Salvianolate ameliorates inflammation and oxidative stress in high-glucose induced HK-2 cells by blocking TGF-ß/Smad signal pathway.

The objective of this research is to assess how salvianolate impacts inflammation and oxidative stress in a laboratory setting, as well as to investigate the underlying mechanisms. HK-2 cells were subjected to different treatments, including normal glucose, mannitol, high glucose and high glucose plus salvianolate. Cell proliferation, death, MDA levels, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1 concentrations, ROS levels, MMP, MPTP and ATP levels were assessed using various kits. The protein expressions of NOX4, TGF-ß1, P-Smad2, P-Smad3, Smad4 and Smad7 were ascertained through western blot analysis. Our results indicated salvianolate could reduce the release of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, as well as MCP-1, alleviate the levels of oxidative stress markers NOX4 and MDA, and improve mitochondrial function by increasing MMP and ATP levels while reducing ROS and MPTP opening. Furthermore, salvianolate inhibited the TGF-ß1/Smad2, Smad3 signaling pathway, suppressed Smad4 expression and increased Smad7 expression. Salvianolate seems to mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress through a variety of mechanisms. These discoveries offer valuable understanding into the possible mechanisms by which salvianolate may be employed in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Placental inflammatory injury induced by chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (F-53B) through NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate, commercially known as F-53B, has been associated with adverse birth outcomes. However, the reproductive toxicology of F-53B on the placenta remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we examined the impact of F-53B on placental injury and its underlying molecular mechanisms in vivo. Pregnant C57BL/6 J female mice were randomly allocated to three groups: the control group, F-53B 0.8 µg/kg/day group, and F-53B 8 µg/kg/day group. After F-53B exposure through free drinking water from gestational day (GD) 0.5-14.5, the F-53B 8 µg/kg/day group exhibited significant increases in placental weights and distinctive histopathological alterations, including inflammatory cell infiltration, heightened syncytiotrophoblast knots, and a loosened trophoblastic basement membrane. Within the F-53B 8 µg/kg/day group, placental tissue exhibited increased apoptosis, as indicated by increased caspase3 activation. Furthermore, F-53B potentially induced the NF-κB signaling pathway activation through IκB-α phosphorylation. Subsequently, this activation upregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines and components of the NLRP3 inflammasome, including activated caspase1, IL-1ß, IL-18, and cleaved gasdermin D (GSDMD), ultimately leading to pyroptosis in the mouse placenta. Our findings reveal a pronounced inflammatory injury in the placenta due to F-53B exposure, suggesting potential reproductive toxicity at concentrations relevant to the human population. Further toxicological and epidemiological investigations are warranted to conclusively assess the reproductive health risks posed by F-53B.

Analysis of risk factors for lateral lymph node metastasis in T1 stage papillary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: The occurrence of cervical lymph node metastasis in T1 stage papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is frequently observed. Notably, lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) emerges as a critical risk factor adversely affecting prognostic outcomes in PTC. The primary aim of this investigation was to delineate the risk factors associated with LLNM in the initial stages of PTC. Methods: This retrospective analysis encompassed 3,332 patients diagnosed with T1 stage PTC without evident LLNM at the time of diagnosis. These individuals underwent primary surgical intervention at West China Hospital, Sichuan University between June 2017 and February 2023. The cohort was divided into two groups: patients manifesting LLNM and those without metastasis at the time of surgery. Additionally, T1 stage PTC patients were subdivided into T1a and T1b categories. Factors influencing LLNM were scrutinized through both univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The incidence of LLNM was observed in 6.2% of the cohort (206 out of 3,332 patients). Univariate analysis revealed significant correlations between LLNM and male gender (P<0.001), tumor localization in the upper lobe (P<0.001), maximal volume of the primary tumor (P<0.001), largest tumor diameter (P<0.001), multifocality (P<0.001), and bilaterality (P<0.001), with the exception of age (P=0.788) and duration of active surveillance (AS) (P=0.978). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified male gender (P<0.001), upper lobe tumor location (P<0.001), maximal primary tumor volume (P<0.001), and multifocality (P<0.001) as independent predictors of LLNM. However, age categories (≤55, >55 years), maximum tumor diameter, bilaterality, and surveillance duration did not exhibit a significant impact. Comparative analyses between T1a and T1b subgroups showed congruent univariate results but revealed differences in multivariate outcomes. In the T1a subgroup, gender, tumor location, and multifocality (all P<0.05) were associated with elevated LLNM risk. Conversely, in the T1b subgroup, tumor location, dimensions, and multifocality (all P<0.05) were significant predictors of LLNM risk, whereas gender (P=0.097) exerted a marginal influence. Conclusions: The investigation highlights several key risk factors for LLNM in T1 stage PTC patients, including gender, upper lobe tumor location, larger tumor size, and multifocality. Conversely, prolonged AS and younger age did not significantly elevate LLNM risk, suggesting the viability of AS as a strategic option in selected cases.

