Temporal shifts in the phytoplankton network in a large eutrophic shallow freshwater lake subjected to major environmental changes due to human interventions.

Phytoplankton communities are crucial components of aquatic ecosystems, and since they are highly interactive, they always form complex networks. Yet, our understanding of how interactive phytoplankton networks vary through time under changing environmental conditions is limited. Using a 29-year (339 months) long-term dataset on Lake Taihu, China, we constructed a temporal network comprising monthly sub-networks using "extended Local Similarity Analysis" and assessed how eutrophication, climate change, and restoration efforts influenced the temporal dynamics of network complexity and stability. The network architecture of phytoplankton showed strong dynamic changes with varying environments. Our results revealed cascading effects of eutrophication and climate change on phytoplankton network stability via changes in network complexity. The network stability of phytoplankton increased with average degree, modularity, and nestedness and decreased with connectance. Eutrophication (increasing nitrogen) stabilized the phytoplankton network, mainly by increasing its average degree, while climate change, i.e., warming and decreasing wind speed enhanced its stability by increasing the cohesion of phytoplankton communities directly and by decreasing the connectance of network indirectly. A remarkable shift and a major decrease in the temporal dynamics of phytoplankton network complexity (average degree, nestedness) and stability (robustness, persistence) were detected after 2007 when numerous eutrophication mitigation efforts (not all successful) were implemented, leading to simplified phytoplankton networks and reduced stability. Our findings provide new insights into the organization of phytoplankton networks under eutrophication (or re-oligotrophication) and climate change in subtropical shallow lakes.

Distribution, risk evaluation, and source allocation of cesium and strontium in surface soil in a mining city.

Radioactive nuclides cesium (Cs) and strontium (Sr) possess long half-lives, with 135Cs at approximately 2.3 million years and 87Sr at about 49 billion years. Their persistent accumulation can result in long-lasting radioactive contamination of soil ecosystems. This study employed geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (PEPI), health risk assessment model (HRA), and Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the pollution and health risks of Cs and Sr in the surface soil of different functional areas in a typical mining city in China. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was used to elucidate the potential sources of Cs and Sr and the respective contribution rates of natural and anthropogenic sources. The findings indicate that soils in the mining area exhibited significantly higher levels of Cs and Sr pollution compared to smelting factory area, agricultural area, and urban residential area. Strontium did not pose a potential ecological risk in any studied functional area. The non-carcinogenic health risk of Sr to the human body in the study area was relatively low. Because of the lack of parameters for Cs, the potential ecological and human health risks of Cs was not calculated. The primary source of Cs in the soil was identified as the parent material from which the soil developed, while Sr mainly originated from associated contamination caused by mining activities. This research provides data for the control of Cs and Sr pollution in the surface soil of mining city.

Roles of transcriptional factor PsrA in the regulation of quorum sensing in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.

The transcription factor PsrA regulates fatty acid metabolism, the type III secretion system, and quinolone signaling quorum sensing system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To explore additional roles of PsrA in P. aeruginosa, this study engineered a P. aeruginosa PAO1 strain to carry a recombinant plasmid with the psrA gene (pMMBpsrA) and examined the impact of elevated psrA expression to the bacterium. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that PsrA significantly downregulated genes encoding the master quorum-sensing regulators, RhlR and LasR, and influenced many quorum-sensing-associated genes. The role of PsrA in quorum sensing was further corroborated by testing autoinducer synthesis in PAO1 [pMMBpsrA] using two reporter bacteria strains Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 and Escherichia coli [pSB1075], which respond to short- and long-chain acyl homoserine lactones, respectively. Phenotypic comparisons of isogenic ΔpsrA, ΔlasR, and ΔpsrAΔlasR mutants revealed that the reduced elastase, caseinase, and swarming activity in PAO1 [pMMBpsrA] were likely mediated through LasR. Additionally, electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrated that recombinant PsrA could bind to the lasR promoter at a 5'-AAACGTTTGCTT-3' sequence, which displays moderate similarity to the previously reported consensus PsrA binding motif. Furthermore, the PsrA effector molecule oleic acid inhibited PsrA binding to the lasR promoter and restored several quorum sensing-related phenotypes to wild-type levels. These findings suggest that PsrA regulates certain quorum-sensing phenotypes by negatively regulating lasR expression, with oleic acid acting as a crucial signaling molecule.

