Modified glove removal technique to prevent hand contamination in routine phlebotomy.

The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have established guidelines recommending the performance of hand hygiene routines for healthcare workers following glove removal. However, the completion of frequent hygiene routines can cause allergic and adverse skin reactions. This double-blind, randomized study aimed to address this concern by developing and evaluating a modified glove removal technique that minimizes contamination risk during routine phlebotomy procedures. Furthermore, this study used fluorescent detection to compare the frequency of contamination associated with the CDC-recommended technique and the modified technique using fluorescent detection. One hundred healthcare personnel were enrolled and divided into two groups: one group followed the CDC technique, while the other group implemented the modified technique. Participants received instructional videos and practiced under supervision. They subsequently performed blood collection using a simulation arm covered with fluorescent cream as a contamination marker. After removing gloves, hand contamination was assessed under a black light. The median time required for glove removal in the modified group was four seconds longer than that in the group that followed the CDC technique (p < 0.001). Contamination was observed in 2% (1/50) of subjects using the CDC-recommended technique, while no contamination was detected with the modified technique (p ≥ 0.05). Both the group that followed the CDC technique and the group that used modified glove removal techniques demonstrated the potential to prevent contamination during phlebotomy, thereby reducing the need for hand hygiene and the occurrence of contamination and adverse skin reactions. These findings prompt further exploration into whether proper glove removal can reduce the frequency of completing a hand hygiene routine after each glove removal, specifically within the context of phlebotomy. However, it is essential to note that hand hygiene following glove removal is still recommended to prevent contamination. Further research is warranted to validate these findings.

Streamlined two-step fragment analysis PCR and exome sequencing of RFC1 for diagnostic testing of suspected CANVAS patients.

Cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is caused by biallelic pathogenic expansions, or compound heterozygosity with other pathogenic variants in the RFC1 gene. CANVAS is estimated to be underdiagnosed, both because of the lack of formal diagnostic criteria and molecular challenges that translate to lesser access and high cost of routine testing. Our aim was to address the need for making CANVAS genetic testing routine, by designing a streamlined two-step PCR consisting of a short-allele screening PCR and a confirmatory PCR with fragment capillary electrophoresis detection. Exome sequencing of RFC1 was additionally foreseen to resolve potential compound heterozygosity cases. Specificity of our approach was evaluated using ataxia patients with known non-CANVAS diagnoses, and optimized using Southern blot confirmed CANVAS patients. We evaluated our approach by testing patients consecutively referred for clinically suspected CANVAS using first the two-step PCR, followed by exome sequencing. Our approach was able to accurately identify negative and confirm positive cases in prospectively collected suspected CANVAS patients presenting with at least three typical clinical signs. The proposed testing approach provides an alternative method able to clearly distinguish between CANVAS negative and positive cases and can be easily incorporated into the genetic diagnostic laboratory workflow.

Enhancing precision in colorectal cancer surgery: development of an LGR5-targeting RSPO1 peptide mimetic as a contrast agent for intraoperative fluorescence molecular imaging.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. In the United States alone, CRC was responsible for approximately 52,550 deaths in 2023, with an estimated 153,020 new cases. CRC presents with synchronous peritoneal spread in 5-10% of patients, and up to 20-50% of patients with recurrent disease will develop metachronous colorectal cancer peritoneal metastatic (CRC-PM) disease. Eradication of the tumor, tumor margins and microscopic residual disease is paramount, as microscopic residual disease is associated with local recurrences, with 5-year survival rates of less than 35%. The success of resection and reduction of residual disease depends on the accuracy with which cancer cells and normal tissue can be intra-operatively distinguished. Fluorescence Molecular Imaging (IFMI) and tumor-targeted contrast agents represent a promising approach for intraoperative detection and surgical intervention. Proper target selection, the development of scalable imaging agents and enhanced real-time tumor and tumor microenvironment imaging are critical to enabling enhanced surgical resection. LGR5 (leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5), a colonic crypt stem cell marker and the receptor for the R-spondins (RSPO) in the Wnt signaling pathway, is also expressed on colorectal cancer stem cells (CSC) and on CRC tumors and metastases, suggesting it could be a useful target for imaging of CRC. However, there are numerous diverging reports on the role of LGR5 in CRC therapy and outcomes. Herein, we report on the synthesis and validation of a 37 amino acid RSPO1-mimetic peptide, termed RC18, that was specifically designed to access the R-spondin binding site of LGR5 to potentially be used for interoperative imaging of CRC-PM. The receptor-binding capabilities of the RC18 indicate that direct interactions with LGR5 neither significantly increased LGR5 signaling nor blocked RSPO1 binding and signal transduction, suggesting that the RSPO1-mimetic is functionally inert, making it an attractive contrast agent for intraoperative CRC-PM imaging.

