High-fidelity imaging of drug-induced acute gastritis by using a fluorescent and photoacoustic dual-modal probe with good stability in stomach acid.

In consideration of deep tissue imaging and signal fidelity, fluorescent-photoacoustic (PA) dual-modal probes are much more desirable. However, dual-modal imaging of gastritis using molecular probes remains a challenge due to the harsh gastric acid environment in the stomach. Based on the positive correlation between gastritis and cell viscosity, stomach acid-stable and viscosity-activated probes could potentially diagnose gastritis. As a proof of concept, herein, a fluorescent and photoacoustic dual-modal probe (named WSP-1) is revealed for the imaging of drug-induced acute gastritis in vivo. WSP-1 exhibits viscosity-dependent fluorescence emission and photoacoustic signals. A rotatable C-C single bond is incorporated into the D-π-A structure of WSP-1, which could facilitate the formation of the twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) state in a low-viscosity environment (weak fluorescence/PA signal) and the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state in a high-viscosity environment (strong fluorescence/PA signal). WSP-1 has demonstrated the capability to target mitochondria and can be utilized to monitor the viscosity enhancement of cells during inflammation. Most importantly, WSP-1 exhibits good optical and structural stability in gastric acid. By leveraging these desirable features of WSP-1, we have achieved fluorescent and 3D photoacoustic in situ imaging of drug-induced acute gastritis following oral administration of WSP-1.

Music training is associated with better audio-visual integration in Chinese language.

In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether long-term music training could improve audio-visual speech integration in Chinese, using event-related brain potential (ERP) measurements. Specifically, we recruited musicians and non-musicians to participate in our experiment where visual Chinese characters were presented simultaneously with congruent or incongruent speech sounds. In order to maintain participants' focus on both auditory and visual modalities, they were instructed to perform a probe detection task. Our study revealed that for the musicians, audiovisual incongruent stimuli elicited larger N1 and N400 amplitudes compared to audiovisual congruent stimuli. Conversely, for the non-musicians, only a larger N400 amplitude was observed for incongruent stimuli relative to congruent stimuli, without a significant difference in N1 amplitude. Furthermore, correlation analyses indicated that more years of music training was associated with a larger N1 effect for the musicians. These results suggest that musicians were capable of detecting character-speech sound incongruence at an earlier time window compared to non-musicians. Overall, our findings provide compelling evidence that music training is associated with better integration of visual characters and auditory speech sounds in language processing.

Highly efficient removal and real-time visual detection of fluoride ions using ratiometric CAU-10-NH2@RhB: Probe design, sensing performance, and practical applications.

The extensive use of fluoride in agriculture, industry, medicine, and daily necessities has raised growing concerns about fluoride residue. To date, real-time visual detection and efficient removal of fluoride ions from water remain greatly desirable. Herein, nano-CAU-10-NH2@RhB is introduced as a ratiometric fluorescent probe and efficient scavenger for the intelligent detection and removal of fluoride ions. CAU-10-NH2@RhB is readily obtained through one-pot synthesis and exhibits high sensitivity and selectivity for real-time fluoride ion detection, with a naked-eye distinguishable color change from pink to blue. A portable device for point-of-care testing was developed based on color hue analysis readout using a smartphone. A quantitative response was achieved across a wide concentration range, with a detection limit of 54.2 nM. Adsorption experiments suggest that nano-CAU-10-NH2@RhB serves as an efficient fluoride ion scavenger, with a fluoride adsorption capacity of 49.3 mg/g. Moreover, the mechanistic study revealed that hydrogen bonds formed between fluoride ions and amino groups of CAU-10-NH2@RhB are crucial for the detection and adsorption of fluoride ions. This analysis platform was also used for point-of-care quantitative visual detection of fluoride ions in food, water, and toothpaste.

