C9H7NBrX (X = Cl, Br, NO3): Three Excellent Birefringent Crystals with Distinct Optical Anisotropy Regulated by Anions.

A large optical anisotropy is the most important parameter of birefringent crystals. Integrating π-conjugated groups with large polarizable anisotropy into target compounds is a common strategy for constructing brilliant birefringent crystals. However, the key problem is to enhance the density of the birefringence-active units and further arrange them parallelly. In this study, three novel birefringent crystals, C9H7NBrX (X = Cl, Br, NO3), are successfully synthesized by introducing a new birefringence-active [C9H7NBr]+ unit. Interestingly, these compounds feature similar layered structures but exhibit different optical anisotropies at 550 nm (0.277 for C9H7NBrCl, 0.328 for C9H7NBrBr, and 0.401 for C9H7NBrNO3) owing to the different anions in them. Particularly, the small trigonal planar NO3 anions perfectly fill the interstices of the π-conjugated [C9H7NBr]+ groups with large optical anisotropy, with the resulting compound C9H7NBrNO3 showing superior optical properties compared to the others. The above findings provide strategies for designing new optical materials with large birefringence by matching birefringence-active groups of different sizes. Additionally, a new theory for predicting and comparing the polarizability anisotropy of compounds is proposed, which would guide in exploring large birefringent crystals.

Single-cell joint detection of chromatin occupancy and transcriptome enables higher-dimensional epigenomic reconstructions.

Deciphering mechanisms in cell-fate decisions requires single-cell holistic reconstructions of multidimensional epigenomic states in transcriptional regulation. Here we develop CoTECH, a combinatorial barcoding method allowing high-throughput single-cell joint detection of chromatin occupancy and transcriptome. We used CoTECH to examine bivalent histone marks (H3K4me3 and H3K27me3) with transcription from naive to primed mouse embryonic stem cells. We also derived concurrent bivalent marks in pseudosingle cells using transcriptome as an anchor for resolving pseudotemporal bivalency trajectories and disentangling a context-specific interplay between H3K4me3/H3K27me3 and transcription level. Next, we revealed the regulatory basis of endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition in two waves of hematopoietic cells and distinctive enhancer-gene-linking schemes guiding hemogenic endothelial cell emergence, indicating a unique epigenetic control of transcriptional regulation for hematopoietic stem cell priming. CoTECH provides an efficient framework for single-cell coassay of chromatin occupancy and transcription, thus enabling higher-dimensional epigenomic reconstructions.

Chemical characteristics and health risk evaluation of natural waters in the Du River Source National Nature Reserve: A case study in Zhushan County, Hubei Province, China.

To study the distribution of trace elements in natural water of the Du River Source National Nature Reserve and to assess the water quality and health risks, Zhushan County in Hubei Province was selected as the study area. Element content in 361 natural water samples collected from Zhushan County were measured by ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and HG-AFS. The main anions and cations present in water samples from Zhushan County are Ca2+ and HCO3-. The water chemistry is predominantly influenced by the weathering of carbonate rocks. The water samples with high content of selenium (Se) (0∼82.9 µg/L, mean 4.6 µg/L) in natural water in Zhushan County are mainly distributed in the northern part of Zhushan. The strontium (Sr) content of 49.6% of the water samples (0.001-2.177 mg/L, mean 0.234 mg/L) reached the criteria of natural mineral water for drinking in China (Sr ≥ 0.2 mg/L), which is distributed throughout the county. The high content of metasilicic acid (H2SiO3) (0.026-35.910 mg/L, mean 12.598 mg/L) and zinc (Zn) (0∼407.218 µg/L, mean 12.406 µg/L) are concentrated in northern Zhushan County. 99.7% water samples were freshwater and 98.9% meet the criteria of "good" water quality. All of the natural water samples have low health risk and low heavy metal pollution. 6.1% water samples meet the criteria of Se-type mineral water, while 45.4% meet the criteria of Sr-type mineral water, and 4.4% water samples meet the criteria of "low sodium, high Se, and high Sr" mineral water. Zhushan County has the potential for Se-type mineral water and Sr-type mineral water development. The findings of this study hold immense significance for the public health implications of drinking water in Du River Source, thereby offering valuable insights for effective water resources management.