A high-fidelity dual-channel fluorescence probe for benzoyl peroxide detection and toxicity early warning in food, zebrafish, and mice.

Benzoyl peroxide (BPO), as a widely used organic peroxide, has attracted widespread attention from all sectors of society for its environmental hazards and potential risks to human health. Herein, we employed a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) strategy to construct a novel ratiometric fluorescent probe CY-DCI for BPO detection in food, zebrafish, and mice. Specifically, a hemicyanine fluorophore and a dicyanoisophorone fluorophore were connected with a piperazine group as donor and acceptor, respectively, and an olefinic unsaturated bond as the reaction site. CY-DCI has favorable selectivity and an excellent detection limit as low as 58.1 nM, and the recovery rates for real-sample detection ranged from 95.8 % to 104 %, with relative standard deviations (RSD) less than 2.58 %. To further improve its practicality, silica gel plates and test strips containing CY-DCI (0-50 µM) were developed for naked-eye detection of BPO with satisfactory results. Additionally, this novel probe was then applied for ratiometric imaging of living zebrafish and mice and showed high ratiometric imaging resolution in the green and red channels, thus demonstrating its practical application for BPO detection and toxicity early warning in food and biosystems.

Discovery of Fluorescent Naturally-occurring Inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease By AIE Fluorescent Probe.

Target-based high-throughput screening (HTS) is an efficient way to identify potent drugs. However, the accuracy of HTS could be affected by Pan-Assay Interference Compounds (PAINS). One reason for the generation of PAINS is that the inherent photophysical property of screened compounds could interfere with typically used assay signals including absorption and fluorescence. Our previous studies indicate that the fluorescent probe based on the fluorophore with characteristics of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) could provide high accuracy of HTS, especially for the fluorescent natural products. Herein, we report an AIE-based fluorescent probe for the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2. We designed and synthesized an AIE fluorescent probe ZLHG5, which has a site that can be specifically cleaved by Mpro to produce a light-up fluorescence. Thanks to the large Stokes shift of AIE fluorophore (~300 nm), the probe could be effectively used for HTS of Mpro inhibitors. After screening a library of fluorescent natural products with ZLHG5, we obtained two coumarin-originated natural compounds with potent inhibitory activity towards Mpro protease. This study provides both useful fluorescent HTS probe and potent inhibitors for Mpro protease.

Development of a genetically encoded NMT indicator for detection of mercury ions based on the green fluorescent protein mNeonGreen and metallothionein II from rat liver.

Heavy metals, particularly mercury, rank as some of the most hazardous systemic toxicants known to cause multiple organ damage, even at lower levels of exposure. Its detection in the environment and in the live cells is an actual task. Here, we engineered a novel genetically encoded fluorescent NMT indicator for mercury ions by inserting the metallothionein II domain from rat liver into the bright green-yellow fluorescent protein mNeonGreen, followed by directed molecular evolution of the resulting sensor prototype in bacteria. In solution, the NMT indicator was 1.7-fold brighter than the standard eGFP fluorescent protein and responded to the addition of even 10-18-10-19 M mercury ions by quenching fluorescence with a 5-fold fluorescence response and extremely high affinity to mercury ions characterized by the K d value of 0.50 ± 0.05 aM. We also characterized the selectivity of the NMT indicator to other metal cations. In cultured mammalian cells, the NMT indicator detected even an extracellular concentration of 0.1 fM mercury ions and achieved a 5.9-fold change in ΔF/F fluorescence intensity.

One-Pot Synthesis of Silicon Quantum Dots-Based Fluorescent Nanomaterial and Its Application.

Conventionally obtained silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) generally suffer from the disadvantages of a cumbersome preparation process, large fluctuation in the quality of Si QDs, poor water solubility, and aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) phenomenon. Here we report a facile one-pot strategy to synthesize a novel Si QDs-based fluorescent nanomaterial in which Si QDs are confined into dendritic mesoporous silica, named as SiQDs@DMSNs. The prepared SiQDs@DMSNs, with adjustable particle sizes ranging from 140 to 300 nm, emit blue fluorescence around 410 nm upon excitation by ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 300 nm. It is found that the addition of sodium salicylate (NaSAL) plays a crucial role in the in situ generation of Si QDs. The obtained SiQDs@DMSNs exhibit excellent fluorescence intensity, water solubility, and stability, facilitating easy surface modification, without being limited by the ACQ phenomenon. It is expected to be widely used in many fields such as biosensors, nanomedicines, in vivo imaging, fingerprint identification, and anticounterfeiting labels.

