Aberrant effort-based reward dynamics in anhedonia.

Anhedonia is a transdiagnostic symptom and associated with a spectrum of reward deficits among which the motivational dysfunction is poorly understood. Previous studies have established the abnormal cost-benefit trade-off as a contributor to motivational deficits in anhedonia and its relevant psychiatric diseases. However, it remains elusive how the anhedonic neural dynamics underlying reward processing are modulated by effort expenditure. Using an effort-based monetary incentive delay task, the current event-related potential study examined the neural dynamics underlying the effort-reward interplay in anhedonia using a nonclinical sample who scored high or low on an anhedonia questionnaire. We found that effort prospectively decreased reward effect on the contingent variation negativity and the target-P3 but retrospectively enhanced outcome effect on the feedback-P3 following effort expenditure. Compared to the low-anhedonia group, the high-anhedonia group displayed a diminished effort effect on the target-P3 during effort expenditure and an increased effort-enhancement effect for neutral trials during the feedback-P3 period following effort expenditure. Our findings suggest that anhedonia is associated with an inefficient control and motivation allocation along the efforted-based reward dynamics from effort preparation to effort production.

Physical effort paradox during reward evaluation and links to perceived control.

Effort expenditure not only prospectively discounts the reward associated with it but also retrospectively adds the subjective value of reward, which is known as the effort paradox. This study aimed to resolve the effort paradox during reward evaluation through the critical lens of neural dynamics and its potential moderators. In total, 40 participants completed an effort-reward task wherein they exerted varying physical efforts to obtain an opportunity to win monetary rewards by active or passive decision-making. We found that after-effects of physical effort expenditure during reward evaluation unfolded as an effort paradox over time, manifesting itself as an effort discounting effect during the reward positivity (RewP) period but as an effort enhancement effect during the late positive potential (LPP) interval. Then, we found a dynamic balance between the discounting effect and the enhancement effect such that the more effort discounted the RewP at the early stage, the more effort increased the LPP at the late stage. Moreover, we observed that the effort-reward relationship was modulated by perceived control such that it increased the reward sensitivity effect and decreased the effort discounting effect. Together, our findings provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying the after-effects of physical effort exertion during reward evaluation.

Efficacy and safety of salvianolate and enoxaparin in the prevention of perioperative deep venous thrombosis in gastrointestinal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, the efficacy and safety of salvianolate were compared with enoxaparin in the prevention of perioperative deep vein thrombosis in gastrointestinal surgery. METHODS: From October 2017 to September 2019, 563 patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery were collected. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 119 patients were divided into two groups: enoxaparin group (n = 65) and salvianolate group (n = 54). Comparisons were made regarding the outcomes: prothrombin time (PT), prothrombin activity (PTA), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), thrombin time (TT), D-dimer level (D-D), platelet count (PLT), hematokrit (HCT), and incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). RESULTS: The main outcomes showed no significance between enoxaparin group and salvianolate group (p > .05). The incidence of DVT in salvianolate group was 1.85%, significantly lower than that in enoxaparin group (12.3%) (p < .05). No serious adverse reactions occurred in the two groups during treatment. CONCLUSION: Compared with enoxaparin, salvianolate has an advantage in the prevention of perioperative thrombosis in gastrointestinal surgery with a lower incidence of DVT.

Study on Flame Retardancy Behavior of Epoxy Resin with Phosphaphenanthrene Triazine Compound and Organic Zinc Complexes Based on Phosphonitrile.