Comparative analysis of inflight transmission of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and SARS-CoV-1.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the infection risk of aircraft passengers seated within and beyond two rows of the index case(s) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, and SARS-CoV-1. PubMed databases were searched for articles containing information on air travel-related transmission of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, and SARS-CoV-1 infections. We performed a meta-analysis of inflight infection data. In the eight flights where the attack rate could be calculated, the inflight SARS-CoV-2 attack rates ranged from 2.6% to 16.1%. The risk ratios of infection for passengers seated within and outside the two rows of the index cases were 5.64 (95% confidence interval (CI):1.94-16.40) in SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks, 4.26 (95% CI:1.08-16.81) in the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus outbreaks, and 1.91 (95% CI:0.80-4.55) in SARS-CoV-1 outbreaks. Furthermore, we found no significant difference between the attack rates of SARS-CoV-2 in flights where the passengers were wearing masks and those where they were not (p = 0.22). The spatial distribution of inflight SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks was more similar to that of the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus outbreaks than to that of SARS-CoV-1. Given the high proportion of asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic infection in SARS-CoV-2 transmission, we hypothesised that the proximity transmission, especially short-range airborne route, might play an important role in the inflight SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Neuroprotective Effects of Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract on Pink1B9Drosophila Melanogaster Genetic Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Lycium barbarum (LB) is a famous traditional Chinese medicinal plant as well as food supplement possessing various pharmacological functions such as anti-aging and antioxidant effects. The Parkinson's disease (PD)-related kinase Pink1 plays vital role in maintaining the neuron cell homeostasis, having been recognized as a potential target for the development of anti-PD drugs. In this work, the neuroprotective effects of methanol extract of LB fruit (LBFE) were investigated using a Drosophila PD model (PINK1B9) and a human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. We found that when LBFE was supplied to the PINK1B9 flies at 6, 12, and 18 days of age, it raised the ATP and dopamine levels at all ages, extended life span, improved motor behavior, and rescued olfactory deficits of the PINK1B9 flies. In addition, histopathological examinations indicated that muscle atrophy in thoraces of the mutant flies was significantly repaired. Finally, LBFE was able to rescue the SH-SY5Y cells against MPP+-induced neurotoxicity. This work reports for the first time the anti-PD potential of L. barbarum fruit extract in PINK1 mutant fruit flies, presenting a new viewpoint for studing the mechanism of action of LBFE.

The lncRNA Hand2os1/Uph locus orchestrates heart development through regulation of precise expression of Hand2.

Exploration and dissection of potential actions and effects of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in animals remain challenging. Here, using multiple knockout mouse models and single cell RNA sequencing, we demonstrate that the divergent lncRNA Hand2os1/Uph has a key complex modulatory effect on the expression of its neighboring gene HAND2 and subsequently on heart development and function. Short deletion of the Hand2os1 promoter in mouse diminishes Hand2os1 transcription to ∼8-32%, but fails to affect HAND2 expression and yields no discernable heart phenotypes. Interestingly, full-length deletion of Hand2os1 in mouse causes moderate yet prevalent upregulation of HAND2 in hundreds of cardiac cells, leading to profound biological consequences, including dysregulated cardiac gene programs, congenital heart defects and perinatal lethality. We propose that the Hand2os1 locus dampens HAND2 expression to restrain cardiomyocyte proliferation, thereby orchestrating a balanced development of cardiac cell lineages. This study highlights the regulatory complexity of the lncRNA Hand2os1 on HAND2 expression, emphasizing the need for complementary genetic and single cell approaches to delineate the function and primary molecular effects of an lncRNA in animals.

Mediating effect of self-control in the relationship between psychological distress and food addiction among college students.

