy CTCs for further diagnosis and analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various surface modifications of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IOMNs) can improve their stability and long‐term retention time in vivo, expanding applications of biomedical fields. However, whether the long‐term retention of IOMNs coated with different surface modifications has toxic effects remains poorly understood. Here, the toxicity of IOMNs modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG), bovine serum albumin (BSA), and carboxyl group (COOH), forming PEG–IOMNs, BSA–IOMNs, and COOH–IOMNs, respectively, were evaluated in the rats. The high accumulation of PEG–IOMNs and COOH–IOMNs both in the liver and lung, and the high accumulation BSA–IOMNs in blood after 24 day recovery were observed by elemental content analysis. Except individual neutrophils in the local portal area, PEG–IOMNs can also induce cytoplasmic vacuolisation in partial liver cells by histopathological examination. Furthermore, the results of RT‐qPCR showed that PEG–IOMNs, BSA–IOMNs, and COOH–IOMNs can change the transcript levels of most genes related to iron homeostasis, mitochondria apoptosis, inflammatory response, but <2‐fold alteration. COOH–IOMNs seemed to induce normal cell apoptosis more easily than BSA–IOMNs and PEG–IOMNs. In conclusion, BSA–IOMNs had longer‐term retention time in blood. IOMNs coated with PEG and BSA can still induce side effects on the liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study theoretically the effects of long-range and on-site Coulomb interactions on the topological phases and transport properties of spin–orbit-coupled quasi-one-dimensional quantum wires imposed on a s-wave superconductor. The distributions of the electrostatic potential and charge density are calculated self-consistently within the Hartree approximation. Due to the finite width of the wires and charge repulsion, the potential and density distribute inhomogeneously in the transverse direction and tend to accumulate along the lateral edges where the hard-wall confinement is assumed. This result has profound effects on the topological phases and the differential conductance of the interacting quantum wires and their hybrid junctions with superconductors. Coulomb interactions renormalize the gate voltage and alter the topological phases strongly by enhancing the topological regimes and producing jagged boundaries. Moreover, the multicritical points connecting different topological phases are modified remarkably in striking contrast to the predictions of the two-band model. We further suggest the possible non-magnetic topological phase transitions manipulated externally with the aid of long-range interactions. Finally, the transport properties of normal–superconductor junctions are further examined, in particular, the impacts of Coulomb interactions on the zero-bias peaks related to the Majorana fermions and near zero-energy peaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a rapidly progressing and severe stage of alcoholic liver disease, presenting a grim prognosis. Extensive research has elucidated several underlying mechanisms that contribute to the development of AH, including metabolic alterations, immune stimulation, and intestinal dysbiosis. These pathological changes intricately intertwine during the progression of AH. Notably, recent studies have increasingly highlighted the pivotal role of alterations in the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of AH. Consequently, future investigations should place significant emphasis on exploring the dynamics of intestinal microbiota. In this comprehensive review, we consolidate the primary causes of AH while underscoring the influence of gut microbes. Furthermore, by examining AH treatment strategies, we delineate the potential therapeutic value of interventions targeting the gut microbiota. Given the existing limitations in AH treatment options, we anticipate that this review will contribute to forthcoming research endeavors aimed at advancing AH treatment modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as critical factors in many biological processes, but little is known about how their regulatory functions evolved. One of the best-studied lncRNAs is TER, the essential RNA template for telomerase reverse transcriptase. We previously showed that Arabidopsis thaliana harbors three TER isoforms: TER1, TER2 and TER2S. TER1 serves as a canonical telomere template, while TER2 is a novel negative regulator of telomerase activity, induced in response to double-strand breaks (DSBs). TER2 contains a 529 nt intervening sequence that is removed along with 36 nt at the RNA 3’ terminus to generate TER2S, an RNA of unknown function. Here we investigate how A. thaliana TER2 acquired its regulatory function. Using data from the 1,001 Arabidopsis genomes project, we report that the intervening sequence within TER2 is derived from a transposable element termed DSB responsive element (DRE). DRE is found in the TER2 loci of most but not all A. thaliana accessions. By analyzing accessions with (TER2) and without DRE (TER2Δ) we demonstrate that this element is responsible for many of the unique properties of TER2, including its enhanced binding to TERT and telomerase inhibitory function. We show that DRE destabilizes TER2, and further that TER2 induction by DNA damage reflects increased RNA stability and not increased transcription. DRE-mediated changes in TER2 stability thus provide a rapid and sensitive switch to fine-tune telomerase enzyme activity. Altogether, our data shows that invasion of the TER2 locus by a small transposon converted this lncRNA into a DNA damage sensor that modulates telomerase enzyme activity in response to genome assault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigate the direction-dependent Andreev reflection of normal state-superconductor junctions both in monolayer and bilayer graphene with a single magnetic barrier by means of the Greenʼs function formalism. Such a barrier is capable of tuning the preferred angles of incidence for the Andreev retro-reflection. It enhances the specular reflection probability for certain angles of incidence in bilayer-based hybrid structures. We further study the impacts of magnetic barriers on the monolayer and bilayer hybrid structures by calculating the differential conductances within the Blonder–Tinkham–Klapwijk formula for experimental comparisons. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pregnant mothers are susceptible to bacterial infections, which may compromise the health of mothers and offspring. Enterococcus faecalis is a ubiquitous species found in food, restaurants, and hospitals where pregnant woman frequently become exposed to this bacterium. However, the survival, distribution, translocation, and corresponding influence of E. faecalis have not been investigated during the pregnancy period, when the mother and fetus are susceptible to bacterial infection. In this study, a fluorescing E. faecalis strain was used to track the fate of the bacterium in pregnant mice. Orally administered E. faecalis were found to survive and disseminate to all regions of the intestinal tract. It also altered the bacterial community structure by significantly decreasing the diversity of Lactobacillus species, impairing the normal structure and function of the intestinal barrier, which may contribute to the bacterial translocation into the blood, spleen, placenta, and fetus. This may affect fetal and placental growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid easy-to-use trace level direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dc-ELISA) detection of total residual malachite green (MG), crystal violet (CV) and their corresponding primary metabolites leucomalachite green (LMG) and leucocrystal violet (LCV) in fishery products in a single assay was developed. The monoclonal antibodies, anti-MG and anti-CV mAbs, were prepared using carboxyl-malachite green (CMG) and cationized bovine serum albumin (cBSA) conjugates as immunogen. The linear range for the quantitative detection of total MG, CV and their primary metabolites LMG and LCV was between 0.15 to 4.5 ng mL−1with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 0.56 ± 0.04 ng mL−1(n = 5). The anti-MG mAbs exhibited 98% cross-reactivity to CV, less than 0.1% cross-reactivity with LMG and LCV, and no cross-reactivity with chloramphenicol, enrofloxacin, sulfadiazine, and tetracycline. Application of the dc-ELISA in fish tissue samples gave a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.37 ng g−1. The improved total detection lead to a recovery of 74.60 ± 8.38% at 0.5 ng g−1and 87.47 ± 12.83% at 2.0 ng g−1that was better than existing techniques. The dc-ELISA showed total MG in 7 out of 44 field fish samples that were confirmed with LC-MS/MS. The easy-to-use, inexpensive, and rapid dc-ELISA for the detection of total MG, CV and their corresponding primary metabolites holds promise for field applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Antibacterial activity and mechanism of ε-PL against E. coli O157:H7 was investigated. [•] Critical inhibitory factors toward the growth of E. coli O157:H7 by ε-PL was analyzed. [•] Cell membrane integrity and cell morphology of E. coli O157:H7 was affected by ε-PL. [•] A positive correlation between reactive oxygen species levels and ε-PL concentration in E. coli O157:H7 cells. [•] ε-PL induced the expression of different genes related to oxidative/redox stress, SOS response, virulence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterococcus faecium YF5, a strain previously isolated from sourdough, was assessed for safety and probiotic potential. Its virulence and antibiotic resistant phenotypes (cytolysin and gelatinase production, antibiotic susceptibility) and genes ( cylA, gelE, ace, agg, esp, and vanA) were surveyed. Results indicated that the tested virulence determinants were nontoxic. In addition, E. faecium YF5 was sensitive to 3 antibiotics such as amoxicillin, vancomycin, and chloramphenicol. Furthermore, results of in vivo animal acute oral toxicity of E. faecium YF5 studies were similar to the control group that indicated no abnormalities. In addition, E. faecium YF5 stably survived in low pH, bile salts, gastric, and intestinal fluids in vitro. Moreover, E. faecium YF5 was found to adhere to human colon cancer cell line HT-29 at 3.39 (±0.67) × 105 CFU/mL. When cocultured with pathogenic organisms ( Enterobacter sakazakii CMCC45402, Escherichia coli CMCC44102, enterohemorrhage Escherichia coli O157: H7 CMCC44828, Salmonella Typhimurium CMCC50071, Shigella flexneri 301, and Shigella sonnei ATCC 29930) and 2 gram-positive strains ( Listeria monocytogenes CMCC54001 and Staphylococcus aureus CMCC 26003), it inhibited these foodborne pathogens with exception of S. aureus. Therefore, E. faecium YF5 can be regarded as a safe strain and it may be used as a probiotic preparation or for microecologics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive colloidal gold immunochromatography assay using a specific monoclonal antibody was developed for the rapid detection of enrofloxacin (ENR) residues in chicken muscles. Anti‐ENR antibodies with high sensitivity and specificity are generated by immunising BALB/c mice with well‐characterised ENR‐bovine serum albumin conjugate. An orthogonal L9(3)3 test was designed, and various parameters that influenced the assay performance were investigated and optimised. Under the optimised conditions, the cut‐off limits of semi‐quantitative test strips for ENR were found to be 3 ng/mL in phosphate‐buffered saline and 8 µg/kg in chicken muscle. The ENR test strips showed a 6% cross‐reactivity with ciprofloxacin, 3% with norfloxacin, less than 1% with ofloxacin and sarafloxacin and 0.1% with the other eight fluoroquinolones including enoxacin, difloxacin, danofloxacin, pefloxacin, lomefloxacin, sparfloxacin, oxolinic acid and flumequine. Consistent results are produced from the parallel analysis of ENR‐contaminated chicken muscle extracts using test strips and ELISA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A highly efficient process using iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (IO)-based immunomagnetic separation of tumor cells from fresh whole blood has been developed. The process involved polymer coated 30 nm IO that was modified with antibodies (Ab) against human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (anti-HER2 or anti-HER2/neu) forming IO-Ab. HER2 is a cell membrane protein that is overexpressed in several types of human cancer cells. Using a HER2/neu overexpressing human breast cancer cell line, SK-BR3, as a model cell, the IO-Ab was used to separate 73.6% (with a maximum capture of 84%) of SK-BR3 cells that were spiked in 1 mL of fresh human whole blood. The IO-Ab preferentially bound to SK-BR3 cells over normal cells found in blood due to the high level of HER2/neu receptor on the cancer cells unlike the normal cell surfaces. The results showed that the nanosized magnetic nanoparticles exhibited an enrichment factor (cancer cells over normal cells) of 1:10,000,000 in a magnetic field (with gradient of 100 T/m) through the binding of IO-Ab on the cell surface that resulted in the preferential capture of the cancer cells. This research holds promise for efficient separation of circulating cancer cells in fresh whole blood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this proof-of-concept study we report the use of <15nm, water soluble, inorganic