Neuropeptide delivery to synapses by long-range vesicle circulation and sporadic capture.

Neurotransmission requires anterograde axonal transport of dense core vesicles (DCVs) containing neuropeptides and active zone components from the soma to nerve terminals. However, it is puzzling how one-way traffic could uniformly supply sequential release sites called en passant boutons. Here, Drosophila neuropeptide-containing DCVs are tracked in vivo for minutes with a new method called simultaneous photobleaching and imaging (SPAIM). Surprisingly, anterograde DCVs typically bypass proximal boutons to accumulate initially in the most distal bouton. Then, excess distal DCVs undergo dynactin-dependent retrograde transport back through proximal boutons into the axon. Just before re-entering the soma, DCVs again reverse for another round of anterograde axonal transport. While circulating over long distances, both anterograde and retrograde DCVs are captured sporadically in en passant boutons. Therefore, vesicle circulation, which includes long-range retrograde transport and inefficient bidirectional capture, overcomes the limitations of one-way anterograde transport to uniformly supply release sites with DCVs.

Frontiers of Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment: Targeting Immune Cells in Brain Border Regions.

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) demonstrate a complex interaction with the immune system, challenging the traditional view of the brain as an "immune-privileged" organ. Microglia were once considered the sole guardians of the brain's immune response. However, recent research has revealed the critical role of peripheral immune cells located in key brain regions like the meninges, choroid plexus, and perivascular spaces. These previously overlooked cells are now recognized as contributors to the development and progression of NDs. This newfound understanding opens doors for pioneering therapeutic strategies. By targeting these peripheral immune cells, we may be able to modulate the brain's immune environment, offering an alternative approach to treat NDs and circumvent the challenges posed by the blood-brain barrier. This comprehensive review will scrutinize the latest findings on the complex interactions between these peripheral immune cells and NDs. It will also critically assess the prospects of targeting these cells as a ground-breaking therapeutic avenue for these debilitating disorders.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy in acute complicated versus uncomplicated cholecystitis; is there a difference in outcomes? A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) is a therapeutic intervention for acute cholecystitis. The benefits of cholecystostomy have been demonstrated in the medical literature, with up to 90% of acute cholecystitis cases shown to resolve postoperatively, and only 40% of patients subsequently undergoing an interval cholecystectomy. PURPOSE: To compare the survival outcomes between acute complicated and uncomplicated cholecystitis in patients undergoing PC as an initial intervention, as there is a paucity of evidence in the literature on this perspective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective search was conducted of all patients who underwent PC for acute cholecystitis between August 2016 and December 2020 at a tertiary institution. A total of 100 patients were included in this study. RESULTS: The outcome, in the form of 30-day mortality, 90-day mortality, being alive after six months, and reintervention, was compared between complicated and uncomplicated cases using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. There was no statistically significant difference in any of the compared outcomes. The only variable that showed a statistically significant association with the risk of mortality was acute kidney injury (AKI) at admission. Patients who had stage 1, 2, or 3 AKI had a higher hazard for mortality as compared to patients with no kidney disease. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that PC is a safe and effective procedure. Mortality is not affected by the presence of complications. The results have, however, highlighted the importance of recognizing and treating AKI, an independent risk factor affecting mortality.

Study on the effectiveness and safety of ciprofol in anesthesia in gynecological day surgery: a randomized double-blind controlled study.