Psychological distress is a possible trigger contributing to food addiction, which is characterized by a loss of behavioral control and compulsive food intake. However, little is known about its underlying mechanisms. Self-control, an important self-regulation skill, may mediate the effect of psychological distress on food addiction. A cross-sectional survey was used to explore the direct relationship between psychological distress and food addiction, and the mediating role of self-control in this relationship. Food addiction, psychological distress, and self-control were evaluated using the Chinese versions of the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0, Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale, and Self-control Scale, respectively. Correlation analyses showed that food addiction was positively correlated with psychological distress, but negatively related to self-control. Structural equation modeling revealed the mediating role of self-control in the relationship between food addiction and psychological distress. As a significant predictor of food addiction, psychological distress may induce food addiction directly or indirectly through the effect of self-control. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between psychological distress and food addiction, and the underlying mechanism. As such, psychological distress and self-control should be included in prevention and intervention strategies to address food addiction among college students.

Exploring the Absorption Mechanisms of Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquids to Epigallocatechin Gallate.

Imidazolium-based ionic liquids are wildly used in natural product adsorption and purification. In this work, one typical polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) was synthesized by using L-proline as the anion, which exhibited excellent adsorption capacity toward tea polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The adsorption conditions were optimized with the response surface method (RSM). Under the optimum conditions, the adsorption capacity of the PIL for EGCG can reach as high as 552 mg/g. Dynamics and isothermal research shows that the adsorption process of EGCG by the PIL particularly meets the quasi-second-order kinetic equation and monolayer adsorption mechanism. According to thermodynamic parameter analysis, the adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous. The results of theoretical calculation by molecular docking also demonstrated the interaction mechanisms between EGCG and the ionic liquid. Considering the wide application of imidazolium-based ionic liquids in component adsorption and purification, the present study can not only be extended to other similar experimental mechanism validation, but also be representative for guiding the synthesis of PIL and optimization of adsorption conditions.

Synthesis of Tropine-Based Functionalized Acidic Ionic Liquids and Catalysis of Esterification.

Some traditional acidic ionic liquids (AILs) have shown great catalytic potential in esterification; meanwhile, the design and application of more new AILs are expected at present.Tropine-based functionalized acidic ionic liquids (FAILs) were synthesized to realize esterification catalysis for the first time; with aspirin synthesis as the template reaction, key influences on the substrate conversion and product yield of the synthesis, such as IL type, ratio of salicylic acid to acetic anhydride, temperature, reaction time and amount of IL, were investigated. The new tropine-based FAILs exhibited excellent performance in catalytic synthesis of aspirin with 88.7% yield and 90.8% selectivity. Multiple recovery and re-usage of N-(3-propanesulfonic acid) tropine is the cation, and p-toluenesulfonic acid is the anion. ([Trps][OTs]) shows satisfactory results. When [Trps][OTs] was used to catalyze different esterification reactions, it also showed good results. The above studies proved that ionic liquid [Trps][OTs] could serve as an ideal green solvent for esterification reaction, which serves as a suitable substitute for current catalysts.

Fast Screening of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitor from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge by Cell Display-Based Ligand Fishing.

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge is a medicinal plant (Chinese name "Danshen") widely used for the treatment of hyperglycemia in traditional Chinese medicine. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been recognized as a potential target for insulin sensitizing for the treatment of diabetes. In this work, PTP1B was displayed at the surface of E. coli cells (EC-PTP1B) to be used as a bait for fishing of the enzyme's inhibitors present in the aqueous extract of S. miltiorrhiza. Salvianolic acid B, a polyphenolic compound, was fished out by EC-PTP1B, which was found to inhibit PTP1B with an IC50 value of 23.35 µM. The inhibitory mechanism of salvianolic acid B was further investigated by enzyme kinetic experiments and molecular docking, indicating salvianolic acid B was a non-competitive inhibitor for PTP1B (with Ki and Kis values of 31.71 µM and 20.08 µM, respectively) and its binding energy was -7.89 kcal/mol. It is interesting that in the comparative work using a traditional ligand fishing bait of PTP1B-immobilized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs-PTP1B), no ligands were extracted at all. This study not only discovered a new PTP1B inhibitor from S. miltiorrhiza which is significant to understand the chemical basis for the hypoglycemic activity of this plant, but also indicated the effectiveness of cell display-based ligand fishing in screening of active compounds from complex herbal extracts.

Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals Chemotaxis-Mediated Intraorgan Crosstalk During Cardiogenesis.

RATIONALE: We hypothesized that the differentiation processes of cardiac progenitor cell (CP) from first and second heart fields (FHF and SHF) may undergo the unique instructive gene regulatory networks or signaling pathways, and the precise SHF progression is contingent on the FHF signaling developmental cues. OBJECTIVE: We investigated how the intraorgan communications control sequential building of discrete anatomic regions of the heart at single-cell resolution. METHODS AND RESULTS: By single-cell transcriptomic analysis of Nkx2-5 (NK2 homeobox 5) and Isl1 (ISL LIM homeobox 1) lineages at embryonic day 7.75, embryonic day 8.25, embryonic day 8.75, and embryonic day 9.25, we present a panoramic view of distinct CP differentiation hierarchies. Computational identifications of FHF- and SHF-CP descendants revealed that SHF differentiation toward cardiomyocytes underwent numerous step-like transitions, whereas earlier FHF progressed toward cardiomyocytes in a wave-like manner. Importantly, single-cell pairing analysis demonstrated that SHF-CPs were attracted to and expanded FHF-populated heart tube region through interlineage communications mediated by the chemotactic guidance (MIF [macrophage migration inhibitory factor]-CXCR2 [C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2]). This finding was verified by pharmacological blockade of this chemotaxis in embryos manifesting limited SHF cell migration and contribution to the growth of the outflow tract and right ventricle but undetectable effects on the left ventricle or heart tube initiation. Genetic loss-of-function assay of Cxcr2 showed that the expression domain of CXCR4 was expanded predominantly at SHF. Furthermore, double knockout of Cxcr2/Cxcr4 exhibited defective SHF development, corroborating the redundant function. Mechanistically, NKX2-5 directly bound the Cxcr2 and Cxcr4 genomic loci and activated their transcription in SHF. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, we propose a model in which the chemotaxis-mediated intraorgan crosstalk spatiotemporally guides the successive process of positioning SHF-CP and promoting primary heart expansion and patterning upon FHF-derived heart tube initiation.

Studies on the local structure and spin Hamiltonian parameters for V4+ in Na2 O-PbO-Bi2 O3 -SiO2 glass ceramics.

The local structure, d-d transition band, and spin Hamiltonian parameters (SHPs) are theoretically studied for the V4+ probe in Na2 O-PbO-Bi2 O3 -SiO2 (NPBS) glass ceramics containing V2 O5 dopant with various concentration x (0 ≤ x ≤ 5 mol%) by using the perturbation formulas of the SHPs for tetragonally compressed octahedral 3d1 clusters. The first decreasing (or increasing) and then increasing (or decreasing) d-d transition band (= 10 Dq ) and hyperfine structure constants A// and A⊥ (or g factors g// and g⊥ ) with x can be suitably simulated with the similarly varying Fourier type concentration functions of cubic field parameter Dq , covalence factor N, core polarization constant κ, and reduction factor H (or relative tetragonal compression ratio ρ), with the minima (or maxima) at the middle concentration x = 3 mol%, respectively. The above concentration variations of SHPs and the related quantities may originate from the modifications of local crystal field strength, tetragonal compression, and electron cloud distribution near the impurity V4+ with x, corresponding to the highest [V4+ ]/[V5+ ] ratio at 3 mol%. Present studies would be helpful to explore novel sodium lead bismuth silicate glass ceramics by modifying the concentration of V2 O5 dopant.

Complex-precipitation using functionalized chiral ionic liquids with L-proline anion and chromatographic analysis for enantioseparation of racemic amino acids.

