Inhibition of hepatic natural killer cell function via the TIGIT receptor in schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis.

Schistosomiasis is a zoonotic parasitic disease. Schistosoma japonicum eggs deposited in the liver tissue induce egg granuloma formation and liver fibrosis, seriously threatening human health. Natural killer (NK) cells kill activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) or induce HSC apoptosis and inhibit the progression of liver fibrosis. However, the function of NK cells in liver fibrosis caused by S. japonicum infection is significantly inhibited. The mechanism of this inhibition remains unclear. Twenty mice were percutaneously infected with S. japonicum cercariae. Before infection and 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after infection, five mice were euthanized and dissected at each time point. Hepatic NK cells were isolated and transcriptome sequenced. The sequencing results showed that Tigit expression was high at 4-6 weeks post infection. This phenomenon was verified by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and flow cytometry. NK cells derived from Tigit-/- and wild-type (WT) mice were co-cultured with HSCs. It was found that Tigit-/- NK cells induced apoptosis in a higher proportion of HSCs than WT NK cells. Schistosomiasis infection models of Tigit-/- and WT mice were established. The proportion and killing activity of hepatic NK cells were significantly higher in Tigit-/- mice than in WT mice. The degree of liver fibrosis in Tigit-/- mice was significantly lower than that in WT mice. NK cells were isolated from Tigit-/- and WT mice and injected via the tail vein into WT mice infected with S. japonicum. The degree of liver fibrosis in mice that received NK cell infusion reduced significantly, but there was no significant difference between mice that received NK cells from Tigit-/- and WT mice, respectively. Our findings indicate that Tigit knockout enhanced the function of NK cells and reduced the degree of liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis, thus providing a novel strategy for treating hepatic fibrosis induced by schistosomiasis.

Polymer Free Volume-Controlled Molecular Clock and Emitter for Multicolored Transient Data Display in Advanced Photonic Cryptography.

The booming demand on data security has aroused great interest for developing smart materials with temporal display feature and dynamic multicolor fluorescence. However, it remains challenging to implement both features on most responsive molecules. Herein, we construct a polymer free volume-controlled "molecular clock and emitter" via covalently embedding a multi-stimuli responsive molecular switch (i.e., spiropyran) into a polymer network (i.e., poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate)) with programmable crosslink density and free volume. By the aminolysis of pentafluorophenyl ester with different amount of diamine crosslinkers, pPFPA-co-SP networks with controllable crosslink densities are generated, which have different confinement effects on the rate constant of SP/MC isomerization, thus leading to time-dependent photochromism. In addition, PTF1, a fluorescent probe that is sensitive to polymer rigidity, is introduced to further endow pPFPA-co-SP system with phototunable dynamic full-color emission. Therefore, relying on their synergistical responses to the rigidity of the polymer network, we have successfully developed a versatile molecular clock and emitter via an "one stone two birds" manner, which shows time-dependent data display along with dynamic multicolor fluorescence switching, providing great potential for advanced encryption and anticounterfeiting with a high security level.

Gram-scale synthesis of alstoscholarinoid B via a bio-inspired strategy.

Alstoscholarinoid A is a novel rearranged triterpene with an unprecedented 6/6/5/6/6/6 framework and an additional unique C28 → C11-olide F-ring, and displays antihyperuricemic bioactivity. Herein, we report a bio-inspired synthesis of alstoscholarinoid B in a stepwise manner, which is amenable to gram-scale synthesis. The synthesis involved the Chugaev elimination as a key step to realize the migration of the Δ11,12-double bond of oleanolic acid, and also featured a sequential LiHMDS-mediated intramolecular aldol condensation/lactonization to establish the polycyclic ring system. Additionally, a tandem deprotection/aldol condensation/lactonization process under the influence of LiI/2,4,6-collidine for forging the polycyclic scaffold was also serendipitously discovered. Mechanistic studies indicated that lithium carboxylate might function as an inner base for the chemoselective α-deprotonation of the C12-aldehyde.

Confronting the Challenge of Cellulose Molecular Weight Measurement: An Accurate, Rapid, and Universal Method with Ionic Liquid as an Additive.