Heterocyclic Hemipiperazines: Multistimuli-responsive Switches and Sensors for Zinc or Cadmium Ions.

Advance in the design of molecular photoswitches - adapters that convert light into changes at molecular level - opens up exciting possibilities in preparing smart polymers, drugs photoactivated inside humans, or light-fueled nanomachines that might in the future operate in our bloodstream.  Hemipiperazines are recently reported biocompatible molecular photoswitches based on cyclic dipeptides. Here we report a multistimuli-responsive hemipiperazine-based switch that reacts on light, solvents, acidity, or metal ions. Its photoequilibration is controlled by the intramolecular hydrogen bonding pattern. The compound can be used as a mid-nanomolar photoswitchable fluorescent sensor for zinc and cadmium ions, applicable to monitor environmental pollution in real time.

Coexistence of nonfluorescent chromoproteins and fluorescent proteins in massive Porites spp. corals manifesting a pink pigmentation response.

Introduction: Several fluorescent proteins (FPs) and chromoproteins (CPs) are present in anthozoans and play possible roles in photoprotection. Coral tissues in massive corals often display discoloration accompanied by inflammation. Incidences of the pink pigmentation response (PPR) in massive Porites, described as inflammatory pink lesions of different shapes and sizes, has recently increased worldwide. FPs are reported to be present in PPR lesions, wherein a red fluorescent protein (RFP) appears to play a role in reducing reactive oxygen species. However, to date, the biochemical characterization and possible roles of the pigments involved are poorly understood. The present study aimed to identify and characterize the proteins responsible for pink discoloration in massive Porites colonies displaying PPRs, as well as to assess the differential distribution of pigments and the antioxidant properties of pigmented areas. Method: CPs were extracted from PPR lesions using gel-filtration chromatography and identified via genetic analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The coexistence of CPs and RFP in coral tissues was assessed using microscopic observation. Photosynthetic antivity and hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activitiy were measured to assess coral stress conditions. Results: The present study revealed that the same CP (plut2.m8.16902.m1) isolated from massive Porites was present in both the pink spot and patch morphologies of the PPR. CPs were also found to coexist with RFP in coral tissues that manifested a PPR, with a differential distribution (coenosarc or tip of polyps' tentacles). High hydrogen peroxide-scavenging rates were found in tissues affected by PPR. Discussion and Conclusion: The coexistence of CPs and RFP suggests their possible differential role in coral immunity. CPs, which are specifically expressed in PPR lesions, may serve as an antioxidant in the affected coral tissue. Overall, this study provides new knowledge to our understanding of the role of CPs in coral immunity.

Lead Bromide Complex in Tri-n-octylphosphine Oxide Matrix with Bright Photoluminance and Exceptional Thermoplasticity.

Metal halide materials have recently drawn increasing research interest for their excellent opto-electronic properties and structural diversity, but their resulting rigid structures render them brittle and poor formability during manufacturing. Here we demonstrate a thermoplastic luminant hybrid lead halide solid by integrating lead bromide complex into tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) matrix. The construction of the hybrid materials can be achieved by a simple dissolution process, in which TOPO molecules act as the solvents and ligands to yield the monodispersed clusters. The combination of these functional units enables the near-room-temperature melt-processing of the materials into targeted geometry by simple molding or printing techniques, which offer possibilities for fluorescent writing inks with outstanding self-healing capacity to physical damage. The intermarriage between metal halide clusters with functional molecules expands the range of practical applications for hybrid metal halide materials.

PBI derivatives/surfactant-based fluorescent ensembles: Sensing of multiple aminoglycoside antibiotics and interaction mechanism studies.

