Biomarkers Of Chronic Disease Research Articles

Insights into the adsorption mechanisms of VOCs molecules on non-oxidized and oxidized SnO2 (110) monolayer: DFT analysis.

Designing efficient sensitive materials for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as ethanol, acetone, and benzene is stringent owing to the significant environmental and health risks induced by these compounds, in addition to their role as biomarkers for chronic diseases and food quality. This study investigates the adsorption mechanisms of VOC molecules (ethanol, acetone, and benzene) on both non-oxidized and oxidized SnO2 (110) monolayers and identifies the most suitable surface for gas sensing applications. For this, we examined structural properties, adsorption energies, density of states, gas responses, and recovery times. Additionally, we identified the most stable adsorption sites for each gas. Our results indicate that the oxidized SnO2 surface exhibits superior adsorption properties, response sensitivity, and recovery times, making it more effective for detecting VOC molecules, with particularly high sensitivity to ethanol. These findings are consistent with reported experimental results. The calculations were performed using density functional theory (DFT), implemented in the Quantum ESPRESSO code. The Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (PBE) exchange-correlation functional was employed, along with a plane-wave basis set and a cutoff energy of 65 Ry. A comprehensive analysis of various VOC gas interactions with SnO2 surfaces was identified by examining the most stable adsorption sites for each gas.

Circulating lipocalin-2 across the adult lifespan.

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), a hormone produced by adipocytes, osteoblasts, and renal tubular cells, is implicated in age-related diseases, including cardio-metabolic disease. To understand the role LCN2 may play in pathological states, we first need to elucidate the relationship between circulating LCN2 with indices of cardio-metabolic health during "normal" aging. This study examined the relationship between serum levels of LCN2, age, and cardio-metabolic measures across the adult lifespan in males and females. We conducted a pooled cohort analysis including 124 community-dwelling males (n = 52) and females (n = 72) (age 20-87yr, median BMI 25.92 [23.04, 29.81] kg/m2). Serum LCN2 was analyzed using a two-step chemiluminescent microparticle monoclonal immunoassay. The relationship between LCN2 and age was evaluated by linear regression and cubic spline. Simple linear regressions were performed to investigate the relationship between LCN2 and the following variables: BMI, VO2peak, serum glucose, and body composition (DXA). For every 1yr increase in age, LCN2 levels were 0.26mg/L higher (P= .007, 95% CI [0.07, 0.45]). Each 1 unit increase in BMI (kg/m2) was associated with 0.88mg/L higher LCN2 levels (P= .027, [0.10, 1.66]) and each 1 unit increase in VO2peak (mL/kg/min) was associated with 0.38mg/L lower LCN2 (p= .003, [-0.63, -0.13]).There was no significant relationship between LCN2 and sex, glucose levels or body composition (all p> .05). LCN2 increased linearly across the adult lifespan while it decreased as fitness level increased. Future research should build on these findings to determine whether LCN2 can be used as a biomarker for chronic disease and if exercise can mitigate age-related disease associated with LCN2 changes.

ISCAZIM: Integrated statistical correlation analysis for zero-inflated microbiome data.

Microbiome-metabolome association analysis is critical to reveal the key pairs of gut microbiota and metabolites for discovery of the microbial biomarkers in chronic diseases. However, the characteristics of microbiome data, such as zero inflation, over dispersion, may impair the confidence of association analysis between microbiome and metabolome data. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of existing statistical methods and to develop a computational framework tailored to the unique characteristics of microbiome data. We designed a computational framework called Integrated Statistical Correlation Analysis for Zero-Inflated Microbiome data (ISCAZIM) that takes account of complicated microbiome data characteristics, including zero inflation rates (ZIRs), dispersion and correlation patterns. ISCAZIM first benchmarked prevalent statistical correlation methods, Pearson, Spearman, zero inflated negative binomial (ZINB) model, mutual information and Maximal Information Coefficient. ISCAZIM then classifies the correlation pattern to linear or non-linear and applies the correlation method according to the ZIRs status. Applying to multiple real-world microbiome-metabolomics data, ISCAZIM is overall more accurate than using a single method with more truly significant association pairs included. Therefore, ISCAZIM will significantly facilitate the association analysis using zero-inflated microbiome data for multi-omics integration.

