Acute effects of foam rolling and dynamic stretching on angle-specific change of direction ability, flexibility and reactive strength in male basketball players.

The purpose of our study was to determine the acute effects of dynamic stretching (DS), foam rolling (FR) and foam rolling combined with dynamic stretching (Combo) protocols on angle-specific change of direction (COD) ability, drop jump (DJ) performance and flexibility. Using a counterbalance crossover study design, eleven male basketball collegiate players (20.7 ± 0.6 years) were randomly assigned to one of the four protocols - control (CON), DS, FR, Combo - for each session, for a total of four sessions. A more aggressive foam cylinder with raised nodules, which is thought to be effective in stimulating the deep layer of muscle tissue, was used to observe for changes in their performance during sit and reach (SAR), DJ and COD tasks in 45 and 180 degrees. One-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to identify differences of each variable separately between interventions. The SAR after three interventions compared to the CON was significantly improved (F (3,30) = 5.903, P = 0.003, η2 = 0.371). In the 505 test, both limbs failed to show a significant improvement in COD deficit. The non-dominant limb showed a significant improvement of 6.4% after FR when performing the Y-shaped agility (F (3,30) = 4.962, P = 0.0065 < 0.05, η2 = 0.332). In the DJ, the reactive strength index and contact time changed significantly by 17.5% and -17.5% (η2 = 0.518, η2 = 0.571), respectively, immediately after FR. The current research suggested that FR may have an enhancing effect on COD speed in a 45° cutting task and neuromuscular function, while having the potential to improve non-dominant limb deficits in both COD tasks. In contrast, the Combo warm-up protocol did not produce a cumulative effect, suggesting the need for coaches to remain cautious about excessive warm-up duration.

In Situ Generation of NiCoP Nanoparticles on a Bimetal-Organic Framework for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

The rational exploration of hybrid materials with well-defined compositions and structures/morphologies is essential for achieving high-performance electrodes for supercapacitors. Here, in situ dispersion and anchoring of NiCoP nanoparticles (NPs) on a bimetal-organic framework (Co1Ni2-MOF) by a controllable partial phosphorization approach are reported. The phosphating temperature and time significantly affect the specific capacitance of NiCoP/Co1Ni2-MOF-X-Y (where X and Y represent the phosphating temperature and time, respectively). Co1Ni2-MOF provides anchoring sites for confining NiCoP NPs, effectively improving the stability of NiCoP NPs. Highly dispersed NiCoP NPs facilitate OH- adsorption, boosting the redox reaction kinetics. NiCoP/Co1Ni2-MOF-350-2 with optimized phosphating conditions exhibits a high specific capacitance of 525 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1, which is superior to that of the precursor of Co1Ni2-MOF. Moreover, a hybrid supercapacitor constructed with NiCoP/Co1Ni2-MOF-350-2 and activated carbon shows a high specific capacitance and outstanding long-term stability.

From Co-MOF to CoNi-MOF to Ni-MOF: A Facile Synthesis of 1D Micro-/Nanomaterials.

Controlling the growth of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) at the micro-/nanoscopic scale will result in new physical properties and novel functions into the materials without changing the chemical identities and the characteristic features of the MOFs themselves. Herein, we report a facile approach to synthesize a series of MOFs [Co-MOF, CoxNiy-MOFs (x and y represent the molar ratio of Co2+ and Ni2+ and x/y = 1:1, 1:5, 1:10, 1:15, and 1:20), and Ni-MOF] with a one-dimensional micro-/nanoscaled rod-like architecture. From Co-MOF to CoxNiy-MOFs to Ni-MOF, the diameters of the rods turn to be spindly with the increase of Ni2+ content which will facilitate the supercapacitor performances. Interestingly, Co1Ni20-MOF exhibits a highest specific capacity of 597 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1 and excellent cycle performance (retained 93.59% after 4000 cycles) among these MOF materials owing to its micro-/nanorod structure with a smaller diameter and the synergy effect between the optimum molar ratio of Co2+ and Ni2+.