Effect of trans-theoretical model-based nursing intervention on emotion and fear in post-liver cancer surgery patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of nursing interventions grounded in the trans-theoretical model on emotion and fear among patients undergoing surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: The study included 188 surgical patients from the Second People's Hospital of Lanzhou City who underwent HCC intervention between March 2020 and May 2022. The control group comprised 81 patients receiving standard postoperative care, while the observation group included 107 patients who received nursing interventions based on the trans-theoretical model. We assessed outcomes using the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FOP-Q-SF), Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30), Gastrointestinal Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) before and after the intervention. Logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing post-intervention fear. RESULTS: Both groups showed improvement in FOP-Q-SF, QLQ-C30, GCQ, SAS, and SDS scores after the intervention. However, the observation group demonstrated significantly greater improvements (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between FOP-Q-SF scores and both SAS and SDS scores (all P < 0.05), and a negative correlation with QLQ-C30 and GCQ scores (both P < 0.05). Multifactorial logistic regression revealed that age (P < 0.001, OR: 8.328), gender (P < 0.001, OR: 0.181), literacy level (P < 0.001, OR: 0.354), and nursing care regimen (P < 0.001, OR: 0.078) were significant independent risk factors for persistence of fearpost-intervention. CONCLUSION: The implementation of nursing interventions based on the trans-theoretical model significantly reduces postoperative fear and anxiety, improves pain perception, and enhances overall comfort in patients after liver cancer surgery.

A dual-emission fluorescent probe with independent polarity and viscosity responses: The synthesis, spectroscopy and bio-imaging applications.

Viscosity and polarity are essential parameters that play critical roles in various physiological processes. Thus, dual-emission fluorescent probes that respond to both polarity and viscosity are highly sought-after tools for studying these processes. In addressing this need, a novel fluorescent probe (L), with dual emissions centered at 460 nm and 780 nm, which can sensitively respond to polarity and viscosity respectively, has been developed. Probe (L) is constructed through rational molecular design, utilizing two conjugated synthons connected by a π-bond to form a D-π-A system. The twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) state is dominant in low-viscosity environments, resulting in weak near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence. Conversely, the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) state is expected to prevail in high-viscosity environments, leading to strong NIR fluorescence. The polarity-sensitive fluorescence centered at 460 nm can be attributed to the emission of the coumarin unit. Moreover, probe (L) exhibits low cytotoxicity and primarily targets mitochondria. By leveraging the dual-emission properties of probe (L), real-time imaging of polarity and viscosity fluctuations within cells has been achieved. Additionally, probe (L) can be used for in situ and in vivo imaging of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with good imaging resolution.

Two C-terminal isoforms of Aplysia tachykinin-related peptide receptors exhibit phosphorylation-dependent and phosphorylation-independent desensitization mechanisms.

Diversity, a hallmark of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, partly stems from alternative splicing of a single gene generating more than one isoform for a receptor. Additionally, receptor responses to ligands can be attenuated by desensitization upon prolonged or repeated ligand exposure. Both phenomena have been demonstrated and exemplified by the deuterostome tachykinin signaling system, although the role of phosphorylation in desensitization remains a subject of debate. Here, we describe the signaling system for tachykinin-related peptides (TKRPs) in a protostome, mollusk Aplysia. We cloned the Aplysia TKRP precursor, which encodes three TKRPs (apTKRP-1, apTKRP-2a, and apTKRP-2b) containing the FXGXR-amide motif. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed predominant expression of TKRP mRNA and peptide in the cerebral ganglia. TKRPs and their posttranslational modifications were observed in extracts of central nervous system ganglia using mass spectrometry. We identified two Aplysia TKRP receptors (apTKRPRs), named apTKRPR-A and apTKRPR-B. These receptors are two isoforms generated through alternative splicing of the same gene and differ only in their intracellular C termini. Structure-activity relationship analysis of apTKRP-2b revealed that both C-terminal amidation and conserved residues of the ligand are critical for receptor activation. C-terminal truncates and mutants of apTKRPRs suggested that there is a C-terminal phosphorylation-independent desensitization for both receptors. Moreover, apTKRPR-B also exhibits phosphorylation-dependent desensitization through the phosphorylation of C-terminal Ser/Thr residues. This comprehensive characterization of the Aplysia TKRP signaling system underscores the evolutionary conservation of the TKRP and TK signaling systems, while highlighting the intricacies of receptor regulation through alternative splicing and differential desensitization mechanisms.

Rationally design a novel Zn-MOF for fluorescent detection of nitrofuran antibiotics: The synthesis, structure and sensing applications.