Nonenzymatic Oxidized Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Products in Human Plasma and Urine Samples by LC-QTOF-MS/MS.

Oxidative stress induces autooxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, producing numerous isoprostanoids and isofuranoids. These oxidized products are measurable in human plasma and urine and serve as oxidative stress biomarkers for chronic diseases. This chapter details the preparation and measurement of α-linolenic acid-derived phytoprostanes and phytofurans in human samples using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS/MS).

A microfluidic chip with integrated plasma separation for sample-to-answer detection of multiple chronic disease biomarkers in whole blood

Point-of-care testing of multiple chronic disease biomarkers is crucial for timely intervention and management of chronic diseases. Here, a “sample-to-answer” microfluidic chip was developed for simultaneous detection of multiple chronic disease biomarkers in whole blood by integrating a plasma separation module. The whole detection process is very convenient, i.e., just add whole blood and get the results. The chip successfully achieved the simultaneous detection of total cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, and glucose in undiluted whole blood within 21 min, including 6 min for plasma separation and 15 min for enzymatic chromogenic reactions. Moreover, the sensitivity levels of on-chip detection of chronic disease biomarkers can also meet clinically relevant thresholds. The chip is easy to use and has significant potential to improve home self-management of chronic diseases and enhance healthcare outcomes.

Multiple urinary peptides are associated with hypertension: a link to molecular pathophysiology.

Hypertension is a common condition worldwide; however, its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study aimed to identify urinary peptides associated with hypertension to further explore the relevant molecular pathophysiology. Peptidome data from 2876 individuals without end-organ damage were retrieved from the Human Urinary Proteome Database, belonging to general population (discovery) or type 2 diabetic (validation) cohorts. Participants were divided based on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) into hypertensive (SBP ≥140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg) and normotensive (SBP <120 mmHg and DBP <80 mmHg, without antihypertensive treatment) groups. Differences in peptide abundance between the two groups were confirmed using an external cohort ( n = 420) of participants without end-organ damage, matched for age, BMI, eGFR, sex, and the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, the association of the peptides with BP as a continuous variable was investigated. The findings were compared with peptide biomarkers of chronic diseases and bioinformatic analyses were conducted to highlight the underlying molecular mechanisms. Between hypertensive and normotensive individuals, 96 (mostly COL1A1 and COL3A1) peptides were found to be significantly different in both the discovery (adjusted) and validation (nominal significance) cohorts, with consistent regulation. Of these, 83 were consistently regulated in the matched cohort. A weak, yet significant, association between their abundance and standardized BP was also observed. Hypertension is associated with an altered urinary peptide profile with evident differential regulation of collagen-derived peptides. Peptides related to vascular calcification and sodium regulation were also affected. Whether these modifications reflect the pathophysiology of hypertension and/or early subclinical organ damage requires further investigation.

The single point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) is associated with bone health in Arab adults

BackgroundThe Single Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE) index is a surrogate marker for insulin sensitivity. Given the emerging role of bone as an active endocrine organ, its associations with non-invasive measures of extra-skeletal functions such as insulin sensitivity warrant investigation.AimsThis study aimed to explore the relationship between the SPISE index and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in an adult population.MethodsData from a total of 1270 Arab adults (84% females, mean age 56.7 ± 8.1 years) from the Osteoporosis Registry Database of the Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases in King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was used in this study. T-scores and SPISE were calculated. Regression models were used to determine associations between SPISE and bone health indices.ResultsThe low BMD group (N = 853; T-score <-1.0) had significantly higher SPISE values than those with normal BMD (N = 417; T-score − 1.0 and above) (4.6 ± 1.3 vs. 4.3 ± 1.2, p < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression, adjusted for covariates, confirmed a significant inverse association between SPISE and BMD for all participants (β=-0.22, p < 0.001), as well as both groups [normal BMD (β = -0.10, p = 0.02) and low BMD groups (β = -0.15, p < 0.001)]. SPISE, family history of T2DM, and history of fractures collectively account for 17% of the variances perceived in T-score for all participants (p < 0.001).ConclusionsA significant inverse association between the SPISE index and BMD was observed in adults, suggesting a link between BMD and extra-skeletal health. Underlying mechanisms need to be investigated prospectively using BMD as secondary outcomes in lifestyle modification programs.

