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Aflatoxins (AFs) including AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 are widely found in agriculture products, and AFB1 is considered one of the most toxic and harmful mycotoxins. Herein, a highly sensitive (at the pg mL−1 level) and group-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of AFB1 in agricultural and aquiculture products was developed. The AFB1 derivative containing a carboxylic group was synthesized and covalently linked to bovine serum albumin (BSA). The AFB1-BSA conjugate was used as an immunogen to immunize mice. A high-quality monoclonal antibody (mAb) against AFB1 was produced by hybridoma technology, and the mAb-based ELISA for AFB1 was established. IC50 and limit of detection (LOD) of the ELISA for AFB1 were 90 pg mL−1 and 18 pg mL−1, respectively. The cross-reactivities (CRs) of the assay with AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 were 23.6%, 42.5%, and 1.9%, respectively, revealing some degree of group specificity. Corn flour, wheat flour, and crab roe samples spiked with different contents of AFB1 were subjected to ELISA procedures. The recoveries and relative standard deviation (RSD) of the ELISA for AFB1 in spiked samples were 78.3–116.6% and 1.49–13.21% (n = 3), respectively. Wheat flour samples spiked with the mixed AF (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) standard solution were measured by ELISA and LC-MS/MS simultaneously. It was demonstrated that the proposed ELISA can be used as a screening method for evaluation of AFs (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2) in wheat flour samples.

In this study, an extremely highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on a newly produced monoclonal antibody (mAb) for the detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) in food samples was developed. OTA-Bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugate was prepared and used as the immunogen for the production of the mAb. Among four hybridoma clones (8B10, 5C2, 9B7, and 5E11), the antibody from 8B10 displayed the highest affinity recognition for OTA. Based on the mAb (8B10), the IC50 and LOD of the ELISA for OTA were 34.8 pg mL−1 and 1.5 pg mL−1, respectively, which was 1.53~147 times lower than those in published ELISAs, indicating the ultra-sensitivity of our assay. There was no cross-reactivity of the mAb with the other four mycotoxins (AFB1, ZEN, DON, and T-2). Due to the high similarity in molecular structures among OTA, ochratoxin B (OTB), and ochratoxin C (OTC), the CR values of the mAb with OTB and OTC were 96.67% and 22.02%, respectively. Taking this advantage, the ELISA may be able to evaluate total ochratoxin levels in food samples. The recoveries of the ELISA for OTA in spiked samples (corn, wheat, and feed) were 96.5–110.8%, 89.5–94.4%, and 91.8–113.3%; and the RSDs were 5.2–13.6%, 8.2–13.0%, and 7.7–13.7% (n = 3), respectively. The spiked food samples (corn) were measured by ELISA and HPLC-FLD simultaneously. A good correlation between ELISA (x) and HPLC-FLD (y) with the linear regression equation of y = 0.918x − 0.034 (R2 = 0.985, n = 5) was obtained. These results demonstrated that the newly produced mAb-based ELISA was a feasible and ultra-sensitive analytical method for the detection of OTA in food samples.

PurposeTo evaluate the microvasculature alterations in convalescent Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), and to explore the association between microvasculature and the presence of sunset glow fundus (SGF).MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 28 VKH patients at convalescent stage and 25 healthy individuals. Both eyes of each participant were enrolled. The VKH patients were classified into two subgroups based on the existence of SGF. OCTA images (3 × 3 mm) were assessed for the data of superficial capillaris plexus (SCP), deep capillaris plexus (DCP), choriocapillaris, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ).ResultsCompared with healthy control eyes and eyes without SGF, the vessel densities of the SCP and DCP decreased significantly in most regions of eyes with SGF (p < 0.0167). No significant difference of vascular perfusion was found between eyes without SGF and control eyes (p > 0.05). VKH patients with SGF had slightly increased FAZ area (p = 0.067) and decreased choroid flow area (p = 0.427) than those in the control group.ConclusionConvalescent VKH patients with SGF showed decreased macular capillary perfusion. OCTA could serve as a sensitive tool to assess the microvasculature alterations of VKH disease.