BACKGROUD: ciprofol is a new type of intravenous anesthetic, which is a tautomer of propofol, with the characteristics of less injection pain, less respiratory depression and higher potency, but little clinical experience. The aim of this study was to observe the efficacy and safety of the application of ciprofol in ambulatory surgery anesthesia in gynecology. METHODS: 128 patients were selected to undergo gynecological day surgery under general anesthesia, and the patients were randomly divided into the ciprofol group and the propofol group, with 64 cases in each group. During anesthesia induction, the ciprofol group was infused at a time limit of 0.5 mg/kg for one minute, and the propofol group was infused at a time limit of 2 mg/kg for 1 min. The overall incidence of adverse events was the primary outcome for this study, while secondary outcomes included the success rate of anesthesia induction, the time of loss of consciousness, the time of awakening,top-up dose and frequency of use of rescue drugs. RESULTS: The overall incidence of adverse events was significantly lower in the ciprofol group compared with the propofol group (56.2% vs. 92.2%,P < 0.05). The success rate of anesthesia induction of ciprofol and propofol group was 100.0%. The time of loss of consciousness of the ciprofol group was longer than that of the propofol group (1.6 ± 0.4 min vs. 1.4 ± 0.2 min, P < 0.05). The time of awakening was not statistically significant (5.4 ± 2.8 min vs. 4.6 ± 1.6 min, P > 0.05). The number of drug additions and resuscitation drugs used were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with propofol, ciprofol had a similar anesthetic effect in gynecological ambulatory surgery, and the incidence of adverse events in the ciprofol group was lower.

Three important short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) attenuate the inflammatory response induced by 5-FU and maintain the integrity of intestinal mucosal tight junction.

BACKGROUND: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a used chemotherapy drug for cancer, and its main side effect is intestinal mucositis which causes chemotherapy to fail. It was known that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can inhibit immune cell release of various proinflammatory factors and inhibit excessive intestinal inflammation. However, the inhibitory effect of SCFAs on 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis is still unclear. RESULTS: To simulate the effects of SCFAs on immune and intestinal epithelial cells, the cells (THP-1 cells and Caco-2 cells) were pretreated with sodium acetate (NaAc), sodium propionate (NaPc) and sodium butyrate (NaB), then inflammation was induced by 5-FU. The expressions of reactive oxygen species (ROS), Beclin-1, LC3-II, NF-κB p65, NLRP3 inflammasome, proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines and mucosal tight junction proteins were determined. In our results, the three SCFAs could inhibit ROS expressions, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-18, Beclin-1 and LC3-II, when induced by 5-FU. In a 5-FU-induced chemoentermuctis mouse model, Lactobacillus rhamnoides can increase the concentrations of three SCFAs in faeces and increase the concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-6 and IgA in serum, and decrease the expressions of NLRP3 and IL-17 in spleen cells. The expressions of ZO-1 and Occludin in intestinal mucosa were significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that the three SCFAs can effectively suppress the inflammation of THP-1 cells and Caco-2 cells and maintain tight junction integrity in intestinal mucosal epithelial cells.

Prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after gynaecological day surgery under remimazolam general anesthesia: a randomized double-blind controlled study.

PURPOSE: To observe the effect of different antiemetic drugs for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after gynaecological day surgery under remimazolam general anesthesia. METHODS: One hundred ninety-two patients were selected for gynaecological day surgery and randomly divided into three groups: droperidol group (DD group), tropisetron group (DT group) and control group (DC group). Flurbiprofen axetil 50 mg and dexamethasone 5 mg were given intravenously before induction of anesthesia, and 2 min later droperidol 1 mg was given intravenously to the DD group, tropisetron 5 mg to the DT group and saline (5 ml) to the DC group. Induction of anesthesia: remimazolam 6 mg/kg/h was continuously infused until sleep, mivacurium 0.2 mg/kg and alfentanil 20ug/kg were slowly pushed, 3 min later intubation was performed to control breathing. Maintenance of anesthesia: 40ug/kg/h of alfentanil, 1 mg/kg/h of remimazolam continuous infusion. After awakening and extubation, the patient was transferred to the PACU. PONV were recorded in the PACU and an electronic questionnaire was pushed 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV within the PACU was significantly lower in the DD (14.5%)and DT(26.7%) groups than in the DC(50%) group (p < 0.01), there was no significantly difference between the DT and DD groups. There were no significant difference in the incidence of PONV in 24 h after surgery between the three groups(DD:DT:DC = 44.5%:45.1%:63.8%,p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Droperidol or tropisetron combined with dexamethasone is superior to dexamethasone alone for the prevention of PONV in the PACU after remimazolam combined with alfentanil anesthesia, with no significant difference in the incidence of PONV in 24 h after surgery.