3D cell culture scaffold supports capillary-like network formation by endothelial cells derived from porcine induced pluripotent stem cells.

INTRODUCTION: Endothelial cells (EC) can be generated from porcine induced pluripotent stem cells (piPSC), but poor efficiency in driving EC differentiation hampers their application and efficacy. Additionally, the culture of piPSC-derived EC (piPSC-EC) on 3D scaffolds has not been fully reported yet. Here, we report a method to improve the generation of EC differentiation from piPSC and to facilitate their culture on 3D scaffolds, providing a potential resource for in vitro drug testing and the generation of tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVG). METHODS: We initiated the differentiation of piPSC into EC by seeding them on laminin 411 and employing a three-stage protocol, which involved the use of distinct EC differentiation media supplemented with CHIR99021, BMP4, VEGF, and bFGF. RESULTS: piPSC-EC not only expressed EC markers such as CD31, VE-cadherin, and vWF but also exhibited an upregulation of EC marker genes, including CD31, CD34, VEGFR2, VE-cadherin, and vWF. They exhibited functional characteristics similar to those of porcine coronary artery endothelial cells (PCAECs), such as tube formation and Dil-Ac-LDL uptake. Furthermore, when cultured on 3D scaffolds, piPSC-EC developed a 3D morphology and were capable of forming an endothelial layer and engineering capillary-like networks, though these lacked lumen structures. CONCLUSION: Our study not only advances the generation of EC from piPSC through an inhibitor and growth factor cocktail but also provides a promising approach for constructing vascular network-like structures. Importantly, these findings open new avenues for drug discovery in vitro and tissue engineering in vivo.

Meta-transcriptomic analysis of companion animal infectomes reveals their diversity and potential roles in animal and human disease.

Companion animals such as cats and dogs harbor diverse microbial communities that can potentially impact human health due to close and frequent contact. To better characterize their total infectomes and assess zoonotic risks, we characterized the overall infectomes of companion animals (cats and dogs) and evaluated their potential zoonotic risks. Meta-transcriptomic analyses were performed on 239 samples from cats and dogs collected across China, identifying 24 viral species, 270 bacterial genera, and two fungal genera. Differences in the overall microbiome and infectome composition were compared across different animal species (cats or dogs), sampling sites (rectal or oropharyngeal), and health status (healthy or diseased). Diversity analyses revealed that viral abundance was generally higher in diseased animals compared to healthy ones, while differences in microbial composition were mainly driven by sampling site, followed by animal species and health status. Disease association analyses validated the pathogenicity of known pathogens and suggested potential pathogenic roles of previously undescribed bacteria and newly discovered viruses. Cross-species transmission analyses identified seven pathogens shared between cats and dogs, such as alphacoronavirus 1, which was detected in both oropharyngeal and rectal swabs albeit with differential pathogenicity. Further analyses showed that some viruses, like alphacoronavirus 1, harbored multiple lineages exhibiting distinct pathogenicity, tissue, or host preferences. Ultimately, a systematic evolutionary screening identified 27 potential zoonotic pathogens in this sample set, with far more bacterial than viral species, implying potential health threats to humans. Overall, our meta-transcriptomic analysis reveals a landscape of actively transcribing microorganisms in major companion animals, highlighting key pathogens, those with the potential for cross-species transmission, and possible zoonotic threats. IMPORTANCE: This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the entire community of infectious microbes (viruses, bacteria, and fungi) in companion animals like cats and dogs, termed the "infectome." By analyzing hundreds of samples from across China, the researchers identified numerous known and novel pathogens, including 27 potential zoonotic agents that could pose health risks to both animals and humans. Notably, some of these zoonotic pathogens were detected even in apparently healthy pets, highlighting the importance of surveillance. The study also revealed key microbial factors associated with respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases in pets, as well as potential cross-species transmission events between cats and dogs. Overall, this work sheds light on the complex microbial landscapes of companion animals and their potential impacts on animal and human health, underscoring the need for monitoring and management of these infectious agents.