Specific and Magnetic Covalent Organic Framework Confined Os Nanoclusterzyme for Interference‐Free and Ultrasensitive Biosensing

AbstractThe peroxidase (POD)‐mimic nanozymes can be a potential tool for point‐of‐care (POC) diseases diagnosis. However, the complex sample matrix and unspecific multiple‐enzyme activities of nanozyme can generate false background signal and decrease the diagnostic accuracy. Here, a magnetic and POD‐specific covalent organic framework (COF) confined osmium (Os) nanoclusterzyme Fe3O4@COF@Os is developed for biomarkers biosensing. First, found that the catalytic activity and specificity of Fe3O4@COF@Os can be regulated by the deoxidizers and the functional groups of COF ligands. By using ascorbic acid as deoxidizer and F functional COF ligands, Fe3O4@COF@Os displayed superior POD‐specific activity and negligible oxidase (OXD) and catalase (CAT) mimic activity. Therefore, Fe3O4@COF@Os can separate and analyze of targets in bio‐matrix without background interference. For application, Fe3O4@COF@Os based lateral flow assay is established for serum cancer biomarker prostate‐specific antigen, the detection limit is 3.83 pg mL−1. For clinical prostatic cancer samples, the accuracy is 100% with a correlation coefficient of 0.998 with commercial ELISA kit. For chronic disease biomarker sensing, salivary glucose can be quantified as low as 0.1 µm, with negligible background interference and favorable recyclability. This specific magnetic nanozymes can offer a promising pretreatment‐free and POC strategy for rapid and accurate diseases diagnosis.

Metabolomic and genomic insights into TMA degradation by a novel halotolerant strain - Paracoccus sp. PS1.

Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is a gut metabolite that acts as a biomarker for chronic diseases, and is generated by the oxidation of trimethylamine (TMA) produced by gut microflora. Since, microbial degradation of TMA is predicted to be used to restrict the production of TMAO, we aimed to isolate bacterial strains that could effectively degrade TMA before being oxidized to TMAO. As marine fish is considered to have a rich content of TMAO, we have isolated TMA degrading isolates from fish skin. Out of the fourteen isolates, depending on their rapid TMA utilization capability in mineral salt medium supplemented with TMA as a sole carbon and nitrogen source, isolate PS1 was selected as our desired isolate. Its TMA degrading capacity was further confirmed through spectrophotometric, Electrospray Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (ESI TOF-MS) and High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis and in silico analysis of whole genome (WG) gave further insights of protein into its TMA degradation pathways. PS1 was taxonomically identified as Paracoccus sp. based on its 16S rRNA and whole genome sequence analysis. As PS1 possesses the enzymes required for degradation of TMA, clinical use of this isolate has the potential to reduce TMAO generation in the human gut.

Overview in Abnormal Read Cell Lipidomic Profiling for Human Chronic Disorder Diagnosis

Red blood cell lipidomics has merged as new way to explore chronic disease biomarkers. The aim of this review to explore ethics sample collection and treatment for lipidomics purpose. Samples used to perform lipidomics is also addressed herein. As a result, remarkable efforts are made is the field.

Dietary Energy Density Is Associated with Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases—A Cross-Sectional Study of School-Aged Children in Rural Mexico

BackgroundDietary energy density (DED) is associated with chronic disease markers in adults. However, results in children are still controversial. ObjectiveTo evaluate the DED of children and its association with obesity and biomarkers of chronic disease. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, we recruited 284 children (6–10 y) from rural Mexico. Dietary intake was assessed using three 24-h recalls. DED was calculated for “foods only” (DEDfo) and for “foods and beverages” (DEDfb). Weight, height, and body fat percent (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) were measured. Inflammatory cytokines, lipid profile, leptin, and insulin resistance were determined from a fasting blood sample. ResultsDEDfo was 1.91 ± 0.36 kcal/g and DEDfb was 1.36 ± 0.31 kcal/g. Higher DEDfo and DEDfb were associated with higher risk to have insulin resistance [odds ratio (OR) = 3.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.66, 9.22, P < 0.01; OR = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.25, 9.87, P = 0.02, respectively]. Higher DEDfo was associated with higher risk of higher leptin levels (OR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.01, 10.23). Also, DEDfo and DEDfb were associated with higher concentrations of cholesterol (β = 11.67, 95% CI: 1.81, 19.53, P = 0.03; and β = 11.74, 95% CI: 2.69, 20.74 P = 0.01, respectively) and higher odds of having high insulin concentrations (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.26, 5.06, P = 0.01; and OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.30, 6.70, P = 0.01). DEDfo and DEDfb were not associated with any measure of obesity and inflammatory cytokines in the adjusted models. ConclusionsDED was associated with higher leptin and cholesterol concentrations, and having insulin resistance, but not with any measure of obesity or inflammation. Reducing DED may reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and improve insulin sensitivity in school-aged children.

