The transcriptome of MHV-infected RAW264.7 cells offers an alternative model for macrophage innate immunity research.

BACKGROUND: Macrophages are the primary innate immune cells encountered by the invading coronaviruses, and their abilities to initiate inflammatory reactions, to maintain the immunity homeostasis by differential polarization, to train the innate immune system by epigenic modification have been reported in laboratory animal research. METHODS: In the current in vitro research, murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cell were infected by mouse hepatitis virus, a coronavirus existed in mouse. At 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 48-h post infection (hpi.), the attached cells were washed with PBS and harvested in Trizol reagent. Then The harvest is subjected to transcriptome sequencing. RESULTS: The transcriptome analysis showed the immediate (3 hpi.) up regulation of DEGs related to inflammation, like Il1b and Il6. DEGs related to M2 differential polarization, like Irf4 showed up regulation at 24 hpi., the late term after viral infection. In addition, DEGs related to metabolism and histone modification, like Ezh2 were detected, which might correlate with the trained immunity of macrophages. CONCLUSIONS: The current in vitro viral infection study showed the key innated immunity character of macrophages, which suggested the replacement value of viral infection cells model, to reduce the animal usage in preclinical research.

MSE-VGG: A Novel Deep Learning Approach Based on EEG for Rapid Ischemic Stroke Detection.

Ischemic stroke is a type of brain dysfunction caused by pathological changes in the blood vessels of the brain which leads to brain tissue ischemia and hypoxia and ultimately results in cell necrosis. Without timely and effective treatment in the early time window, ischemic stroke can lead to long-term disability and even death. Therefore, rapid detection is crucial in patients with ischemic stroke. In this study, we developed a deep learning model based on fusion features extracted from electroencephalography (EEG) signals for the fast detection of ischemic stroke. Specifically, we recruited 20 ischemic stroke patients who underwent EEG examination during the acute phase of stroke and collected EEG signals from 19 adults with no history of stroke as a control group. Afterwards, we constructed correlation-weighted Phase Lag Index (cwPLI), a novel feature, to explore the synchronization information and functional connectivity between EEG channels. Moreover, the spatio-temporal information from functional connectivity and the nonlinear information from complexity were fused by combining the cwPLI matrix and Sample Entropy (SaEn) together to further improve the discriminative ability of the model. Finally, the novel MSE-VGG network was employed as a classifier to distinguish ischemic stroke from non-ischemic stroke data. Five-fold cross-validation experiments demonstrated that the proposed model possesses excellent performance, with accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity reaching 90.17%, 89.86%, and 90.44%, respectively. Experiments on time consumption verified that the proposed method is superior to other state-of-the-art examinations. This study contributes to the advancement of the rapid detection of ischemic stroke, shedding light on the untapped potential of EEG and demonstrating the efficacy of deep learning in ischemic stroke identification.

Genomic variation of 363 diverse tea accessions unveils the genetic diversity, domestication, and structural variations associated with tea adaptation.

Domestication has shaped the population structure and agronomic traits of tea plants, yet the complexity of tea population structure and genetic variation that determines these traits remains unclear. We here investigated the resequencing data of 363 diverse tea accessions collected extensively from almost all tea distributions and found that the population structure of tea plants was divided into eight subgroups, which were basically consistent with their geographical distributions. The genetic diversity of tea plants in China decreased from southwest to east as latitude increased. Results also indicated that Camellia sinensis var. assamica (CSA) illustrated divergent selection signatures with Camellia sinensis var. sinensis (CSS). The domesticated genes of CSA were mainly involved in leaf development, flavonoid and alkaloid biosynthesis, while the domesticated genes in CSS mainly participated in amino acid metabolism, aroma compounds biosynthesis, and cold stress. Comparative population genomics further identified ~730 Mb novel sequences, generating 6,058 full-length protein-encoding genes, significantly expanding the gene pool of tea plants. We also discovered 217,376 large-scale structural variations and 56,583 presence and absence variations (PAVs) across diverse tea accessions, some of which were associated with tea quality and stress resistance. Functional experiments demonstrated that two PAV genes (CSS0049975 and CSS0006599) were likely to drive trait diversification in cold tolerance between CSA and CSS tea plants. The overall findings not only revealed the genetic diversity and domestication of tea plants, but also underscored the vital role of structural variations in the diversification of tea plant traits.

