OBJECTIVE To investigate a simple, cost-effective and eco-friendly method for colorimetric detection of Hg2+ using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized by Trichosporon montevideense WIN. RESULTS Hg2+ induced more visible blue shift of SPR band of the AuNPs than other heavy metal ions including Pb2+, Cd2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Co2+ and Cu2+. The λmax of SPR band exhibited a gradual blue shift from 548 to 537 nm with concentration of Hg2+ increasing (0-200 µM), and the absorbance ratio (A537/A548) showed a positive linear correlation with Hg2+ concentration (R2 = 0.96). AuNPs synthesized at pH 6 showed more obvious blue shift than at pH 5 and pH 7. Through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, biomolecules coated on the AuNPs were speculated to dominate the formation of a core (Au)-shell (Hg) structure, which resulted in the colorimetric response. CONCLUSION A sensitive and selective approach to detect Hg2+ using AuNPs synthesized by Trichosporon montevideense WIN is reported for the first time, which can provide a new potential candidate for detecting Hg2+ in the future.The oxidation of paper by periodate was investigated and systematically characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, goniometry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. For the first time, in situ FTIR microscopy analysis was performed, yielding chemical images of carbonyl groups on the cellulose fibers. The enhancement of protein immobilization on oxidized paper was quantified by a colorimetric assay with Ponceau dye, demonstrating that 0.5-h oxidation suffices to functionalize the paper-based devices. The oxidized paper was applied as a sensor for protein quantification in urine, a test able to detect levels of proteinuria and even microalbuminuria. The quantification was based on the capture of proteins through covalent bonds formed with the carbonyl groups on the oxidized paper followed by the staining of the region with Ponceau dye. There is a linear dependency between human serum albumin (HSA) concentration and the length of the stained blot from 0.1 to 3 mg mL-1. This method correlated linearly with a reference method showing a higher sensitivity (0.866 cm mL mg-1) than the latter. https://www.selleckchem.com/TGF-beta.html The limit of quantification was 0.1 mg mL-1, three times lower than that of the commercial strip. Graphical abstract Paper oxidation with periodate and extensive characterization, including microspectroscopy. The conversion of cellulose hydroxyl groups to aldehyde enhances covalent immobilization of protein on paper for application as analytical device. The oxidized paper determined protein in urine, suitable for proteinuria diagnosis.Outcomes for patients with metastatic and recurrent osteosarcoma remain poor and a better understanding of the biology of this malignancy is critical to the development of prognostic biomarkers and novel therapies. The purpose of this study was to establish a biobank of osteosarcoma which has the potential of monitoring tumors dynamically with exosomes, to facilitate clinical and basic scientific research. The osteosarcoma biological specimen and clinical data of osteosarcoma were collected in Ruijin Hospital in two stages. In the first stage (2015-2017), the collection of tissue specimens and blood samples were performed at diagnostic biopsy, definitive surgery, recurrence and lung metastasis, according to the Children's Oncology Group protocol. In the second stage (2017-2019), the tissue specimens were collected the same as before, but the blood samples were collected at the beginning of each MAP-I (methotrexate, cisplatin, doxorubicin, ifosfamide) chemotherapy cycle, and every 6 months after the last chemotherapy up to 3 years, according to our modified protocol, to dynamically monitor the status of possible alteration of gene expression profiling in the osteosarcoma. A total of 268 patients with osteosarcoma were enrolled in this study, 161 were men and 107 were women, with the mean age of 24.51 ± 15.58 years. Local recurrence occurred in 29 patients and lung metastasis in 51. The numbers of tissue and blood specimens reached 360 and 1023, respectively. 11 specimens were from recurrent osteosarcoma and 25 were from lung metastasis. The corresponding clinical and demographic data were collected in our electronic database. The osteosarcoma biobank built with our modified protocol mentioned above has the potential of monitoring tumors dynamically with exosomes and could provide specimens to the researches improving the biological understanding and outcome of this disease.Several trace metals and metalloids have been introduced into aquatic ecosystems due to anthropogenic activities. Some of these elements like mercury (in the form of methylmercury) are easily transferred from one trophic level to another and can accumulate to toxic quantities in organisms at the top of aquatic food webs. For this reason, seabirds like the eastern brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis) are susceptible to heavy metal and metalloid toxicity and may warrant periodic monitoring. Mercury, cadmium, copper, arsenic, and selenium were measured in the feathers of adult brown pelicans and chicks in several breeding colonies (Shamrock Island, Chester Island, Marker 52 Island, North Deer Island, Raccoon Island, Felicity Island, Gaillard Island, Audubon Island, and Ten Palms Island) in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Overall, most chicks and adults examined had mercury levels in feathers that were below the concentration range in which birds show symptoms of mercury toxicity. However, chicks in the Audubon Island and Ten Palms Island colonies displayed mercury levels that were 3 times higher than values observed in 5 other colonies. In addition, several adults and chicks displayed selenium concentrations that are above what is considered safe for birds. Cadmium quantities in feathers were below levels that trigger toxicity in birds. Similarly, arsenic measurements were at quantities below the average of what has been reported for birds living in contaminated sites. Finally, we identify pelican breeding colonies that may warrant monitoring due to elevated levels of contaminants.