Nitrofuran antibiotics (NFAs) residues in waterare a persistent concern for the public due to the potential threats they pose to human health and the environment. Therefore, efficient probes that are capable of detecting trace amounts of antibiotics in real water environments have become a top priority. Herein, a novel fluorescent Zn-MOF probe (MOF-1) was revealed for the highly selective and sensitive sensing of NFAs. MOF-1 was rationally constructed with Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, 5,5'-(anthracene-9,10-diyl) diisophthalic acid (H4ADIP) and 1,3-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-benzene (mbib) by using the solvothermal method. Fluorescence sensing experiments demonstrate that MOF-1 can function as a fluorescent sensor for selective, sensitive, and rapid detection of NFAs among 15 antibiotics including ciprofloxacin (CPFX), chloramphenicol (CAP), sulfonamides and NFAs. Fluorescence titration experiments indicated that MOF-1 exhibited remarkably low detection limits of 0.19 µM, 0.26 µM, and 0.34 µM for furazolidone (FZD), furaltadone (FDH) and nitrofurazone (NFZ), respectively. Meanwhile, MOF-1 was successfully employed for NFAs detection in real samples with the recoveries of 98.7 % - 104.1 %, and a relative standard deviation below 5.1 %. Moreover, the sensing mechanism could be ascribed to the synergistic effect between the internal filtering effect and photoinduced electron transfer according to the experiment results and DFT calculations. Additionally, test strips were prepared based on MOF-1 for point of care testing of NFAs.

The Effect of Gua Sha Therapy on Pain in Parkinson's Disease: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: Pain is a common yet undertreated symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). This study investigated the effect of Gua Sha therapy on pain in patients with PD. Patients and Methods: A total of 56 PD patients with pain were randomized into either the experimental group (n=28), receiving 12 sessions of Gua Sha therapy, or the control group (n=28) without additional treatment. Participants underwent assessment at baseline, after the twelfth invention, and at the 2-month follow-up timepoints. The primary outcome was KPPS and VAS. Secondary outcomes included UPDRS I-III, PDSS-2, HADS, PDQ-39, and blood biomarkers (5-HT, IL-8, IL-10). Results: The experimental group reported a significant improvement in pain severity, motor functions, affective disorder, and sleep quality (P < 0.05). Furthermore, increasing trends in both 5-HT and IL-10, as well as decreasing trends in IL-8 were observed. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion: The preliminary findings suggest that Gua Sha therapy may be effective and safe for alleviating pain and improving other disease-related symptoms in PD patients.

Music training influences online temporal order processing during reading comprehension.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the influence of musical expertise on spoken language processing; however, its effects on reading comprehension remain largely unexplored. This study aims to investigate the role of musical expertise in sentence comprehension, particularly concerning the processing of temporal order. Using two self-paced reading experiments, we examined individuals' responses to two-clause sentences connected by the temporal connectives "before" or "after". "After" sentences consistently presented events in their actual order of temporal occurrence, while "before" sentences described events in reverse temporal order. In both experiments, our analyses of reading times consistently uncovered a significant temporal order effect, with words immediately following the temporal connectives being processed slower in "before" sentences compared to "after" sentences. This suggests the presence of immediate online processing costs associated with "before" sentences. Notably, these processing costs were found to be attenuated in individuals with musical expertise compared to those without. However, analyses of comprehension accuracy showed no advantage of musicians over non-musicians. Specifically, in Experiment 1, the two groups showed no difference in comprehension accuracy, while in Experiment 2, musicians exhibited lower accuracy rates compared to non-musicians in both "before" and "after" sentences. These results suggest that musical expertise may attenuate online processing costs associated with complex linguistic constructs, but could not promote reading accuracy. We concluded that music training is associated with a restricted effect on written sentence comprehension.

Water bridges as the trigger in an amino functionalized Zn-MOF for highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensing of water.

Water is a fundamental element for life. The highly selective and sensitive sensing of water is always attractive for mankind in activities such as physiological processes study and extraterrestrial life exploration. Fluorescent MOFs with precise channels and functional groups might specifically recognize water molecules with hydrogen-bond interaction or coordination effects and work as water sensors. As a proof of concept, herein, an amino functionalized Zn-MOF (named as complex 1) with pores that just right for water molecules to form hydrogen bond bridges is revealed for highly selective and sensitive fluorescent sensing of water. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that the 3D framework of complex 1 is functionalized with free amino groups in the channels. Hydrogen bonds formed in the channel along b-axis as water bridges to connect two adjacent NH2bdc ligands and result in the restriction of intramolecular motions (RIM) which could responsible for the selective turn-on fluorescence response to water. Complex 1 exhibits high sensitive to trace amount of water in organic solvents and could be used for water detection in a wide range water contents. Take advantages of complex 1, portable sensors (complex 1@PMMA) were prepared and used in the highly sensitive water sensing.

An aquaporin and an aquaglyceroporin have roles in low temperature adaptation of mosquitoes (Anopheles sinensis).