A novel flame retardant phosphorus-containing organozinc complex (Zn-PDH) was prepared using zinc and iron as the metal center and 4-aminopyridine, with low steric hindrance, as the organic ligand, then using phosphazene to modify the organometallic complex (Zn-4APD). The flame retardant properties and mechanism of Zn-PDH/Tris-(3-DOPO-1-propyl)-triazinetrione (TAD) in epoxy resin (EP) were investigated. Flame inhibition behavior was studied by the vertical combustion test (UL94), while limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurement and flame retardant properties were studied by the cone calorimeter test (CONE). The flame retardant modes of action were explored by using the thermogravimetry-Fourier transform infrared (TG-FTIR) test, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy (LRS). When TAD and Zn-PDH were added to the epoxy resin in the ratio of 3:1, the system achieved a balance between the gas-phase and condense-phase actions of the flame retardant effects, and the 3%TAD/1%Zn-PDH/EP composite system achieved not only good flame inhibition but also obtained good smoke and heat suppression performance, showing a comprehensive flame retardant performance. The gas phase and Zn-PDH mostly promoted charring with a barrier and protective effect in the condensed phase. As for the mechanism, TAD released the phosphorus-containing radicals and phenoxy radicals during decomposition and mainly exerted a gas-phase quenching effect. While in the condense phase, Zn-PDH promoted the decomposition of the polymer matrix to produce more aromatic structures and rapidly formed a complete and dense carbon layer rich in P-O-C crosslinked structures at high temperatures. Meanwhile, more N entered the gas phase in the form of inert gas, which diluted the concentration of the combustible fuel and helped to inhibit the combustion reaction.

Supramolecularly Engineered Reporters with Superoxide Anion-Triggered Chemiluminescence for Early Diagnosis and Efficient Amelioration of Acute Kidney Injury.

We report the "water-in-oil-in-water" preparation of kidney injury molecule-1-targeting supramolecular chemiluminescence (CL) reporters (PCCS), consisting of L-serine-modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-encapsulated peroxyoxalate (CPPO), chlorin e6 (Ce6) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), for early diagnosis and amelioration of acute kidney injury (AKI). In this system, O2 ⋅- , a biomarker of AKI, triggers the oxidation of CPPO to 1,2-dioxetanedione and subsequent CL emission via CL resonance energy transfer to Ce6. The L-serine-modified PLGA stabilizes CPPO and Ce6 via noncovalent interactions, promoting long-lived CL (half-lives: ≈1000 s). Transcriptomics analysis shows that PCCS reporters reduce the inflammatory response through glutathione metabolism and inhibition of the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway. The reporters are able to non-invasively detect AKI at least 12 h earlier than current assays, and their antioxidant properties allow simultaneous treatment of AKI.

Multi-Functional Hydrogels Simultaneously Featuring Strong Fluorescence, Ultralong Phosphorescence, and Excellent Self-Healing Properties and Their Use for Advanced Anti-counterfeiting.

Herein, we present a class of multi-functional hydrogels, which simultaneously features strong fluorescence, ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP), and excellent self-healing properties. In particular, the as-prepared hydrogels could produce strong fluorescence with a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) value of 22.4%, as well as ultralong RTP (lasts for ∼20 s with phosphorescence lifetime of ∼264 ms). In addition to the superior optical performance, the as-prepared hydrogels possess excellent self-healing property, with ∼91.5% self-healing efficiency at room temperature and an increased elasticity of ∼281%. Taking advantages of these unique merits, we further exploit such high-performance hydrogels for advanced anti-counterfeiting applications. Significantly, the hydrogel-based anti-counterfeiting tags are capable of realizing multi-color static information in the spatial scale and more than five kinds of dynamic information during 15 s of the phosphorescence decay process in the temporal scale.

Generation of multi-focus abruptly autofocusing beams with adjustable focus characteristics.

This work introduces and demonstrates a method for tailoring multi-focus abruptly autofocusing beams (MFAABs) in free space. Since MFAABs are formed by superposing the wavefronts of abruptly autofocusing beams (AABs), the number, positions, and relative intensity of foci are directly and independently adjusted during the pre-design of AABs. Also, we show that the size of the light field involves the characteristics of focus, such as peak intensity, focal size, and subsequent oscillations. We apply the double-phase hologram method to generate the required complex field with a phase-only spatial light modulator in experiments. With flexible control on foci characteristics, this work may broaden potential applications of autofocusing beams.