Laser Acupuncture versus Liraglutide in Treatment of Obesity: A Multi-Institutional Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a global concern, driving the search for alternative treatments beyond lifestyle changes and medications. Laser acupuncture (LA) shows promise in obesity management, yet few studies compare it with FDA-approved medications. This study aimed to assess and compare LA's impact with liraglutide on weight reduction in obese individuals. METHODS: Data from the Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD) (2013-2018) were analyzed. Primary outcomes included changes in body weight and BMI within 180 days, with secondary outcomes measuring the proportion achieving 5%, 10%, and 15% weight loss. Adverse events were also assessed. RESULTS: Of 745 subjects (173 LA users, 572 liraglutide users), LA users lost more weight by day 180 (5.82 ± 4.39 vs. 2.38 ± 5.75 kg; p < 0.001) and had a greater BMI reduction (-2.27 ± 1.73 vs. -0.93 ± 2.25 kg/m2; p < 0.001). More LA users achieved 5% and 10% weight loss compared to liraglutide users (64.2% vs. 22.7%, 26.6% vs. 4.2%; all p < 0.001). After balancing baseline differences, LA's benefits remained significant. No adverse events were reported with LA. CONCLUSIONS: LA may offer superior weight reduction compared to liraglutide. Future studies should explore LA alone or in combination with liraglutide for obesity management.

Spin-Lattice Relaxation and Spin-Phonon Coupling of ns1 Metal Ions at the Surface.

To use transition metal ions for spin-based applications, it is essential to understand fundamental contributions to electron spin relaxation in different ligand environments. For example, to serve as building blocks for a device, transition metal ion-based molecular qubits must be organized on surfaces and preserve long electron spin relaxation times, up to room temperature. Here we propose monovalent group 12 ions (Zn+ and Cd+) as potential electronic metal qubits with an ns1 ground state. The relaxation properties of Zn+ and Cd+, stabilized at the interface of porous aluminosilicates, are investigated and benchmarked against vanadium (3d1) and copper (3d9) ions. The spin-phonon coupling has been evaluated through DFT modeling and found to be negligible for the ns1 states, explaining the long coherence time, up to 2 µs, at room temperature. These so far unexplored metal qubits may represent viable candidates for room temperature quantum operations and sensing.

Impact of background music listening on anxiety in cancer patients undergoing initial radiation therapy: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) often experience anxiety, which may jeopardize the treatment success. The efficacy of music interventions in reducing anxiety remains contentious. This randomized trial aimed to evaluate the impact of music listening on anxiety symptoms in patients undergoing initial RT. METHODS: First-time RT patients were randomly allocated to experimental and control groups. The Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5), Distress Thermometer (DT), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI-C) were administered pre- and post-RT. Changes in physiological anxiety symptoms were monitored over 10 consecutive days starting from the first day of RT. The experimental group received music during RT; the control group did not. The generalized linear mixed model was used to estimate the pre-post difference in the BSRS-5, DT, and BAI-C scores between the music intervention and control group. RESULTS: This study included 50 patients each in the experimental and control groups. BSRS-5 and DT scores were significantly reduced in the experimental group post-RT (p = 0.0114 and p = 0.0023, respectively). When music listening was discontinued, these scores rebounded. While the posttest BAI-C score was significantly lower in the experimental group (p < 0.0001), the pre-post difference between the two groups was not significant (p = 0.0619). On cessation of music listening, the BAI-C score also rebounded. CONCLUSIONS: For cancer patients undergoing initial RT, music listening intervention significantly reduced anxiety symptoms measured using the BSRS-5, DT, and BAI-C scores after two weeks. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of music listening intervention in reducing anxiety symptoms, thereby potentially improving the quality of life of cancer patients undergoing RT.

Modified Killian Method for Flexible Nasopharyngoscopic Observation of the Hypopharynx: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Flexible nasopharyngoscopy is a common procedure for evaluating the hypopharynx. The modified Killian method has been reported to enhance visualization during this examination. The aim of this study was to compare the visibility of the hypopharynx using conventional and modified Killian methods. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library to identify studies that compared the visibility of the hypopharynx using the 2 methods. Comprehensive meta-analysis software was used to analyze the data. Studies that evaluated the overall hypopharyngeal visibility score and the visibility of the pyriform sinus, postcricoid region, and upper esophageal sphincter were included. RESULTS: Five studies were included in the analysis. The pooled results showed that the modified Killian method significantly improved overall visibility score (SMD=1.09; 95% CI, 0.39-1.80) and complete visibility of the pyriform sinus, postcricoid region, and upper esophageal sphincter (log OR=3.83; 95% CI, 2.30-5.35; log OR=4.20; 95% CI, 3.21-5.19; log OR=3.38; 95% CI, 1.68-5.08). CONCLUSION: The modified Killian method is a valuable technique for improving hypopharyngeal visibility during flexible nasopharyngoscopy. This technique can enhance the detection of potential abnormalities or lesions, leading to better diagnostic accuracy and improved patient outcomes.