Mosquitoes (Anopheles sinensis), widely geographically distributed in Asia including China, are the primary vector of the malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax and other parasitic diseases such as Malayan filariasis. An. sinensis can survive through low winter temperatures. Aquaporin channels are found in all life forms, where they facilitate environmental adaptation by allowing rapid trans-cellular movement of water (classical aquaporins) or water and solutes such as glycerol (aquaglyceroporins). Here, we identified and characterized 2 aquaporin (AQP) homologs in An. sinensis: AsAQP2 (An. sinensis aquaglyceroporin) and AsAQP4 (An. sinensis aquaporin). When expressed in frog (Xenopus laevis) oocytes, AsAQP2 transported water, glycerol, and urea; AsAQP4 transported only water. Water permeation through AsAQP2 and AsAQP4 was inhibited by mercuric chloride. AsAQP2 expression was slightly higher in adult female mosquitoes than in males, and AsAQP4 expression was significantly higher in adult males. The 2 AsAQPs were highly expressed in Malpighian tubules and midgut. AsAQP2 and AsAQP4 expression was up-regulated by blood feeding compared with sugar feeding. At freezing point (0 °C), the AsAQP4 expression level increased and An. sinensis survival time reduced compared with those at normal temperature (26 °C). At low temperature (8 °C), the AsAQP2 and AsAQP4 expression levels decreased and survival time was significantly longer compared with those at 26 °C. These results suggest that AsAQP2 and AsAQP4 have roles in water homeostasis during blood digestion and in low temperature adaptation of A. sinensis. Together, our results show that the 2 AQPs are important for mosquito diuresis after blood feeding and when exposed to low temperatures.

Heterlimnius luyashanensis sp. n. and Zaitzevia triangularis sp. n. from Shanxi Province, China (Coleoptera: Elmidae).

Two new species, Heterlimnius luyashanensis sp. n. and Zaitzevia triangularis sp. n. are described from Shanxi Province, China. The genus Heterlimnius Hinton, 1935 and Zaitzevia Champion, 1923 are reported from Shanxi Province for the first time. Heterlimnius luyashanensis sp. n. belonging to the Heterlimnius trachys species group has the following characteristics: 1. anterior margin of pronotum strongly produced anteriad; 2. median longitudinal sulcus of pronotum extends from basal 0.3 to 0.8. Zaitzevia triangularis sp. n. has a larger body size and a triangular apex of penis.

Application of noninvasive sampling technique in mitochondrial genome intraspecific phylogeny of the endangered butterfly, Teinopalpus aureus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae).

The butterfly genus of Teinopalpus, endemic to Asia, embodies a distinct species of mountain-dwelling butterflies with specific habitat requirements. These species are rare in the wild and hold high conservation and research value. Similar to other protected species, the genetic analysis of the rare Teinopalpus aureus poses challenges due to the complexity of sampling. In this study, we successfully extracted DNA and amplified mitochondrial genomic DNA from various noninvasive sources such as larval feces, larval exuviae, larval head capsules, pupal exuviaes, and filamentous gland secretions, all integral parts of butterfly metamorphosis. This was conducted as part of a research initiative focused on the artificial conservation of T. aureus population in Jinggang Shan Nature Reserve. Our findings illustrated the successful extraction of DNA from multiple noninvasive sources, achieved through modified DNA extraction methodologies. Although the DNA concentration obtained from noninvasive samples was lower than that from muscle tissues of newly dead larvae during rearing, all samples met the requirements for PCR amplification and sequencing, yielding complete circular sequences. These sequences are pivotal for both interspecific and intraspecific genetic relationship analysis. Our methods can be extended to other insects, especially scarce species.

Potato virus Y viral protein 6K1 inhibits the interaction between defense proteins during virus infection.

14-3-3 proteins play vital roles in plant defense against various pathogen invasions. To date, how 14-3-3 affects virus infections in plants remains largely unclear. In this study, we found that Nicotiana benthamiana 14-3-3h interacts with TRANSLATIONALLY CONTROLLED TUMOR PROTEIN (TCTP), a susceptibility factor of potato virus Y (PVY). Silencing of Nb14-3-3h facilitates PVY accumulation, whereas overexpression of Nb14-3-3h inhibits PVY replication. The antiviral activities of 3 Nb14-3-3h dimerization defective mutants are significantly decreased, indicating that dimerization of Nb14-3-3h is indispensable for restricting PVY infection. Our results also showed that the mutant Nb14-3-3hE16A, which is capable of dimerizing but not interacting with NbTCTP, has reduced anti-PVY activity; the mutant NbTCTPI65A, which is unable to interact with Nb14-3-3h, facilitates PVY replication compared with the wild-type NbTCTP, indicating that dimeric Nb14-3-3h restricts PVY infection by interacting with NbTCTP and preventing its proviral function. As a counter-defense, PVY 6K1 interferes with the interaction between Nb14-3-3h and NbTCTP by competitively binding to Nb14-3-3h and rescues NbTCTP to promote PVY infection. Our results provide insights into the arms race between plants and potyviruses.