Nuts and seeds - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023.

Nuts and seeds have been part of diets in most of the world for millenniums, and they have also been consumed in the Nordic and Baltic countries for centuries. Consumption of nuts and seeds is linked with various health outcomes. Therefore, when updating the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations (NNR), summarizing the best evidence on key health outcomes from the consumption of nuts and seeds is essential. This study aims to evaluate the updated evidence on the consumption of nuts and seeds and health outcomes regarded relevant for the Nordic and Baltic countries, as well as their dose-response relationship presented in updated systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The scoping review is built on a de novo systematic review and an umbrella review published in 2022 on the consumption of nuts and seeds and its various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Intake of nuts and seeds is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, with evidence assessed as probable. This conclusion is mirrored by evidence from trials on biomarkers for chronic diseases. An intake of a serving of nuts of 28-30 g/day compared to not eating nuts is estimated to translate into approximately 20% relative reduction in the risks of cardiovascular disease and premature deaths. For cancers, consumption of a serving of nuts is inversely associated with cancer mortality. However, for type 2 diabetes, there are mixed and inconclusive results. Additionally, there are inverse associations between nut consumption and respiratory and infectious disease mortality. Allergies for nuts are seen among 1-2% of the population. Overall, the current evidence supports dietary recommendations to increase nut consumption to a serving of nuts and seeds per day for people without allergies to these foods.

Combined effects of vitamin D deficiency and systemic inflammation on all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality in older adults

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency and systemic inflammation share common pathological mechanisms in muscle loss, cardio-pulmonary function decline, and abnormal metabolism, which are linked to chronic conditions, senescence, and early mortality. However, their combined effect on mortality in older adults has not been well established. This study longitudinal aimed to explore the independent and combined associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with mortality risk in Chinese community-based older people.Methods3072 older adults (86.07 ± 11.87 years, 54.52% female) from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (2012–2018) were enrolled. Baseline 25(OH)D and hs-CRP levels were collected, and survival information was recorded in the 2014 and 2018 follow-up waves. Cox proportional hazard regressions were conducted to explore the associations between 25(OH)D, hs-CRP, and mortality. Demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and chronic disease biomarkers were adjusted.ResultsDuring 10,622.3 person-years of follow-up (median: 3.51 years), 1321 older adults died, including 448 deaths due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Increased mortality risk was associated with lower 25(OH)D and higher hs-CRP quantiles, even after adjusting for each other and multiple covariates (all P-trend < 0.05). In combined analyses, the highest all-cause mortality (HR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.73 ~ 2.56), CVD mortality (HR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.64 ~ 3.21), and non-CVD mortality (HR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.79 ~ 2.49) were obtained in participants with both 25(OH)D deficiency (< 50 nmol/L) and high hs-CRP (≥ 3.0 mg/L), respectively. We observed significant additive interactions of 25(OH)D and hs-CRP on all-cause mortality and non-CVD mortality (RERIS>0).ConclusionsLow 25(OH)D and high hs-CRP, both independently and jointly, increase mortality risk in Chinese community-dwelling older adults. Thus, priority should be given to early detection and appropriate intervention in older individuals with combined vitamin D deficiency and systemic inflammation. Molecular mechanisms of related adverse health effect are worthy of further investigation.

Markers of chronic disease risk in term low birthweight Indian children aged 8-14 years.

