Modification of the Hi-C Technology for Molecular Genetic Analysis of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Sections of Tumor Tissues.

Molecular genetic analysis of tumor tissues is the most important step towards understanding the mechanisms of cancer development; it is also necessary for the choice of targeted therapy. The Hi-C (high-throughput chromatin conformation capture) technology can be used to detect various types of genomic variants, including balanced chromosomal rearrangements, such as inversions and translocations. We propose a modification of the Hi-C method for the analysis of chromatin contacts in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) sections of tumor tissues. The developed protocol allows to generate high-quality Hi-C data and detect all types of chromosomal rearrangements. We have analyzed various databases to compile a comprehensive list of translocations that hold clinical importance for the targeted therapy selection. The practical value of molecular genetic testing is its ability to influence the treatment strategies and to provide prognostic insights. Detecting specific chromosomal rearrangements can guide the choice of the targeted therapies, which is a critical aspect of personalized medicine in oncology.

TSWIFT, a novel method for iterative staining of embedded and mounted human brain sections.

Comprehensive characterization of protein networks in mounted brain tissue represents a major challenge in brain and neurodegenerative disease research. In this study, we develop a simple staining method, called TSWIFT, to iteratively stain pre-mounted formalin fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) brain sections, thus enabling high-dimensional sample phenotyping. We show that TSWIFT conserves tissue architecture and allows for relabeling a single mounted FFPE sample more than 10 times, even after prolonged storage at 4 °C. Our results establish TSWIFT as an efficient method to obtain integrated high-dimensional knowledge of cellular proteomes by analyzing mounted FFPE human brain tissue.

Evaluation of DNAmAge in paired fresh, frozen, and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded heart tissues.

The continued development in methylome analysis has enabled a more precise assessment of DNA methylation, but treatment of target tissue prior to analysis may affect DNA analysis. Prediction of age based on methylation levels in the genome (DNAmAge) has gained much interest in disease predisposition (biological age estimation), but also in chronological donor age estimation in crime case samples. Various epigenetic clocks were designed to predict the age. However, it remains unknown how the storage of the tissues affects the DNAmAge estimation. In this study, we investigated the storage method impact of DNAmAge by the comparing the DNAmAge of the two commonly used storage methods, freezing and formalin-fixation and paraffin-embedding (FFPE) to DNAmAge of fresh tissue. This was carried out by comparing paired heart tissue samples of fresh tissue, samples stored by freezing and FFPE to chronological age and whole blood samples from the same individuals. Illumina EPIC beadchip array was used for methylation analysis and the DNAmAge was evaluated with the following epigenetic clocks: Horvath, Hannum, Levine, Horvath skin+blood clock (Horvath2), PedBE, Wu, BLUP, EN, and TL. We observed differences in DNAmAge among the storage conditions. FFPE samples showed a lower DNAmAge compared to that of frozen and fresh samples. Additionally, the DNAmAge of the heart tissue was lower than that of the whole blood and the chronological age. This highlights caution when evaluating DNAmAge for FFPE samples as the results were underestimated compared with fresh and frozen tissue samples. Furthermore, the study also emphasizes the need for a DNAmAge model based on heart tissue samples for an accurate age estimation.

A Hitchhiker's guide to high-dimensional tissue imaging with multiplexed ion beam imaging.

Advancements in multiplexed tissue imaging technologies are vital in shaping our understanding of tissue microenvironmental influences in disease contexts. These technologies now allow us to relate the phenotype of individual cells to their higher-order roles in tissue organization and function. Multiplexed Ion Beam Imaging (MIBI) is one of such technologies, which uses metal isotope-labeled antibodies and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to image more than 40 protein markers simultaneously within a single tissue section. Here, we describe an optimized MIBI workflow for high-plex analysis of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissues following antigen retrieval, metal isotope-conjugated antibody staining, imaging using the MIBI instrument, and subsequent data processing and analysis. While this workflow is focused on imaging human FFPE samples using the MIBI, this workflow can be easily extended to model systems, biological questions, and multiplexed imaging modalities.

Two-Photon Nanoparticle Probe for Formaldehyde Detection via the AILE Luminescence Mechanism.

A two-photon nanoparticle probe was designed and developed based on the principle of intermolecular interaction of the aggregation-induced locally excited emission luminescence mechanism. The probe has the advantages of simple synthesis, convenient use, strong atomic economy, good biocompatibility, and photobleaching resistance. It can produce a specific and sensitive response to formaldehyde, help detect FA in normal cells and cancer cells, and is expected to become a specific detection probe for FA in vitro and in vivo.

