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Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry Dec 2023Although traditional Fe-based nanozymes have shown great potential, generally only a small proportion of the Fe atoms on the catalyst's surface are used. Herein, we...
Although traditional Fe-based nanozymes have shown great potential, generally only a small proportion of the Fe atoms on the catalyst's surface are used. Herein, we synthesized single-atom Fe on N-doped graphene nanosheets (Fe-CNG) with high atom utilization efficiency and a unique coordination structure. Active oxygen species including superoxide radicals (O) and singlet oxygen (O) were efficiently generated from the interaction of the Fe-CNG with dissolved oxygen in acidic conditions. The Fe-CNG nanozymes were found to display enhanced oxidase-like and laccase-like activity, with V of 2.07 × 10 M∙S and 4.54 × 10 M∙S and K of 0.324 mM and 0.082 mM, respectively, which is mainly due to Fe active centers coordinating with O and N atoms simultaneously. The oxidase-like performance of the Fe-CNG can be effectively inhibited by ascorbic acid (AA) or hydroquinone (HQ), which can directly obstruct the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). Therefore, a direct and sensitive colorimetric method for the detection of AA and HQ activity was established, which exhibited good linear detection and limit of detection (LOD) of 0.048 μM and 0.025 μM, respectively. Moreover, a colorimetric method based on the Fe-CNG catalyst was fabricated for detecting the concentration of AA in vitamin C. Therefore, this work offers a new method for preparing a single-atom catalyst (SAC) nanozyme and a promising strategy for detecting AA and HQ.
PubMed: 38108842
DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05077-9 -
Journal of Pharmaceutical and... Feb 2024Biyan Qingdu Granula (BYQD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula commonly used for post-radiotherapy treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Despite its...
Exploring the pharmacological mechanisms of Biyan Qingdu Granula in the treatment after nasopharyngeal carcinoma radiotherapy based on UPLC/Q-TOF MS, network pharmacology and molecular docking.
BACKGROUND
Biyan Qingdu Granula (BYQD) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula commonly used for post-radiotherapy treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Despite its extensive use, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated.
METHODS
UPLC/Q-TOF MS was used to comprehensively analyze the chemical composition of BYQD. Additionally, an everted gut sac model, coupled with UPLC/Q-TOF MS, was used to screen and identify the active ingredients. Subsequently, we conducted a network pharmacological analysis to delve into the potential mechanisms of these active ingredients. Molecular docking experiments were also performed to assess the interactions between active ingredients and potential core targets.
RESULTS
The findings revealed the identification of 62 identical ingredients upon comparing the sample solution and intestinal absorbed solution of BYQD. We constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, which led to the identification of five core targets, namely, TP53, STAT3, MAPK1, SRC and AKT1. Through the construction of a drug-active ingredient-intersection target network, we identified Quercetin, Luteolin, Eupatilin, Magnoflorine, Acacetin and other compound as potential active ingredients. Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis suggested that pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis, proteoglycans in cancer, and the MAPK signaling pathway might play the key roles in the treatment of NPC after radiotherapy using BYQD. Molecular docking results corroborated strong binding activity between the putative core targets and the corresponding key active ingredients.
CONCLUSION
This study provides a preliminary revelation of the active ingredients and potential pharmacological mechanisms of BYQD in the post-radiotherapy treatment of NPC. These findings establish a vital theoretical basis and serve as a scientific reference for the future investigating the pharmacological mechanisms and clinical application of BYQD.
Topics: Humans; Molecular Docking Simulation; Network Pharmacology; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Drugs, Chinese Herbal
PubMed: 38096633
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115830 -
Analytical Chemistry Dec 2023The engineering of catalytic hybridization DNA circuits represents versatile ways to orchestrate a complex flux of molecular information at the nanoscale, with potential...