Orange-red emitting copper nanoclusters for endogenous GSH, temperature sensing, and cellular imaging.

Glutathione (GSH) plays an important role in the biochemical defense system of the human body. Designing an exceptional probe to detect trace amounts of GSH is of great significance for studying the oxidative stress reaction and related diseases. In this study, a selective and sensitive orange-red emitting copper nanocluster(CuNC)-based fluorescent probe for the detection of GSH was devised in the matrix of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) using hydrazine hydrate (HYD) as the reducing agent and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) as the stabilizer. A peaceable without external assistance method (room temperature reaction) was employed to synthesize fluorescent CuNCs with orange-red luminescence emission at 606 nm upon excitation at 377 nm. The fluorescence intensity of CuNCs was found to decrease or even quench by the addition of GSH, which indicated the stronger binding ability of -SH in GSH with the CuNCs losing the protection of PVP. Based on this principle, the present sensor system exhibits a good linear response towards GSH ranging from 0.10 to 40 µM, and the limit of detection was found to be 12.4 nM. Moreover, due to the excellent selectivity and high sensitivity of the GSH sensor, it might act as a potential probe for the detection of GSH in the lysosomal environment of tumor cells. Thus, this strategy has a promising application potential for the early identification and prevention of cancer with low toxicity and good stability.

Synergistic effect of Co/Ni bimetallic metal-organic nanostructures for enhanced electrochemical energy storage.

Introducing a secondary metal ion is an effective strategy to significantly enhance the electrochemical performance of monometallic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Herein, we synthesize a series of cobalt-nickel bimetallic MOFs (Co/Ni-MOFs) by the Co2+ substitution into Ni-MOF ({Ni3(OH)2(tdc)2(H2O)4}n, H2tdc = 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid). The Co/Ni-MOF-2:1 with optimal Co/Ni ratio possesses improved electrical conductivity, intrinsic reactivity, and stability. Compared with the monometallic Ni-MOF, the bimetallic Co/Ni-MOF-2:1 with nanowire morphology achieves a higher specific capacitance (610 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1), a better rate capacity (88 % capacitance retention at 5 A g-1) and cycling performance (72 % retention after 5000 cycles). Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitor constructed with Co/Ni-MOF-2:1 and activated carbon exhibits a high specific capacitance (228 F g-1 at 0.5 A g-1) and excellent cycling stability (95.5 % of capacitance retention after 5000 circulations at 5 A g-1).

Molecular Strategies for Intensity-Dependent Olfactory Processing in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Various odorants trigger complex animal behaviors across species in both quality- and quantity-dependent manners. However, how the intensity of olfactory input is encoded remains largely unknown. Here we report that isoamyl alcohol (IAA) induces bi-directional currents through a Gα- guanylate cyclase (GC)- cGMP signaling pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans olfactory neuron amphid wing "C" cell (AWC), while two opposite cGMP signaling pathways are responsible for odor-sensing in olfactory neuron amphid wing "B" cell (AWB): (1) a depolarizing Gα (GPA-3)- phosphodiesterase (PDE) - cGMP pathway which can be activated by low concentrations of isoamyl alcohol (IAA), and (2) a hyperpolarizing Gα (ODR-3)- GC- cGMP pathway sensing high concentrations of IAA. Besides, IAA induces Gα (ODR-3)-TRPV(OSM-9)-dependent currents in amphid wing "A" cell (AWA) and amphid neuron "H" cell with single ciliated sensory ending (ASH) neurons with different thresholds. Our results demonstrate that an elaborate combination of multiple signaling machineries encode the intensity of olfactory input, shedding light on understanding the molecular strategies on sensory transduction.

Sensory Glia Detect Repulsive Odorants and Drive Olfactory Adaptation.