Evaluation of N-acetylcysteine and glutathione as quenching agents for the analysis of halogenated disinfection by-products.

Disinfection by-products (DBPs), formed from the reactions of disinfectants with natural organic matter and halides in drinking water, were considered to be cytotoxic and genotoxic, and might trigger various cancers. The relatively low concentration of DBPs in finished water (low µg/L or even ng/L levels) and the interference from water matrix inhibited in situ determination of DBPs. Moreover, the further formation and degradation of DBPs by disinfectants during the holding time (several hours to several days) from sample collection to analysis could adversely affect the determination of DBPs. To obtain accurate, precise and reliable data of DBP occurrence and formation, robust and reliable sample preservation is indispensable. However, the commonly used quenching agents (e.g., sodium sulfite, sodium thiosulfate, and ascorbic acid) for sample preservation can decompose reactive DBPs by reductive dehalogenation. This study evaluated the performance of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and glutathione (GSH) as quenching agents for the analysis of halogenated DBPs by investigating the stoichiometry of the disinfectant-quenching agent reaction, the formation of DBPs during chlor(am)ination of NAC or GSH, and the effects of NAC or GSH on the stability of 18 individual DBPs and total organic halogen (TOX). Based on the results of this study, NAC and GSH were considered to be ideal quenching agents for the analysis of most DBPs and TOX, except halonitromethanes.

Millisecond-Range Time-Resolved Bioimaging Enabled through Ultralong Aqueous Phosphorescence Probes.

Probes featuring room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) are promising tools for time-resolved imaging. It is worth noting that the time scale of time-resolved bioimaging generally ranges around the microsecond level, because of the short-lived emission. Herein, the first example of millisecond-range time-resolved bioimaging is illustrated, which is enabled through a kind of ultralong aqueous phosphorescence probes (i.e., cyclo-(Arg-Gly-AspD-Tyr-Cys)-conjugated zinc-doped silica nanospheres), with a RTP emission lasting for ≈5 s and a lifetime as long as 743.7 ms. We demonstrate that live cells and deep tumor tissue in mice can be specifically targeted through immune-phosphorescence imaging, with a high signal-to-background ratio (SBR) value of ≈69 for in vitro imaging, and ≈627 for in vivo imaging, respectively. We further show that, compared to that of fluorescence imaging, the SBR enhancement of millisecond-range time-resolved in vivo bioimaging is up to 105 times.

Magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles-aided dual MR/NIRF imaging to identify macrophage enrichment in atherosclerotic plaques.

Active foamy macrophage enrichment drives atherosclerotic plaque initiation and evolution, and is the prominent target for precisely identifying vulnerable plaque. Precise imaging of high-risk plaque allows promotion of treatment and prevention of vascular pathema. However, current iron oxide (IO) nanoparticles-based magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of plaque is often limited by insufficient perfusion and nonspecific accumulation of peri-aortic lymph nodes. Besides that, intrinsic defects of MR also impede its use for accurately identifying plaque details. Herein, by conjugating with PP1 peptide, a novel magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticle (PIMI) loaded with near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) dye (IR820) was fabricated to specifically target and quantify macrophage enrichment of atherosclerotic plaque in ApoE-/- mice using dual MR/NIRF imaging. Biocompatibility experiments ulteriorly confirmed the high safety of PIMI nanoparticles in vivo, which lays the foundation of next-generation contrast agent for recognizing macrophage-rich plaque in the near future.

Ultrasmall bimodal nanomolecules enhanced tumor angiogenesis contrast with endothelial cell targeting and molecular pharmacokinetics.