Molecular weight parameters are the key fundamental information of polymer materials, but the accurate characterization of the molecular weight of cellulose is extremely difficult due to its strong hydrogen bonding network. Herein, we demonstrated two new methods to accurately and rapidly measure the molecular weight parameters of cellulose by using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (BmimAc) ionic liquid (IL) as an additive. Cellulose is rapidly dissolved in BmimAc/DMSO (1:1, w/w) at room temperature at first. Then, DMAc is added to dilute the solution, and finally, the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of cellulose samples are measured by the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) method with BmimAc/DMSO/DMAc (1:1:18, w/w) as the mobile phase. Such a simple method is suitable to all kinds of cellulose samples and exhibits an extremely high analytical efficiency which is 50 times higher than the previous GPC methods. In addition, a viscosity method that is available for industrial application was proposed by using the BmimAc/DMSO/DMAc (1:1:8, w/w) system with low viscosity. The relationship between the intrinsic viscosity of the cellulose/BmimAc/DMSO/DMAc solution and the molecular weight of cellulose is well established and is applicable to cellulose samples of Mw = 4.5 × 104 to 1.8 × 106, which is the widest applicable range among the reported viscosity methods. Overall, two new methods based on the use of BmimAc as an additive have many advantages, such as wide applicable range, simple preparation process, mild dissolution condition, no degradation or aggregation of cellulose, high accuracy, fast detection, and low IL consumption, overcoming the existing problems in the traditional methods. It is expected to be used as a standard procedure to characterize the molecular weight of cellulose in academia and industries.

Steep freeform measurement method based on a normal transverse differential confocal.

A normal transverse laser differential confocal freeform measurement (NTDCFM) method was proposed to address the high-precision measurement difficulty of steep freeform surfaces with large variations in inclination, scattering, and reflectance. Using D-shaped diaphragm technology, the freeform surface under test (FSUT) axial variation transformed into a spot transverse movement on the detection focal plane. Meanwhile, a 2D position sensitive detector (PSD) was used to obtain the normal vector of the sampling points so that the measuring sensor's optical axis could track the FSUT normal direction. The focus tracking method extended the sensor measurement range. Theoretical analysis and experimental results showed that the axial resolution of the NTDCFM was better than 0.5 nm, the direction resolution of the normal vector was 0.1°, the maximum surface inclination could be measured up to 90°, the sensor range was 5 mm, and the measurement repeatability of the FSUT was better than 9 nm. It provides an effective new anti-inclination, anti-scattering, and anti-reflectivity method for accurately measuring steep freeform surfaces.

Assessing the accuracy of ultrasound measurements of tracheal diameter: an in vitro experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate that ultrasound can detect changes in tracheal diameter during endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff inflation. We sought to assess the accuracy of ultrasound measurement of tracheal diameter, and to determine the relationship between tracheal wall pressure (TWP), cuff inflation volume (CIV), and the degree of tracheal deformation. METHODS: Our study comprised two parts: the first included 45 porcine tracheas, the second 41 porcine tracheas. Each trachea was intubated with a cuffed ETT, which was connected to an injector and the manometer via a three-way tap. The cuff was inflated and the cuff pressure recorded before and after intubation. The tracheal diameter was measured using ultrasound. This included three separate measurements: outer transverse diameter (OTD), internal transverse diameter (ITD), and anterior tracheal wall thicknesses (ATWT). A precision electronic Vernier caliper was also used to measure tracheal diameter. We calculated TWP and the percentage change of tracheal diameter. The Bland-Altman method, linear regression, and locally weighted regression (LOESS) were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: There were strong correlation and agreement for OTD (r = 0.97, P < 0.001) and ITD (r = 0.90, P < 0.001) as measured by ultrasound and by precision electronic Vernier caliper, but a poor correlation for ATWT (r = 0.58, P < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between the percentage change of OTD (OTD%, r = 0.75, P < 0.001) and CIV, the percentage change of ITD (ITD%, r = 0.77, P < 0.001) and CIV, TWP (r = 0.75, P < 0.001) and CIV. And a strong correlation was also found between TWP and OTD% (r = 0.84, P < 0.001), TWP and ITD% (r = 0.84, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Use of ultrasound to measure OTD and ITD is accurate, but is less accurate for ATWT. There is a close correlation between OTD%, ITD%, CIV and TWP.