Design of ultrahigh-Q silicon microring resonators based on free-form curves.

A design method for ultrahigh-Q microring resonators (MRRs) based on Bezier free-form curves was proposed and demonstrated. An MRR consisting of a specially designed 180° waveguide bend, a directional coupler, and two low-loss multi-mode strip waveguides was designed. The free-form curves were used to increase the degree of freedom in the design, shaping the waveguide bend with a gradient width and curvature. This design effectively reduced the propagation loss caused by the roughness of waveguide sidewalls and the mode mismatch loss caused by the excitation of high order modes. The small effective radius of only 20µm enabled the MRR to have a large free spectral range (FSR) and a compact and flexible structure. The MRR was manufactured using a standard process provided by foundry and measured to have an ultrahigh loaded Q factor of 1.86 × 106 and a FSR of about 1 nm.

M2 microglia-derived exosomes promote vascular remodeling in diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a vision-threatening diabetic complication that is characterized by microvasculature impairment and immune dysfunction. The present study demonstrated that M2 microglia intensively participated in retinal microangiopathy in human diabetic proliferative membranes, mice retinas, retinas of mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mice, and retinas of streptozotocin-induced DR mice. Further in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that exosomes derived from M2 polarized microglia (M2-exo) could reduce pericyte apoptosis and promote endothelial cell proliferation, thereby promoting vascular remodeling and reducing vascular leakage from the diabetic retina. These effects were further enhanced by M2-exo that facilitated M2 polarization of retinal microglia. Collectively, the study demonstrated the capability of M2-exo to induce retinal microvascular remodeling, which may provide a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of DR.

A survey on the willingness of outpatients to participate in fundus examination procedures conducted by ophthalmology training residents in China: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: The National Standardized Training for Resident Doctors (STRD) in mainland China encounters many challenges in its implementation. To investigate whether outpatients are willing to undergo indirect ophthalmoscopy examination conducted by ophthalmology residents in the ophthalmology STRD program in China. Methods: This study conducted a cross-sectional survey at the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between September 2021 and September 2023. A cohort of 300 initial outpatients requiring indirect ophthalmoscopy examinations were enlisted from the outpatient department. Based on whether the patients are willing to undergo an indirect ophthalmoscopy examination by resident doctors, patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (willing) and Group 2 (unwilling), and their questionnaire responses were comparatively analyzed. Results: A total of 261/300 (87%) valid questionnaires were returned in the survey, which included 149 males and 112 females. No notable gender difference (p = 0.400) or disparity in medical expense categories (p = 0.786) was observed between the two groups. However, variables such as outpatient marital status (p = 0.002), the presence of training faculty during fundus examinations with residents and outpatients (p < 0.001), the demeanor of training residents toward patients (p < 0.001), and the quality of doctor-patient communication (p < 0.001) significantly varied between the groups. Conclusion: The level of outpatients' cooperation with ophthalmology residents during fundus examinations in the Chinese ophthalmology STRD program was observed to be low. Enhancing the presence of training faculty during examinations and enhancing the communication skills of training residents could significantly improve this situation.