Integrating Photoelectrochemical Feature on a Hydrovoltaic Chip with High-Salinity Adaption as a Self-Powered Device for Formaldehyde Monitoring.

Alternative energy sources are required due to the decline in fossil fuel resources. Therefore, devices that utilize hydrovoltaic technology and light energy have drawn widespread attention because they are emission-free and solar energy is inexhaustible. However, previous investigations mainly focused on accelerating the water evaporation rate at the electrode interface. Here, a cooperative photoelectrochemical effect on a hydrovoltaic chip is achieved using NH2-MIL-125-modified TiO2 nanotube arrays (NTs). This device demonstrated significantly improved evaporation-triggered electricity generation. Under LED illumination, the open-circuit voltage (VOC) of the NH2-MIL-125/TiO2NTs active layer of the hydrovoltaic chip was enhanced by 90.3% (up to 400.2 mV). Furthermore, the prepared hydrovoltaic chip showed good high-salinity tolerance, maintaining 74.6% of its performance even in 5 M NaCl. By introducing a Schiff-based reaction between the active layer and formaldehyde, a fully integrated flexible sensor was successfully fabricated for formaldehyde monitoring, and a low limit of detection of 5.2 × 10-9 M was achieved. This novel strategy for improving the performance of hydrovoltaic devices offers a completely new general approach to construct self-powered devices for point-of-care sensing.

Eco-Friendly Inorganic Binders: A Key Alternative for Reducing Harmful Emissions in Molding and Core-Making Technologies.

Many years of foundry practice and much more accurate analytical methods have shown that sands with organic binders, in addition to their many technological advantages, pose risks associated with the emission of many compounds, including harmful ones (e.g., formaldehyde, phenol, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and sulfur), arising during the pouring of liquid casting alloys into molds, their cooling, and knock-out. The aim of this research is to demonstrate the potential benefits of adopting inorganic binders in European iron foundries. This will improve the environmental and working conditions by introducing cleaner and more ecological production methods, while also ranking the tested binders studied in terms of their harmful content. The article pays special attention to the analysis of seven innovative inorganic binders and one organic binder, acting as a reference for emissions of gases from the BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) and PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) groups and other compounds such as phenol, formaldehyde, and isocyanates (MDI and TDI) generated during the mold pouring process with liquid metals. The knowledge gained will, for the first time, enrich the database needed to update the Reference Document on The Best Available Techniques for the Smitheries and Foundries Industry (SF BREF).

Machine-Learning-Assisted Descriptors Identification for Indoor Formaldehyde Oxidation Catalysts.

The development of highly efficient catalysts for formaldehyde (HCHO) oxidation is of significant interest for the improvement of indoor air quality. Up to 400 works relating to the catalytic oxidation of HCHO have been published to date; however, their analysis for collective inference through conventional literature search is still a challenging task. A machine learning (ML) framework was presented to predict catalyst performance from experimental descriptors based on an HCHO oxidation catalysts database. MnOx, CeO2, Co3O4, TiO2, FeOx, ZrO2, Al2O3, SiO2, and carbon-based catalysts with different promoters were compiled from the literature. Notably, 20 descriptors including reaction catalyst composition, reaction conditions, and catalyst physical properties were collected for data mining (2263 data points). Furthermore, the eXtreme Gradient Boosting algorithm was employed, which successfully predicted the conversion efficiency of HCHO with an R-square value of 0.81. Shapley additive analysis suggested Pt/MnO2 and Ag/Ce-Co3O4 exhibited excellent catalytic performance of HCHO oxidation based on the analysis of the entire database. Validated by experimental tests and theoretical simulations, the key descriptor identified by ML, i.e., the first promoter, was further described as metal-support interactions. This study highlights ML as a useful tool for database establishment and the catalyst rational design strategy based on the importance of analysis between experimental descriptors and the performance of complex catalytic systems.

Abiotic Ribose Synthesis Under Aqueous Environments with Various Chemical Conditions.

Ribose is the defining sugar in ribonucleic acid (RNA), which is often proposed to have carried the genetic information and catalyzed the biological reactions of the first life on Earth. Thus, abiological processes that yield ribose under prebiotic conditions have been studied for decades. However, aqueous environments required for the formation of ribose from materials available in quantity under geologically reasonable models, where the ribose formed is not immediately destroyed, remain unclear. This is due in large part to the challenge of analysis of carbohydrates formed under a wide range of aqueous conditions. Thus, the formation of ribose on prebiotic Earth has sometimes been questioned. We investigated the quantitative effects of pH, temperature, cation, and the concentrations of formaldehyde and glycolaldehyde on the synthesis of diverse sugars, including ribose. The results suggest a range of conditions that produce ribose and that ribose could have formed in constrained aquifers on prebiotic Earth.