First Trimester Screening for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus with Maternal Factors and Biomarkers.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to identify risk factors among maternal characteristics, obstetric history, and first trimester preeclampsia-specific biomarkers that were associated with subsequent development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and evaluate the performance of the prediction models. METHODS: This study was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. The performance of the prediction models was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). RESULTS: A total of 837 (8.9%) cases of GDM and 8,535 (91.1%) unaffected cases were included. The AUROC of the prediction model combining maternal characteristics and obstetric history (0.735) was better than that of the model utilizing maternal characteristics (AUROC 0.708) and preeclampsia-specific biomarkers (AUROC 0.566). Among the preeclampsia-specific biomarkers, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) contributed to the increasing risk of GDM; however, its addition did not improve the AUROC of the model combining maternal characteristics and obstetric history (0.738). CONCLUSION: The first trimester prediction model for GDM with maternal characteristics and obstetric history achieves moderate predictability. The inclusion of MAP in the model combining maternal characteristics and obstetric history does not improve the screening performance for GDM. Future studies are needed to explore the effect of blood pressure control from early pregnancy on preventing GDM.

Prenatal phenotype of Kabuki syndrome: A case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVES: Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability, facial dysmorphism and congenital anomalies. We aim to investigate the prenatal features of fetuses with KS and to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on prenatal sonographic abnormalities associated with KS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the prenatal ultrasound findings of all mothers of children with molecularly confirmed KS in Hong Kong, between 1991 and 2019. We also performed systematic review of the literature to identify studies on the prenatal findings in KS. RESULTS: We identified 11 cases with KS with detectable fetal ultrasound findings ranging from no detectable abnormalities to a variety of non-specific findings including increased nuchal translucency, pleural effusion, cardiac anomalies, renal anomalies, intrauterine growth restriction, polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios and single umbilical artery. In combining our cases with the 77 cases published, 42 (50.6%) of them had more than one abnormal antenatal ultrasound finding. The most frequent ultrasound features observed were cardiac anomalies (49.4%), followed by polyhydramnios (28.9%), genitourinary anomalies (26.5%), single umbilical artery (15.7%), intrauterine growth restriction (14.5%) and hydrops fetalis/pleural effusion/ascites (12.0%). CONCLUSIONS: These cases demonstrate the prenatal phenotypic heterogeneity associated with KS. Although the ultrasound abnormalities are non-specific, KS should be considered in the differential diagnosis when these fetal findings following normal microarray analysis/karyotyping.

Three main short-chain fatty acids inhibit the activation of THP-1 cells by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

The overactivation of macrophages causes chronic inflammatory diseases. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), potential drugs for clinical treatment, are modulators of macrophage inflammatory reaction. Therefore, the modulation of macrophage-mediated cell activity is expected to become a new therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In this study, 2 kinds of SCFAs (propionate and butyrate) were found to have anti-inflammatory effects in M. pneumoniae-stimulated THP-1 cells inflammatory. They inhibited the expressions of IL-4, IL-6, ROS, and NLRP3 inflammasome, while enhancing the expressions of IL-10 and IFN-γ. Our study revealed these 2 agents to repress transcriptional activities of NF-κB, which are important modulators of inflammation. Meanwhile, SCFAs can significantly enhance the autophagy induced by M. pneumoniae. Considering that SCFAs have few side effects, they might be the promising adjuvant therapy for the prevention and/or treatment of various inflammatory diseases.

Liprin-α3 controls vesicle docking and exocytosis at the active zone of hippocampal synapses.