Fluorescent aggregates and ensembles have been widely applied in fabrication of fluorescent sensors due to their capacity of encapsulating fluorophores and modulating their photophysical properties. In the present work, fluorescent ensembles based on anionic surfactant SDS assemblies and perylene derivatives (PBIs) were particularly constructed. Three newly synthesized neutral PBI derivatives with different structures, PO, PC1 and PC2, were used for the purpose to evaluate probe structure influence on constructing fluorescent ensembles. The one with hydrophilic side chains, PO, experienced distinct photophysical modulation effect by SDS assemblies. The ensemble based on PO@SDS assemblies displayed effective fluorescence variation to antibiotic aminoglycosides (AGs). To improve cross-reactivity and discrimination capability of ensembles, a second probe, coumarin, was introduced into PO@SDS assemblies. The resultant ternary sensor, CM-PO@SDS, exhibited good qualitative and quantitative detection capabilities, and achieved differentiation of eight AGs and mixed AG samples both in aqueous solution and actual biological fluid, like human serum. Sensing mechanism studies revealed that hydrogen bonding, electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions are involved in the sensing process. This surfactant-based fluorescent ensemble provides a simple and feasible method for assessing AGs levels. Meanwhile, this work may provide some insights to design reasonable probes for constructing effective single-system based discriminative fluorescent amphiphilic sensors.

Theoretical insights into the linker effects on the turn-on fluorescence behaviors in pyridazinone-containing NO probes.

Fluorescent probes with preferred photophysical properties have attracted considerable attention for their advantages in real-time and accurate detection of signalling molecules in living organisms. Nitric oxide (NO) is a ubiquitous cellular messenger closely associated with many physiological and pathological processes. A NO fluorescent probe, PYSNO, based on the pyridazinone (PY) scaffold with o-phenylenediamine as the receptor and thiophene (S) as the linker has been synthesized. Inspired by the experimental guidance, three other dyes (PYSSNO, PYSONO and PYONO) were theoretically designed by replacing the S linker with thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (SS), thieno[3,2-b]thiophene 1,1-dioxide (SO) and thiophene 1,1-dioxide (O) groups. The photophysical properties were theoretically investigated in aqueous solution, by the combined time-dependent density functional theory, polarizable continuum model and thermal vibration correlation function approaches. Our results indicate that the emission wavelengths of all the designed dyes show red shifts due to either an increase in the conjugation length or electron-accepting ability of the linkers compared to PYSNO. The photoinduced electron transfer (PET) processes are all absent in these systems. PYSSNO and PYSONO are theoretically expected to be promising candidates for novel NO fluorescent probes, but the suitability of PYONO as a NO probe is compromised by the predicted non-luminescent emission before and after reaction with NO. Our study not only offers valuable insights into the detailed structure-property relationships, but also opens a new avenue for the rational design of efficient fluorescent sensors for NO detection.

Analysis of optical properties and response mechanism of H2S fluorescent probe based on rhodamine derivatives.

H2S plays a crucial role in numerous physiological and pathological processes. In this project, a new fluorescent probe, SG-H2S, for the detection of H2S, was developed by introducing the recognition group 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether. The combination of rhodamine derivatives can produce both colorimetric reactions and fluorescence reactions. Compared with the current H2S probes, the main advantages of SG-H2S are its wide pH range (5-9), fast response (30 min), and high selectivity in competitive species (including biological mercaptan). The probe SG-H2S has low cytotoxicity and has been successfully applied to imaging in MCF-7 cells, HeLa cells, and BALB/c nude mice. We hope that SG-H2S will provide a vital method for the field of biology.

Enzymatic functionalization of RNA oligonucleotides by terminal uridylyl transferase using fluorescent and clickable nucleotide analogs.

We report a systematic study on controlling the enzyme activity of a terminal uridylyl transferase (TUTase) called SpCID1, which provides methods to effect site-specific incorporation of a single modified nucleotide analog at the 3'-end of an RNA oligonucleotide (ON).  Responsive heterocycle-modified fluorescent UTP probes that are useful in analyzing non-canonical nucleic acid structures and azide- and alkyne-modified UTP analogs that are compatible for chemoenzymatic functionalization were used as study systems.  In the first strategy, we balanced the concentration of essential metal ion cofactors (Mg2+ and Mn2+ ions) to restrict the processivity of the enzyme, which gave a very good control on the incorporation of clickable nucleotide analogs.  In the second approach, borate that complexes with 2' and 3' oxygen atoms of a ribose sugar was used as a reversibly binding chelator to block repeated addition of nucleotide analogs.  Notably, in the presence of heterocycle-modified fluorescent UTPs, we obtained single-nucleotide incorporated RNA products in reasonable yields, while with clickable nucleotides yields were very good.  Further, 3'-end azide- and alkyne-labeled RNA ONs were post-enzymatically functionalized by CuAAC and SPAAC reactions with fluorescent probes.  These strategies broaden the scope of TUTase in site-specifically installing modifications of different types onto RNA for various applications.