Effect of ablation behavior on the matrix effect in nanosecond laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

To investigate the effect of ablation behavior on the matrix effect, nanosecond laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is used to analyze variations in element signal intensities of NIST 610 and GSE-1G standard samples with different laser fluence. Scanning electron microscopy and super depth-of-field microscopy are used to capture the morphology of the ablation crater and obtain depth information, respectively. A pump-probe shadowgraph is used to record the dynamic process of plasma plume evolution during sample ablation. Experimental results show that the proportion of refractory elements to volatile elements in the ablation materials with two different matrices increases with an increase in laser fluence. For the GSE-1G matrix, this range of increase is relatively small, and the signal loss of refractory elements occurs at a higher laser fluence. Combined with the morphology of the ablation crater and evolution of the plasma plume, this potential cause is related to the plasma shielding, which is beneficial to form and deposit large particles, resulting in the loss of refractory elements at high energy fluence.

Exogenous Melatonin and Abscisic Acid Expedite the Flavonoids Biosynthesis in Grape Berry of Vitis vinifera cv. Kyoho.

Grape polyphenols contributing to more than half of the global polyphenol market were well studied; however, how melatonin (MLT), a potential plant hormone, and abscisic acid (ABA) affects polyphenols profile is still poorly understood. To explore whether these hormones are involved in polyphenolic biosynthesis, grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Kyoho) was exposed to MLT, ABA, and NDGA (nordihydroguaiaretic acid, an ABA biosynthesis inhibitor) treatments, and 16 polyphenols were identified from grape extracts by high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Both exogenous MLT and ABA significantly enhanced the biosynthesis of each flavonol and flavanol component, especially catechin, which was almost increased double by 200 µM of MLT treatment. Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, including 4-coumaroyl-CoA synthase, chalcone synthase, flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase, anthocyanin 3'-methyltransferase, flavonol synthase, flavonoid-3-O-glucosyltransferase, and flavonoid 3',5'-methyltransferase were highly up-regulated as well but were down-regulated by NDGA. The present study provided new insights for improving flavonoids accumulation in agricultural production and its underlying mechanism.

[Relationship between dynamic CT angiography-based collateral flow evaluation and outcome of patients with stroke induced by acute basilar artery occlusion].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the collateral flow in patients with ischemic stroke due to acute basilar artery occlusion by dynamic CT angiography and to predict the outcome after reperfusion therapy. METHODS: Forty-five patients with stroke due to acute basilar artery occlusion undergoing reperfusion treatment in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine during January 2012 and August 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and binary logistic regression model were used to identify the independent predictors of patient's outcome, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal threshold of the posterior circulation collateral score (PC-CS) in predicting the prognosis of the patients. RESULTS: Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR=0.886, 95% CI:0.802-0.979, P<0.05) and PC-CS (OR=1.962, 95%CI:1.026-3.752, P<0.05) were independent predictors of patient's outcome, and PC-CS 4.5 was the optimal threshold (AUC:0.837, sensitivity of 68.2%, specificity of 87.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic CT angiography based on CT perfusion imaging can be used to evaluate collaterals in posterior circulation, and to predict clinical outcome after reperfusion therapy in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion.

Lower serum calcium level is associated with hemorrhagic transformation after thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We aim to investigate whether lower admission serum calcium levels are associated with hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). METHODS: A total of 362 patients treated with IVT was divided into 4 quartiles based on admission serum calcium levels (Q1[<2.16], Q2[2.16, 2.23], Q3[2.24, 2.31], and Q4[>2.31] mmol/L). HT was classified as hemorrhagic infarction and parenchymal hemorrhage. Logistic regression was applied to assess the association between serum calcium levels and the incidence of HT. RESULTS: Compared with Q4, HT was more common in Q1 (odds ratio, 2.580; 95% CI, [1.258-5.292]; P=0.010), Q2 (odds ratio, 2.382; 95% CI, [1.163-4.877]; P=0.018), and Q3 (odds ratio, 2.293; 95% CI, [1.133-4.637]; P=0.021). Hemorrhagic infarction was more common in Q1 (P=0.037), and Q2 (P=0.018), compared with Q4, and parenchymal hemorrhage was more common in Q1 (P=0.029) than Q4. CONCLUSIONS: Lower admission serum calcium level is independently associated with HT after IVT, and this hypothesis needs larger confirmatory trials.