nanoparticles as a vaccine delivery system for a blood stage malaria vaccine. The recombinant malarial antigen, Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (rMSP1) of Plasmodium falciparum served as the model vaccine. The rMSP1 was covalently conjugated to polymer-coated quantum dot CdSe/ZnS nanoparticles (QDs) via surface carboxyl groups, forming rMSP1-QDs. Anti-MSP1 antibody responses induced by rMSP1-QDs were found to have 2–3log higher titers than those obtained with rMSP1 administered with the conventional adjuvants, Montanide ISA51 and CFA. Moreover, the immune responsiveness and the induction of parasite inhibitory antibodies were significantly superior in mice injected with rMSP1-QDs. The rMSP1-QDs delivered via intra-peritoneal (i.p.), intra-muscular (i.m.), and subcutaneous (s.c.) routes were equally efficacious. The high level of immunogenicity exhibited by the rMSP1-QDs was achieved without further addition of other adjuvant components. Bone marrow derived dendritic cells were shown to efficiently take up the nanoparticles leading to their activation and the expression/secretion of key cytokines, suggesting that this may be a mode of action for the enhanced immunogenicity. This study provides promising results for the use of water soluble, inorganic nanoparticles (<15nm) as potent vehicles/platforms to enhance the immunogenicity of polypeptide antigens in adjuvant-free immunizations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As a new type of liquid biopsy, circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection and analysis offers the possibility to monitor metastatic development, cancer recurrence, and therapeutic efficacy in real time. However, the inherent rarity and heterogeneity of CTCs pose great challenges for CTC detection and analysis. Effective CTC capture and detection are therefore of great importance in cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Since virtually all biological materials are diamagnetic or only weak magnetic, magnetic particle-based magnetic capture and isolation methods are promising as CTC catchers. In this review, we focus attention on the progress of technologies utilizing magnetic particles to assist CTCs capture. We summarized the influence of the physicochemical properties of magnetic particles on CTC enrichment, and some general strategies for enhancing CTC capture based on magnetic particles. In addition, we also reviewed some of the application progress of magnetic nanoparticles in CTC capture and analysis. • We reviewed the technologies utilizing magnetic particles to assist CTCs capture. • Illustrated the effects of MPs physicochemical properties on CTCs capture. • Summarized the CTC capture model and common strategies to enhance CTC capture. • Presented the application of MPs in vivo for CTC detection and elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear material equation and longitudinal resistivity equation of mixed state of type-II superconductors are derived starting from the free-energy functional of vortex system, in which the additional contribution due to dissipation is taken into account. Applying the longitudinal resistivity equation to transverse case we obtain an analytical expression for the Hall resistivity ρxy. This equation fits well the recently reported experimental data of MgB2 and successfully reproduces the empirical scaling relations for ρxy proposed in the present paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Based on the analysis of reported experimental data, two empirical scaling relations for the magnetic field and temperature dependencies of Hall resistivity ρxy are found. Starting from existing theoretical model for Hall resistivity and our nonlinear response equation, we provide a possible understanding of the scaling relations. By means of the scaling relations the theoretical formula for ρxy well fits the experimental data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Microbial contamination poses a serious threat to human health and socioeconomics, and is a major problem for global public health. Herein, we fabricated Ti 3 C 2 T x /ZnONPs composite by using Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation broth to reduce ZnONPs in situ on few-layer Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene after etching and delamination treatment. Antibacterial experiments showed that the Ti 3 C 2 T x /ZnONPs composite exhibited significant antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against both Gram-negative E. coli and Gram-positive S. aureus. Moreover, the exploration of the antibacterial mechanisms demonstrated that Ti 3 C 2 T x /ZnONPs could inhibit and kill bacteria by disrupting bacterial cell wall/membrane, causing leakage of intracellular contents, interfering with metabolism and inducing oxidative stress. The synergistic effect of multiple antibacterial mechanisms can effectively prevent the evolution of resistance. Overall, as a novel inorganic antibacterial material, Ti 3 C 2 T x /ZnONPs composite holds a promising application in the antimicrobial field. [Display omitted] • Ti 3 C 2 T x /ZnONPs were prepared by a green in-situ synthesis method. • Ti 3 C 2 T x /ZnONPs possess excellent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. • The antibacterial mechanism of Ti 3 C 2 T x /ZnONPs has been explored. • Ti 3 C 2 T x /ZnONPs have good biocompatibility and broad application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRISPR-Cas systems are used by many prokaryotes to defend against invading genetic elements. In many cases, more than one CRISPR-Cas system co-exist in the same cell. Marinomonas mediterranea MMB-1 possesses two CRISPR-Cas systems, of type I–F and III-B respectively, which collaborate in phage resistance raising questions on how their expression is regulated. This study shows that the expression of both systems is controlled by the histidine kinase PpoS and a response regulator, PpoR, identified and cloned in this study. These proteins show similarity to the global regulators BarA/UvrY. In addition, homologues to the sRNAs CsrB and CsrC and the gene coding for the post-transcriptional repressor CsrA have been also identified indicating the conservation of the elements of the BarA/UvrY regulatory cascade in M. mediterranea. RNA-Seq analyses have revealed that all these genetics elements are regulated by PpoS/R supporting their participation in the regulatory cascade. The regulation by PpoS and PpoR of the CRISPR-Cas systems plays a role in phage defense since mutants in these proteins show an increase in phage sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an enzyme-free signal amplification strategy, catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) presents the advantages of flexible design