[Changes and influence factors of soil matrix infiltration in Chinese fir plantations with different stand ages in northern Guangxi]. / æ¡‚åŒ—åœ°åŒºä¸åŒæž—é¾„æ‰æœ¨äººå·¥æž—åœŸå£¤åŸºè´¨å ¥æ¸—å˜åŒ–åŠå½±å“å› ç´ .

Soil matrix infiltration is an important pathway for plantations to obtain water, which affects ecological benefits and water conservation function of plantations. The changes of soil matrix infiltration and its influencing factors in different growth stages of Chinese fir plantations remain unclear. We measured soil matrix infiltration process using a tension infiltrometer in Chinese fir plantations (5, 8, 11, and 15 years old) of Beijiang River Forest Farm in Rongshui, Guangxi, and analyzed soil basic physicochemical properties to identify the dominant factors influencing soil matrix infiltration. The results showed that initial infiltration rate, stable infiltration rate, and cumulative infiltration increased with stand ages. The ranges of different stand ages were 141-180 mm·h-1, 109-150 mm·h-1, and 188-251 mm, respectively. The initial infiltration rate, stable infiltration rate, and cumulative infiltration were significantly positively correlated with soil capillary porosity, soil organic matter, soil water stable macroaggregate, sand content, and clay content, while negatively correlated with soil bulk density and silt content. Early thinning had a positive effect on soil matrix infiltration, but thinning measures after 11 years did not enhance soil matrix infiltration further. Philip model was optimal for describing soil matrix infiltration process in this region. In conclusion, soil matrix infiltration capacity of Chinese fir plantations gradually increased from young to middle-aged stands, but matrix infiltration capacity tended to stabilize after 11 years old. Silt content and water stable macroaggregate were the dominant factors influencing matrix infiltration.

Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of COVID-19 infection among cancer patients during the December 2022 - February 2023 Omicron variant outbreak.

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognostic impacts of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection among cancer inpatients during the December 2022 - February 2023 surge, in order to provide scientific evidence for clinical treatment and prevention and control measures. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical features, prognosis, and vaccination status of cancer in-patients infected with the Omicron variant during the COVID-19 pandemic of December 2022 - February 2023. Results: A total of 137 cancer inpatients were included in the study, with a median age of 61 years, and 75 patients (54.74%) were male. The main symptoms were cough (69 cases, 50.36%), expectoration (60 cases, 43.80%), and fever (53 cases, 39.69%). Chest CT examination revealed bilateral pneumonia in 47 cases (34.31%, 47/137) and pleural effusion in 24 cases (17.52%, 24/137). Among the cancer patients, 116 cases (84.67%, 116/137) had solid tumors, and 21 cases (15.33%, 21/137) had hematologic malignancies, with the main types being breast cancer (25 cases, 18.25%) and lung cancer (24 cases, 17.52%). Among the cancer patients, 46 cases (33.58%) were asymptomatic, 81 cases (59.12%) had mild disease, 10 cases (7.30%) had severe infection, and 8 cases (5.84%) died. A total of 91 patients (66.42%) had been vaccinated, with 58 patients (42.34%) receiving three doses. Multivariate analysis showed that cerebral infarction and hypoproteinemia were risk factors for death from COVID-19 infection. Conclusion: Cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron typically exhibit mild disease manifestations, but some cancer patients infected with the Omicron variant might progress to severe illness, and even death, necessitating close monitoring and attention during the early stages of infection. Additionally, the presence of cerebral infarction and hypoproteinemia significantly increases the risk of death.