Mechanisms of efficient indoor formaldehyde removal via electro-Fenton: Synergy in ·OH generation and utilization through a modified carbon cathode.

Indoor formaldehyde poses a significant carcinogenic risk to human health, making its removal imperative. Electro-Fenton degradation has emerged as a promising technology for addressing this concern. In the electro-Fenton system, ·OH is identified as the primary active species responsible for formaldehyde removal. Hence, its generation and utilization are pivotal for the system's effectiveness and economy. Experimental and quantum chemical methods were employed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of nitrogen doping on various aspects influencing ·OH generation and utilization. Results indicate that nitrogen doping synergistically enhances the generation and utilization of ·OH, leading to an improved formaldehyde removal efficiency in nitrogen-doped cathodic systems. The dominant nitrogen type influencing ·OH generation and utilization varies across different stages. Pyridinic nitrogen facilitates H2O2 adsorption through hydrogen bonding, while pyrrolic and graphitic nitrogen contribute to formaldehyde adsorption and catalyze the conversion of H2O2 to ·OH. Both pyridinic nitrogen and pyrrolic nitrogen boost the degradation of formaldehyde by ·OH. In comparison to the unmodified system, the modified system with NAC-GF/700C as cathode exhibits remarkable improvements. The formaldehyde removal efficiency has increased twofold, and energy consumption reduced by 73.45%. Furthermore, the system demonstrates excellent cyclic stability. These advancements can be attributed to the activation temperature, which leads to the appropriate types and high content of nitrogen elements in NAC-GF/700C. The research represents an important step towards more economical and efficient electro-Fenton technology for indoor formaldehyde removal.

Cu-doped Fe3O4 nanoparticles for efficient detoxification of epsilon toxin: Toward substituting magnetically recyclable detoxifying agent for formaldehyde.

This research presents the synthesis and characterization of Cu-doped Fe3O4 (Cu-Fe3O4) nanoparticles as a magnetically recoverable and reusable detoxifying agent for the efficient and long-lasting neutralization of bacterial toxins. The nanoparticles were synthesized using the combustion synthesis method and characterized through SEM, XRD, BET, TGA, and VSM techniques. The detoxification potential of Cu-Fe3O4 was compared with traditional formaldehyde (FA) in detoxifying epsilon toxin (ETx) from Clostridium perfringens Type D, the causative agent of enterotoxemia in ruminants. In vivo residual toxicity tests revealed that Cu-Fe3O4 could detoxify ETx at a concentration of 2.0 mg mL-1 within 4 days at room temperature (RT) and 2 days at 37 °C, outperforming FA (12 and 6 days at RT and 37 °C, respectively). Characterization studies using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and circular dichroism (CD) highlighted lower conformational changes in Cu-Fe3O4-detoxified ETx compared to FA-detoxified ETx. Moreover, Cu-Fe3O4-detoxified ETx exhibited exceptional storage stability at 4 °C and RT for 6 months, maintaining an irreversible structure with no residual toxicity. The particles demonstrated remarkable reusability, with the ability to undergo five continuous detoxification batches. This study provides valuable insights into the development of an efficient and safe detoxifying agent, enabling the production of toxoids with a native-like structure. The magnetically recoverable and reusable nature of Cu-Fe3O4 nanoparticles offers practical advantages for easy recovery and reuse in detoxification reactions.

Solution and gaseous phase sensing of formaldehyde with economical triphenylmethane based sensors: a tool to estimate formaldehyde content in stored fish samples.

The use of formalin to preserve raw food items such as fish, meat, vegetables etc. is very commonly practiced in the present day. Also, formaldehyde (FA), which is the main constituent of formalin solution, is known to cause serious health issues on exposure. Considering the ill effects of formaldehyde, herein we report synthesis of highly sensitive triphenylmethane based formaldehyde (FA) sensors from a single step reaction of inexpensive reagents namely 4-hydroxy benzaldehyde and 2,6-dimethyl phenol. The synthetic method also provides highly pure product in bulk quantity. The analytical activity of the triphenylmethane sensor 1 with a limit of detection (LOD) value of 2.31 × 10-6 M for FA was significantly enhanced through induced deprotonation and thereafter a LOD value of 1.82 × 10-8 M could be achieved. To the best of our knowledge, the LOD value of the deprotonated form (sensor 2) for FA was superior to those of all the FA optical sensors reported so far. The mechanism of sensing was demonstrated by 1H-NMR titration and recording mass spectra before and after addition of FA to a solution of sensor 2. Both sensor 1 and sensor 2 exhibit quenching in emission upon addition of FA. A fluorescence study also demonstrates enhancement in analytical activity of the sensor upon induced deprotonation. Then the sensor was effectively immobilized into a hydrophilic and biocompatible starch-PVA polymer matrix which enabled detection of FA in a 100% aqueous system reversibly. Again, quick and effective sensing of FA in real food samples (stored fish) with the help of a computational application was demonstrated. The sensors have significant practical applicability as they effectively detect FA in real food samples qualitatively and quantitatively.