[Thrombus length evaluated by CT perfusion imaging and its value in prediction of recanalization after intravenous thrombolysis therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the thrombus length on CT perfusion imaging and to assess its predictive value for recanalization and clinical outcome after intravenous thrombolysis therapy (IVT). METHODS: Fifty-six consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients with proximal middle cerebral artery (M1 segment) occlusion underwent CT perfusion imaging examination before IVT between June 2009 and May 2015. The onset-to needle time was (214.3 ± 82.0) min, and the pretreatment NIHSS score of patients was 13 (IQR 8-17). The thrombus length was determined as the distance between the proximal and distal thrombus end delineated on dynamic angiography, which was reconstructed from CT perfusion source images. Recanalization was evaluated according to Arterial Occlusive Lesion (AOL) scale, and functional outcome was based on modified Rankin scale (mRS) 3 months after IVT. Logistic regression model was used to investigate the relationship between thrombus length and recanalization, and the optimal cut-off points were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). RESULTS: Among 56 patients, 42 (75%) achieved recanalization 24 h after IVT with mean thrombus length of (9.0 ± 4.7) mm; and 14 (25%) patients remained occlusion with mean thrombus length of (10.0 ± 5.4) mm. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that thrombus length was an independent predictor for both recanalization (OR=0.869; 95% CI:0.764-0.987; P=0.031) and unfavorable outcome (OR=1.180;95% CI:1.023-1.362; P=0.023). Thrombus length of 11.3 mm was identified as the optimal cut-off value for recanalization (AUC=0.697, sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 76.2%), while thrombus length of 9.9 mm was the optimal cut-off value for unfavorable functional outcome (AUC=0.689, sensitivity 64.7%, specificity 71.4%). CONCLUSION: The thrombus length evaluated on CT perfusion imaging is an effective predictor for recanalization and unfavorable outcome after IVT in acute ischemic stroke patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Riemannian transfer learning based on log-Euclidean metric for EEG classification.

Introduction: Brain computer interfaces (BCI), which establish a direct interaction between the brain and the external device bypassing peripheral nerves, is one of the hot research areas. How to effectively convert brain intentions into instructions for controlling external devices in real-time remains a key issue that needs to be addressed in brain computer interfaces. The Riemannian geometry-based methods have achieved competitive results in decoding EEG signals. However, current Riemannian classifiers tend to overlook changes in data distribution, resulting in degenerated classification performance in cross-session and/or cross subject scenarios. Methods: This paper proposes a brain signal decoding method based on Riemannian transfer learning, fully considering the drift of the data distribution. Two Riemannian transfer learning methods based log-Euclidean metric are developed, such that historical data (source domain) can be used to aid the training of the Riemannian decoder for the current task, or data from other subjects can be used to boost the training of the decoder for the target subject. Results: The proposed methods were verified on BCI competition III, IIIa, and IV 2a datasets. Compared with the baseline that without transfer learning, the proposed algorithm demonstrates superior classification performance. In contrast to the Riemann transfer learning method based on the affine invariant Riemannian metric, the proposed method obtained comparable classification performance, but is much more computationally efficient. Discussion: With the help of proposed transfer learning method, the Riemannian classifier obtained competitive performance to existing methods in the literature. More importantly, the transfer learning process is unsupervised and time-efficient, possessing potential for online learning scenarios.

Proppant Settlement and Long-Term Conductivity Calculation in Complex Fractures.

The current research on fracture conductivity ignores the placement of the proppant in fractures and relies on single-fracture conductivity testing and calculation, which cannot represent the overall conductivity of complex fracture systems. This research proposes a calculation method for the long-term conductivity of complex fractures based on proppant placement. This method considers fracture morphology, proppant placement, proppant embedment, and deformation under high closing pressure. The research results show that fracture conductivity decreases with increasing time, which can be divided into three stages: the embedding stage, the creep stage, and the stabilization stage. The long-term conductivity of the main fracture is higher than that of the branching fracture. With increasing closing pressure, the conductivities of both the main fracture and the branching fracture decrease. This is because increasing closure stress accelerates proppant embedment and creep, compressing the fluid flow space and further reducing fracture conductivity. Fracture conductivity is related to the placement of the proppant and sand concentration. Increasing the sand ratio can significantly increase the placement of the proppant in the main fracture and branching fractures, thereby improving fracture conductivity. Increasing the fracturing fluid viscosity can increase its proppant migration capacity. The proppant does not easily settle prematurely in high-viscosity fracturing fluid and can enter more into branching fractures, thereby improving their conductivity.