Low birth weight (LBW) is a public health problem in India with consequences in the short and long term. It increases the risk of obesity and its related comorbidities including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in later life. This study aimed to assess the risk markers of chronic disease in term born low birthweight Indian children aged 8-14 years. This was a cross-sectional follow-up of LBW children from DIViDS (Delhi Infant Vitamin D Supplementation) cohort and involved assessment of their anthropometric measurements, body composition, levels of adipokines and biomarkers of chronic diseases. Neighbourhood children born normal birth weight (NBW) (>2.5 kg) were enrolled for comparison. The study included 667 LBW and 87 NBW children. Height-for-age, body mass index for-age (BMIZ), fat-free mass index, and waist circumference of LBW children were lower than those of NBW children. LBW children could jump farther. LBW children who were now overweight had higher leptin, triglyceride and VLDL and lower HDL, compared to NBW children in the same BMIZ category. Currently underweight LBW children had higher adiponectin and lower leptin levels than the reference group. There were no differences between LBW and NBW children in visfatin, fasting glucose and insulin, hemoglobin A1c, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein or C-reactive protein. At 8-14 years few children were overweight and there were few differences in some risk markers of chronic disease between LBW and NBW children. Overweight, which was associated with some increased risk markers, may increase with age, thus timely counselling and monitoring of these LBW children will be important to mitigate these risks.

Developing a Menopausal Transition Health Promotion Intervention With Indigenous, Integrative, and Biomedical Health Education: A Community-Based Approach With Urban American Indian/Alaska Native Women.

Few studies have examined the menopausal transition in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women; these reports indicate they are the most likely group to report bothersome vasomotor symptoms (VMS). Evidence demonstrates VMS may be a biomarker for chronic diseases. Thus, evidence-based interventions to improve VMS and other symptoms and health-screening rates for urban midlife AI/AN women are needed. The objectives of this community-based project were to form a Community Advisory Board (CAB) with whom to: 1) conduct CAB meetings (similar to a focus group) with midlife AI/AN women to understand their lived health care experiences and needs during the menopausal transition; and 2) obtain guidance in creating a tailored intervention. Eligible participants indicated they were registered members of American Indian Tribes, self-identified as a woman, aged 35 or older, and were recruited through the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake and community outreach. Three CAB meetings were conducted via Zoom. A qualitative-descriptive approach was used for analysis, with the aim of staying close to the data to understand AI/AN women's experiences and needs. Transcripts were iteratively coded using content/thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: 1) lack of and desire for information about the menopause transition; 2) barriers to accessing care; 3) matriarchal priorities impacting personal health outcomes; and 4) preferences for Indigenous and integrative medicine as first-line interventions, followed by conventional medicine. Among this sample of urban AI/AN women, there was a great need for and interest in information about menopause, both for themselves and for their daughters and family. Integrative and Indigenous approaches were preferred. Proposed next steps include developing and pilot-testing a nurse-delivered health-education intervention with Indigenous, integrative, and conventional medical content.

Associations of bone mineral density with sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone in middle-aged Saudi men: a cross-sectional study.

The present cross-sectional study examined the association between circulating levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and testosterone with bone mineral density (BMD) in middle-aged Arab men. Clinical data of 103 middle-aged Saudi men (mean age 60.7±7.2) were extracted from the Osteoporosis Registry of the Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases, King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Participants were categorized according to the presence of osteopenia (T-score -1.0 to -2.5) (N=47) and controls (N=56). Data collected included demographics and anthropometrics as well as levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which were measured using commercially available assays. Free androgen index (FAI) was calculated. Those with osteopenia had significantly lower levels of FAI (p<0.05), and higher levels of SHBG (p<0.004) and FSH (p<0.005). In the osteopenia group, SHBG was positively correlated with age (r=0.33, p<0.05), while it was inversely correlated with BMD spine (r = -0.39, p<0.05) and T-score femur (r= -0.35, p<0.05) in the same group. Furthermore, testosterone was inversely correlated with BMI in the osteopenia group (r= -0.33, p<0.05) while FAI was positively correlated with T-score femur (r = 0.36, p<0.05) as well as in all participants (r= 0.24, p<0.05). Among controls, FAI had an inverse correlation with FSH (r= -0.28, p<0.05) and over-all (r= -0.22, p<0.05). In summary, the associations elicited suggest that circulating levels of SHBG and FAI may be against age-related bone loss in middle-aged men.

