Dual Enhancement of Phosphorescence and Circularly Polarized Luminescence through Entropically Driven Self-Assembly of a Platinum(II) Complex.

Addressing the dual enhancement of circular polarization (glum) and luminescence quantum yield (QY) in circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) systems poses a significant challenge. In this study, we present an innovative strategy utilizing the entropically driven self-assembly of amphiphilic phosphorescent platinum(II) complexes (L-Pt) with tetraethylene glycol chains, resulting in unique temperature dependencies. The entropically driven self-assembly of L-Pt leads to a synergistic improvement in phosphorescence emission efficiency (QY was amplified from 15 % at 25 °C to 53 % at 60 °C) and chirality, both in the ground state and the excited state (glum value has been magnified from 0.04×10-2 to 0.06) with increasing temperature. Notably, we observed reversible modulation of phosphorescence and chirality observed over at least 10 cycles through successive heating and cooling, highlighting the intelligent control of luminescence and chiroptical properties by regulating intermolecular interactions among neighboring L-Pt molecules. Importantly, the QY and glum of the L-Pt assembly in solid state were measured as 69 % and 0.16 respectively, representing relatively high values compared to most self-assembled CPL systems. This study marks the pioneering demonstration of dual thermo-enhancement of phosphorescence and CPL and provides valuable insights into the thermal effects on high-temperature and switchable CPL materials.

Transcriptome analysis of the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) reveals candidate genes affecting milk production traits.

BACKGROUND: Milk production traits are complex traits with vital economic importance in the camel industry. However, the genetic mechanisms regulating milk production traits in camels remain poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to identify candidate genes and metabolic pathways that affect milk production traits in Bactrian camels. METHODS: We classified camels (fourth parity) as low- or high-yield, examined pregnant camels using B-mode ultrasonography, observed the microscopic changes in the mammary gland using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and used RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways. RESULTS: The average standard milk yield over the 300 days during parity was recorded as 470.18 ± 9.75 and 978.34 ± 3.80 kg in low- and high-performance camels, respectively. Nine female Junggar Bactrian camels were subjected to transcriptome sequencing, and 609 and 393 DEGs were identified in the low-yield vs. high-yield (WDL vs. WGH) and pregnancy versus colostrum period (RSQ vs. CRQ) comparison groups, respectively. The DEGs were compared with genes associated with milk production traits in the Animal Quantitative Trait Loci database and in Alashan Bactrian camels, and 65 and 46 overlapping candidate genes were obtained, respectively. Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction network analyses of the DEGs and candidate genes were conducted. After comparing our results with those of other livestock studies, we identified 16 signaling pathways and 27 core candidate genes associated with maternal parturition, estrogen regulation, initiation of lactation, and milk production traits. The pathways suggest that emerged milk production involves the regulation of multiple complex metabolic and cellular developmental processes in camels. Finally, the RNA sequencing results were validated using quantitative real-time PCR; the 15 selected genes exhibited consistent expression changes. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified DEGs and metabolic pathways affecting maternal parturition and milk production traits. The results provides a theoretical foundation for further research on the molecular mechanism of genes related to milk production traits in camels. Furthermore, these findings will help improve breeding strategies to achieve the desired milk yield in camels.

Nanodesigns for Na3V2(PO4)3-based cathode in sodium-ion batteries: a topical review.

With the rapid development of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), it is urgent to exploit the cathode materials with good rate capability, attractive high energy density and considerable long cycle performance. Na3V2(PO4)3(NVP), as a NASICON-type electrode material, is one of the cathode materials with great potential for application because of its good thermal stability and stable. However, NVP has the inherent problem of low electronic conductivity, and various strategies are proposed to improve it, moreover, nanotechnology or nanostructure are involved in these strategies, the construction of nanostructured active particles and nanocomposites with conductive carbon networks have been shown to be effective in improving the electrical conductivity of NVP. Herein, we review the research progress of NVP performance improvement strategies from the perspective of nanostructures and classifies the prepared nanomaterials according to their different nano-dimension. In addition, NVP nanocomposites are reviewed in terms of both preparation methods and promotion effects, and examples of NVP nanocomposites at different nano-dimension are given. Finally, some personal views are presented to provide reasonable guidance for the research and design of high-performance polyanionic cathode materials of SIBs.