Pyroptosis and mitochondrial function participated in miR-654-3p-protected against myocardial infarction.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of heart failure with highly complicated pathogeneses. miR-654-3p has been recognized as a pivotal regulator of controlling cell survival. However, the function of miR-654-3p in cardiomyocytes and MI has yet to be reported. This study aimed to identify the role of miR-654-3p in the regulation of myocardial infarction. To understand the contribution of miR-654-3p on heart function, we generated cardiac-specific knockdown and overexpression mice using AAV9 technology in MI injury. Mechanically, we combined cellular and molecular techniques, pharmaceutical treatment, RNA sequencing, and functional testing to elucidate the potential pathological mechanisms. We identified that mice subjected to MI decreased the expression of miR-654-3p in the border and infarcted area. Mice lacking miR-654-3p in the heart showed some inflammation infiltration and myocardial fibrosis, resulting in a mild cardiac injury. Furthermore, we found a deficiency of miR-654-3p in cardiomyocytes resulted in pyroptotic cell death but not other programmed cell death. Intriguingly, miR-654-3p deficiency aggravated MI-induced cardiac dysfunction, accompanied by higher myocardial fibrosis and cardiac enzymes and augmented pyroptosis activation. Cardiac elevating miR-654-3p prevented myocardial fibrosis and inflammation infiltration and decreased pyroptosis profile, thereby attenuating MI-induced cardiac damage. Using RNA sequence and molecular biological approaches, we found overexpression of miR-654-3p in the heart promoted the metabolic ability of the cardiomyocytes by promoting mitochondrial metabolism and mitochondrial respiration function. Our finding identified the character of miR-654-3p in protecting against MI damage by mediating pyroptosis and mitochondrial metabolism. These findings provide a new mechanism for miR-654-3p involvement in the pathogenesis of MI and reveal novel therapeutic targets. miR-654-3p expression was decreased after MI. Mice lacking miR-654-3p in the heart showed some inflammation infiltration and myocardial fibrosis, resulting in a mild cardiac injury. The deficiency of miR-654-3p in cardiomyocytes resulted in pyroptotic cell death. miR-654-3p deficiency aggravated MI-induced cardiac dysfunction, accompanied by higher myocardial fibrosis and cardiac enzymes and augmented pyroptosis activation. Overexpression of miR-654-3p prevented myocardial fibrosis and inflammation infiltration and decreased pyroptosis profile, thereby attenuating MI-induced cardiac damage. Overexpression of miR-654-3p in the heart promoted the metabolic ability of the cardiomyocytes by promoting mitochondrial metabolism and mitochondrial respiration function.

Comparative Analysis of Different ELISA Methods for the Serodiagnosis of Przhevalskiana silenus Infestation in Goats.

Przhevalskiana silenus (warble fly) grubs cause myiasis in goats, in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas and different regions in Pakistan, and cause substantial losses to livestock. The palpation method for detecting warble flies generally neglects the infestation intensity; therefore, the development of a reliable and efficient diagnostic technique is extremely necessary. This study compared three indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods for detecting anti-P. silenus antibodies using the hypodermin C (HyC) purified from Hypoderma spp. Larvae collected in cattle (local isolate, Microbiology Laboratory, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi), the crude antigen from the first instar stage of P. silenus, and a commercial Bovine Hypodermosis Antibody ELISA kit (IDEXX Laboratory), for accurately estimating the seroprevalence of goat warble fly infestation (GWFI) in the Pothwar plateau, Punjab, Pakistan. The ELISA with the crude antigen of P. silenus proved very sensitive and specific, 91% and 93%, respectively. The optical density exhibited a monthly variation, and the antibody titer began increasing from June, continually increased from July to December, and gradually decreased thereafter until March. The study confirmed the endemic status of GWFI in the Pothwar region and identified that ELISA based on the crude antigen of P. silenus was a more sensitive and specific immunodiagnostic method for determining seroprevalence, and could be employed for initiating nationwide eradication campaigns.

Asymmetric Synthesis of (+)-Vellosimine Enabled by a Sequential Nucleophilic Addition/Cyclization Process.

Herein, we achieved the asymmetric synthesis of (+)-vellosimine in 13 steps (longest linear sequences, LLS). This synthesis featured a sequential nucleophilic addition/cyclization process, which provided an efficient protocol for synthesizing a range of indole fused azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane. Additionally, a SmI2-mediated reductive cyclization of ketone with an attached α,ß-unsaturated ester for constructing the strained quinuclidine moiety was also highlighted.

Fibular flap mandibular reconstruction for third-stage medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A retrospective single-center study.