Forecast of peak infection and estimate of excess deaths in COVID-19 transmission and prevalence in Taiyuan City, 2022 to 2023.

In this paper, with the method of epidemic dynamics, we assess the spread and prevalence of COVID-19 after the policy adjustment of prevention and control measure in December 2022 in Taiyuan City in China, and estimate the excess population deaths caused by COVID-19. Based on the transmission mechanism of COVID-19 among individuals, a dynamic model with heterogeneous contacts is established to describe the change of control measures and the population's social behavior in Taiyuan city. The model is verified and simulated by basing on reported case data from November 8th to December 5th, 2022 in Taiyuan city and the statistical data of the questionnaire survey from December 1st to 23rd, 2022 in Neijiang city. Combining with reported numbers of permanent residents and deaths from 2017 to 2021 in Taiyuan city, we apply the dynamic model to estimate theoretical population of 2022 under the assumption that there is no effect of COVID-19. In addition, we carry out sensitivity analysis to determine the propagation character of the Omicron strain and the effect of the control measures. As a result of the study, it is concluded that after adjusting the epidemic policy on December 6th, 2022, three peaks of infection in Taiyuan are estimated to be from December 22nd to 31st, 2022, from May 10th to June 1st, 2023, and from September 5th to October 13th, 2023, and the corresponding daily peaks of new cases can reach 400 000, 44 000 and 22 000, respectively. By the end of 2022, excess deaths can range from 887 to 4887, and excess mortality rate can range from 3.06% to 14.82%. The threshold of the infectivity of the COVID-19 variant is estimated 0.0353, that is if the strain infectivity is above it, the epidemic cannot be control with the previous normalization measures.

Endothelial cell-derived RSPO3 activates Gαi1/3-Erk signaling and protects neurons from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

The current study explores the potential function and the underlying mechanisms of endothelial cell-derived R-spondin 3 (RSPO3) neuroprotection against ischemia/reperfusion-induced neuronal cell injury. In both neuronal cells (Neuro-2a) and primary murine cortical neurons, pretreatment with RSPO3 ameliorated oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced neuronal cell death and oxidative injury. In neurons RSPO3 activated the Akt, Erk and ß-Catenin signaling cascade, but only Erk inhibitors reversed RSPO3-induced neuroprotection against OGD/R. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and neuronal cells, RSPO3-induced LGR4-Gab1-Gαi1/3 association was required for Erk activation, and either silencing or knockout of Gαi1 and Gαi3 abolished RSPO3-induced neuroprotection. In mice, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) increased RSPO3 expression and Erk activation in ischemic penumbra brain tissues. Endothelial knockdown or knockout of RSPO3 inhibited Erk activation in the ischemic penumbra brain tissues and increased MCAO-induced cerebral ischemic injury in mice. Conversely, endothelial overexpression of RSPO3 ameliorated MCAO-induced cerebral ischemic injury. We conclude that RSPO3 activates Gαi1/3-Erk signaling to protect neuronal cells from ischemia/reperfusion injury.

A Cu2+ triggered reversible photochromic system: the structure photochromic response relationship study and potential applications.

Fifteen rhodamine B hydrazide hydrazone (RhBHH) derivatives (compounds a-o) with various substituent groups at different position and their photochromic property triggered by Cu2+ were studied to illustrate the structure photochromic response relationship (SPRR). Three of them (compounds f-h) with a para-position hydroxyl group and two meta-position halogen substituents display Cu2+-triggered photochromic which is significantly different from the previous reports. It was found that halogen atoms, which were generally considered to have no remarkable regulation effect, exhibited great influences on the photochromic behaviour of RhBHH derivatives. Detail photochromic properties of the developed photochromic system were revealed by using compound g as the model substrate, and only Cu2+ displayed high selective trigger effect. Good reversible photochromic phenomenon was observed after stimulated with visible light irradiation and dark (or heat) bleaching consecutively. Furthermore, this photochromic system could be used in the preparation of photochromic glass, special security ink, molecular logic gate and two-dimensional code for security information storage.