Reducing transient severe motion artifacts of gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI by oxygen inhalation: effective for pleural effusion but not ascites.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of low-flow oxygen inhalation in mitigating transient severe motion (TSM) artifacts associated with gadoxetate disodium-enhanced hepatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: Patients undergoing gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI were included. During the examination, the experimental group received oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula, while the control group did not. Images and TSM scores were evaluated and compared across precontrast, arterial, venous, and hepatobiliary phases. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the presence of pleural effusion or ascites. RESULTS: A total of 325 patients were included. The motion scores were highest in the arterial phase and lowest in the hepatobiliary phase in both groups, but were significantly lower in the experimental group (p < 0.05). The incidence of TSM was significantly lower in the experimental group (3.29%) compared to the control group (13.29%, p = 0.01). While pleural effusion was associated with reduced image quality in both groups (p < 0.05), the image quality in the pleural effusion category was higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Oxygen inhalation showed limited efficacy in mitigating TSM related to ascites. CONCLUSIONS: Low-flow oxygen inhalation can effectively reduce the occurrence of gadoxetate disodium-related TSM. Pleural effusion may impair respiratory function and contribute to TSM, which can be alleviated by oxygen supplementation. However, Oxygen inhalation is less effective under the condition of ascites.

Relevance of genetic causes and environmental adaptation of Cronobacter spp. isolated from infant and follow-up formula production factories and retailed products in China: A 7-year period of continuous surveillance based on genome-wide analysis.

The possible contamination routes, environmental adaptation, and genetic basis of Cronobacter spp. in infant and follow-up formula production factories and retailed products in mainland China have been determined by laboratory studies and whole-genome comparative analysis in a 7-year nationwide continuous surveillance spanning from 2012 to 2018. The 2-year continuous multicenter surveillance of the production process (conducted in 2013 and 2014) revealed that the source of Cronobacter spp. in the dry-blending process was the raw dry ingredients and manufacturing environment (particularly in the vibro sieve and vacuum cleaner), while in the combined process, the main contamination source was identified as the packing room. It is important to note that, according to the contamination control knowledge obtained from the production process surveillance, the contamination rate of retail powdered infant formula (PIF) and follow-up formula (FUF) products in China decreased significantly from 2016 onward, after improving the hygiene management practices in factories. The prevalence of Cronobacter spp. in retailed PIF and FUF in China in 2018 was dramatically reduced from 1.55 % (61/3925, in 2012) to an average as low as 0.17 % (13/7655 in 2018). Phenotype determination and genomic analysis were performed on a total of 90 Cronobacter spp. isolates obtained from the surveillance. Of the 90 isolates, only two showed resistance to either cefazolin or cefoxitin. The multilocus sequence typing results revealed that C. sakazakii sequence type 1 (ST1), ST37, and C. malonaticus ST7 were the dominant sequence types (STs) collected from the production factories, while C. sakazakii ST1, ST4, ST64, and ST8 were the main STs detected in the retailed PIF and FUF nationwide. One C. sakazakii ST4 isolate (1.1 %, 1/90) had strong biofilm-forming ability and 13 isolates (14.4 %, 13/90) had weak biofilm-forming ability. Genomic analysis revealed that Cronobacter spp. have a relatively stable core-genome and an increasing pan-genome size. Plasmid IncFIB (pCTU3) was prevalent in this genus and some contained 14 antibacterial biocide- and metal-resistance genes (BMRGs) including copper, silver, and arsenic resistant genes. Plasmid IncN_1 was predicted to contain 6 ARGs. This is the first time that a multi-drug resistance IncN_1 type plasmid has been reported in Cronobacter spp. Genomic variations with respect to BMRGs, virulence genes, antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), and genes involved in biofilm formation were observed among strains of this genus. There were apparent differences in copies of bcsG and flgJ between the biofilm-forming group and non-biofilm-forming group, indicating that these two genes play key roles in biofilm formation. The findings of this study have improved our understanding of the contamination characteristics and genetic basis of Cronobacter spp. in PIF and FUF and their production environment in China and provide important guidance to reduce contamination with this pathogen during the production of PIF and FUF.