Boosting the denitrification efficiency of iron-based constructed wetlands in-situ via plant biomass-derived biochar: Intensified iron redox cycle and microbial responses.

Considering the unsatisfied denitrification performance of carbon-limited wastewater in iron-based constructed wetlands (ICWs) caused by low electron transfer efficiency of iron substrates, utilization of plant-based conductive materials in-situ for improving the long-term reactivity of iron substrates was proposed to boost the Fe (III)/Fe (II) redox cycle thus enhance the nitrogen elimination. Here, we investigated the effects of withered Iris Pseudacorus biomass and its derived biochar on nitrogen removal for 165 days in ICWs. Results revealed that accumulate TN removal capacity in biochar-added ICW (BC-ICW) increased by 14.7 % compared to biomass-added ICW (BM-ICW), which was mainly attributed to the synergistic strengthening of iron scraps and biochar. The denitrification efficiency of BM-ICW improved by 11.6 % compared to ICWs, while its removal capacity declined with biomass consumption. Autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrifiers were enriched in BM-ICW and BC-ICW, especially biochar increased the abundance of electroactive species (Geobacter and Shewanella, etc.). An active iron cycle exhibited in BC-ICW, which can be confirmed by the presence of more liable iron minerals on iron scraps surface, the lowest Fe (III)/Fe (II) ratio (0.51), and the improved proportions of iron cycling genes (feoABC, korB, fhuF, TC.FEV.OM, etc.). The nitrate removal efficiency was positively correlated with the nitrogen, iron metabolism functional genes and the electron transfer capacity (ETC) of carbon materials (P < 0.05), indicating that redox-active carbon materials addition improved the iron scraps bioavailability by promoting electron transfer, thus enhancing the autotrophic nitrogen removal. Our findings provided a green perspective to better understand the redox properties of plant-based carbon materials in ICWs for deep bioremediation in-situ.

Human lens epithelial-secreted exosomes attenuate ocular angiogenesis via inhibiting microglial activation.

The lens is an avascular tissue, where epithelial cells (LECs) are the primary living cells. The role of LECs-derived exosomes (LEC-exos) is largely unknown. In our study, we determined the anti-angiogenic role of LEC-exos, manifested as regressed retinal neovascularization (NV) using the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR), and reduced choroidal NV size and pathological vascular leakage using the laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (laser-induced CNV). Furthermore, the activation and accumulation of microglia were also restricted by LEC-exos. Based on Luminex multiplex assays, the expressions of chemokines such as SCYB16/CXCL16, MCP-1/CCL2, I-TAC/CXCL11, and MIP 3beta/CCL19 were decreased after treatment with LEC-exos. Transwell assays showed that LEC-exos restricted the migration of the mouse microglia cell line (BV2 cells). After incubation with LEC-exos-treated BV2 cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVECs) were collected for further evaluation using tube formation, Transwell assays, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) assays. Using in vitro experiments, the pro-angiogenic effect of microglia was restricted by LEC-exos. Hence, it was investigated that LEC-exos attenuated ocular NV, which might attribute to the inhibition of microglial activation and accumulation.