In this study, an extremely highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on a newly produced monoclonal antibody (mAb) for the detection of ochratoxin A (OTA) in food samples was developed. OTA-Bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugate was prepared and used as the immunogen for the production of the mAb. Among four hybridoma clones (8B10, 5C2, 9B7, and 5E11), the antibody from 8B10 displayed the highest affinity recognition for OTA. Based on the mAb (8B10), the IC[sub.50] and LOD of the ELISA for OTA were 34.8 pg mL[sup.−1] and 1.5 pg mL[sup.−1], respectively, which was 1.53~147 times lower than those in published ELISAs, indicating the ultra-sensitivity of our assay. There was no cross-reactivity of the mAb with the other four mycotoxins (AFB[sub.1], ZEN, DON, and T-2). Due to the high similarity in molecular structures among OTA, ochratoxin B (OTB), and ochratoxin C (OTC), the CR values of the mAb with OTB and OTC were 96.67% and 22.02%, respectively. Taking this advantage, the ELISA may be able to evaluate total ochratoxin levels in food samples. The recoveries of the ELISA for OTA in spiked samples (corn, wheat, and feed) were 96.5–110.8%, 89.5–94.4%, and 91.8–113.3%; and the RSDs were 5.2–13.6%, 8.2–13.0%, and 7.7–13.7% (n = 3), respectively. The spiked food samples (corn) were measured by ELISA and HPLC-FLD simultaneously. A good correlation between ELISA (x) and HPLC-FLD (y) with the linear regression equation of y = 0.918x − 0.034 (R[sup.2] = 0.985, n = 5) was obtained. These results demonstrated that the newly produced mAb-based ELISA was a feasible and ultra-sensitive analytical method for the detection of OTA in food samples.

Aflatoxins (AFs) including AFB[sub.1], AFB[sub.2], AFG[sub.1] and AFG[sub.2] are widely found in agriculture products, and AFB[sub.1] is considered one of the most toxic and harmful mycotoxins. Herein, a highly sensitive (at the pg mL[sup.−1] level) and group-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of AFB[sub.1] in agricultural and aquiculture products was developed. The AFB[sub.1] derivative containing a carboxylic group was synthesized and covalently linked to bovine serum albumin (BSA). The AFB[sub.1]-BSA conjugate was used as an immunogen to immunize mice. A high-quality monoclonal antibody (mAb) against AFB[sub.1] was produced by hybridoma technology, and the mAb-based ELISA for AFB[sub.1] was established. IC[sub.50] and limit of detection (LOD) of the ELISA for AFB[sub.1] were 90 pg mL[sup.−1] and 18 pg mL[sup.−1], respectively. The cross-reactivities (CRs) of the assay with AFB[sub.2], AFG[sub.1], and AFG[sub.2] were 23.6%, 42.5%, and 1.9%, respectively, revealing some degree of group specificity. Corn flour, wheat flour, and crab roe samples spiked with different contents of AFB[sub.1] were subjected to ELISA procedures. The recoveries and relative standard deviation (RSD) of the ELISA for AFB[sub.1] in spiked samples were 78.3–116.6% and 1.49–13.21% (n = 3), respectively. Wheat flour samples spiked with the mixed AF (AFB[sub.1], AFB[sub.2], AFG[sub.1], AFG[sub.2]) standard solution were measured by ELISA and LC-MS/MS simultaneously. It was demonstrated that the proposed ELISA can be used as a screening method for evaluation of AFs (AFB[sub.1], AFB[sub.2], AFG[sub.1], AFG[sub.2]) in wheat flour samples.

Aflatoxins (AFs) including AFB , AFB , AFG and AFG are widely found in agriculture products, and AFB is considered one of the most toxic and harmful mycotoxins. Herein, a highly sensitive (at the pg mL level) and group-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of AFB in agricultural and aquiculture products was developed. The AFB derivative containing a carboxylic group was synthesized and covalently linked to bovine serum albumin (BSA). The AFB -BSA conjugate was used as an immunogen to immunize mice. A high-quality monoclonal antibody (mAb) against AFB was produced by hybridoma technology, and the mAb-based ELISA for AFB was established. IC and limit of detection (LOD) of the ELISA for AFB were 90 pg mL and 18 pg mL , respectively. The cross-reactivities (CRs) of the assay with AFB , AFG , and AFG were 23.6%, 42.5%, and 1.9%, respectively, revealing some degree of group specificity. Corn flour, wheat flour, and crab roe samples spiked with different contents of AFB were subjected to ELISA procedures. The recoveries and relative standard deviation (RSD) of the ELISA for AFB in spiked samples were 78.3-116.6% and 1.49-13.21% ( = 3), respectively. Wheat flour samples spiked with the mixed AF (AFB , AFB , AFG , AFG ) standard solution were measured by ELISA and LC-MS/MS simultaneously. It was demonstrated that the proposed ELISA can be used as a screening method for evaluation of AFs (AFB , AFB , AFG , AFG ) in wheat flour samples.