The presynaptic active zone provides sites for vesicle docking and release at central nervous synapses and is essential for speed and accuracy of synaptic transmission. Liprin-α binds to several active zone proteins, and loss-of-function studies in invertebrates established important roles for Liprin-α in neurodevelopment and active zone assembly. However, Liprin-α localization and functions in vertebrates have remained unclear. We used stimulated emission depletion superresolution microscopy to systematically determine the localization of Liprin-α2 and Liprin-α3, the two predominant Liprin-α proteins in the vertebrate brain, relative to other active-zone proteins. Both proteins were widely distributed in hippocampal nerve terminals, and Liprin-α3, but not Liprin-α2, had a prominent component that colocalized with the active-zone proteins Bassoon, RIM, Munc13, RIM-BP, and ELKS. To assess Liprin-α3 functions, we generated Liprin-α3-KO mice by using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. We found reduced synaptic vesicle tethering and docking in hippocampal neurons of Liprin-α3-KO mice, and synaptic vesicle exocytosis was impaired. Liprin-α3 KO also led to mild alterations in active zone structure, accompanied by translocation of Liprin-α2 to active zones. These findings establish important roles for Liprin-α3 in active-zone assembly and function, and suggest that interplay between various Liprin-α proteins controls their active-zone localization.

The Use of Somatex Shunt for Fetal Pleural Effusion: A Cohort of 8 Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Fetal pleural effusion may require in utero shunting which is associated with procedure-related complications. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of the newly designed Somatex shunt in treating fetal pleural effusion. METHODS: Consecutive cases with primary fetal pleural effusion who were treated with the Somatex shunt between 2018 and 2019 were evaluated. Perinatal outcomes and complications were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: There were 6 cases of unilateral and 1 case of bilateral pleural effusion, and hence a total of 8 pleuroamniotic shunting procedures were performed. The median gestational age at diagnosis and shunting was 20.7 and 22.6 weeks, respectively. All 8 procedures were successful, achieving complete in utero drainage. All but one were live births (85.7%) with a median gestational age of 38 weeks. The single case of in utero death occurred 4.7 weeks after successful shunting, and no cause could be identified after autopsy. The rates of preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes were 33.3% (2/6) and 16.7% (1/6), respectively. Four of the 8 procedures (50%) had minor shunt-related complications such as dislodgement and entrapment, occurring at a median of 7.7 weeks after shunting. None of the shunts became blocked. CONCLUSIONS: The Somatex shunt is effective in relieving fetal pleural effusions with good survival rate. Overall, it was a safe instrument, though minor shunt complications occurred.

Volumetric reduction and dissolution prediction of monosodium urate crystal during urate-lowering therapy - a study using dual-energy computed tomography.

METHODS: Baseline and follow-up DECTs were performed under a standard ULT protocol. Monthly dissolution rates were calculated by simple and compound methods. Correlations with average SU were compared and analyzed. Best-fit regression model was identified. MSU dissolution times were plotted against SU at different endpoints. RESULTS: In 29 tophaceous gout patients, MSU volume reduced from baseline 10.94 ± 10.59 cm3 to 2.87 ± 5.27 cm3 on follow-up (p = .00). Dissolution rate had a stronger correlation with SU if calculated by compound method (Pearson's correlation coefficient r= -0.77, p = .00) and was independent of baseline MSU load. The ensuing dissolution model was logarithmic and explained real-life scenarios. When SU > 0.43 mmol/l, dissolution time approached infinity. It improved to 10-19 months at SU = 0.24 mmol/l. When SU approximated zero (as with pegloticase), dissolution flattened and still took 4-8 months. CONCLUSION: MSU dissolution is better described as a logarithmic function of SU, which explains, predicts, and facilitates understanding of the dissolution process.

Cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS plays an essential pathogenetic role in pressure overload-induced heart failure.