A prospective study comparing the gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach to conventional open thyroidectomy: health and quality of life outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between different surgical treatments and quality of life remains uncertain for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). The aim of this study is to compare the gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach (ET) and traditional open thyroidectomy (OT) through a prospective cohort study focusing on the rate of the efficacy, and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: This prospective observational longitudinal cohort study enrolled 134 female patients diagnosed with DTC from December 01/2021 to December 31/2022. Multiple scales were applicated to evaluate the differences in quality of life, effectiveness, safety, etc. between the two groups during preoperative and postoperative follow-up periods, including the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30, version 3.0 (QOL-C30), Symptom Checklist (SCL-90), Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR-Q), voice impairment score (VIS), swallowing impairment score (SIS), and neck impairment score (NIS). RESULTS: Among them, 68 accepted ET and 66 patients underwent OT. To enhance comparability between the two groups, the patients enrolled in this study are female. Compared with the OT group, the ET group performed significantly better postoperative physical quality of life, including sound (p = 0.036), swallowing (p < 0.001), and neck function (p = 0.010). The ET group was also associated with significantly better cosmetic satisfaction (p < 0.001), and relatively faster recovery in psychological and emotional situation. CONCLUSIONS: Gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy through an axillary approach leads to good cosmetic and psychological effects, improves postoperative QoL, and could be recommended for rapid postoperative recovery and involvement in daily and social activities.

Enhancing Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Stability in Macular Hole Retinal Detachment by the "Viscoelastic Agent Pool" Technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical, anatomical, and functional results of "viscoelastic agent pool" technique-assisted stability of inverted internal limiting membrane flap in macular hole retinal detachment. METHODS: The innovative surgical technique was performed on 10 patients with macular hole retinal detachment. The primary outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity after surgery, rate of closure of macular hole, retinal reattachment, and occurrence of complications. RESULTS: The mean age of the individuals was 67.70 ± 8.75 (range, 55-84) years; mean axial length, 29.34 ± 1.53 (range, 27.10-30.93) mm; mean corrected MH diameter, 685.30± 345.65 (range, 172-1,325) µ m; and average follow-up period, 6.01 ± 1.71 (range, 3.10-8.4) months. In 6 eyes (60%), the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity showed improvement. All patients had macular hole closure, and the retinal reattachment rate was 100%. No postoperative complications were noted. CONCLUSION: The "viscoelastic agent pool" technique, an innovative surgical approach designed to enhance the stability of the internal limiting membrane flap, serves as an effective adjunctive procedure for the inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique. It presents a viable option for patients with macular hole retinal detachment.

A route planning for oil sample transportation based on improved A* algorithm.

The traditional A* algorithm suffers from issues such as sharp turning points in the path, weak directional guidance during the search, and a large number of computed nodes. To address these problems, a modified approach called the Directional Search A* algorithm along with a path smoothing technique has been proposed. Firstly, the Directional Search A* algorithm introduces an angle constraint condition through the evaluation function. By converting sharp turns into obtuse angles, the path turning points become smoother. This approach reduces the occurrence of sharp turns in the path, resulting in improved path smoothness. Secondly, the algorithm enhances the distance function to strengthen the directional guidance during the path search. By optimizing the distance function, the algorithm tends to prefer directions that lead towards the target, which helps reduce the search space and shorten the overall path planning time. Additionally, the algorithm removes redundant nodes along the path, resulting in a more concise path representation. Lastly, the algorithm proposes an improved step size adjustment method to optimize the number of path nodes obtained. By appropriately adjusting the step size, the algorithm further reduces the number of nodes, leading to improved path planning efficiency. By applying these methods together, the Directional Search A* algorithm effectively addresses the limitations of the traditional A* algorithm and produces smoother and more efficient path planning results. Simulation experiments comparing the modified A* algorithm with the traditional A* algorithm were conducted using MATLAB. The experimental results demonstrate that the improved A* algorithm can generate shorter paths, with reduced planning time and smoother trajectories. This indicates that the Directional Search A* algorithm, incorporating the angle constraint condition in the evaluation function and the direction-guided strategy, outperforms the traditional A* algorithm in path planning and provides better solutions to the existing issues.

Effect of SGLT-2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin, on left ventricular remodeling in patients with type 2 diabetes and HFrEF.