The engineering of catalytic hybridization DNA circuits represents versatile ways to orchestrate a complex flux of molecular information at the nanoscale, with potential applications in DNA-encoded biosensing, drug discovery, and therapeutics. However, the diffusive escape of intermediates and unintentional binding interactions remain an unsolved challenge. Herein, we developed a compact, yet efficient, self-regulatory assembly circuit (SAC) for achieving robust microRNA (miRNA) imaging in live cells through DNA-templated guaranteed catalytic hybridization. By integrating the toehold strand with a preblocked palindromic fragment in the stem domain, the proposed miniature SAC system allows the reactant-to-template-controlled proximal hybridization, thus facilitating the bidirectional-sustained assembly and the localization-intensified signal amplification without undesired crosstalk. With condensed components and low reactant complexity, the SAC amplifier realized high-contrast intracellular miRNA imaging. We anticipate that this simple and template-controlled design can enrich the clinical diagnosis and prognosis toolbox.
Topics: MicroRNAs; Biosensing Techniques; Limit of Detection; DNA; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; DNA, Catalytic
PubMed: 38096424
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02822 -
Veterinary and Comparative Oncology Mar 2024Capecitabine, the oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil, is indicated in people to treat various malignant epithelial cancers. In dogs, capecitabine has not been extensively...
Capecitabine, the oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil, is indicated in people to treat various malignant epithelial cancers. In dogs, capecitabine has not been extensively evaluated. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate toxicity and preliminary efficacy of single agent capecitabine in dogs with advanced malignant epithelial cancers of any site, for which no effective therapy existed, conventional treatment failed or was declined. Capecitabine was administered orally at 750 mg/m from day 1 to 14, followed by 1-week rest period, given as 3-week cycles. Safety evaluation was performed after 2 cycles, and every 2-3 cycles thereafter. Tumour response was determined every 2-3 cycles. Twenty-five dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 6), lung papillary carcinoma (n = 4), anal sac adenocarcinoma (n = 3), colic adenocarcinoma (n = 2), and other individually represented epithelial cancers (n = 10) were included. Dogs received a median of 4 cycles (range, 2-43) for a median of 84 days (range, 42-913). Toxicity occurred in 17 (68.0%) dogs; the most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal, with the majority being self-resolving and of mild grade. Of the 22 dogs with macroscopic disease, 3 (13.6%) achieved partial remission, 16 (72.7%) were stable and 3 (13.6%) progressed; overall clinical benefit rate was 86.4%. Median progression-free interval was 93 days (95% CI 42-154; range, 1-521) and median tumour-specific survival was 273 days (95% CI 116-482; range 45-913). These findings suggest that capecitabine is an attractive option for the treatment of several types of carcinomas in dogs. Prospective studies are warranted to optimize the scheduling of capecitabine and confirm its efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Dogs; Animals; Capecitabine; Retrospective Studies; Deoxycytidine; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Dog Diseases; Fluorouracil; Adenocarcinoma; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38037870
DOI: 10.1111/vco.12945 -
Journal of Helminthology Nov 2023The application of integrative taxonomic approaches is useful to species delineation based on a combination of distinct types of characters, here morphological features...
Integrative taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships between representatives of genera within Merliniinae (Nematoda: Merliniidae), with new data on fourteen known and one unknown species.
The application of integrative taxonomic approaches is useful to species delineation based on a combination of distinct types of characters, here morphological features and ribosomal DNA sequences. In this study, we surveyed ectoparasitic nematodes of the subfamily Merliniinae in cultivated and natural environments in Iran. Results of morphological and morphometrical studies, light and scanning electron microscopic observations, and molecular analyses allowed us the identification of fourteen known and one unknown species including representatives of the genera (five species), (one species), (three species), (two species), (one species), (two species), and (one species). The unknown species, sp., characterized by having 35-50 incisures at mid-body; lateral field with 6 longitudinal incisures; lip region slightly offset by a constriction, flattened at front end; bearing 5-7 annuli; cephalic framework not refractive; stylet robust, 18.3-27 μm long; post anal intestinal sac absent; tail elongate conical, dorsally convex, with 24 (19-28) annuli in ventral side, ending to a smooth terminus and males common; spicules 24.5-31 μm long. The phylogenetic analyses were carried out using molecular data from nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) genes D2-D3 expansion segments of the large ribosomal subunit (28S rRNA), partial small ribosomal subunit (18S rRNA), and internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The molecular variability of D2-D3 expansion segments of the 28S rRNA and partial 18S rRNA was low in this family in comparison to the ITS region, which could be a more helpful molecular marker in species and genus identification.