Growing evidence shows that activation of inflammation in the heart provokes left ventricular (LV) remodeling and dysfunction in humans and experimental animals with heart failure (HF). Moreover, recent studies found that cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), serving as a cytosolic DNA sensor, was essential for activating innate immunity against infection and cellular damage by initiating the STING-IRFs-type I IFN signaling cascade, which played important roles in regulating the inflammatory response. However, the pathophysiological role of cGAS in pressure overload-induced HF is unclear. Wild-type C57BL/6J mice and cGAS inhibition mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) to induce HF or sham operation. Inhibition of cGAS in the murine heart was performed using adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9). Alterations of the cGAS/STING pathway were examined by qPCR and Western blotting. Cardiac remodeling was assessed by echocardiography as well as histological and molecular phenotyping. Compared with sham-operated mice, the cGAS/STING pathway was activated in LV tissues in TAC mice. Whereas TAC mice exhibited significant pathological cardiac remodeling and LV dysfunction, inhibition of cGAS improved early survival rates after TAC, preserved LV contractile function, and blunted pathological remodeling, including cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and apoptosis. Furthermore, downregulation of cGAS diminished early inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory cytokine expression in response to TAC. These results demonstrated that cGAS played an essential pathogenetic role in pressure overload-induced HF to promote pathological cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Our results suggest that inhibition of cGAS may be a novel therapeutic approach for HF.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we first revealed a novel role of cGAS in the regulation of pathological cardiac remodeling and dysfunction upon pressure overload. We found that the cGAS/STING pathway was activated during pressure overload. Moreover, we also demonstrated that inhibition of the cGAS/STING pathway alleviated pathological cardiac remodeling and downregulated the early inflammatory response during pressure overload-induced HF. Together, these findings will provide a new therapeutic target for HF.

Perioperative prophylactic internal iliac artery balloon occlusion in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in placenta previa: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Placenta previa remains one of the major causes of massive postpartum hemorrhage and maternal mortality worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether internal iliac artery balloon occlusion during cesarean delivery for placenta previa could reduce postpartum hemorrhage and other maternal complications. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted at a tertiary university obstetric unit in Hong Kong. Pregnant women who were diagnosed to have placenta previa at 34 weeks (defined as lower placenta edge within 2 cm from the internal os) and required cesarean delivery were invited to participate. Eligible pregnant women were randomized into internal iliac artery balloon occlusion (Occlusion) group or standard management (Control) group. Those randomized to the Occlusion group had internal iliac artery balloon catheter placement performed before cesarean delivery and then balloon inflation after delivery of the baby. The primary outcome was the reduction of postpartum hemorrhage in those with internal iliac artery balloon occlusion. Secondary outcome measures included hemoglobin drop after delivery; amount of blood product transfusion; incidence of hysterectomy; maternal complications including renal failure, ischemic liver, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and adult respiratory distress syndrome; length of stay in hospital; admission to intensive care unit; and maternal death. RESULTS: Between May 2016 and September 2018, 40 women were randomized (20 in each group). Demographic and obstetric characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. In the Occlusion group, 3 women did not receive the scheduled procedure, as it was preceded by antepartum hemorrhage that required emergency cesarean delivery, and 1 woman had repeated scan at 36 weeks showing the placental edge was slightly more than 2 cm from the internal os. Intention-to-treat analysis found no significant differences between the Occlusion and the Control groups regarding to the median intraoperative blood loss (1451 [1024-2388] mL vs 1454 [888-2300] mL; P = .945), the median length of surgery (49 [30-62] min vs 37 [30-51] min; P = .204), or the need for blood transfusion during operation (57.9% vs 50.0%; P = .621). None of the patients had rebleeding after operation, complication related to internal iliac artery procedure, or any other maternal complications. Reanalyzing the data using on-treatment approach showed the same results. CONCLUSION: The use of prophylactic internal iliac artery balloon occlusion in placenta previa patients undergoing cesarean delivery did not reduce postpartum hemorrhage or have any effect on maternal or neonatal morbidity.

A magnetic nanoparticle based immunoassay for alternariol monomethyl ether using hydrogen peroxide-mediated fluorescence quenching of CdTe quantum dots.