Nonintrusive and precise imaging for tumor angiogenesis is critical in accurate assessment of cancer diagnosis and prognosis. However, reticulo-endothelial system (RES) capture and inadequate accumulation remain major bottlenecks for current nanoparticle to retain at tumor angiogenesis site. Herein, we report the ultrasmall contrast agent (cNGR-Au:Gd@GSH NMs) could accumulate at tumor vasculature site and enhance the tumor angiogenesis-contrast. It is demonstrated that by loading Au and Gd atom into the naturally-occurring glutathione (GSH) shell with cNGR peptide modification, cNGR-Au:Gd@GSH NMs exhibit the high X-ray photon absorption, longer rotational correlation time and efficient tumor vascular endothelia cell targeting. In vivo studies further indicate the cNGR-Au:Gd@GSH NMs prominently enhance tumor angiogenesis-contrast both on the computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities by escaping the RES capture and target delivering. Our data imply that the cNGR-Au:Gd@GSH NMs may serve as the high-efficiency contrast agent to assess tumor angiogenesis in a nonintrusive technique.

Scavenger receptor-AI-targeted ultrasmall gold nanoclusters facilitate in vivo MR and ex vivo fluorescence dual-modality visualization of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.

Owing to the high morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases resulting from atherosclerosis, developing specific noninvasive diagnostic methods to distinguish vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques becomes urgent and mandatory. Herein, scavenger receptors AI (SR-AI), a secreted biomarker associated with foam macrophages, was selected as a target for identifying vulnerable plaques. A dual-modality imaging probe (PP1-Au@GSH@Gd NCs) was constructed by covalently attaching a peptidic SR-AI ligand, PP1 to gadolinium-integrated gold nanoclusters, which exhibited remarkably improved fluorescence signal and longitudinal relaxivity with highly loaded Au and Gd species. In vitro cellular binding studies showed preferential affinity of PP1-Au@GSH@Gd NCs to activated macrophages in SR-AI-dependent manner. In vivo MR/fluorescence images presented robust and prolonged plaque contrast enhancement in established ApoE-/- mice models thanks to favorable targeting efficacy of PP1-Au@GSH@Gd NCs. Collectively, the noninvasive MR/fluorescence molecular imaging strategy with PP1-Au@GSH@Gd NCs holds great promise for precise clinical diagnosis of vulnerable plaques.

Contrast-enhanced US for characterization of focal liver lesions: a comprehensive meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiating malignant from benign focal liver lesions (FLLs). METHODS: Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Science databases were systematically searched and checked for studies using CEUS in characterization of FLLs. Data necessary to construct 2×2 contingency tables were extracted from included studies. The QUADAS tool was utilized to assess the methodologic quality of the studies. Meta-analysis included data pooling, subgroup analyses, meta-regression and investigation of publication bias was comprehensively performed. RESULTS: Fifty-seven studies were included in this meta-analysis and the overall diagnostic accuracy in characterization of FLLs was as follows: pooled sensitivity, 0.92 (95%CI: 0.91-0.93); pooled specificity, 0.87 (95%CI: 0.86-0.88); diagnostic odds ratio, 104.20 (95%CI: 70.42-154.16). Subgroup analysis indicated higher diagnostic accuracy of the second-generation contrast agents (CAs) than the first-generation CA (Levovist; DOR: 118.27 vs. 62.78). Furthermore, Sonazoid demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy among three major CAs (SonoVue, Levovist and Sonazoid; DOR: 118.82 vs. 62.78 vs. 227.39). No potential publication bias was observed of the included studies. CONCLUSION: CEUS is an accurate tool to stratify the risk of malignancy in FLLs. The second-generation CAs, especially Sonazoid may greatly improve diagnostic performance. KEY POINTS: • CEUS shows excellent diagnostic accuracy in differentiating malignant from benign FLLs. • The second-generation CAs have higher diagnostic accuracy than first-generation CAs. • Sonazoid demonstrates the highest diagnostic accuracy among three major CAs.

Automated segmentation of optic disc in SD-OCT images and cup-to-disc ratios quantification by patch searching-based neural canal opening detection.