Topics: Male; Animals; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 28S; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Nematoda; Tylenchoidea; DNA, Ribosomal
PubMed: 38032079
DOI: 10.1017/S0022149X23000640 -
Analytical Chemistry Dec 2023Owing to the remarkable catalytic attributes, single-atom catalysts (SACs) have exhibited promising application prospects as the substitutes of natural enzymes. However,...
Owing to the remarkable catalytic attributes, single-atom catalysts (SACs) have exhibited promising application prospects as the substitutes of natural enzymes. However, the low loading amount of atomic sites on typical SACs (no more than 5 wt %) significantly restricts their increased capability. Hereby, a layer growth inhibitor protocol was attempted to optimize anchoring isolated Co atoms efficiently on ultrathin monolayer layered double hydroxides (LDHs). Superior to the conventional multiple-layer LDHs, the synthesized monolayer LDHs (7.29 nm-thick) served as the emerging support for dispersing substantial active sites and featured a dramatic loading content of 32.5 wt %. Through X-ray absorption spectroscopy, the atomically dispersed active centers on Co SACs were verified as Co-N moieties. The results of radical scavenger experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that Co SACs were favorable to the high yield of reactive oxygen species originating from the decomposition of HO. Therefore, Co SACs functioned as a sensitive enhancer to drastically boost the luminol-HO chemiluminescence intensity by ∼4713-fold, which excelled drastically over these previously reported SACs. Furthermore, Co SACs were adopted as chemiluminescent probes for the quantitation of chlorothalonil, wherein a low detection limit of 49 pg mL (3σ) was achieved. Additionally, the successful application in recovery trials demonstrated the favorable feasibility of Co SACs. The facile layer growth inhibitor protocol affords SACs with improved loading properties and even superior catalytic performances for sensitive luminescent bioassays.
PubMed: 38016786
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04054 -
Analytical Chemistry Dec 2023Owing to excellent catalytic activity, single-atom catalysts (SACs) have recently attracted considerable research interest in the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) field....
Owing to excellent catalytic activity, single-atom catalysts (SACs) have recently attracted considerable research interest in the electrochemiluminescence (ECL) field. However, the applications of SACs are mostly limited to conventional luminol ECL system. Hence, it is necessary to explore the application of SACs in more ECL systems. In this work, nickel single-atom catalysts (Ni SACs) were successfully applied in the graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN)-HO ECL system to significantly enhance its cathodic emission. Notably, g-CN acted not only as an ECL luminophore but also as a support to anchor Ni SACs. Ni SACs can significantly activate HO to produce abundant OH radicals for enhancing the cathodic ECL emission of g-CN. Ni SACs-anchored g-CN (Ni SACs@g-CN) had a 10-fold enhanced ECL intensity as compared to g-CN. Finally, the Ni SACs@g-CN-HO ECL system was developed to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA by incorporating an entropy-driven DNA walking machine-assisted CRISPR-Cas12a amplification strategy. The constructed biosensor exhibited excellent detection performance for HBV DNA with a limit of detection as low as 17 aM. This work puts forward a new idea for enhancing the cathodic ECL of g-CN-HO and expands the application of SACs in the ECL system.
Topics: DNA, Viral; Nickel; Electrochemical Techniques; Hydrogen Peroxide; Luminescent Measurements; Biosensing Techniques; Limit of Detection
PubMed: 38010370
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03989 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Jan 2024Anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASACA) in dogs is a malignant perianal tumour that often metastasizes to the iliosacral lymph nodes. Additionally, this tumour can be associated...