The authors describe a fluorometric immunoassay for alternariol monomethyl ether (AME). It is making use of magnetic nanoparticles and quenching of the fluorescence of mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdTe quantum dots (MPA-CdTe QDs) by H2O2. Catalase (CAT) was labeled with AME as a competitive antigen to competitively bind to magnetic nanoparticles carrying monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with free AME in samples. The effects of the concentration and pH value of buffer, the concentrations of H2O2 and CAT-AME, and the incubation time of H2O2 and MPA-CdTe QDs were optimized. Under optimal conditions and in combination with magnetic separation, the quenching of the fluorescence of the MPA-CdTe QDs (excitation at 310 nm, emission at 599 nm) can be used to quantify AME with a detection limit of 0.25 pg·mL-1 and the linear range from 0.25 to 7.5 pg·mL-1. The immunoassay also has a lower cross-reactivity to AME analogues. It was evaluated by analyzing fruit samples spiked with AME. The recoveries from spiked fruits ranged from 87.2% to 92.0%. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of a fluorometric immunoassay for alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for the rapid separation and purification. The method is based on quenching of the fluorescence of mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdTe quantum dots (MPA-CdTe QDs) by H2O2 for the fluorescence signal output, and on the use of catalase (CAT) with its high catalytic activity.

Recent Developments in the Interactions of Classic Intercalated Ruthenium Compounds: [Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ and [Ru(phen)2dppz]2+ with a DNA Molecule.

[Ru(bpy)2dppz]2+ and [Ru(phen)2dppz]2+ as the light switches of the deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) molecule have attracted much attention and have become a powerful tool for exploring the structure of the DNA helix. Their interactions have been intensively studied because of the excellent photophysical and photochemical properties of ruthenium compounds. In this perspective, this review describes the recent developments in the interactions of these two classic intercalated compounds with a DNA helix. The mechanism of the molecular light switch effect and the selectivity of these two compounds to different forms of a DNA helix has been discussed. In addition, the specific binding modes between them have been discussed in detail, for a better understanding the mechanism of the light switch and the luminescence difference. Finally, recent studies of single molecule force spectroscopy have also been included so as to precisely interpret the kinetics, equilibrium constants, and the energy landscape during the process of the dynamic assembly of ligands into a single DNA helix.

A simple, highly sensitive colorimetric immunosensor for the detection of alternariol monomethyl ether in fruit by non-aggregated gold nanoparticles.

Alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) is one of the major Alternaria mycotoxins present in a wide range of fruits, vegetables, grains, and their products, and possesses the properties of mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. In this study, a simple, rapid, and highly sensitive colorimetric immunosensor based on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was firstly developed for the detection of AME in fruit by nonaggregated gold nanoparticles (GNPs). AME-BSA-Fe3O4 MNP conjugates and free AME molecules in samples competitively bind with monoclonal antibody (mAb)-GNP conjugates. After magnetic separation, the UV absorbance of the nonaggregated GNP supernatant was measured directly. The absorption intensity was proportional to the concentration of AME in the sample. Carboxyl-group-modified AME, AME-bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugates, anti-AME mAbs, AME-BSA-Fe3O4 MNP conjugates, and mAb-GNP conjugates were prepared and characterized. The effect of GNP sizes (16, 24, and 40 nm) on the colorimetric determination of AME was studied. Under optimized conditions, the limit of detection and the linear range for AME were 0.16 ng/mL and 0.08-0.48 ng/mL, respectively. Moreover, the colorimetric immunosensor developed has lower cross-reactivity with AME analogues. The recoveries of spiked fruits ranged from 80.6% to 90.7%. The colorimetric immunosensor developed provides a promising method for simple, rapid, highly sensitive, and highly specific detection of other mycotoxins in the field of food safety. Graphical abstract Competitive colorimetric immunosensor based on MNPs for the detection of AME by non-aggregated GNPs.

The Relationships Between Weight Bias, Perceived Weight Stigma, Eating Behavior, and Psychological Distress Among Undergraduate Students in Hong Kong.