Rising Drug Resistance Among Gram-Negative Pathogens in Bloodstream Infections: A Multicenter Study in Ulanhot, Inner Mongolia (2017-2021).

BACKGROUND Bloodstream infections, which arise when pathogenic microorganisms infiltrate the bloodstream, present a grave health risk. Their potentially lethal nature combined with the ability to severely impair physiological functions underscore the importance of understanding and mitigating such infections. This study aimed to elucidate drug sensitivity profiles and distribution of these pathogens in hospitals in Ulanhot, Inner Mongolia. MATERIAL AND METHODS From 2017 to 2021, we gathered blood culture-positive samples from several hospitals across Ulanhot. Using combined diagnostic techniques, including the instrument method, paper diffusion, and Epsilometer test (E-test), we determined the identity of pathogens and assessed their drug sensitivity. Subsequent data processing with WHONET 5.6 software provided insights into the patterns of microbial distribution and extent of drug resistance. RESULTS Of 2498 pathogenic strains identified, 35.83% were gram-positive, 62.45% were gram-negative, and a smaller fraction of 1.72% were fungi. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the primary bacteria, contributing to 35.15% and 15.73% of infections, respectively. Alarmingly, methicillin-resistant strains exhibited pronounced resistance to drugs, notably penicillin G (resistance rates of 80.87% to 100.00%) and erythromycin (resistance rates of 91.16% to 97.28%). Acinetobacter baumannii had a particularly high resistance profile, surpassing Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which exhibited a resistance rate below 30.00%. CONCLUSIONS Ulanhot's primary bloodstream infection agents were gram-negative bacteria, specifically E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The growing drug resistance observed, particularly among strains like A. baumannii, highlights the pressing need for rigorous drug resistance surveillance and the strategic use of antibiotics, ensuring their efficacy is preserved for future medical needs.

Multi-metal ions co-regulated vanadium oxide cathode toward long-life aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Interlayer intercalation engineering shows great feasibility to improve the structure stability of the layered oxides. Although high Zn-storage capability has been attained based on the pillar effect of multifarious intercalants, an in-depth understanding the synergistic effect of intercalated multiple metal ions is still in deficiency. Herein, alkali metal ion K+, alkaline earth metal ion Mg2+ and trivalent metal ion Al3+ are introduced into the VO interlayer of V2O5. Due to the different electronegativity and hydrated ion radius of K+, Mg2+ and Al3+, adjusting the relative proportions of these metal ions can achieve an appropriate interlayer spacing, stable layer structure and regular morphology, which facilitates the transport kinetics of Zn2+. Under the synergistic effect of pre-intercalated multi-metal ion, the optimal tri-metal ion intercalated hydrated V2O5 cathode exhibits a high specific capacity of 382.4 mAh g-1 at 0.5 A g-1, and long-term cycling stability with capacity retention of 86 % after 2000 cycles at the high current density of 10 A g-1. Ex-situ and kinetic characterizations reveal the fast charge transfer and reversible Zn2+ intercalation mechanism. The multi-ion engineering strategy provides an effective way to design desirable layered cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.

Curcumin ameliorates traumatic brain injury via C1ql3-mediated microglia M2 polarization.

PURPOSE: Curcumin can regulate the polarization of microglia and alleviate traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, its detailed action mechanism on downregulating Complement 1q-like-3 protein (C1ql3) in TBI is less reported. The purpose of this study is to explore the role and mechanism of curcumin-regulated C1ql3 in TBI. METHOD: GSE23639 dataset was used to acquire gene data for microglia. C57BL/6 J wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to establish a controlled cortical impact model of TBI. The effects of curcumin (200 mg/kg) on the brain injury, inflammatory cytokine levels, microglia polarization, and C1ql3 protein expression in mice and BV-2 cells were detected by H&E staining, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blot, respectively. The effects of curcumin (5, 10, 20 µmol/L) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS, 1 µg/mL) on the viability of BV-2 cells were determined by MTT assay. After the transfection of C1ql3 overexpression plasmid, C1ql3 expression, IL-1ß and IL-6 levels, and the number of CD16+/32+ and CD206+ cells were determined by qRT-PCR, ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULT: C1ql3 expression was down-regulated in microglia after the curcumin treatment. Curcumin treatment could alleviate the TBI-induced brain injury in mice, reduce IL-1ß and IL-6 levels, promote M2 polarization of microglia, and decrease C1ql3 protein expression. For BV-2 cells, curcumin treatment had no significant toxic effect on cell viability, but reversed the effect of LPS on cells, while C1ql3 overexpression counteracted the effect of curcumin. CONCLUSION: Curcumin induces M2 microglia polarization through down-regulating C1ql3 expression, which may become a new treatment method for TBI. AVAILABILITY OF DATA AND MATERIALS: The analyzed data sets generated during the study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Transcriptome analysis to identify candidate genes related to mammary gland development of Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus).