Photocatalytic oxidation of formaldehyde under visible light using BiVO4-TiO2 synthesized via ultrasonic blending.

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is one of the primary indoor air pollutants, and efficiently eliminating it, especially at low concentrations, remains challenging. In this study, BiVO4-TiO2 catalyst was developed using ultrasonic blending technology for the photocatalytic oxidation of low-level indoor HCHO. The crystal structure, surface morphology, element distribution, and active oxidation species of the catalyst were examined using XRD, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis, EDS, and ESR techniques. Our results demonstrated that the BiVO4-TiO2 catalyst, prepared by ultrasonic blending, exhibited good oxidation performance and stability. The HCHO concentration reduced from 1.050 to 0.030 mg/m3 within 48 h, achieving a removal rate of 97.1%. The synergy between BiVO4 and TiO2 enhanced the efficiency of separating photogenerated carriers and minimized the likelihood of recombination between photogenerated electrons and holes. Additionally, this synergy significantly enhanced the presence of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) on the catalyst, resulting in an oxidation performance superior to that of either BiVO4 or TiO2. Our research offers valuable insights for the development of new photocatalysts to address HCHO pollution.

Density functional theory-based screening of Ti4C3O2-loaded single atoms for efficient selective catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde.

Indoor formaldehyde (HCHO) pollution poses a major risk to human health. Low-temperature catalytic oxidation is an effective method for HCHO removal. The high activity and selectivity of single atomic catalysts provide a possibility for the development of efficient non-precious metal catalysts. In this study, the most stable single-atom catalyst Ti-Ti4C3O2 was screened by density functional theory among many single atomic catalysts with two-dimensional (2D) monolayer Ti4C3O2 as the support. The computational results show that Ti-Ti4C3O2 is highly selective to HCHO and O2 in complex environments. The HCHO oxidation reaction pathways are proposed based on the Eley-Rideal (E-R) and Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) mechanisms. According to the reaction energy and energy span models, the E-R mechanism has a lower maximum energy barrier and higher catalytic efficiency than the L-H mechanism. In addition, the stability of the Ti-Ti4C3O2 structure and active center was verified by diffusion energy barrier and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The above results indicate that Ti-Ti4C3O2 is a promising non-precious metal catalyst. The present study provides detailed theoretical insights into the catalytic oxidation of HCHO by Ti-Ti4C3O2, as well as an idea for the development of efficient non-precious metal catalysts based on 2D materials.

A facile cellulose finishing strategy through in-situ growth of sliver-doped manganese dioxide assisted by amine-quinone for improving indoor living quality.

Nowadays, various harmful indoor pollutants especially including bacteria and residual formaldehyde (HCHO) seriously threaten human health and reduce the quality of public life. Herein, a universal substrate-independence finishing approach for efficiently solving these hybrid indoor threats is demonstrated, in which amine-quinone network (AQN) was employed as reduction agent to guide in-situ growth of Ag@MnO2 particles, and also acted as an adhesion interlayer to firmly anchor nanoparticles onto diverse textiles, especially for cotton fabrics. In contrast with traditional hydrothermal or calcine methods, the highly reactive AQN ensures the efficient generation of functional nanoparticles under mild conditions without any additional catalysts. During the AQN-guided reduction, the doping of Ag atoms onto cellulose fiber surface optimized the crystallinity and oxygen vacancy of MnO2, providing cotton efficient antibacterial efficiency over 90 % after 30 min of contact, companying with encouraging UV-shielding and indoor HCHO purification properties. Besides, even after 30 cycles of standard washing, the Ag@MnO2-decorated textiles can effectively degrade HCHO while well-maintaining their inherent properties. In summary, the presented AQN-mediated strategy of efficiently guiding the deposition of functional particles on fibers has broad application prospects in the green and sustainable functionalization of textiles.

Synthesis of lignin-based carbon/graphene oxide foam and its application as sensors for ammonia gas detection.