As one kind of functionalized green medium, chiral ionic liquids (CILs) have been widely applied in fields of asymmetric catalysis, enantioseparation, and so on. In this study, four kinds of amino acid-based CILs were synthesized by using trimethylamine, N-methylpyrrolidine, N-methylimidazole, and tropine as cationic nucleus, respectively. Then their specific optical rotation and solubility in common solvents were determined for further resolution application. The effect of different cations in these CILs was explored on the separation of racemic phenylalanine in complex-precipitation way. Moreover, various factors were systematically investigated for their effects on resolution efficiency, including the type of additive copper salts, the molar ratio of Cu (II) to CIL, pH value, the amount of racemic phenylalanine, and temperature. Under the appropriate conditions, L-phenylalanine mainly existed in solid phase and could be separated from its enantiomers in liquid phase. Furthermore, the mechanism of resolution was studied by thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectrum, and molecular simulation. The resolution system has characteristics of no organic solvent, fast separation speed, simple resolution process, and easy scale-up.

Entrepreneurial bricolage and entrepreneurial performance: The role of business model innovation and market orientation.

Newly established enterprises in China face significant challenges and opportunities, with persistently high mortality rates. Navigating market challenges and establishing sustainable competitive advantages are pressing issues for contemporary businesses. This study delves into the bridging role of business model innovation between entrepreneurial bricolage and entrepreneurial performance, with market orientation influencing the relationship boundaries. We examined 288 Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises, investigating the relationships among entrepreneurial bricolage, business model innovation, market orientation, and entrepreneurial performance. Empirical results indicate: (1) Entrepreneurial bricolage positively influences business model innovation, and business model innovation positively impacts entrepreneurial performance. (2) Business model innovation plays a fully mediating positive role between entrepreneurial bricolage and entrepreneurial performance. (3) Market orientation positively moderates the impact of entrepreneurial bricolage on business model innovation and entrepreneurial performance, and it also positively moderates the impact of business model innovation on entrepreneurial performance. (4) Market orientation positively moderates the impact of entrepreneurial bricolage, mediated by business model innovation, on entrepreneurial performance. The study results contribute to a more effective understanding of the mechanisms through which entrepreneurial bricolage and business model innovation influence entrepreneurial performance, as well as how market orientation moderates their relationships and how enterprises sustain competitive advantages.

A new particle material (CTS/ZMS) for removing ammonia and nitrate from groundwater: performance and regeneration.

A new type of particle material modified zeolite molecular sieve (CTS/ZMS) is developed for the simultaneous removal of NH4+-N and NO3--N in groundwater. To ascertain the optimal performance of CTS/ZMS, a custom central composite design (CCD) was utilised to assess the operational parameters (dosage and contact time) of CTS/ZMS composites. Batch experiments were carried out to determine the removal efficiency and adsorption capacity across varying pH values (3-12) and temperatures (5 °C to 30 °C). The results of response surface three-dimensional analysis showed the removal efficiencies of nitrate and ammonium ions are the highest at a dosage of 5.5 g/L of CTS/ZMS adsorbents and adsorption time of 6.25 h and are respectively observed to be 40%, and 80.2%. Adsorption thermodynamic analysis (ΔG0<0, ΔH0>0, ΔS0>0) revealed ammonia and nitrate adsorption on CTS/ZMS composites are spontaneous and feasible at high temperatures. SEM, EDS, BET, FTIR and XPS were employed for analyzing the adsorption mechanism of CTS/ZMS for NH4+-N and NO3--N and included mostly ion exchange, electrostatic interaction, and hydrogen bonding. Different regeneration methods including water regeneration, thermal regeneration, and chemical regeneration for CTS/ZMS composites were analyzed to evaluate the removal efficiency of NH4+-N and NO3--N. The saturated CTS/ZMS composites regenerated by first 1 mol/L NaCl solution, followed by 1 mol/L Na2CO3 solution demonstrated the highest ammonia and nitrate removal efficiency. The experimental data indicated pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich model explained well the ammonia and nitrate adsorption process of regenerated CTS/ZMS composites. According to the Langmuir model, the regenerated CTS/ZMS can adsorb a maximum of 0.92 mg/g of ammonia and 1.98 mg/g of nitrate. The results demonstrate that CTS/ZMS composites serve as a potentially efficient adsorbent for removing ammonia and ions from groundwater. This study offers technical guidelines and support for the future production and application of CTS/ZMS.