and high efficiency. Combined with various signal output modes, CHA can be used for the biosensing of multiple analytes. With the in-depth study of CHA mechanism, some novel and excellent CHA strategies are put forward. In this paper, the classification, influencing factors and application of CHA in biosensing are introduced systematically. Firstly, different CHAs, including separate CHA, CHA combined with nanomaterials and CHA combined with other amplifications are discussed. Secondly, CHA influencing factors such as initiator, hairpin chain and experimental conditions are provided. After that, the biosensors combining CHA and fluorescent, colorimetric and electrochemical detection methods are summarized. Finally, some views on the challenges and prospects of CHA in the field of biosensing are highlighted. We believe this paper will provide useful guidance for the future development of nucleic acid amplification technology, nanotechnology and biosensing. • The literatures on CHA in biosensing has been reviewed in the last 15 years. • The influencing factors of CHA are reviewed from a new perspective. • Provide support for application of CHA signal amplification strategy in detection. • Offer help for CHA in combination with other strategies application in biosensing. • Supply suggestions on the application of CHA in various biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) in human food system have been broadly recognized by researchers and have drawn an increasing public attention to their potential health risks, particularly the risk to the intestinal system regarding the long-term exposure to MNPs through food consumption. This study aims to review the environmental properties (formation and composition) of MNPs and MNPs pollution in human food system following the order of food production, food processing and food consumption. The current analytic and identical technologies utilized by researchers are also summarized in this review. In fact, parts of commonly consumed food raw materials, processed food and the way to take in food all become the possible sources for human MNPs ingestion. In addition, the available literatures investigating MNPs-induced intestinal adverse effect are discussed from in vitro models and in vivo mammalian experiments, respectively. Particle translocation, cytotoxicity, damaged gut barrier, intestinal inflammation as well as microbial alteration are mostly reported. Moreover, the practical remediation strategies for MNPs pollution are also illustrated in the last section. This review is expected to provide a research insight for foodborne MNPs and arouse more public awareness of MNPs pollution in food and potential risk for human intestinal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a leading cause of women's infertility without effective treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Luffa cylindrica fermentation liquid (LF) on cyclophosphamide (CTX) -induced POF in mice and to preliminarily investigate the underlying mechanisms. Thirty-two Balb/c mice were divided into four groups randomly. One group served as the control, while the other three received CTX injections to establish POF models. A 14-day gavage of either 5 or 10 μL/g LF was administered to two LF pretreatment groups. To analyze the effects of LF, the ovarian index, follicle number, the levels of serum sex hormones, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), inflammatory factors, and apoptosis of the ovarian cells were measured. The effects of LF pretreatment on the expression of TLR4/NF-κB and apoptosis pathways were also evaluated. We found that LF pretreatment increased the ovarian index and the number of primordial and antral follicles while decreasing those of atretic follicles. LF pretreatment also increased the serum levels of estradiol (E2) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), while decreasing those of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Furthermore, LF pretreatment increased the levels of SOD and GSH in the ovaries, while decreasing those of MDA, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). LF administration reduced the amount of TUNEL+ ovarian cells and the levels of TLR4 and NF-κB P65 protein expression. In conclusion, LF has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-apoptotic effects against CTX-induced POF, and the inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB and apoptosis pathways may be involved in its mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought great problems to mankind, including economic recession and poor health. COVID-19 patients are frequently reported with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting in clinical diagnosis. Maintaining intestinal health is the key guarantee to maintain the normal function of multiple organs, otherwise it will be a disaster. Therefore, the purpose of this review was deeply understanded the potential mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection threatening intestinal health and put forward reasonable treatment strategies. Combined with the existing researches, we summarized the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection threatening intestinal health, including intestinal microbiome disruption, intestinal barrier dysfunction, intestinal oxidative stress and intestinal cytokine storm. These adverse intestinal events may affect other organs through the circulatory system or aggravate the course of the disease. Typically, intestinal disadvantage may promote the progression of SARS-CoV-2 through the gut-lung axis and increase the disease degree of COVID-19 patients. In view of the lack of specific drugs to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication, the current review described new strategies of probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics and nutrients to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection and maintain intestinal health. To provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms and pneumonia in patients with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought great problems to mankind, including economic recession and poor health. COVID-19 patients are frequently reported with gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting in clinical diagnosis. Maintaining intestinal health is the key guarantee to maintain the normal function of multiple organs, otherwise it will be a disaster. Therefore, the purpose of this review was deeply understanded the potential mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection threatening intestinal health and put forward reasonable treatment strategies. Combined with the existing researches, we summarized the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection threatening