The current study evaluated the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitor, dapagliflozin, on left ventricular remodeling in patients with type 2 diabetes and HFrEF. 60 patients were randomized (1:1) to receive dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily, or placebo double blind for 1 year. Patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and doppler evaluation prior to dapagliflozin initiation and at 1 year. At 1year, adjusted mean difference versus placebo in change from baseline in LVEF was 2.5% (95% CI: 1.00-4.06, P = 0.002). Adjusted mean difference versus placebo in change from baseline in LVED volume was - 6.0ml (95% CI: -8.07 --3.87, P<0.001). Adjusted mean difference versus placebo in change from baseline in LVES volume was - 8.1ml (95% CI: -11.07 --5.14, P<0.001). Similarly, adjusted mean difference versus placebo in change from baseline in LVED diameter was - 1.6 mm (95% CI: -2.67 --0.62, P = 0.002). Adjusted mean difference versus placebo in change from baseline in VTI was 0.20 cm (95% CI: 0.01-0.38, P = 0.036). Dapagliflozin was well tolerated. Dapagliflozin was associated with significant and clinically meaningful improvement in echocardiographic parameters versus placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes and HFrEF.Registration number and date: ChiCTR2300072707, 21/06/2023.

Lens epithelial cell-derived exosome inhibits angiogenesis in ocular pathological neovascularization through its delivery of miR-146a-5p.

Abnormal ocular neovascularization, a major pathology of eye diseases, leads to severe visual loss. The role of lens epithelial cell (LEC)-derived exosomes (Lec-exo) is largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether Lec-exo can inhibit abnormal ocular neovascularization and explore the possible mechanisms. In our study, we proved the first evidence that exosomes derived from LECs attenuated angiogenesis in both oxygen-induced retinopathy and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization mice models. Further in vitro experiments proved that Lec-exo inhibited proliferation, migration, and tube formation capability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in high glucose condition. Further high-throughput miRNAs sequencing analysis detected that miR-146a-5p was enriched in Lec-exo. Mechanistically, exosomal miR-146a-5p was delivered to endothelial cells and bound to the NRAS coding sequence, which subsequently inactivated AKT/ERK signaling pathway. We successfully elucidated the function of Lec-exo in inhibiting abnormal ocular neovascularization, which may offer a promising strategy for treatment of abnormal ocular neovascularization.

Effects of ferrous addition to Vallisneria natans: An attempt to apply ferrous to submerged macrophyte restoration.

Restoration of submerged macrophytes is an efficient way for endogenous nutrient control and aquatic ecological restoration, but slow growth and limited reproduction of submerged macrophytes still exist. In this research, the effect of ferrous on the seed germination and growth of Vallisneria natans (V. natans) were studied through aquatic simulation experiments and its influence on the rhizosphere microbial community was also explored. The seed germination, growth, and physiological and ecological parameters of V. natans were significantly affected by the ferrous treatments. Ferrous concentration above 5.0 mg/L showed significant inhibition of seed germination of V. natans and the best concentration for germination was 0.5 mg/L. During the growth of V. natans, after ferrous was added, a brief period of stress occurred, which then promoted the growth lasting for about 19 days under one addition. The diversity and richness of the rhizospheric microbial were increased after the ferrous addition. However, the function of the rhizospheric microbial community showed no significant difference between different concentrations of ferrous adding in the overlying water. Ferrous addition affected the growth condition of plants (content of CAT, Chl a, Chl b, etc.), thus indirectly affecting the rhizospheric microbial community of V. natans. These impacts on V. natans and rhizosphere microorganisms could generalize to other submerged macrophytes in freshwater ecosystems, particularly which have similar habits. These findings would contribute to the ecological evaluation of ferrous addition or iron-containing water, and provide a reference for submerged macrophytes restoration and ecological restoration in freshwater ecosystems.

Combined Molecular and Morphological Imaging of CTCs for HER2-Targeted Chemotherapy Guidance.