Ion-Exchanging Lead-Free Perovskite with Tunable Emission Wavelengths for Chemical and Fluorescent Double-Modal Anticounterfeiting Application.

Novel and covert fluorescence is quite desirable for fluorescent anticounterfeiting application. Here, Cs2InCl5·H2O/Sb and Cs2NaInCl6/Sb with high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of 99.61 and 99.9%, respectively, were achieved. Considering the excellent optical performances together with the high similarity of the two crystal structures, we tried to realize the crystal structure transition from Cs2InCl5·H2O/Sb to Cs2NaInCl6/Sb by an ion-exchange method. It was well done by just adding the NaCl precursor with different concentrations in the Cs2InCl5·H2O/Sb product. Interestingly, a gradual color change from yellow to orange, warm white, white, cool white, and blue was achieved in the process of crystal structure transition. The energy-transfer dynamic models of Cs2InCl5·H2O/Sb, the white product, and Cs2NaInCl6/Sb were identified. The chemical reaction and UV fluorescence properties made it possible for application in chemical and fluorescent double-modal anticounterfeiting and highly decreased the possibility of being cracked and copied. Especially, when salt for daily cooking was used to replace NaCl, a similar phenomenon happened as that of the 99.9% NaCl precursor, which made it easy to be applicated. The combination of chemical and optical verifications provides two levels of security and unbreakable encryption. The results demonstrate that the transition from Cs2InCl5·H2O/Sb to Cs2NaInCl6/Sb is highly promising in fluorescent anticounterfeiting application.

Topical Diclofenac Reduces Joint Synovitis in Hand Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Investigation Using Fluorescent Optical Imaging.

Purpose: Synovitis, the inflammation of joint synovia, is a prominent feature of osteoarthritis (OA) manifested by enhanced synovial vascularity, endothelial leakage, and perivascular oedema. In this pilot study, we assessed the effect of topical diclofenac in hand OA (HOA) using the established semi-quantitative methods Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasonography (US), and compared them with Fluorescent Optical Imaging (FOI), an emerging imaging modality. Patients and Methods: Ten patients with symptomatic and diagnosed HOA used topical diclofenac for 14 days, with FOI, MRI, US, and subjective pain assessed at Baseline and after 7 (Day 8), and 14 (Day 15) days of treatment. Changes in synovitis were assessed for all 10 joints of the hand (via sum scores), and separately for the two joints most affected by synovitis. A new, fully quantitative approach for objective synovitis assessment based on the FOI images was also developed and applied. Results: The semi-quantitative analysis of the sum scores showed a small decrease in synovitis throughout the treatment duration across the different imaging modalities. The effect of the treatment was more prominent on the two most affected joints, with a synovitis reduction vs Baseline of 21.1% and 34.2% on Day 8 and Day 15, respectively, in the FOI. The quantitative FOI pixel analysis further strengthened the evidence for this effect, with observed reduction of 17.8% and 42.4% for Days 8 and 15, respectively. A similar trend was observed for subjective pain perception, with a reduction of 7.2 and 13.3 mm on Days 8 and 15. Conclusion: This pilot study evidenced the effect of topical diclofenac on reducing synovitis in hand OA in semi- and fully quantitative analyses, with the effect being stronger in the most affected joints. Further, supporting studies are needed to probe the accuracy of the quantitative pixel analysis of FOI images.

Modularized supramolecular assemblies for hypoxia-activatable fluorescent visualization and image-guided theranostics.

Rationale: Molecular imaging of microenvironment by hypoxia-activatable fluorescence probes has emerged as an attractive approach to tumor diagnosis and image-guided treatment. Difficulties remain in its translational applications due to hypoxia heterogeneity in tumor microenvironments, making it challenging to image hypoxia as a reliable proxy of tumor distribution. Methods: We report a modularized theranostics platform to fluorescently visualize hypoxia via light-modulated signal compensation to overcome tumor heterogeneity, thereby serving as a diagnostic tool for image-guided surgical resection and photodynamic therapy. Specifically, the platform integrating dual modules of fluorescence indicator and photodynamic moderator using supramolecular host-guest self-assembly, which operates cooperatively as a cascaded "AND" logic gate. First, tumor enrichment and specific fluorescence turn-on in hypoxic regions were accessible via tumor receptors and cascaded microenvironment signals as simultaneous inputs of the "AND" gate. Second, image guidance by a lighted fluorescence module and light-mediated endogenous oxygen consumption of a photodynamic module as dual inputs of "AND" gate collaboratively enabled light-modulated signal compensation in situ, indicating homogeneity of enhanced hypoxia-related fluorescence signals throughout a tumor. Results: In in vitro and in vivo analyses, the biocompatible platform demonstrated several strengths including a capacity for dual tumor targeting to progressively facilitate specific fluorescence turn-on, selective signal compensation, imaging-time window extension conducive to precise normalized image-guided treatment, and the functionality of tumor glutathione depletion to improve photodynamic efficacy. Conclusion: The hypoxia-activatable, image-guided theranostic platform demonstrated excellent potential for overcoming hypoxia heterogeneity in tumors.