The effect of comprehensive psychological interventions on the mental health of the community elderly.

Objective: To observe the intervention effect of comprehensive psychological interventions on the mental health of the elderly population. Methods: 133 elderly aged 60 and above in two urban districts of Tianshui City from January 2020 to December 2020 were selected and divided into the intervention group (n=67) and the control group (n=66). The intervention group received comprehensive psychological interventions, with no intervention given to the control group. The anxiety rate, depression rate, loneliness rate and happiness rate of the two groups were collected and compared pre- and post-intervention. Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA) and Memorial University of Newfoundland Scale of Happiness (MUNSH) were used to compare the psychological status of the elderly pre- and post-intervention. Results: Differences in the inter-group main effects and time-point main effects for SAS, SDS, UCLA, and MUNSH scores of the intervention group were significant (all p<0.05). The SAS, SDS, and UCLA scores of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group after intervention. Meanwhile, the SAS and SDS scores of the intervention group were lower than those of the control group after intervention (all p<0.05). Moreover, the MUNSH score of the intervention group was higher than that of the control group at 1-year follow-up post-intervention (p<0.05). Compared with pre-intervention values, the proportions of anxiety, depression loneliness, and happiness in the intervention group were improved at 1-year follow-up post-intervention (all P<0.05). Conclusion: This study provides basis and important support for further investigations and the monitoring of health indicators in a population as fragile as the elderly. Targeted comprehensive psychological interventions can improve the negative emotions of community-dwelling elderly and maintain their physical and mental health. The "community-hospital linkage" mental health service model can improve the mental health status of community-dwelling elderly.

Estimated daily intake and health risk assessment of total and organic selenium in crops across areas with different selenium levels.

BACKGROUND: The health risk of Se has gained significant attention. Previous studies mainly focused on the health risk of total Se in high-Se area. Less attention has been paid to the health risk of organic selenium in areas with varying selenium levels. METHODS: A total number of 109 crop samples (edible parts) were collected in Langao County, Shannxi Province, China from 2018 to 2020, including 42 corn, 18 rice, 9 sweet potato, 25 potato, 12 radish, and 3 eggplant samples. The hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) method was used to determine the total and organic Se contents. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: (1) Corn (2.82 mg/kg), rice (0.44 mg/kg), potato (6.56 mg/kg), and eggplant (0.77 mg/kg) in high-Se area, as well as sweet potato (1.07 mg/kg) and radish (4.28 mg/kg) in medium-Se area, exhibited the highest total Se content among all crops in this county, and 5-328 times higher than the values of Se-enriched standard (2) The average daily intake of total/organic Se of residents in high-Se area reached 676/449 µg/day, which was 1-4 times higher than levels observed in medium-Se area (419/257 µg/day) and low-Se area (196/128 µg/day). The organic Se daily intakes from dietary combinations of rice + radish and rice + eggplant in high-Se area lower than 400 µg/day, which could be safely consumed. The organic Se daily intakes from dietary combinations of sweet potato + radish and sweet + eggplant in medium-Se area higher than 400 µg/day, which could not be safely consumed. The total / organic Se daily intakes of all dietary combinations in low-Se area lower than 400 µg/day, which could be safely consumed. (3) The health risk associated with crops might be overestimated due to the higher non-carcinogenic risk attributed to total Se compared to organic Se. The present study demonstrated that daily intake and health risk of total and organic Se in crops across areas with different Se levels varied significantly.

ACOT7 promotes retinoblastoma resistance to vincristine by regulating fatty acid metabolism reprogramming.