A Summed Score From Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test Parameters Predicts 1-Year Mortality in Newly Diagnosed Interstitial Lung Disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a unique diagnostic tool that assesses the functional capacity of the heart, lungs, and peripheral oxidative system in an integrated manner. However, the clinical utility of CPET for evaluating interstitial lung disease (ILD) remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to determine the predictive value of CPET for mortality in subjects with ILD. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled subjects with ILD who underwent CPET at a tertiary medical center in Taiwan and followed up their survival status for 12 months. Mortality prediction was based on comparing CPET parameters between subjects who survived and those who died. We further analyzed CPET parameters that showed significant differences using receiver operating characteristic curves to identify their optimal cutoff values. RESULTS: A total of 106 newly diagnosed subjects with ILD underwent CPET, and the 1-y mortality rate was 7.5%. Six CPET variables were found to be significant predictors of mortality: peak oxygen consumption, oxygen pulse, end-tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide, heart rate recovery 1 min after CPET, minute ventilation to carbon dioxide output slope, and functional aerobic impairment. We calculated a summed score by adding the number of CPET variables that exceeded their cutoff values. Subjects with a summed score of 6 had a 1-y survival rate of only 25%, whereas subjects with scores of 0-5 had a survival rate of 98%. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the summed score represents a useful tool for screening patients with ILD who can undergo a CPET to determine their prognosis.

DUSP22 inhibits lung tumorigenesis by suppression of EGFR/c-Met signaling.

DUSP22, an atypical dual-specificity phosphatase enzyme, plays a significant role in regulating multiple kinase signaling pathways by dephosphorylation. Our study demonstrated that decreased DUSP22 expression is associated with shorter disease-free survival, advanced TNM (tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis), cancer stage, and higher tumor grade in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. Exogenous DUSP22 expression reduces the colony-forming capacity of lung cancer cells and inhibits xenograft tumor growth primarily by targeting EGFR and suppressing its activity through dephosphorylation. Knockdown of DUSP22 using shRNA enhances EGFR dependency in HCC827 lung cancer cells and increases sensitivity to gefitinib, an EGFR inhibitor. Consistently, genetic deletion of DUSP22 enhances EGFRdel (exon 19 deletion)-driven lung tumorigenesis and elevates EGFR activity. Pharmacological inhibition of DUSP22 activates EGFR, ERK1/2, and upregulates downstream PD-L1 expression. Additionally, lentiviral deletion of DUSP22 by shRNA enhances lung cancer cell migration through EGFR/c-Met and PD-L1-dependent pathways. Gefitinib, an EGFR inhibitor, mechanistically suppresses migration induced by DUSP22 deletion and inhibits c-Met activity. Furthermore, cabozantinib, a c-Met inhibitor, reduces migration and attenuates EGFR activation caused by DUSP22 deletion. Collectively, our findings support the hypothesis that loss of DUSP22 function in lung cancer cells confers a survival advantage by augmenting EGFR signaling, leading to increased activation of downstream c-Met, ERK1/2, and PD-L1 axis, ultimately contributing to the progression of advanced lung cancer.

Deformation investigation of electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm.

A diaphragm pump is a type of volumetric pump that has excellent sealing performance. An electromagnetic diaphragm pump is a kind of widely adopted diaphragm pump that has a simple structure, low power loss, and high cost performance. However, the calculation method of deformation for the electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm is presently lacking. Herein, a calculating method of deformation for the electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm is proposed. By establishing and analyzing a deformation model of the electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm, a theoretical relationship between the deformation of the electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm, the size of the electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm and the pressure of fluid is determined. The experimental results indicate that the biggest difference between the tested axial deformation and the calculated axial deformation of the electromagnetic diaphragm pump rubber diaphragm is 0.04 mm and the calculation results show agreement with the experimental results.

Enhancing the Strength and Ductility Synergy of Lightweight Ti-Rich Medium-Entropy Alloys through Ni Microalloying.

Medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) have attracted considerable attention in recent decades due to their exceptional material properties and design flexibility. In this study, lightweight and non-equiatomic MEAs with low density (~5 g/cm3), high strength (yield strength: 1200 MPa), and high ductility (plastic deformation: ≧10%) were explored. We fine-tuned a previously developed Ti-rich MEA by microalloying it with small amounts of Ni (reducing the atomic radius and increasing the elastic modulus) through solid solution strengthening to achieve a series of MEAs with enhanced mechanical properties. Among the prepared MEAs, Ti65Ni1 and Ti65Ni3 exhibited optimal properties in terms of the balance between strength and ductility. Furthermore, the Ti65Ni3 MEA was subjected to thermo-mechanical treatment (TMT) followed by cold rolling 70% (CR70) and cold rolling 85% (CR85). Subsequently, the processed samples were rapidly annealed at 743 °C, 770 °C, 817 °C, and 889 °C at a heating rate of 15 °C/s. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the MEA could retain its single-body-centered cubic solid solution structure after TMT. Additionally, the tensile testing results revealed that increasing the annealing temperature led to a decrease in yield strength and an increase in ductility. Notably, the Ti65Ni3 MEA sample that was subjected to CR70 and CR85 processing and annealed for 30 s exhibited high yield strength (>1250 MPa) and ductility (>13%). In particular, the Ti65Ni3 MEA subjected to CR85 exhibited a specific yield strength of 264 MPa·cm3/g, specific tensile strength of 300 MPa·cm3/g, and ductility of >13%.

Tracing the footprints of MPXV in Asia: phylogenetic insights and lineage dynamics.

OBJECTIVES: The 2022 global outbreak of monkeypox virus (MPXV), previously confined to Central and West Africa, necessitates an enhanced understanding of its spread. Comprehensive genomic surveillance to understand the virus's evolution and spread is needed, particularly in Asia. METHODS: Genomic data from 169 MPXV genome sequences in Asia were analysed. Through advanced genomic sequencing of clinical samples, we analysed the distribution and mutations of MPXV lineages in Asia. RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis revealed a distinct clustering of C.1 strains rise in Northeast Asia in 2023, while genomic examination identified specific consensus mutations like R84K, R665C and L16F in C.1 strains. The mutations, coupled with an increased rate of apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing catalytic polypeptide-like 3 motif G-to-A mutations in C.1 (OR 24.87±8.81), indicate a potential adaptation mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and provide vital insights into MPXV's evolving dynamics, aiding in public health strategy formulation against this emerging infectious threat.

Sensitive Detection of Oral Leukoplakia: Analyzing P90 Biomarkers in Saliva and Tissue.

Oral cancer represents a significant global public health challenge, contributing substantially to the incidence and mortality of cancer. Despite established risk factors such as tobacco use and alcohol consumption, early detection remains crucial for effective treatment. This study introduces a novel approach using a transistor-based biosensor system for detecting the P90 (CIP2A) protein. We tested the presence of CIP2A in human leukoplakia samples, which can undergo malignant conversion into aggressive oral squamous cell carcinoma. The method used commercially available glucose test strips functionalized with P90 antibodies, providing high sensitivity and a low limit of detection which was five orders lower than that of commercial ELISA kits. A specially designed printed circuit board (PCB) facilitated accurate measurements, and the device's performance was optimized through characteristic tests. Human sample testing validated the biosensor's effectiveness in distinguishing samples after cell lysis. This study contributes to advancing accurate and cost-effective diagnostic approaches for oral pre-cancer and cancer tissues.

A Combinatorial Single-Molecule Real-Time and Illumina Sequencing Analysis of Postembryonic Gene Expression in the Asian Citrus Psyllid Diaphorina citri.

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a systemic plant disease caused by 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas)' and transmitted by Diaphorina citri. D. citri acquires the CLas bacteria in the nymph stage and transmits it in the adult stage, indicating that molting from the nymph to adult stages is crucial for HLB transmission. However, the available D. citri reference genomes are incomplete, and gene function studies have been limited to date. In the current research, PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) and Illumina sequencing were performed to investigate the transcriptome of D. citri nymphs and adults. In total, 10,641 full-length, non-redundant transcripts (FLNRTs), 594 alternative splicing (AS) events, 4522 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 1086 long-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), 281 transcription factors (TFs), and 4459 APA sites were identified. Furthermore, 3746 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between nymphs and adults were identified, among which 30 DEGs involved in the Hippo signaling pathway were found. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) further validated the expression levels of 12 DEGs and showed a positive correlation with transcriptome data. Finally, the spatiotemporal expression pattern of genes involved in the Hippo signaling pathway exhibited high expression in the D. citri testis, ovary, and egg. Silencing of the D. citri transcriptional co-activator (DcYki) gene significantly increased D. citri mortality and decreased the cumulative molting. Our results provide useful information and a reliable data resource for gene function research of D. citri.