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness worldwide. Early detection of glaucoma is traditionally based on assessment of the cup-to-disc (C/D) ratio, an important indicator of structural changes to the optic nerve head. Here, we present an automated optic disc segmentation algorithm in 3-D spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) volumes to quantify this ratio. The proposed algorithm utilizes a two-stage strategy. First, it detects the neural canal opening (NCO) by finding the points with maximum curvature on the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) boundary with a spatial correlation smoothness constraint on consecutive B-scans, and it approximately locates the coarse disc margin in the projection image using convex hull fitting. Then, a patch searching procedure using a probabilistic support vector machine (SVM) classifier finds the most likely patch with the NCO in its center in order to refine the segmentation result. Thus, a reference plane can be determined to calculate the C/D radio. Experimental results on 42 SD-OCT volumes from 17 glaucoma patients demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can achieve high segmentation accuracy and a low C/D ratio evaluation error. The unsigned border error for optic disc segmentation and the evaluation error for C/D ratio comparing with manual segmentation are 2.216 ± 1.406 pixels (0.067 ± 0.042 mm) and 0.045 ± 0.033, respectively.

Effort discounts reward-based control allocation: A neurodynamic perspective.

The amount of cognitive and neural resources allocated to a task is largely determined by the reward we can expect. However, it remains under-appreciated how this reward-expectation-based control allocation is modulated by effort expenditure. The present event-related potential study investigated this issue through the lens of neural dynamics. Thirty-four participants completed an effort-based monetary incentive delay task while their EEG was recorded. Effort demand was manipulated by adding no (low effort) or much (high effort) noise to the target. Behaviorally, participants exhibited reward-related speeding regardless of effort expenditure, as revealed by faster RTs for reward than neutral trials. Our ERP results demonstrated a widespread facilitatory influence of reward expectation on neural dynamics extending from cue evaluation as indexed by the cue-P3, to control preparation as indexed by the contingent negative variation (CNV), and finally to control engagement as indexed by the target-P3. Critically, the neural facilitation was discounted by effort expenditure during both the control-preparation and control-engagement stages instead of the cue-evaluation stage. Overall, this study provides neurodynamic evidence that control allocation is determined by reward and effort via a cost-benefit analysis.

Cross-modal Transfer Learning Based on an Improved CycleGAN Model for Accurate Kidney Segmentation in Ultrasound Images.

OBJECTIVE: Deep-learning algorithms have been widely applied in the field of automatic kidney ultrasound (US) image segmentation. However, obtaining a large number of accurate kidney labels clinically is very difficult and time-consuming. To solve this problem, we have proposed an efficient cross-modal transfer learning method to improve the performance of the segmentation network on a limited labeled kidney US dataset. METHODS: We aim to implement an improved image-to-image translation network called Seg-CycleGAN to generate accurate annotated kidney US data from labeled abdomen computed tomography images. The Seg-CycleGAN framework primarily consists of two structures: (i) a standard CycleGAN network to visually simulate kidney US from a publicly available labeled abdomen computed tomography dataset; (ii) and a segmentation network to ensure accurate kidney anatomical structures in US images. Based on the large number of simulated kidney US images and small number of real annotated kidney US images, we then aimed to employ a fine-tuning strategy to obtain better segmentation results. RESULTS: To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we tested this method on both normal and abnormal kidney US images. The experimental results showed that the proposed method achieved a segmentation accuracy of 0.8548 in dice similarity coefficient on all testing datasets and 0.7622 on the abnormal testing dataset. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with existing data augmentation and transfer learning methods, the proposed method improved the accuracy and generalization of the kidney US image segmentation network on a limited number of training datasets. It therefore has the potential to significantly reduce annotation costs in clinical settings.

Br vacancy engineering in Cs3Bi2Br9 for photocatalytic NO oxidation under visible light.