Protein Phosphatase 2ACα Regulates ATR-Mediated Endogenous DNA Damage Response Against Microcephaly.

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is an abundant heterotrimeric holoenzyme in eukaryotic cells coordinating with specific kinases to regulate spatial-temporal protein dephosphorylation in various biological processes. However, the function of PP2A in cortical neurogenesis remains largely unknown. Here, we report that neuronal-specific deletion of Pp2acα in mice displayed microcephaly, with significantly smaller brains and defective learning and memory ability. Mechanistically, neuronal Pp2acα deficiency resulted in elevated endogenous DNA damage and activation of ATR/CHK1 signaling. It was further induced by the loss of direct interaction between PP2AC and ATR as well as the function of PP2AC to dephosphorylate ATR. Importantly, ATR/CHK1 signaling dysregulation altered both the expression and activity of several critical downstream factors including P53, P21, Bcl2, and Bax, which led to decreased proliferation of cortical progenitor cells and increased apoptosis in developing cortical neurons. Taken together, our results indicate an essential function of PP2ACα in endogenous DNA damage response-mediated ATR signaling during neurogenesis, and defective PP2ACα in neurons contributes to microcephaly.

Critical radius prediction for small radius curved section of two-lane secondary highways based on speed characteristics.

Small radius curved sections of two-lane secondary highways have low technical indicators, complex alignments, and frequent accidents. In order to improve the safety of traffic operation, the article investigates the curved sections of two-lane secondary highways with different radii and obtains the travelling speeds of different vehicle types at different section locations. By studying the trajectory characteristics and speed characteristics of vehicles travelling in curves, the velocity difference ratio, which responds to the continuity of driving speed, was defined. Then, based on this, this paper investigates the vehicle motion law of small radius curved road sections. The results show that the speed change of large cars in small radius curves is similar to a "U" shape, while the speed change of small cars is similar to a "V" shape. The speed adjustments of the larger cars occur mainly within the range of gentle curves, whereas the speed changes of the smaller cars are large throughout the range of curves. There is a significant exponential function relationship between curve radius and 85 % percentile speed, from which the curve radius threshold can be predicted. This provides a basis for engineering construction of curved road sections and optimization of curve design indicators, which greatly improves the traffic safety level of curved road sections.

Advancements in ovarian cancer immunodiagnostics and therapeutics via phage display technology.

Ovarian cancer, ranking as the seventh most prevalent malignancy among women globally, faces significant challenges in diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. The difficulties in early detection are amplified by the limitations and inefficacies inherent in current screening methodologies, highlighting a pressing need for more efficacious diagnostic and treatment strategies. Phage display technology emerges as a pivotal innovation in this context, utilizing extensive phage-peptide libraries to identify ligands with specificity for cancer cell markers, thus enabling precision-targeted therapeutic strategies. This technology promises a paradigm shift in ovarian cancer management, concentrating on targeted drug delivery systems to improve treatment accuracy and efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Through a meticulous review, this paper evaluates the revolutionary potential of phage display in enhancing ovarian cancer therapy, representing a significant advancement in combating this challenging disease. Phage display technology is heralded as an essential instrument for developing effective immunodiagnostic and therapeutic approaches in ovarian cancer, facilitating early detection, precision-targeted medication, and the implementation of customized treatment plans.

Highly Sensitive Flexible Capacitive Pressure Sensor Based on a Multicross-Linked Dual-Network Ionic Hydrogel for Blood Pressure Monitoring Applications.