Advantages of laparoscopic segmentectomy of the liver using ICG fluorescent navigation by the negative staining method: A comparison with open procedure.

Aim: Laparoscopic segmentectomy (LS) using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence navigation with negative staining method has potential for performing accurate and safe anatomical excision. This study aimed to evaluate the significance of LS using ICG fluorescence navigation compared with open segmentectomy (OS). Methods: Eighty-seven patients who underwent anatomical segmentectomies were evaluated for OS (n = 44) and LS (n = 43). The Glissonean pedicle approach was performed using either extra- or intrahepatic method, depending on the location of segment in LS. After clamping pedicle, negative staining method was performed. Liver transection was done along intersegmental plane visualizing by overlay mode of ICG camera. Surgical outcomes were compared between two groups. Correlation between predicted resecting liver volume (PRLV) calculated using volumetry and actual resected liver volume (ARLV) was assessed in two groups. Results: Patients who underwent LS showed better outcomes in operative time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay. There were significantly fewer Grade II and Grade III or higher postoperative complications in LS group. Both values of AST (p < 0.001) and ALT (p < 0.001) on postoperative day 1 were significantly lower in LS group than in OS group. PRLV and ARLV were more strongly correlated in LS (r = 0.896) than in OS (r = 0.773). The difference between PRLV and ARLV was significantly lower in LS group than in OS group (p = 0.022), and this trend was particularly noticeable in posterosuperior segment (p = 0.008) than in anterolateral segment (p = 0.811). Conclusion: LS using ICG navigation allows precise resection and may contribute to safer short-term outcomes than OS, particularly in posterosuperior segment.

A novel AIE-based mitochondria-targeting fluorescent probe for monitoring of the fluctuation of endogenous hypochlorous acid in ferroptosis models.

Ferroptosis is a way of cell death mainly due to the imbalance between the production and degradation of lipid reactive oxygen species, which is closely associated with various diseases. Endogenous hypochlorous acid (HOCl) mainly produced in mitochondria is regarded as an important signal molecule of ferroptosis. Therefore, monitoring the fluctuation of endogenous HOCl is beneficial to better understand and treat ferroptosis-related diseases. Inspired by the promising aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties of tetraphenylethene (TPE), herein, we rationally constructed a novel AIE-based fluorescent probe, namely QTrPEP, for HOCl with nice mitochondria-targeting ability and high sensitivity and selectivity. Probe QTrPEP consisted of phenylborate ester and the AIE fluorophore of quinoline-conjugated triphenylethylene (QTrPE). HOCl can brighten the strong fluorescence through a specific HOCl-triggered cleavage of the phenylborate ester bond and release of QTrPE, which has been demonstrated by MS, HPLC, and DLS experiments. In addition, combining QTrPE-doped test strips with a smartphone-based measurement demonstrated the excellent performance of the probe to sense HOCl. The obtained favorable optical properties and negligible cytotoxicity allowed the use of this probe for tracking of HOCl in three different cells. In particular, this work represents the first AIE-based mitochondria-targeting fluorescent probe for monitoring the fluctuation of HOCl in ferroptosis.

Association in Toxoplasma gondii and Related Psychotic Disorders: A Primary Report.

Background: Implication of infection in etiology of psychotic disorders is an area of interest. Aim: We aimed to explore the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii and psychotic disorders in a preliminary study. Materials and methods: T. gondii immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were measured in a sample of patients with psychotic disorders, first-degree relatives (FDR), and healthy volunteers (HV) and compared. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics in the forms of frequency and percentage using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Sample size was 10. Men and women were equal. All were from rural background. One patient with psychotic disorder out of the four had anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in comparison to none among the three each of the FDR and HV. The patient with positive Toxoplasma IgG antibody status had the diagnosis of acute and transient psychotic disorder (ATPD). Conclusion: This pioneering pilot project from this part of the globe highlights a pertinent area for further work in the future in order to have a newer understanding in proper management of psychotic disorder.