Introduction: The demand for camel milk, which has unique therapeutic properties, is increasing. The mammary gland is the organ in mammals responsible for the production and quality of milk. However, few studies have investigated the genes or pathways related to mammary gland growth and development in Bactrian camels. This study aimed to compare the morphological changes in mammary gland tissue and transcriptome expression profiles between young and adult female Bactrian camels and to explore the potential candidate genes and signaling pathways related to mammary gland development. Methods: Three 2 years-old female camels and three 5 years-old adult female camels were maintained in the same environment. The parenchyma of the mammary gland tissue was sampled from the camels using percutaneous needle biopsy. Morphological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. High-throughput RNA sequencing was performed using the Illumina HiSeq platform to analyze changes in the transcriptome between young and adult camels. Functional enrichment, pathway enrichment, and protein-protein interaction networks were also analyzed. Gene expression was verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Histomorphological analysis showed that the mammary ducts and mammary epithelial cells in adult female camels were greatly developed and differentiated from those in young camels. Transcriptome analysis showed that 2,851 differentially expressed genes were obtained in the adult camel group compared to the young camel group, of which 1,420 were upregulated, 1,431 were downregulated, and 2,419 encoded proteins. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the upregulated genes were significantly enriched for 24 pathways, including the Hedgehog signaling pathway which is closely related to mammary gland development. The downregulated genes were significantly enriched for seven pathways, among these the Wnt signaling pathway was significantly related to mammary gland development. The protein-protein interaction network sorted the nodes according to the degree of gene interaction and identified nine candidate genes: PRKAB2, PRKAG3, PLCB4, BTRC, GLI1, WIF1, DKK2, FZD3, and WNT4. The expression of fifteen genes randomly detected by qRT-PCR showed results consistent with those of the transcriptome analysis. Discussion: Preliminary findings indicate that the Hedgehog, Wnt, oxytocin, insulin, and steroid biosynthesis signaling pathways have important effects on mammary gland development in dairy camels. Given the importance of these pathways and the interconnections of the involved genes, the genes in these pathways should be considered potential candidate genes. This study provides a theoretical basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms associated with mammary gland development and milk production in Bactrian camels.

Simultaneous electrochemical determination of nitrophenol isomers based on macroporous carbon functionalized with amino-bridged covalent organic polycalix[4]arenes.

A glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified by a hybrid, macroporous carbon (MPC) functionalized with triazine bridged covalent organic polycalix[4]arenes (CalCOP) (CalCOP-MPC), has been fabricated and utilized for simultaneous detection of nitrophenols (NP). The obtained CalCOP-MPC were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which confirmed that MPC had functionalized with CalCOP successfully. Benefiting from the synergistic supramolecular effect of macrocyclic receptor of CalCOP and the excellent electrical properties of MPC, the anodic peaks of o-nitrophenol (o-NP), m-nitrophenol (m-NP), and p-nitrophenol (p-NP) in their mixture can be well separated by the prepared electrode. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements at CalCOP-MPC/GCE revealed that the linear ranges of NP isomers were all 1-400 µM, and the detection limit limits were 0.383 µM, 0.122 µM, and 0.212 µM for o-NP, m-NP, and p-NP, respectively. Moreover, the prepared modified electrodes showed a relatively good selectivity and stability, implying the prospect for detecting NP in real environmental samples.