Flexible capacitive pressure sensors based on ionic hydrogels (IHs) have garnered significant attention in the field of wearable technology. However, the vulnerability of traditional single-network hydrogels to mechanical damage and the complexity associated with preparing double-network hydrogels present challenges in developing a highly sensitive, easily prepared, and durable IH-based flexible capacitive pressure sensor. This study introduces a novel multicross-linked dual-network IH achieved through the physical and chemical cross-linking of polymers polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS), ionic solution H3PO4, and cross-linking agent gum arabic. Flexible capacitive pressure sensors, characterized by high sensitivity and a broad pressure range, are fabricated by employing mesh as templates to design cut-corner cube microstructures with high uniformity and controllability on the IHs. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity across a wide pressure range (0-290 kPa) and with excellent features such as high resolution (∼1.3 Pa), fast response-recovery time (∼11 ms), and repeatable compression stability at 25 kPa (>2000 cycles). The IHs as a dielectric layer demonstrate long-term water retention properties, enabling exposure to air for up to 100 days. Additionally, the developed sensor shows the ability to accurately measure the pulse wave within the small pressure range. By combining the pulse wave acquired by the sensor with a trained neural network model, we achieve successful blood pressure (BP) prediction, meeting the standards set by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation and the British Hypertension Society. Ultimately, the sensor proposed in this study holds promising prospects for broad applications in high-precision wearable medical electronic devices.

Empowering Photovoltaic Panel Anti-Icing: Superhydrophobic Organic Composite Coating with In Situ Photothermal and Transparency.

Solar energy is widely used in photovoltaic power generation as a kind of clean energy. However, the liquid film, frosting, and icing on the photovoltaic module seriously limit the efficiency of photovoltaic power generation. We developed a composite coating (Y6-NanoSH) by combining an in situ photothermal and transparent Y6 organic film with a nanosuperhydrophobic material. The Y6-NanoSH coated glass exhibited excellent optical clarity both indoors and outdoors, indicating that the coating holds great promise in anti-icing applications for photovoltaic panels. The Y6-NanoSH coating absorbs very little visible light but instead absorbs in the near-infrared region, thereby emitting heat. When exposed to sunlight, the Y6-NanoSH coated photovoltaic panel raises its surface temperature, inhibiting the growth and accumulation of ice and frost on its surface. This is achieved through a combination of photothermal emission and superhydrophobic repellency, which promotes the evaporation and rolling away of water droplets. This validates our success in developing a photothermal, transparent, and superhydrophobic coating with excellent anti-icing capabilities, suitable for use on photovoltaic panels, as well as potential applications in car windscreens, transmission lines, curtain walls, and weather radomes.

LUX ARRHYTHMO links CBF pathway and jasmonic acid metabolism to regulate cold tolerance of tea plants.

Cold stress declines the quality and yield of tea, yet the molecular basis underlying cold tolerance of tea plants (Camellia sinensis) remains largely unknown. Here, we identified a circadian rhythm component LUX ARRHYTHMO (LUX) that potentially regulates cold tolerance of tea plants through a genome-wide association study and transcriptomic analysis. The expression of CsLUX phased with sunrise and sunset and was strongly induced by cold stress. Genetic assays indicated that CsLUX is a positive regulator of freezing tolerance in tea plants. CsLUX was directly activated by CsCBF1 and repressed the expression level of CsLOX2, which regulates the cold tolerance of tea plants through dynamically modulating jasmonic acid content. Furthermore, we showed that the CsLUX-CsJAZ1 complex attenuated the physical interaction of CsJAZ1 with CsICE1, liberating CsICE1 with transcriptional activities to withstand cold stress. Notably, a single-nucleotide variation of C-to-A in the coding region of CsLUX was functionally validated as the potential elite haplotype for cold response, which provided valuable molecular markers for future cold resistance breeding in tea plants.

Evolution of ferromagnetic cluster in perovskite La0.88Sr0.12MnO3 nanocrystalline detected by EPR spectrum.