Weight bias issues are rarely discussed in Asian. Therefore, we examined the relationships between weight bias, perceived weight stigma (PWS), eating behavior, and psychological distress among Hong Kong people. Using cross-sectional design, 400 undergraduate students (175 men) completed questionnaires and were assigned into a self-reported overweight (n = 61) or nonoverweight group (n = 339) using body mass index, and a self-perceived overweight (n = 84) or nonoverweight group (n = 316) based on self-perception. For self-reported and self-perceived overweight groups, more weight bias was related to higher depression (ß = -0.403; p = 0.004). Self-perceived group additionally showed that weight bias was related to PWS and inappropriate eating behaviors; PWS related to inappropriate eating behaviors. For self-reported and self-perceived nonoverweight groups, weight bias was related to PWS, inappropriate eating behaviors, anxiety, and depression (ß = -0.228 to -0.148; p's < 0.05); PWS was associated with inappropriate eating behaviors, anxiety, and depression. Thus, weight bias issues should not be ignored for both overweight and nonoverweight people.

Development and testing of an online community care platform for frail older adults in the Netherlands: a user-centred design.

BACKGROUND: Recent transitions in long-term care in the Netherlands have major consequences for community-dwelling older adults. A new paradigm expects them to manage and arrange their own care and support as much as possible. Technology can support this shift. A study has been conducted to explore the needs of community-dwelling frail older adults with regard to an online platform. An existing platform was subsequently modified, based upon these needs, resulting in an online community care platform (OCC-platform) comprising of care, health, and communication functions. The purpose of this platform was to support frail older adults in their independence and functioning, by stimulating self-care and providing reliable information, products and services. METHODS: The study used a User-Centred Design. The development processes involved the following steps: Step 1) Identification of the User Requirements. To assess the user requirements, direct observations (N = 3) and interviews (N = 14) were performed. Step 2) Modification of an Existing Online Platform. Based upon Step 1, available online platforms were explored to determine whether an existing useful product was available. Two companies collaborated in modifying such a platform; Step 3) Testing the Modified Platform. A total of 73 older adults were invited to test a prototype of the OCC-platform during 6 months, which comprised of two phases: (1) a training phase; and (2) a testing phase. RESULTS: An iterative process of modifications resulted in an interactive software concept on a Standard PC, containing 11 Functions. The Functions of 'contacts', 'services' and 'messaging', were by far, the most frequently used. The use was at its highest during the first 2 weeks of the testing and then its use steadily declined. The vast majority of the subjects (94%) were positive about the usability of the platform. Only a minority of the subjects (27%) indicated that the platform had added value for them. CONCLUSION: The overall prospect was that an OCC-platform can contribute to the social participation and the self-management competencies of frail older adults, together with their social cohesion in the community. In order to validate these prospects, further research is needed on the characteristics and the impact of online platforms.

Chemiluminescence assay for detection of 2-hydroxyfluorene using the G-quadruplex DNAzyme-H2O2-luminol system.

A chemiluminescence (CL) based assay is described for the determination of the environmental pollutant 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-HOFlu) which is found to inhibit the CL of a system composed of the G-quadruplex/hemin complex (a DNAzyme), H2O2, and luminol. The G-rich aptamer PW17 is transformed to a potassium(I)-stabilized G-quadruplex-hemin complex which displays peroxidase-like activity to catalyze the oxidation of luminol by H2O2 which is accompanied by strong blue CL emission. On addition of 2-HOFlu, it will participate in the G-quadruplex DNAzyme-mediated oxidation by H2O2. As a result, CL intensity is decreased. The difference in CL intensity (ΔI) before and after addition of 2-HOFlu serves as the signal for its quantitation. In water of pH 9.0, a linear relationship is found for the 1 nM to 1 µM concentration range, with a 0.2 nM detection limit. The assay is highly selective over other fluorene derivatives. It was successfully applied to the determination of 2-HOFlu in spiked lake water samples. The method is rapid, cost-effective and convenient. Conceivably, it has a wide scope in that it may be applied to other target pollutants for which G-quadruplexes are available. Graphical abstract A chemiluminescence (CL) assay is described for the determination of the environmental pollutant 2-hydroxyfluorene (2-HOFlu) based on the inhibition of the CL system composed of the G-quadruplex/hemin complex (a DNAzyme), H2O2, and luminol.