The present study highlights the integration of lignin with graphene oxide (GO) and its reduced form (rGO) as a significant advancement within the bio-based products industry. Lignin-phenol-formaldehyde (LPF) resin is used as a carbon source in polyurethane foams, with the addition of 1 %, 2 %, and 4 % of GO and rGO to produce carbon structures thus producing carbon foams (CFs). Two conversion routes are assessed: (i) direct addition with rGO solution, and (ii) GO reduction by heat treatment. Carbon foams are characterized by thermal, structural, and morphological analysis, alongside an assessment of their electrochemical behavior. The thermal decomposition of samples with GO is like those having rGO, indicating the effective removal of oxygen groups in GO by carbonization. The addition of GO and rGO significantly improved the electrochemical properties of CF, with the GO2% sensors displaying 39 % and 62 % larger electroactive area than control and rGO2% sensors, respectively. Furthermore, there is a significant electron transfer improvement in GO sensors, demonstrating a promising potential for ammonia detection. Detailed structural and performance analysis highlights the significant enhancement in electrochemical properties, paving the way for the development of advanced sensors for gas detection, particularly ammonia, with the prospective market demands for durable, simple, cost-effective, and efficient devices.

Facile fabrication of nanocellulose-supported membrane composited with modified carbon nitride and HKUST-1 for efficient photocatalytic degradation of formaldehyde.

As a cellulose-derived material, nanocellulose possesses unique properties that make it an ideal substrate for various functional composite materials. In this study, we developed a novel composite membrane material capable of adsorbing and photo-catalyzing formaldehyde by immobilizing HKUST-1 (copper open framework composed of 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid) onto NFC (Nano-fibrillated cellulose) membranes and subsequently loading modified carbon nitride. The synthesized CNx@HN composite membrane (consisting of NFC membrane with anchored HKUST-1 and modified g-C3Nx nanosheets) was thoroughly characterized, and its photocatalytic degradation performance towards low concentrations of formaldehyde (3.0 mg/m3) was investigated. The results demonstrated that HKUST-1's porous nature exhibited a concentrated adsorption capacity for formaldehyde, while the modified CNx (Modified g-C3Nx nanosheets) displayed robust photocatalytic degradation of formaldehyde. The synergistic effect of HKUST-1 and modified CNx on the NFC membrane significantly enhanced the efficiency of formaldehyde degradation. Under xenon lamp irradiation, CNx@HN-5 achieved a total removal efficiency of 86.9 % for formaldehyde, with a photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 48.45 %, showcasing its exceptional ability in both adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of formaldehyde. Furthermore, after 10 cycles of recycling, the composite membrane exhibited excellent stability for the photocatalytic degradation process. Therefore, this study presents a green and facile strategy to fabricate nanocellulose-supported composite membranes with great potential for practical applications in formaldehyde degradation.

Construction of a turn-on fluorescent probe for detecting formaldehyde in biological systems and real food samples.

The monitoring of formaldehyde (FA) in biosystems and real foods is critical for ensuring human health and food safety. However, the development of effective and highly selective assays for sensing FA in organisms and real food samples remains challenging. Herein, a hydrophilic group-modified the probe (Nap-FA) was reported, which utilizes the specific chemical reaction between FA and hydrazino to trigger a "turn-on" fluorescence response. The probe Nap-FA displayed superior selectivity, high sensitivity, good photostability and a low detection limit in the reaction with FA. Notably, Nap-FA has been successfully used for imaging FA in cells, zebrafish, and plant root tissues. In addition, the rationally constructed probe Nap-FA could rapidly and visually detect FA in real food samples. This work provides a prospective approach for monitoring FA in complex biological systems and food fields.

A sensitive paper-based vapor-test kit for instant formalin detection in food products.

A colorimetric sensing method based on a paper-based vapor-test kit was successfully developed for the selective and sensitive real-time monitoring of formalin in food samples. The device was specifically designed to efficiently extract and detect formalin simultaneously. A microcentrifuge tube was used as the sample solution container, with the inner cap serving as the reaction and detection zone. Formalin was converted into gaseous formaldehyde through controlled heating, which was then extracted and collected on a filter paper coated with Nash's reagent. The color change on paper was used for formalin quantification using a smartphone for detection and image analysis. Under optimal conditions, our method provided a linear range of 0.5-75 mg L-1 with a detection limit of 0.11 mg L-1. This method effectively determined formalin in fresh food and vegetable samples, with recoveries ranging from 92 to 111%, demonstrating comparable accuracy to the standard method for practical food quality control and safety.