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies were performed on La0.88Sr0.12MnO3 (LSMO) nanocrystalline together with the measurement of its magnetization. Various spectrum parameters including line width, effective g-value and double-integrated intensities have been analyzed in detail. We found nonlinear behavior occurred in the inverse susceptibility far above the Curie temperature TC, indicating short-range ferromagnetic (FM) clusters and Griffiths-like phase behavior in the paramagnetic (PM) phase. Based on the variation of EPR spectra, except for a typical PM resonance peak, an extra resonance signal was observed in the lower field region and developed as temperature decreased from 320 K to 110 K, which gave a direct evidence of the existence of FM cluster in the PM region of LSMO nanocrystalline. We proposed that the appearance of the Griffiths phase was due to the short FM correlation in the PM regime enhanced by surface spin ordering.

The comorbidity mechanism of problematic internet use and depression among Chinese college students: A cross-lagged panel network analysis.

Problematic internet use (PIU) and depression usually co-occur and are common among college students. According to network theory, it may be attributed to the interplay of symptoms that connect these two mental health problems. However, most studies have failed to examine complex and subtle connections at the symptom level and have not clarified how PIU and depression symptoms are intercorrelated, which symptoms serve as the source of comorbidity (i.e., the central symptoms), and whether such a comorbidity mechanism would change with higher grades. To explore these questions, this study examined four contemporaneous networks and three cross-lagged panel networks, visualizing the symptoms as nodes and the connections between symptoms as edges. A total of 2,420 college students (Mage = 18.35, SD = 0.84; 67.98 % girls) completed four annual surveys. Overall, the results of contemporaneous networks and cross-lagged panel networks indicated that (a) PIU and depression symptoms are intercorrelated; (b) the core symptoms responsible for comorbidity mostly belonged to PIU, and (c) the comorbidity mechanism would change with time. These findings explain the dynamic relation between PIU and depression and identify possible primary symptoms that comorbidity programs can mitigate at different stages of the college years.

Systemic metastases in large cell neuroendocrine prostate cancer: a rare case report and literature review.

Neuroendocrine prostate neoplasms, encompassing small cell carcinoma, carcinoid, and large cell carcinoma, are infrequently observed in malignant prostate tumors. The occurrence of large cell neuroendocrine prostate cancer (LCNEPC) is exceedingly rare. In this study, the patient initially presented with a persistent dysuria for a duration of one year, accompanied by a serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level of 17.83ng/mL. Prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed that a neoplastic lesion was considered, and prostate biopsy confirmed prostate adenocarcinoma with a Gleason score of 7 (4 + 3). Then, thoracoscopic lung tumor resection was performed, and the pathological examination revealed the presence of primary moderately differentiated invasive adenocarcinoma of the lung and metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma, the Gleason score was 8 (4 + 4). After 1 year of endocrine therapy with goserelin acetate and bicalutamide, he underwent a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP), the pathological report indicated the presence of adenocarcinoma mixed with NE carcinoma. Two months after the LRP, the patient experienced gross hematuria and sacral tail pain. Further examination revealed multiple metastatic lesions throughout the body. He also underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) for bladder tumor and received etoposide+ cisplatin chemotherapy three weeks post-surgery. The patient eventually died of multi-organ failure due to myelosuppression after chemotherapy. This case report presents an uncommon instance of LCNEPC with widespread systemic metastases, while also providing a comprehensive review of existing literature to facilitate improved management and treatment strategies for similar patients in subsequent cases.