To investigate effects of intravitreal anti-VEGF in combination therapy with sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide (STA) injection for uveitic macular edema (UME). A single-center, retrospective cohort study. The medical records were obtained for 65 eyes of 65 patients with UME. Of which, 32 eyes received combined anti-VEGF with STA injection, and 33 eyes received 40 mg of STA injection alone. The primary outcome was the reduction of central macular thickness (CMT) measured with optical coherence tomography (OCT). Resolution rate of clinical UME and changes of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) over 24 weeks were secondary outcomes. There was a significantly greater reduction of CMT with the combination treatment than with STA alone at 1-week (β = -157.9, < 0.001) and 1-month (β = -53.1, = 0.019) after injection. The cumulative incidence of macular edema resolution of all eyes was 87.7%, with 90.6% (29/32) in the combined group and 84.8% (28/33) in the STA group, respectively. More incidence of UME resolution was observed in the combined group than the STA group after 1 week (71.9% vs 15.2%, < 0.001) and 4 weeks (84.4% vs 54.5%, = 0.009), respectively. BCVA was better for the combination treatment than STA alone at 1-week (β = -0.085, = 0.070) and 1-month (β = -0.108, = 0.019) after injection, respectively. Increased intraocular pressure (>25 mmHg) was observed in 4 eyes (12.5%) in the combined group and 5 eyes (15.2%) in the STA group, respectively. Combined intravitreal anti-VEGF and STA is superior to STA alone for reduction of UME and visual restoration. Addition of anti-VEGF did not increase risk for steroid-induced elevation of intraocular pressure over 6 months.

Remaining useful life prediction is essential for cutting tool utilization evaluation and replacement decision-making. However, it is very difficult to build a mechanism model for the time-varying and non-linear cutting tool wear and life decreasing process. Based on big samples, artificial intelligence–based models have weak interpretability and un-quantized uncertainty. In fact, the cutting tool degradation is a stochastic process, and cutting tool remaining useful life is a random variable. Then, a non-linear Wiener-based cutting tool wear and remaining useful life prediction model is proposed for a specific cutting tool. The probability density function of remaining useful life is derived to quantize uncertainty. On the basis of Bayesian model, unknown parameters are estimated and updated by using history data and real-time data, respectively. Measurement variability is also considered to improve the accuracy and reliability. Experimental study verifies the approach’s effectiveness and accuracy. Detailed comparisons validate the approach’s advantages over existing models. By quantizing the uncertainty of cutting tool remaining useful life prediction with confidence intervals, the model is meaningful for cutting tool selection and replacement decision-making.

Tourists’ pro-environmental behavior is one of the key factors for the sustainable development of natural scenic spots. Although this behavior depends on the surroundings and context, the existing literature lacks the perspective of specific scenarios, especially that of embodied emotions. This research integrated the theory of planned behavior and embodied theory to construct an integrative model of pro-environmental behavior that combined tourists’ “rational planning” and “embodied emotion” and conducted an empirical study. The results show that in natural scenic spots, “rational planning” and “embodied emotion” affect tourists’ pro-environmental behavior simultaneously on dual paths, and factors such as behavioral attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norm, engagement with nature, and connectedness to nature have different effects on high- and low-effort pro-environmental behavioral intentions. The findings of the study provide a new explanatory perspective for individual pro-environmental behaviors and a basis for effectively predicting and guiding tourists’ pro-environmental behaviors in natural scenic spots.

Due to better penetrating abilities of near-infrared (NIR) light and lower autofluorescence of biological tissue at NIR region, the combination of NIR fluorescent imaging with therapeutic abilities has gradually emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Herein, tumor microenvironment (TME) sensitive nanocarriers based on doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), NIR emitting carbon dots (C-dots), hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSN) and anionic polymer citraconic anhydride-modified polylysine (PLL(cit)) are fabricated for imaging guided drug delivery. The NIR emitting C-dots were conjugated onto the surface of HMSN via disulfide bonds which can be reduced by intracellular glutathione (GSH) and result in the release of DOX into cells. And then the PLL(cit) was grafted on the surface of the nanocarriers to endow the nanocarriers with charge convertible property in mildly acidic TME (pH = 6.50) which results in prolonged blood circulation time and enhanced cellular internalization. The in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that the dual pH/GSH responsive features of nanocarriers can eliminate the tumor tissues effectively and elicit much slighter side effects. Moreover, since the fluorescence of C-dots can be recovered after the reduction of disulfide bonds and selectively accumulation of nanocarriers around tumor tissue, the DOX@HMSN-SS-C-dots-PLL(cit) can be served as a promising NIR fluorescence probe for targeted imaging of tumor tissue. As a kind of multifunctional nanocarrier with NIR fluorescent imaging and therapeutic functions, the theranostic nanocarriers hold great potential for tumor therapy and in vivo imaging of tumor tissue.