Tuning quantum dots emission on DNA tetrahedron/silica nanosphere/graphene oxide nanointerface for ratiometric fluorescence assay of Pb2+ in multiplex samples.

BACKGROUND: Assembling framework nucleic acid (FNA) nanoarchitectures and tuning luminescent quantum dots (QDs) for fluorescence assays represent a versatile strategy in analytical territory. Rationally, FNA constructs could offer a preferential orientation to efficiently recognize the target and improve detection sensitivity, meanwhile, regulating size-dependent multicolor emissions of QDs in one analytical setting for ratiometric fluorescence assay would greatly simplify operation procedures. Nonetheless, such FNA/QDs-based ratiometric fluorescence nanoprobes remain rarely explored. RESULTS: We designed a sensitive and signal amplification-free fluorescence aptasensor for lead ions (Pb2+) that potentially cause extensive contamination to environment, cosmetic, food and pharmaceuticals. Red and green emission CdTe quantum dots (rQDs and gQDs) were facilely prepared. Moreover, silica nanosphere encapsulating rQDs served as quantitative internal reference and scaffold to anchor a predesigned FNA and DNA sandwich containing Pb2+ binding aptamer and gQD modified DNA signal reporter. On binding of Pb2+, the gQD-DNA signal reporter was set free, resulting in fluorescence quenching at graphene oxide (GO) interface. Owing to the rigid structure of FNA, the fluorescence signal reporter orderly arranged at the silica nanosphere could sensitively respond to Pb2+ stimulation. The dose-dependent fluorescence signal-off mode enabled ratiometric analysis of Pb2+ without cumbersome signal amplification. Linear relationship was established between fluorescence intensity ratio (I555/I720) and Pb2+ concentration from 10 nM to 2 µM, with detection limit of 1.7 nM (0.43 ppb), well addressing the need for Pb2+ routine monitoring. The designed nanoprobe was applied to detection of Pb2+ in soil, cosmetic, milk, drug, and serum samples, with the sensitivity comparable to conventional ICP-MS technique. SIGNIFICANCE: Given the programmable design of FNA and efficient recognition of target, flexible tuning of QDs emission, and signal amplification-free strategy, the present fluorescence nanoprobe could be a technical criterion for other heavy metal ions detection in a straightforward manner.

A Method for Improving the Prediction of Outpatient Visits for Hospital Management: Bayesian Autoregressive Analysis.

The number of outpatient visits is generally influenced by various factors that are difficult to quantify and obtain, resulting in some irregular fluctuations. The traditional statistical methodology seldom considers these uncertainties. Accordingly, this paper presents a Bayesian autoregressive (AR) analysis to propose a forecasting framework to cope with the strict requirements. The AR model was conducted to identify the linear and autocorrelation relationships of historical series, and Bayesian inference was used to correct and optimize the AR model parameters. Posterior distribution of parameters was stably and reliably obtained by Gibbs sampling on the condition of the convergent Markov chain. Meanwhile, the lag orders of the AR model were adjusted based on the series characteristics. To increase the variability and generality of the dataset, the developed Bayesian AR model was evaluated at seven hospitals in China. The results demonstrated that the Bayesian AR model had varying degrees of decline in the MAPE value in the seven sets of experimental data. The reductions ranged from 0.1431% to 0.0342%, indicating effective optimization of the Bayesian inference in the AR model parameters and reflecting the useful correction of the lag order adjustment strategy. The proposed Bayesian AR framework showed high accuracy index and stable prediction accuracy, thereby outperforming the traditional AR model.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery segmentectomy versus lobectomy for stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Whether video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy and VATS lobectomy provide similar perioperative and oncological outcomes in stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still controversial. METHODS: Meta-analysis of 12 studies comparing outcomes after VATS lobectomy and VATS segmentectomy for stage I NSCLC. Data were analyzed by the RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: Disease-free survival (HR 1.19, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.33, P = 0.39), overall survival (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.38, P = 0.36), postoperative complications (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.75, P = 0.7), intraoperative blood loss (MD = 3.87, 95% CI - 10.21 to 17.94, P = 0.59), operative time (MD = 10.89, 95% CI - 13.04 to 34.82, P = 0.37), air leak > 5 days (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.66 to 2.17, P = 0.55), and in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.67, 95% CI 0.39 to 7.16, P = 0.49) were comparable between the groups. Postoperative hospital stay (MD = - 0.69, 95% CI - 1.19 to - 0.19, P = 0.007) and number of dissected lymph nodes (MD = - 6.44, 95%CI - 9.49 to - 3.40, P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in VATS segmentectomy patients. CONCLUSIONS: VATS segmentectomy and VATS lobectomy provide similar oncological and perioperative outcomes for stage I NSCLC patients. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO and can be accessed at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?ID = CRD42019133398.