The rate of vincristine (VCR) resistance in the treatment of retinoblastoma (RB) is relatively high, and the exact role and mechanism of autophagy and fatty acid (FA) metabolism in RB are still unknown. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which acyl-CoA thioesterase 7 (ACOT7) regulates FA metabolism and autophagy, which may lead to potential therapeutic strategies for RB. In the present study, the relationship between FA metabolism and cellular drug sensitivity was evaluated through ACOT7 overexpression or inhibition tests in RB-resistant cells. The lipase inhibitor orlistat and the autophagy inhibitor CQ were used to determine the effects of ACOT7 on FA metabolism, autophagy, and cellular drug sensitivity, as well as the therapeutic value of ACOT7 targeting. The results showed that ACOT7 was upregulated in VCR-resistant RB cells, significantly enhancing cell resistance and indicating that ACOT7 may serve as a biomarker for VCR resistance in RB cells. Knockdown of ACOT7 inhibited FA metabolism and reduced cell viability in VCR-resistant RB cells. The effect of ACOT7 overexpression was opposite to that of ACOT7 knockdown, and ACOT7 overexpression promoted autophagy in VCR-resistant RB cells. After treatment with orlistat or CQ, FA metabolism in VCR-resistant RB cells decreased, cell viability and autophagy were inhibited, EMT was inhibited, and the sensitivity of RB cells to VCR was increased. In conclusion, ACOT7 knockdown can mediate FA metabolism to inhibit autophagy and the migration of RB cells, thereby improving the sensitivity of RB cells to VCR.

What influences the close contact between health care workers and patients? An observational study in a hospital dental outpatient department.

BACKGROUND: Dental outpatient departments, characterized by close proximity and unmasked patients, present a considerable risk of respiratory infections for health care workers (HCWs). However, the lack of comprehensive data on close contact (<1.5m) between HCWs and patients poses a significant obstacle to the development of targeted control strategies. METHODS: An observation study was conducted at a hospital in Shenzhen, China, utilizing depth cameras with machine learning to capture close-contact behaviors of patients with HCWs. Additionally, questionnaires were administered to collect patient demographics. RESULTS: The study included 200 patients, 10 dental practitioners, and 10 nurses. Patients had significantly higher close-contact rates with dental practitioners (97.5%) compared with nurses (72.8%, P < .001). The reason for the visit significantly influenced patient-practitioner (P = .018) and patient-nurse (P = .007) close-contact time, with the highest values observed in prosthodontics and orthodontics patients. Furthermore, patient age also significantly impacted the close-contact rate with nurses (P = .024), with the highest rate observed in patients below 14 years old at 85% [interquartile range: 70-93]. CONCLUSIONS: Dental outpatient departments exhibit high HCW-patient close-contact rates, influenced by visit purpose and patient age. Enhanced infection control measures are warranted, particularly for prosthodontics and orthodontics patients or those below 14 years old.

Intralayer/Interlayer Codoping Stabilizes Polarity Modulation in 2D Semiconductors for Scalable Electronics.

2D semiconductors show promise as a competitive candidate for developing future integrated circuits due to their immunity to short-channel effects and high carrier mobility at atomic layer thicknesses. The inherent defects and Fermi level pinning effect lead to n-type transport characteristics in most 2D semiconductors, while unstable and unsustainable p-type doping by various strategies hinders their application in many areas, such as complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) devices. In this study, an intralayer/interlayer codoping strategy is introduced that stabilizes p-type doping in 2D semiconductors. By incorporating oppositely charged ions (F and Li) with the intralayer/interlayer of 2D semiconductors, remarkable p-type doping in WSe2 and MoTe2 with air stability up to 9 months is achieved. Notably, the hole mobility presents a 100-fold enhancement (0.7 to 92 cm2 V-1 s-1) with the codoping procedure. Structural and elemental characterizations, combined with theoretical calculations validate the codoping mechanism. Moreover, a CMOS inverter and more complex logic functions such as NOR and XNOR, as well as large-area device arrays are demonstrated to showcase its applications and scalability. These findings suggest that stable and straightforward intralayer/interlayer codoping strategy with charge-space synergy holds the key to unlocking the potential of 2D semiconductors in complex and scalable device applications.