Since biomolecules change dynamically with tumor evolution and drug treatment, it is necessary to confirm target molecule expression in real time for effective guidance of subsequent chemotherapy treatment. However, current methods to confirm target proteins require complex processing steps and invasive tissue biopsies, limiting their clinical utility for targeted treatment monitoring. Here, CTCs, as a promising liquid biopsy source, were used to molecularly characterize the target protein HER2. To accurately identify CTCs, we specifically proposed a combined molecular and morphological imaging method, rather than using specific biomarker alone or morphology analysis, we identified CTCs as CK19+/CD45-/HE+. On the basis of the accurate identification of CTCs, we further analyzed the target protein HER2 in clinical patients at the single-CTC level. Comparative analysis of the clinical results of patient pathological tissue and paired blood samples showed that CTCs had a heterogeneous HER2 expression at the single-cell level and showed results inconsistent with the immunohistochemistry results in some cases. CTC-based analysis could help clinicians have a more comprehensive understanding of patient target protein expression. We believe that CTC-based target protein studies are of great significance for the precise management of targeted therapy.

Changes of optical coherence tomographic hyperreflective foci in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients after successful surgery.

PURPOSE: To assess the changes of hyperreflective foci (HRF) in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) patients after successful reattachment surgery. METHODS: Twenty-nine macula-off RRD eyes with successful reattachment surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to image macular regions and measure HRF in outer retina and inner retina at 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12 months after surgery. The relationships between HRF and photoreceptor layer status, visual outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: After retinal reattachment, HRF mainly distributed at the location where external limiting membrane (ELM) or inner and outer segment (IS/OS) line was disrupted. The HRF numbers in outer and inner retina were greater in eyes with discontinuous IS/OS line than eyes with continuous IS/OS line (all p<0.05). In the outer retina,  HRF increased in the initial three months after retinal reattachment, and then decreased gradually after 3 months (p<0.05). The HRF number in the outer retina at postoperative 0.5 months was associated with favorable visual outcomes at 6 and 12 months (r=-0.487,  p =0.025; r=-0.626,  p=0.005, respectively), nevertheless, the HRF number at 3 months was correlated with poor visual results at 6 and 12 months (r=0.441,  p =0.017; r=0.477,  p=0.019, respectively). CONCLUSION: HRF mainly occurred near the site where ELM or IS/OS line was injured after retinal reattachment. In the outer retina, the number of HRF gradually increased in the first 3 months and then gradually decreased. The early appearance of HRF in the outer retina was associated with a good visual prognosis, while the late appearance may suggest a less favorable visual outcome.

Work-family conflict and anxiety among nurses of the maternal and child health institutions: the mediating role of job satisfaction.

Introduction: Over the past decades, anxiety has garnered significant attention from nursing population. Investigations have centered on the correlation between work-family conflict (WFC) and anxiety as well as the link between job satisfaction and anxiety among nurses. However, the role of job satisfaction plays in the relationship between work-family conflict and anxiety remains relatively unexplored. Methods: In April 2021, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among nurses (N = 3,770) working at the maternal and child health institutions in Henan province, China. Multiple linear regression model was used to explore the factors associated with anxiety. Model 4 in Hayes's PROCESS macro and Bootstrap method was performed to examine the mediating role of job satisfaction in the relationship between work-family conflict and anxiety. Results: The median (interquartile range) anxiety score was 5.00 (6.00). Work-family conflict was shown to be significantly correlated to job satisfaction (r = -0.517, p < 0.001) and anxiety (r = 0.457, p < 0.01). There was a strong negative correlation between job satisfaction and anxiety (r = -0.379, p < 0.01). The study also found that nurses aged 31-40 years, those with a junior college education (p = 0.001), those with an undergraduate or above education (p < 0.001), those who reported experiencing work-family conflict (p < 0.001), and those with lower job satisfaction (p < 0.001) were more likely to experience anxiety. Additionally, job satisfaction partially (a*b = 20.90%) mediated the relationship between work-family conflict and anxiety. Conclusion: The association between work-family conflict and anxiety among nurses in maternity and child health institutions was moderated by job satisfaction. Therefore, it is critical to enhance working conditions, minimize work-family conflict, and promoting job satisfaction among nurses may help to mitigate the negative effects of work-family conflict on anxiety.