Background/purpose: The incidence and patient population of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) has dramatically increased due to the use of drugs suppressing bone metastasis. However, its clinical treatment is still very difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and outcome of immediate fibular flap reconstruction for MRONJ in the mandible. Materials and methods: Patients who underwent immediate fibular flap reconstruction for MRONJ in the mandible in our institution from 1990 to 2022 were screened and identified. Their demographics, drug history, symptoms, surgical parameters and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Results: In total, 25 patients with MRONJ stage 3 were included. The main cause of drug administration was osseous metastasis (88%), and zoledronate was the main drug. Pain, swelling (44%), pyorrhea (28%), extraoral fistulas (16%) and necrotic bone exposure (12%) were the main chief complaints. After segmental mandibulectomy, the fibular flap harvest was 9.73 ± 3.37 cm, and 18/25 (72%) were cut into two segments to reconstruct the mandible. Sixty-eight percent had an intraoral skin paddle placed. All of the flaps survived, and 21/25 (84%) of the soft tissue underwent primary healing. During follow-up, the alleviation of symptoms was effective, and there was no primary disease progression or death. Conclusion: This is the largest comprehensive investigation of fibular flap reconstruction for MRONJ in the mandible, which is proved to be an alternative and effective treatment for managing advanced patients with MRONJ.

Conventional Non-Fluorescent Polymers: Unconventional Security Inks for Data Storage and Multidimensional Photonic Cryptography.

Traditional security inks relying on fluorescent/phosphorescent molecules are facing increasing risks of forgery or tampering due to their simple readout scheme (i.e., UV-light irradiation) and the advancement of counterfeiting technologies. In this work, a multidimensional data-encryption method based on non-fluorescent polymers via a "lock-key" mechanism is developed. The non-fluorescent invisible polymer inks serve as the "lock" for data-encryption, while the anti-rigidochromic fluorophores that can distinctively light up the polymer inks with programed emissions are "keys" for decryption. The emission of decrypted data is prescribed by polymer chemical structure, molecular weight, topology, copolymer sequence, and phase structure, and shows distinct intensity, wavelength, and chirality compared with the intrinsic emission of fluorophores. Therefore, the data is triply encrypted and naturally gains a high-security level, e.g., only one out of 20 000 keys can access the only correct readout from 40 000 000 possible outputs in a three-polymers-based data-encryption matrix. Note that fluorophores lacking anti-rigidochrimism cannot selectively light up the inks and fail in data-decryption. Further, the diverse topologies, less well-defined structures, and random-coiled shapes of polymers make it impossible for them to be imitated. This work offers a new design for security inks and boosts data security levels beyond the reach of conventional fluorescent inks.

Repeated methamphetamine exposure decreases plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in rhesus monkeys.

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to prevent methamphetamine (METH)-induced neurotoxicity and plays a role in various stages of METH addiction. However, there is a lack of research with longitudinal design on changes in plasma BDNF levels in active METH-dependent individuals. Aims: The aim of the study was to investigate changes in BDNF levels during METH self-administration in monkeys. Methods: This study measured plasma BDNF levels in three male rhesus monkeys with continuous METH exposure and four male control rhesus monkeys without METH exposure. Changes in plasma BDNF levels were then assessed longitudinally during 40 sessions of METH self-administration in the three monkeys. Results: Repeated METH exposure decreased plasma BDNF levels. Additionally, plasma BDNF decreased with long-term rather than short-term accumulation of METH during METH self-administration. Conclusions: These findings may indicate that the changes in peripheral BDNF may reflect the quantity of accumulative METH intake during a frequent drug use period.

Rhesus monkeys exhibiting spontaneous ritualistic behaviors resembling obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects ∼2%-3% of the population globally. Studying spontaneous OCD-like behaviors in non-human primates may improve our understanding of the disorder. In large rhesus monkey colonies, we found 10 monkeys spontaneously exhibiting persistent sequential motor behaviors (SMBs) in individual-specific sequences that were repetitive, time-consuming and stable over prolonged periods. Genetic analysis revealed severely damaging mutations in genes associated with OCD risk in humans. Brain imaging showed that monkeys with SMBs had larger gray matter (GM) volumes in the left caudate nucleus and lower fractional anisotropy of the corpus callosum. The GM volume of the left caudate nucleus correlated positively with the daily duration of SMBs. Notably, exposure to a stressor (human presence) significantly increased SMBs. In addition, fluoxetine, a serotonergic medication commonly used for OCD, decreased SMBs in these monkeys. These findings provide a novel foundation for developing better understanding and treatment of OCD.