intestinal health, including intestinal microbiome disruption, intestinal barrier dysfunction, intestinal oxidative stress and intestinal cytokine storm. These adverse intestinal events may affect other organs through the circulatory system or aggravate the course of the disease. Typically, intestinal disadvantage may promote the progression of SARS-CoV-2 through the gut-lung axis and increase the disease degree of COVID-19 patients. In view of the lack of specific drugs to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication, the current review described new strategies of probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics and nutrients to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection and maintain intestinal health. To provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms and pneumonia in patients with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foodborne pathogens are found mainly in various foods and have become a great threat to human. Although traditional methods can achieve effective analytical, they are time-consuming, labor-consuming, and unsuitable for sensitive detection. In order to overcome these limitations, it is an urgent to develop a simple, rapid, efficient and low-cost detection method for foodborne pathogens. Aptamer, as a new type of biometric element, has excellent stability, easier modification and lower cost than traditional antibody. Therefore, sensors based on aptamers as recognition molecules are collectively called aptasensors. In this review, first the specific aptamer sequences of main foodborne pathogens reported in recent five years, mainly screening strategy and different affinity measurement are summarized. Then, the recent progress of aptasensors used for foodborne pathogens are comprehensively summarized, and their advantages and limitations in practical applications are critically discussed. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects of aptasensors in foodborne pathogens are reviewed. • Ten typical aptamer of foodborne pathogens from recent five years are summarized. • Methods of detecting foodborne pathogens based on aptamer sensors are reviewed. • Advantages and disadvantages of aptamer screening strategy are discussed. • Suggestions on the future construction of aptasensors are provided. • Challenges and perspectives of this area are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), a widely used food additive in the food industry, have been shown to aggravate the progress of metabolic diseases. Nanoplastics (NPLs) are an emerging contaminant widely present in the food system and have been shown to induce ovarian disorders in mammals. Noteworthy, they can be ingested by humans through 'contaminated' food, whereas the potential toxicity of NPLs and TiO2 NPs combined remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the potential effects and mechanisms of co‐exposure to polystyrene (PS) NPLs and TiO2 NPs on the ovary in female mice. RESULTS: Our results revealed that the co‐exposure of TiO2 NPs and PS NPLs caused significant injury to ovarian structure and function, but individual exposure had no effect. Moreover, compared to the TiO2 NPs group, co‐exposure aggravated the intestinal barrier damage in mice, increasing the bioaccumulation of TiO2 NPs in the ovary. After being supplemented with the oxidative stress inhibitor N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine, the expression of ovarian antioxidant genes increased, and the ovarian structural and functional injury in co‐exposure mice reverted to normal levels. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that co‐exposure to PS NPLs and TiO2 NPs can cause more severe female reproductive dysfunction and deepens the toxicological insights between NPLs and NPs. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclophosphamide causes side effects in cancer patients, including hepatotoxicity. Probiotics have recently emerged as potential approaches for the administration of many diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 against cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury and elucidate the underlying mechanism. In this study, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG were pre-administered to mice with varying duration (1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks) before being intraperitoneally injected with cyclophosphamide at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day for 7 days to induce liver injury. Results demonstrated that cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury was characterized by histopathological disorders, including irregular central venous shape and hepatic vascular rupture, as well as a severe inflammation response and oxidative stress. The administration of probiotics for 3 weeks exerted the most significant improvements in alleviating liver injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation when compared to the shorter intervention duration. Notably, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 exhibited more pronounced effects than Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Furthermore, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 enhanced the antioxidant defense system by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, ultimately alleviating hepatotoxicity and hepatocyte apoptosis. In conclusion, this study highlighted the potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 to alleviate cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) in ferromagnetic/non‐magnetic‐metal bilayers is essential to stabilize chiral spin textures for potential applications. Recent works reveal that the interlayer DMI is beneficial to designing 3D chiral spin textures that possess fundamental importance and the associated technological promises. Here, the interlayer DM constants are determined quantitatively in synthetic ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic Pt/Co/Pt/Ru/Pt/Co/Ta structures. The results demonstrate that the interlayer DMI shows uniaxial anisotropic characteristics. The first‐principles calculations elucidate that the anisotropic interlayer DMI is induced by the in‐plane symmetry breaking along two high symmetric directions, which favors the magnetization of adjacent ferromagnetic layers canting in different directions. The anisotropic interlayer DMI is also confirmed by spin‐orbit torque driven asymmetric magnetization switching. Moreover, the interlayer DMI can be tuned by the Ru‐layer‐thickness and beneficial to designing 3D spin textures for future spintronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many microplastics and engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) exist in the daily environment. The intestinal impact of these exogenous fine particles on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) people may be unpredictable. In this paper, we reviewed the recent progress in the effect of microplastics and ENMs on IBD individuals. We also compared and summarized the various roles of microplastics and ENMs in healthy and IBD bodies, including factors such as particle size, particle properties, intestinal microenvironment, interaction with the intestinal barrier, and molecular mechanism. Our literature review showed that microplastics could be accomplices in the development of IBD and could cause severe intestinal inflammation. Moreover, ENMs could elicit diverse exposure outcomes in healthy and IBD bodies. Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs), titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs), and graphene oxide (GO) displayed slight to adverse effects that turned into apparent adverse effects, while zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) showed a toxic effect that became therapeutic. A deeper understanding of the impact of microplastics and ENMs on the high-risk group was needed, and we proposed several insights into the research priorities and directions. [Display omitted] • The damage of microplastics and ENMs to IBD was summarized. • Microplastics exacerbated intestinal inflammation and injury in IBD mice. • ENMs showed diverse effects on healthy bodies and IBD bodies. • Future research directions were suggested and limits of current studies were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dismal prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is closely associated with characteristics of the tumour microenvironment (TME). Recent studies have confirmed the presence and potential influence of the microbiome in TME on cancer progression. Elucidating the relationship between microbes in the TME and cancer could provide valuable insights into novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies for HCC and thus warrants a closer investigation of the role of intratumoural microbiome in the HCC TME. Methods: We determined the presence of intratumoural microbiome using fluorescence in situ hybridisation, and explored the microbial community profiles in the HCC TME in paired tumour and adjacent normal tissues using 16S rDNA sequencing. Microbial signatures were characterised in the paired group, and their correlation with clinical characteristics was further investigated. We clustered the microbial signatures of tumour tissues by hepatotypes, and further analysis was performed to elucidate the independent prognostic value of the hepatotypes. Results: This study revealed that microbial profiles and community networks differed notably between tumours and adjacent normal tissues. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the most abundant phyla in the HCC TME. The TME microbial profiles also revealed heterogeneities between individuals and between multiple tumour lesions. Clustering of the microbial profiles into two hepatotypes revealed different microbial network patterns. Additionally, the hepatotypes were revealed to be independent prognostic factors in patients with resected HCC. Conclusions: Our study illuminates the microbial profiles in the TME of HCC and presents the hepatotype as a potential independent biomarker for the prognostic prediction of HCC after surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early detection is critical for improving the survival of breast cancer (BC) patients. Exhaled breath testing as a non-invasive technique might help to improve BC detection. However, the breath test accuracy for BC diagnosis is unclear. Methods: This multi-center cohort study consecutively recruited 5047 women from four areas of China who underwent BC screening. Breath samples were collected through standardized breath collection procedures. Volatile organic compound (VOC) markers were identified from a high-throughput breathomics analysis by the high-pressure photon ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPPI-TOFMS). Diagnostic models were constructed using the random forest algorithm in the discovery cohort and tested in three external validation cohorts. Results: A total of 465 (9.21%) participants were identified with BC. Ten optimal VOC markers were identified to distinguish the breath samples of BC patients from those of non-cancer women. A diagnostic model (BreathBC) consisting of 10 optimal VOC markers showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87 in external validation cohorts. BreathBC-Plus, which combined 10 VOC markers with risk factors, achieved better performance (AUC = 0.94 in the external validation cohorts), superior to that of mammography and ultrasound. Overall, the BreathBC-Plus detection rates were 96.97% for ductal carcinoma in situ, 85.06%, 90.00%, 88.24%, and 100% for stages I, II, III, and IV BC, respectively, with a specificity of 87.70% in the external validation cohorts. Conclusions: This is the largest study on breath tests to date. Considering the easy-to-perform procedure and high accuracy, these findings exemplify the potential applicability of breath tests in BC screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of COVID-19 has caused huge economic losses and irreversible social impact. Therefore, to successfully prevent the spread of the virus and solve public health problems, it is urgent to develop detection methods with high sensitivity and accuracy. However, existing detection methods are time-consuming, rely on instruments, and require skilled operators, making rapid detection challenging to implement. Biosensors based on fluorescent nanoparticles have attracted interest in the field of detection because of their advantages, such as high sensitivity, low detection limit, and simple result readout. In this review, we systematically describe the synthesis, intrinsic advantages, and applications of organic dye-doped fluorescent nanoparticles, metal nanoclusters, up-conversion particles, quantum dots, carbon dots, and others for virus detection. Furthermore, future research initiatives are highlighted, including green production of fluorescent nanoparticles with high quantum yield, speedy signal reading by integrating with intelligent information, and error reduction by coupling with numerous fluorescent nanoparticles. • The main synthesis methods of ODFNs, MNCs, UCNPs, QDs and CDs are comprehensively introduced. • The research progress of biosensors based on fluorescent nanoparticles for virus detection is reviewed. • Their main detection modes and typical applications are critically summarized. • Challenges and perspectives of this field are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal that has been intensively studied, but its toxicity in sub-healthy people remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the adverse effects of Pb in the obese population and validate the feasibility of a potential probiotic strain for the treatment of Pb poisoning and diet-induced obesity. Methods and Results Male Kunming mice were fed a high-fat/high-sugar (HFHS) diet for 6 weeks, then received Pb exposure and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 supplementation for 2 weeks. The histopathology of the liver and colon was observed, and biochemical indicators and gene expression levels were measured. Conclusions Here, we reported that Pb exposure exacerbated the existing oxidative stress and gut barrier injury in obese mice, leading to more severe Pb accumulation, and hepatic inflammatory injury compared with normal diet-fed mice. It is worth noting that the P101 treatment significantly reduced Pb accumulation by promoting fecal Pb excretion and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of mice. After P101 treatment, obesity-related indicators were downregulated, and the hepatic injury and gut barrier disruption in mice were alleviated effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of multifactorial spermatogenesis impairment is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the reproductive toxicity of lead (Pb) in mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) and to delineate the important role of gut microbiota. RESULTS: Results showed that, compared with mice fed a normal diet (ND), Pb exposure caused more severe spermatogenesis impairment in HFD‐fed mice, including decreased sperm count and motility, seminiferous tubule injury, serum and intratesticular testosterone decline, and downregulated expression level of spermatogenesis‐related genes. Besides, 16S sequencing indicated that HFD‐fed mice had increased severity of gut microbiota dysbiosis by Pb exposure compared to ND‐fed mice. With fecal microbiota transplantation, the same trend of spermatogenesis impairment occurred in recipient mice, which confirmed the important role of gut microbiota. Moreover, probiotics supplementation restored the gut microbial ecosystem, and thus improved spermatogenic function. CONCLUSION: Our work suggested that a population with HFD might face more reproductive health risks upon Pb exposure, and revealed an intimate linkage between microbiota dysbiosis and spermatogenesis impairment, accompanied by the potential usefulness of probiotics as prophylactic and therapeutic. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The toxicity of lead (Pb) has been intensively studied, while the adverse effects in the population on a high-fat diet (HFD) remain unclear. This study compared the different biologic effects of Pb in CHOW and HFD-fed mice and investigated the important role that gut microbiota may play. Methods: C57BL/6 mice were fed a CHOW diet and HFD with or without 1 g/L Pb exposure through drinking water for 8 weeks. Using oral glucose tolerance test, histopathological observation, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and 16S high-throughput sequencing to compare the Pb toxicity, fecal microbiota transplantation was conducted to investigate the key role of gut microbiota. Results: The metabolic disorders induced by HFD were aggravated by chronic Pb intake, and HFD exacerbated the Pb accumulation in the colon by 96%, 32% in blood, 27% in the liver, and 142% in tibiae. Concomitantly, Pb induced more serious colonic injury, further disturbing the composition of gut microbiota in the HFD-fed mice. Moreover, altered fecal microbiota by HFD and Pb directly mediated metabolic disorders and colonic damage in recipient mice, which emphasized the importance of gut microbiota. Conclusion: These findings indicated that the population with HFD has lower resistance and would face more security risks under Pb pollution, and pointed out the importance of assessing the health impacts of food contaminants in people with different dietary patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cronobacter sakazakii is a harmful foodborne pathogen, and its contaminated food will pose a huge threat to human health. Prevention of C. sakazakii contamination of food is valuable for food safety as well as for human health. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were successfully immobilized on the surface of cellulose acetate (CA) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) composite to obtain AgNP/PMMA/CA film. Through the inhibition zone and growth curve experiments, we found that AgNP/PMMA/CA films has excellent antibacterial activity on C. sakazakii. The AgNP/PMMA/CA film can prolong the lag phase of the growth curve of C. sakazakii from 2 to 8 h. The antibacterial films were found to reduce the survival of C. sakazakii in Luria-Bertani and infant formula by combining it with a mild heat treatment (45°C, 50°C, and 55°C). The AgNP/PMMA/CA film combined with 55°C water bath can completely inactivate C. sakazakii in infant formula within 120 min. Finally, the potential mechanism by which AgNP/PMMA/CA films reduce the heat tolerance of C. sakazakii was investigated by quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that AgNP/PMMA/CA films could reduce the expression of environmental tolerance-related genes in C. sakazakii. The current research shows that AgNP/PMMA/CA film has strong antibacterial activity, and the antibacterial film combined with mild heat treatment can accelerate the inactivation of C. sakazakii and effectively reduce the harm of foodborne pathogens. The AgNP/PMMA/CA film can be used as a potential packaging material or antibacterial surface coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The occurrence of alcoholic liver injury is related to the oxidative stress. Bacteria for alleviating alcoholic related liver injury have received widespread attention. Study aims to investigate the alleviated efficacy of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) P101 on alcohol-induced liver injury and its potential mechanism. Methods and results The model of alcoholic liver injury was obtained according to the NIAAA method and the mice were treated with L. plantarum P101 (108 CFU.mice−1). Results showed that treatment of L. plantarum P101 could significantly improve liver function and antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, L. plantarum P101 significantly up-regulated Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and its target molecule, Hemeoxygenase 1 (HO-1), by promoting nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Moreover, inflammatory factors and pro-apoptotic protein (Caspase3) levels were significantly decreased in mice treated with L. plantarum P101. Conclusions This study confirmed that the beneficial effect of L. plantarum P101 supplement was achieved via regulating Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway, and alleviated alcoholic liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Polysaccharides and probiotics can play an outstanding role in the treatment of liver disease by regulating gut microbiota. Recently, the combined therapeutic effect of probiotics and polysaccharides has attracted the attention of researchers. Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide (HCP) combined with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 was used to prevent carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced acute liver injury (ALI) in mice, and its effect on gut microbiota regulation was explored. RESULTS: Results showed that, in mice, HCP combined with L. plantarum P101 significantly alleviated oxidative stress and inflammatory injury in the liver by activating Nrf2 signals and inhibiting NF‐κB signals. The analysis of gut microbiota revealed that the combination of HCP and L. plantarum P101 increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Alloprevotella, Roseburia, and Akkermansia, but reduced that of the pro‐inflammatory bacteria Alistipes, Enterorhabdus, Anaerotruncus, and Escherichia‐Shigella. Correlation analysis also indicated that the expression of Nrf2 and TLR4/NF‐κB was connected to the changes in gut microbiota composition. Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide combined with L. plantarum P101 can regulate the gut microbiota and then mediate the gut‐liver axis to activate the antioxidant pathway and inhibit inflammatory responses, thereby alleviating CCl4‐induced ALI. CONCLUSION: Our study provided a new perspective on the use of polysaccharides combined with probiotics in the treatment of liver disease. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to evaluate the viability and gene expression relating to probiotic functionality of encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum CCTCC M 2014170 during freeze-drying. Sodium alginate with or without inulin was applied as an inner layer and skim milk was used as an outer layer for coating sodium alginate particles. The results indicated that skim milk coated inulin-sodium alginate (ISA) encapsulation beads improved the survival of L. plantarum during exposure to adverse environment. The viability of L. plantarum from ISA encapsulation beads did not change after 2 h incubation in simulant gastric fluid (SGF). In 1% bile salt solution, the L. plantarum from ISA encapsulation beads only had 1.21 log CFU/mL reduction after 2 h treatment. After 7 weeks storage, the survival rate of L . plantarum was 20.89%, which showed reduction from 8.52 to 7.84 log CFU/mL. In addition, all genes relating to probiotic functionality of L. plantarum were similarly but not significantly up-regulated except the plnEF , which exhibited the highest up-regulation at more than 17-fold increase. This study indicated that encapsulation with alginate and skim milk in the presence of inulin before freeze-drying protected and improved the probiotic functionality of L. plantarum from the adverse freeze drying environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane-based lateral flow immunochromatographic strip (LFICS) is widely used in various fields because of its simplicity, rapidity (detection within 10 min), and low cost. However, early designs of membrane-based LFICS for preliminary screening only provide qualitative (“yes/no” signal) or semi-quantitative results without quantitative information. These designs often suffer from low-signal intensity and poor sensitivity and are only capable of single analyte detection, not simultaneous multiple detections. The performance of existing techniques used for detection using LFICS has been considerably improved by incorporating different kinds of nanoparticles (NPs) as reporters. NPs can serve as alternative labels and improve analytical sensitivity or limit of detection of LFICS because of their unique properties, such as optical absorption, fluorescence spectra, and magnetic properties. The controlled manipulation of NPs allows simultaneous or multiple detections by using membrane-based LFICS. In this review, we discuss how colored (e.g., colloidal gold, carbon, and colloidal selenium NPs), luminescent (e.g., quantum dots, up-converting phosphor NPs, and dye-doped NPs), and magnetic NPs are integrated into membrane-based LFICS for the detection of target analytes. Gold NPs are also featured because of their wide applications. Different types and unique properties of NPs are briefly explained. This review focuses on examples of NP-based LFICS to illustrate novel concepts in various devices with potential applications as screening tools. This review also highlights the superiority of NP-based approaches over existing conventional strategies for clinical analysis, food safety, and environmental monitoring. This paper is concluded by a short section on future research trends regarding NP-based LFICS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a specific, sensitive, and accurate technique was presented for simultaneous detection of Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus in food products, three of the more frequent foodborne pathogens that were usually reported in a variety of food matrices. An internal amplification control (IAC) was added in a multiplex PCR (mPCR) reaction system as an indicator of false negative result that can come from the presence of PCR inhibitors in food products. In the presence of inhibitor, no signal would result for the target genes as well as the IAC which results in a positive signal, thereby, eliminating false negative results. To ensure detection of only the viable cells, the effects of sodium deoxycholate (SD) in combination with propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment in the presence of dead cells and viable cells were investigated. Results showed that PMA treatment alone could not effectively inhibit the detection of 10 7 CFU/mL of dead Salmonella Typhimurium , Shigella sonnei , and S. aureus from PCR amplification. However, the SD in combination with PMA treatment gave negative results for PCR amplification of dead S. Typhimurium, S. sonnei, and S. aureus in pure culture and food products. When the developed SD-PMA-mPCR assay in combination with IAC was applied to detect the spiked food (milk, ground beef), the LOD of SD-PMA-mPCR assay for S. Typhimurium , S. sonnei, and S. aureus inoculated individually or inoculated simultaneously into milk or ground beef were 10 1 CFU/mL or 10 1 CFU/g after 15 h enrichment. The results suggested that the SD-PMA-mPCR assay in combination with IAC held promise for the detection of foodborne S. Typhimurium, S. sonnei, and S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]