BACKGROUND
Anal sac adenocarcinoma (ASACA) in dogs is a malignant perianal tumour that often metastasizes to the iliosacral lymph nodes. Additionally, this tumour can be associated with hypercalcemia of malignancy. To date, no study has looked at the association between increased blood calcium levels and suspected or confirmed lymph node metastasis as a primary objective.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to determine if increased total serum calcium level is associated with iliosacral lymph node metastasis in dogs diagnosed with ASACA.
METHODS
Medical records of a single referral hospital were searched to identify dogs examined between 2011 and 2021 that had a diagnosis of ASACA via cytology or histopathology. Only dogs that had serum total calcium recorded and abdominal ultrasound were included in the study. All images were reviewed by a board-certified radiologist blinded to any patient identifiers.
RESULTS
Of the 58 dogs, 33% (19/58) had total hypercalcaemia, and of these, 68% had confirmed or suspected iliosacral lymph node metastasis. Total hypercalcaemia was significantly associated with confirmed or suspected iliosacral lymph node metastasis (p < 0.01). However, 46% (11/24) of dogs with confirmed or suspected iliosacral lymph node metastasis were normocalcaemic.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on these results, it is suggested that while the presence of total hypercalcaemia may increase the likelihood of concurrent lymph node metastasis, total hypercalcaemia alone cannot be used as a screening tool for lymph node metastasis. Dogs diagnosed with ASACA should undergo full staging regardless of total serum calcium values.
Topics: Humans; Dogs; Animals; Lymphatic Metastasis; Hypercalcemia; Calcium; Anal Sacs; Adenocarcinoma; Ultrasonography; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37990956
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1324 -
Journal of Veterinary Science Nov 2023An 11-year-old neutered male Miniature Poodle with a stage 3 apocrine gland adenocarcinoma was started on chemotherapy with toceranib phosphate after surgery. Beginning...
An 11-year-old neutered male Miniature Poodle with a stage 3 apocrine gland adenocarcinoma was started on chemotherapy with toceranib phosphate after surgery. Beginning on day 10 of toceranib, the dog's foot pads became erythematous and hyperkeratinized. The dog complained of pain, inability to walk, depression, and loss of appetite. The symptoms resolved when toceranib was discontinued and reappeared when toceranib was resumed. Grade 3 palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia was identified as an adverse event of toceranib based on the VCOG-CTCAE and Naranjo scale. Although very rare in veterinary medicine, clinicians should consider that palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia can occur after toceranib administration.
Topics: Male; Dogs; Animals; Apocrine Glands; Anal Sacs; Pyrroles; Adenocarcinoma; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37904638
DOI: 10.4142/jvs.23163 -
Analytical Chemistry Oct 2023The classic luminol-HO chemiluminescence (CL) systems suffer from easy self-decomposition of HO at room temperature, hindering the practical applications of the...
The classic luminol-HO chemiluminescence (CL) systems suffer from easy self-decomposition of HO at room temperature, hindering the practical applications of the luminol-HO CL system. In this work, unexpectedly, we found that the carbon vacancy-modified Fe-N-C single atom catalysts (V-Fe-N-C SACs) can directly trigger a luminol solution to generate strong CL emission in the absence of HO. The Fe-based SACs were prepared through the conventional pyrolysis of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks. The massive carbon vacancies were readily introduced into Fe-N-C SACs through a tannic acid-etching process. Carbon vacancy significantly enhanced the catalytic activity of Fe-N-C SACs on the CL reaction of luminol-dissolved oxygen. The V-Fe-N-C SACs performed a 13.4-fold CL enhancement compared with the classic luminol-Fe system. It was found that the introduction of a carbon vacancy could efficiently promote dissolved oxygen to convert to reactive oxygen species. As a proof of concept, the developed CL system was applied to detect alkaline phosphatase with a linear range of 0.005-1 U/L as well as a detection limit of 0.003 U/L. This work demonstrated that V-Fe-N-C SAC is a highly efficient CL catalyst that can promote the analytic application of the luminol CL system.
PubMed: 37843973
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03972