Unilateral high-riding vertebral artery is associated with asymmetric morphological changes of the atlantoaxial joint: a novel risk factor for atlantoaxial osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the association between unilateral high-riding vertebral artery (HRVA) and morphological changes in the atlantoaxial joint (AAJ) and to determine whether unilateral HRVA is a risk factor for atlantoaxial osteoarthritis (AAOA). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 2496 patients admitted to our medical center between January 2020 and December 2022 who underwent CT imaging of the cervical spine. Two hundred and seventy-two patients with unilateral HRVA (HRVA group) were identified and a respective 2:1 age- and sex-matched control group without HRVA was built. Morphological parameters, including C2 lateral mass settlement (C2 LMS), C1/2 coronal inclination (C1/2 CI), lateral atlanto-dental interval (LADI), and C1/2 relative rotation angle (C1/2 RRA) were measured. The degree of AAOA was recorded. Risk factors associated with AAOA were identified using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The study included 61.4% women, and the overall average age of the study population was 48.7 years. The morphological parameters (C2 LMS, C1/2 CI, and LADI) in AAJ were asymmetric between the HRVA and the non-HRVA sides in the HRVA group (p < 0.001). These differences in parameters (d-C2 LMS, d-C1/2 CI, and d-LADI) between the HRVA and the non-HRVA sides, and C1/2 RRA were significantly larger than those in the control group. Eighty-three of 816 patients (10.2%) with AAOA had larger values of d-C2 LMS, d-C1/2 CI, d-LADI, and C1/2 RRA compared with the patients without AAOA (p < 0.05). The multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that unilateral HRVA [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1-6.3, p = 0.029], age in the sixth decade or older (adjusted OR = 30.2, 95% CI: 16.1-56.9, p < 0.001), women (adjusted OR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.0-5.6, P = 0.034) were independent risk factors for AAOA. CONCLUSION: Unilateral HRVA was associated with asymmetric morphological changes of nonuniform settlement of C2 lateral mass, lateral slip of atlas, and atlantoaxial rotation displacement. Besides age ≥ 60 years and females, unilateral HRVA is an independent risk factor for AAOA.

Associations Between Internet-Specific Parenting, General Parenting, and Adolescents' Online Behaviors: A Cross-Lagged Panel Network Analysis.

Parents play a crucial role in adolescents' Internet use. Both general parenting (i.e., autonomy-supportive and controlling parenting) and Internet-specific parenting (i.e., restrictive mediation, active mediation, and parental encouragement) are related to adolescents' online behaviors. However, existing studies have focused either on an Internet-specific parenting or general parenting strategy and have neglected their interaction, failing to capture the intricate nature of the parenting context of youth's online behaviors. Few studies have examined parental encouragement or acknowledged the bidirectional influence of parenting on adolescents' online behaviors. To address this gap, this study employed a cross-lagged panel network model to examine the associations among restrictive and active mediation, parental encouragement, and autonomy-supportive and controlling parenting, as well as the interplay of all five parenting strategies with adolescents' online behaviors. A total of 564 Chinese students (51.1% male; mean age = 14.54, SD = 0.7) completed the survey at two time points. The results indicate that in most cases, previous online behaviors are significant and strong predictors of subsequent parenting strategies and not vice versa, corroborating the child effect. The parent and reciprocal effects were observed in the problematic smartphone-use domain, suggesting that the effects may differ for distinct behavioral domains. The effects of parental mediation extend beyond parental encouragement, implying that risk-prevention-related parenting is an effective means of guiding adolescents' online behaviors. Autonomy-relevant general parenting is closely related to active mediation and parental encouragement, while restrictive general parenting is closely related to restrictive mediation, suggesting a consistency between Internet-specific and general parenting strategies.

A Dual-Signal Sensing for the Visual and Luminescent Detection of p-Phenylenediamine Based on Cerium-Nitrogen-Co-Doped Carbon Dots.