Glia are typically considered as supporting cells for neural development and synaptic transmission. Here, we report an active role of a glia in olfactory transduction. As a polymodal sensory neuron in C. elegans, the ASH neuron is previously known to detect multiple aversive odorants. We reveal that the AMsh glia, a sheath for multiple sensory neurons including ASH, cell-autonomously respond to aversive odorants via G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) distinct from those in ASH. Upon activation, the AMsh glia suppress aversive odorant-triggered avoidance and promote olfactory adaptation by inhibiting the ASH neuron via GABA signaling. Thus, we propose a novel two-receptor model where the glia and sensory neuron jointly mediate adaptive olfaction. Our study reveals a non-canonical function of glial cells in olfactory transduction, which may provide new insights into the glia-like supporting cells in mammalian sensory procession.

A novel absorption spectrometric method, based on graphene nanomaterials, for detection of hepatocellular carcinoma-specific T lymphocyte cells.

INTRODUCTION: Detection of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) is the foundation for understanding hepatocellular carcinoma immune pathology and hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy. However, the classical method for labeling CTLs, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-peptide tetramer, has drawbacks and needs further improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, as a new detection probe, a graphene-based MHC-peptide multimer was developed for sensitively and selectively identifying hepatocellular carcinoma-specific T-cells. To assess its detection efficiency, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was functionalized with hemin and streptavidin to prepare a functionalized HRGO-streptavidin complex. Biotinylated MHC-peptide monomer was subsequently constructed onto HRGO to generate a detection probe for CTL labeling. The number of T-cells was detected through the reaction between HRGO and tetramethylbenzidine. RESULTS: Using HRGO/MHC-peptide multimers, the number of T-cells was efficiently detected in both the induction system in vitro and in peripheral blood of patients. CONCLUSION: HRGO/MHC-peptide multimers methodology has application prospects in the detection of antigen peptide-specific T cells.

Polymodal Responses in C. elegans Phasmid Neurons Rely on Multiple Intracellular and Intercellular Signaling Pathways.

Animals utilize specialized sensory neurons enabling the detection of a wide range of environmental stimuli from the presence of toxic chemicals to that of touch. However, how these neurons discriminate between different kinds of stimuli remains poorly understood. By combining in vivo calcium imaging and molecular genetic manipulation, here we investigate the response patterns and the underlying mechanisms of the C. elegans phasmid neurons PHA/PHB to a variety of sensory stimuli. Our observations demonstrate that PHA/PHB neurons are polymodal sensory neurons which sense harmful chemicals, hyperosmotic solutions and mechanical stimulation. A repulsive concentration of IAA induces calcium elevations in PHA/PHB and both OSM-9 and TAX-4 are essential for IAA-sensing in PHA/PHB. Nevertheless, the PHA/PHB neurons are inhibited by copper and post-synaptically activated by copper removal. Neuropeptide is likely involved in copper removal-induced calcium elevations in PHA/PHB. Furthermore, mechanical stimulation activates PHA/PHB in an OSM-9-dependent manner. Our work demonstrates how PHA/PHB neurons respond to multiple environmental stimuli and lays a foundation for the further understanding of the mechanisms of polymodal signaling, such as nociception, in more complex organisms.

In vivo tactile stimulation-evoked responses in Caenorhabditis elegans amphid sheath glia.

Glial cells are important components of the nervous system. However, how they respond to physiological stimuli in vivo remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the electrophysiological activities and Ca2+ responses of the C. elegans amphid sheath glia (AMsh glia) to tactile stimulation in vivo. We recorded robust inward currents and Ca2+ elevation in the AMsh cell with the delivery of tactile stimuli of varying displacements to the nose tip of the worm. Compared to the adjacent mechanoreceptor ASH neuron, the AMsh cell showed greater sensitivity to tactile stimulation. Amiloride, an epithelial Na+ channel blocker, blocked the touch-induced currents and Ca2+ signaling in the ASH neuron, but not those in the AMsh cell. Taken together, our results revealed that AMsh glial cells actively respond to in vivo tactile stimulation and likely function cell-autonomously as mechanoreceptors.