Polar Solomon rings in ferroelectric nanocrystals.

Solomon rings, upholding the symbol of wisdom with profound historical roots, were widely used as decorations in ancient architecture and clothing. However, it was only recently discovered that such topological structures can be formed by self-organization in biological/chemical molecules, liquid crystals, etc. Here, we report the observation of polar Solomon rings in a ferroelectric nanocrystal, which consist of two intertwined vortices and are mathematically equivalent to a [Formula: see text] link in topology. By combining piezoresponse force microscopy observations and phase-field simulations, we demonstrate the reversible switching between polar Solomon rings and vertex textures by an electric field. The two types of topological polar textures exhibit distinct absorption of terahertz infrared waves, which can be exploited in infrared displays with a nanoscale resolution. Our study establishes, both experimentally and computationally, the existence and electrical manipulation of polar Solomon rings, a new form of topological polar structures that may provide a simple way for fast, robust, and high-resolution optoelectronic devices.

Comparison of stigmatizing views towards COVID-19 and mental disorders among adolescent and young adult students in China.

Objective: Infectious diseases including COVID-19 and mental disorders are two of the most common health conditions associated with stigma. However, the comparative stigma of these two conditions has received less attention in research. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of stigmatizing views toward people with COVID-19 and mental disorders and the factors associated with these views, among a large sample of adolescent and young adult students in China. Methods: A total of 9,749 adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years completed a survey on stigmatizing attitudes toward COVID-19 and mental disorders, as well as mental health-related factors, including general mental health status and symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with stigmatizing views. Findings: The prevalence of COVID-19 and mental disorders-related stigma was 17.2% and 40.7%, respectively. COVID-19-related stigma scores were significantly higher among male students (ß = 0.025, p < 0.05), those without quarantine experience (ß = 0.035, p < 0.001), those with lower educational level (p < 0.001), those with lower family income (p < 0.01), and those with higher PTSD symptoms (ß = 0.045, p < 0.05). Mental disorder-related stigma scores were significantly higher among individuals with average and lower-than-average levels of family income (p < 0.01), depression symptoms (ß = 0.056, p < 0.001), anxiety symptoms (ß = 0.051, p < 0.001), and mental health problems (ß = 0.027, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The stigma of mental disorders is higher in the youth population than the stigma of COVID-19. Factors associated with stigmatizing attitudes toward people with COVID-19 and mental disorders varied across the youth. Stigma-reduction interventions among the youth should be targeted specifically to COVID-19 or mental disorders conditions.

Maternal transfer of F-53B inhibited neurobehavior in zebrafish offspring larvae and potential mechanisms: Dopaminergic dysfunction, eye development defects and disrupted calcium homeostasis.

Maternal exposure to environment toxicants is an important risk factor for neurobehavioral health in their offspring. In our study, we investigated the impact of maternal exposure to chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonic acids (Cl-PFESAs, commercial name: F-53B) on behavioral changes and the potential mechanism in the offspring larvae of zebrafish. Adult zebrafish exposed to Cl-PFESAs (0, 0.2, 2, 20 and 200 µg/L) for 21 days were subsequently mated their embryos were cultured for 5 days. Higher concentrations of Cl-PFESAs in zebrafish embryos were observed, along with, reduced swimming speed and distance travelled in the offspring larvae. Molecular docking analysis revealed that Cl-PFESAs can form hydrogen bonds with brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), protein kinase C, alpha, (PKCα), Ca2+-ATPase and Na, K - ATPase. Molecular and biochemical studies evidenced Cl-PFESAs induce dopaminergic dysfunction, eye developmental defects and disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis. Together, our results showed that maternal exposure to Cl-PFESAs lead to behavioral alteration in offspring mediated by disruption in Ca2+ homeostasis, dopaminergic dysfunction and eye developmental defects.