Herein, a visual and luminescent dual-mode (colorimetric and fluorometric) method for the detection of P-phenylenediamine (PPD) in hair dye was successfully established based on cerium-nitrogen co-doped carbon dots (Ce, N-CDs) that displayed remarkable luminescence and peroxidase activity. Ce, N-CDs catalyzed H2O2 to produce superoxide anion, which then oxidized the colorless 3,3,5,5-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) into blue oxidized TMB (oxTMB), capable of quenching the fluorescence through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between Ce, N-CDs and oxTMB. The reducing properties of PPD could reduce oxTMB back to TMB, leading to a decrease in the absorption intensity of oxTMB and a fluorescence recovery of Ce, N-CDs. As a result, the quantitative detection of PPD could be achieved by measuring the absorption values of oxTMB and the fluorescence signal of Ce, N-CDs. The detection limits for PPD were calculated as 0.36 µM and 0.10 µM for colorimetry and fluorimetry, respectively. Furthermore, smartphone application (ColorPicker) capable of measuring the RGB value of the color was utilized in the detection system, facilitating on-site quantitative detection. This approach effectively shortens the detection time and simplifies the operation, offering a powerful and convenient tool for real-time monitoring of PPD.

Nanoparticle-based optical interfaces for retinal neuromodulation: a review.

Degeneration of photoreceptors in the retina is a leading cause of blindness, but commonly leaves the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and/or bipolar cells extant. Consequently, these cells are an attractive target for the invasive electrical implants colloquially known as "bionic eyes." However, after more than two decades of concerted effort, interfaces based on conventional electrical stimulation approaches have delivered limited efficacy, primarily due to the current spread in retinal tissue, which precludes high-acuity vision. The ideal prosthetic solution would be less invasive, provide single-cell resolution and an ability to differentiate between different cell types. Nanoparticle-mediated approaches can address some of these requirements, with particular attention being directed at light-sensitive nanoparticles that can be accessed via the intrinsic optics of the eye. Here we survey the available known nanoparticle-based optical transduction mechanisms that can be exploited for neuromodulation. We review the rapid progress in the field, together with outstanding challenges that must be addressed to translate these techniques to clinical practice. In particular, successful translation will likely require efficient delivery of nanoparticles to stable and precisely defined locations in the retinal tissues. Therefore, we also emphasize the current literature relating to the pharmacokinetics of nanoparticles in the eye. While considerable challenges remain to be overcome, progress to date shows great potential for nanoparticle-based interfaces to revolutionize the field of visual prostheses.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome sequence of Camellia tetracocca (Theaceae).

Camellia tetracocca H.T. Chang 1981 is an important wild relative of cultivated tea plants. Its leaves are widely used by local people to make tea, showing great economic and breeding values. We here report the complete chloroplast genome of C. tetracocca using Illumina sequencing technology. The complete chloroplast genome of C. tetracocca is 157,026 bp in length, and structurally contains a pair of inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb, 26,052 bp) separated by a large single-copy region (LSC, 86,669 bp) and a small single-copy region (SSC, 18,253 bp). It is composed of 131 predicted genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA genes, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. The overall GC content is 37.31%. Phylogenetic analysis among four Camellia species and 11 other close species reveals a close relationship between C. tetracocca and C. gymnogyna.

Association between dietary protein intake and constipation: Data from the National Health and nutrition examination survey 2005-2010.

BACKGROUND: The association between dietary protein intake and constipation remains inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate whether dietary protein intake is associated with constipation. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 13,941 adults from the 2005 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A weighted logistic regression analysis was used to control for confounding factors. In addition, weighted interaction and stratified analyses were conducted to ascertain the potential modifying factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of constipation was 7.5% when constipation was defined by stool consistency and 3.5% when constipation was defined by stool frequency. After adjusting for covariates, an increase in dietary protein intake of 10 g was not associated with constipation, as defined by stool frequency (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.54, 1.62) or stool consistency (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.75, 1.39). Subgroup analyses revealed that dietary protein intake was associated with an increase in constipation defined by stool consistency risk in participants who consumed a low amount of carbohydrates (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.02-1.14 for every 10-g increase in protein intake), but a decrease in risk in participants in the moderate-carbohydrate group (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89-0.99 for every 10-g increase in protein intake), suggesting a significant interaction (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION & INFERENCES: Dietary protein intake is not associated with stool consistency or frequency-defined constipation. However, the association between dietary protein intake and constipation defined by stool consistency in participants with a low carbohydrate intake differed from that in participants with a moderate carbohydrate intake.