Point-of-care testing of four chronic disease biomarkers in blood based on a low cost and low system complexity microfluidic chip with integrated oxygen-sensitive membrane

Point-of-care testing (POCT) of multiple chronic disease biomarkers is crucial for effective prevention and management of chronic diseases. Here, we developed a sensing platform based on microfluidics chip and oxygen-sensitive membrane (OSM), which utilized enzymatic oxygen consumption and OSM based signal conversion for portable detection of glucose, total cholesterol, uric acid, and triglyceride in blood. Their detection limits were 0.04 mM, 0.07 mM, 0.01 mM, and 0.05 mM, respectively, meeting clinical requirements. To avoid the reliance on laboratory equipment, a handheld mini centrifuge modified from a toy fan was developed for plasma separation and a smartphone was used for signal acquisition. In addition, signal conversion based OSM simplified reagent composition. Dry storage of reagents on the chip simplified operations and improved the stability of reagents. For chronic disease biomarkers in blood, the results obtained by our chips were consistent with commercial kits. We believe that this sensitive, low-cost, equipment-free sensing platform has a significant potential in self-management of chronic diseases.

A biosensing array for multiplex clinical evaluation of glucose, creatinine, and uric acid

The multiplex and simultaneous determination of blood glucose, creatinine and uric acid is essential for the early screening of chronic diseases or regular disease monitoring. Here, we report for the first time a biosensing array for the multiplex and simultaneous determination of plasma glucose, creatinine and uric acid. The sensing electrodes are fabricated on a PET surface, including three working electrodes, one reference electrode, and one counter electrode. Each specific enzyme is immobilized on its corresponding working electrode. The biosensing array can exhibit high sensitivity and selectivity for the simultaneous determination of blood glucose, creatinine and uric acid in real blood samples, and the measurement results are accurate and consistent with those from the clinical biochemistry analyzer in the hospital. It is expected that this work could provide new avenues for the fundamental study of biosensing device construction, as well as practical applications of the detection of biomarkers in chronic diseases.

Design of Aptamer-Based Optical Nanosensors for the Detection of Interleukin-6

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an inflammatory cytokine that has been recognized as a potential target for various autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory conditions, cancers, and more. Dysregulation of IL-6 is implicated in the genesis and progression of these disease states. For these reasons, detection of IL-6 and related biomolecules in vivo is of clinical interest to researchers of cancer and other inflammatory diseases. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) possess unique near-infrared fluorescent properties. When functionalized with a molecular recognition element, SWCNT can act as optical sensors that respond sensitively and specifically to a target analyte. Both antibodies and DNA aptamers can serve as molecular recognition probes, but aptamers may hold advantages for certain sensing applications due to their smaller size, higher stability, and lower production cost. We functionalized SWCNT with an analyte-specific DNA aptamer, which resulted in a nanosensor which responds selectively to IL-6. In vitro testing revealed significant shifts in the center wavelength and intensity of SWCNT fluorescence in response to IL-6. We then conducted several studies to investigate the mechanism of this sensor response in order to compare against traditional antibody-based sensors prior to ex vivo clinical sample testing. Rapid, minimally invasive detection of IL-6 as a chronic disease biomarker in vivo through DNA aptamer-functionalized SWCNT holds promise for early disease diagnosis, observation of disease progression, and evaluation of response to therapy.

European Medicines Agency Conflicts With the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on Bisphenol A Regulation.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has revised their estimate of the toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) and, as a result, have recommended reducing the tolerable daily intake (TDI) by 20 000-fold. This would essentially ban the use of BPA in food packaging such as can liners, plastic food containers, and in consumer products. To come to this conclusion, EFSA used a systematic approach according to a pre-established protocol and included all guideline and nonguideline studies in their analysis. They found that Th-17 immune cells increased with very low exposure to BPA and used this endpoint to revise the TDI to be human health protective. A number of regulatory agencies including the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have written formal disagreements with several elements of EFSA's proposal. The European Commission will now decide whether to accept EFSA's recommendation over the objections of EMA. If the Commission accepts EFSA's recommendation, it will be a landmark action using knowledge acquired through independent scientific studies focused on biomarkers of chronic disease to protect human health. The goal of this Perspective is to clearly articulate the monumental nature of this debate and decision and to explain what is at stake. Our perspective is that the weight of evidence clearly supports EFSA's proposal to reduce the TDI by 20 000-fold.