Photocatalysis using the visible light of the sun is an environmentally friendly method of eliminating the NOx pollutant from the ambient air. Although Cs3Bi2Br9, a semiconductor with a band gap of 2.54 eV, may be a strong absorber of visible light, its photocatalysis towards the abatement of NOx is unknown. In this study, Cs3Bi2-xPbxBr9-x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.0789) are used for the photocatalytic oxidation of NOx. A significant NO oxidation efficiency (80%) is observed over Cs3Bi2-xPbxBr9-x (x = 0.0443) under visible light, which is attributable to the Br vacancy (VBr) brought about by Pb2+ doping. The presence of VBr increased the ionic selectivity of in the oxidized NO. At higher Pb doping level, two HONOs adsorbed on the VBr, linked, and then reduced by hot electrons to produce N2O22-. The di-azo coupling could passivate the activation of NO on the VBr. This work advances the defect engineering of halide for the photo-driving solid-gas reaction in air.

Exploring the causal role of gut microbiota in giant cell arteritis: a Mendelian randomization analysis with mediator insights.

Background: Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is a complex autoimmune condition. With growing interest in the role of gut microbiota in autoimmune diseases, this research aimed to explore the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and GCA, and the mediating effects of specific intermediaries. Methods: Using a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design, we investigated associations between 191 microbial taxa and GCA. A two-step MR technique discerned the significant mediators on this relationship, followed by Multivariable MR analyses to quantify the direct influence of gut microbiota on GCA and mediation effect proportion, adjusting for these mediators. Results: Nine taxa displayed significant associations with GCA. Among them, families like Bacteroidales and Clostridiaceae1 had Odds Ratios (OR) of 1.48 (p=0.043) and 0.52 (p=5.51e-3), respectively. Genera like Clostridium sensu stricto1 and Desulfovibrio showed ORs of 0.48 (p=5.39e-4) and 1.48 (p=0.037), respectively. Mediation analyses identified 25 hydroxyvitamin D level (mediation effect of 19.95%), CD14+ CD16- monocyte counts (mediation effect of 27.40%), and CD4+ T cell counts (mediation effect of 28.51%) as significant intermediaries. Conclusion: Our findings provide invaluable insights into the complex interplay between specific gut microbiota taxa and GCA. By highlighting the central role of gut microbiota in influencing GCA risk and long-term recurrence, and their interactions with vital immune mediators, this research paves the way for potential therapeutic interventions in GCA management.

A rare middle aortic syndrome with celiac trunk, superior mesenteric and bilateral renal artery involvement.

Middle aortic syndrome (MAS) is a rare atypical aortic coarctation (AC), often accompanied by refractory renal hypertension, which eventually leads to death from congestive heart failure, stroke or hypertensive encephalopathy. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) has unique advantages in assessing aortic stenosis and splanchnic artery abnormalities. Prompt aortic bypass surgery can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. In this study, we report a patient with MAS diagnosed by CTA and follow-up after thoracoabdominal aortic bypass grafting.

Leaching of organic matter and iodine, formation of iodinated disinfection by-products and toxic risk from Laminaria japonica during simulated household cooking.

Iodinated disinfection by-products (I-DBPs) exhibited potential health risk owing to the high toxicity. Our recent study demonstrated that I-DBPs from Laminaria japonica (Haidai), the commonly edible seaweed, upon simulated household cooking condition were several hundred times more than the concentration of drinking water. Here, the characterization of Haidai and its leachate tandem with the formation, identification and toxicity of I-DBPs from the cooking of Haidai were systemically investigated. The dominant organic matter in Haidai leachate were polysaccharides, while the highest iodine specie was iodide (∼90% of total iodine). Several unknown I-DBPs generated from the cooking of Haidai were tentatively proposed, of which 3,5-diiodo-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde was dominant specie. Following a simulated household cooking with real chloraminated tap water, the presence of Haidai sharply increased aggregate iodinated trihalomethanes, iodinated haloacetic acids, and total organic iodine concentrations to 97.4 ± 7.6 µg/L,16.4 ± 2.1 µg/L, and 0.53 ± 0.06 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, the acute toxicity of Haidai soup to Vibrio qinghaiensis sp.-Q67 was around 7.3 times higher than that of tap water in terms of EC50. These results demonstrated that the yield of I-DBPs from the cooking of Haidai and other seaweed should be carefully considered.