Solvent-modulated luminescence of carbon dots for ion sensing and fingerprint detection.

Since carbon dots (CDs) with good water solubility are preferred by researchers and biological applications, a hydrothermal method was used to synthesize green fluorescent CDs with an excitation-independent peak at 526 nm using deionized water as the solvent and neutral red as the carbon source. To achieve spectral modulation, the pH of the solvent was adjusted with KOH to obtain orange CDs (O-CDs) in an alkaline environment, with the emission peak red-shifted to 630 nm. The water-soluble CDs were prepared for multidimension sensing as Fe3+ sensing (on/off). Carbon dots dispersed into a silica gel matrix can be used for fingerprint detection of various materials.

Selective detection of ionic liquid fluorescence probes for visual colorimetry of different metal ions.

At present, the fast distinction of different metal ions in pure water media is not only a great challenge, but also drives the protection of water quality in environmental water bodies. In this paper, a novel ionic liquid fluorescent probe Glycolic Acid-L-Arginine (GA-L-Arg) was rationally created and designed through an in-depth study of ionic liquids. It is also used as an innovative multi-ion fluorescent probe for colorimetric detection and separate identification of Fe3+ and Co2+ in aqueous solutions of various metal ions. GA-L-Arg has excellent water solubility due to the strong hydrophilicity of Glycolic Acid and L-Arginine. The probe showed high sensitivity, extremely significant selectivity, and great pH stability for Fe3+ and Co2+ in pure water. The GA-L-Arg structure and the mechanism of Fe3+ and Co2+ detection were analyzed by infrared spectroscopic characterization and quantum chemical calculations. More importantly, the distinct colorimetric partitioning of Fe3+ and Co2+ was performed by the unique extraction of Fe3+ in the presence of the fluorescent probe and buffer solution.

Fluorescence Detection of Pb2+ in Environmental Water Using Biomass Carbon Quantum Dots Modified with Acetamide-Glycolic Acid Deep Eutectic Solvent.

In this study, a novel green fluorescent probe material, nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs), was prepared by a one-step hydrothermal synthesis method using walnut green skin as a carbon source and acetamide-glycolic acid deep eutectic solvent (AGADES) as a modifier. By covalent coupling, the amide chromophore in AGADES is designed to cover the surface of walnut green skin carbon quantum dots (W-CQDs), forming a fluorescence energy resonance effect and improving the fluorescence performance of the carbon quantum dots. The prepared N-CQDs have a uniform particle size distribution, and the fluorescence quantum efficiency has increased from 12.5% to 32.5%. Within the concentration range of 0.01~1000 µmol/L of Pb2+, the linear detection limit is 1.55 nmol/L, which can meet the trace detection of Pb2+ in the water environment, and the recycling rate reaches 97%. This method has been successfully applied to the fluorescence detection and reuse of Pb2+ in actual water bodies, providing new ideas and methods for the detection of heavy metal ions in environmental water.

Preparation of carbon quantum dots from ionic liquid modified biomass for the detection of Fe3+ and Pd2+ in environmental water.

A new type of green carbon quantum dots (ILB-CQDs) was prepared by hydrothermal method using ionic liquid as a modifier and grape skin as carbon source, and was obtained from hydrogen-bonded lattice structure ionic liquid preparation, which makes the CQDs in a ring-like stable structure with a stability period of more than 90 day. There is also the catalytic effect of the ionic liquid on cellulose, which makes the prepared CQDs show good advantages, such as uniform particle size, high quantum yield (26.7%), and very good fluorescence performance. This is a smart material for the selective detection of Fe3+ and Pd2+. It has a detection limit of 0.001 nM for Fe3+ and 0.23 µM for Pd2+ in pure water. It has a detection limit of 3.2 nmol/L for Fe3+ and 0.36 µmol/L for Pd2+ in actual water, both of which meet the requirements of WHO drinking water standards. And there is to achieve more than 90% of water restoration effect.

Morphology and statistics of wide-spectrum speckles.

Although the theory of scattered speckles was initially established via idealization of treating the incident light as monochromatic, phenomenon and regulations of wide-spectrum speckles are yet urgent to be studied, with immense growing applications of broadband source such as femtosecond laser, light-emitting-diode and sunlight illumination. Here we quantitatively analyze the morphology and statistics of speckles produced by a point-like source with wide-spectrum, using a phase plate model to describe the scattering layer. Due to differences in induced phase related to wavelength, wide-spectrum speckle patterns appear radial divergence in intensity distribution, as well as in visibility of both speckles and that of the second-order coherence. This is significantly different from the translation-invariance of monochromatic speckles. The spatially-varying morphology and statistics of the speckles contain spatial and spectral information of the incidence, thus can be used as an indicator to achieve optical metrology or sensing with a wide-spectrum source in the scattering environment.

Enhancing robustness of ghost imaging against environment noise via cross-correlation in time domain.

Research towards practical applications of ghost imaging attracts more and more attention in recent years. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of bucket results thus quality of images can be greatly affected by environmental noise, such as strong background light. We introduce temporal cross-correlation into typical ghost imaging to improve SNR of bucket value, taking temporal profile of illumination pulses as a prior information. Experimental results at sunny noontime verified our method, with the imaging quality greatly improved for the object at a distance of 1.3km. We also show the possibility of 3-dimensional imaging, experimentally.

Enantioselective Ni-Catalyzed Electrochemical Synthesis of Biaryl Atropisomers.

A scalable enantioselective nickel-catalyzed electrochemical reductive homocoupling of aryl bromides has been developed, affording enantioenriched axially chiral biaryls in good yield under mild conditions using electricity as a reductant in an undivided cell. Common metal reductants such as Mn or Zn powder resulted in significantly lower yields in the absence of electric current under otherwise identical conditions, underscoring the enhanced reactivity provided by the combination of transition metal catalysis and electrochemistry.

Nickel-catalyzed Enantioselective Hydroarylation and Hydroalkenylation of Styrenes.

We have developed a Ni-catalyzed enantioselective hydroarylation of styrenes with arylboronic acids using MeOH as the hydrogen source, providing an efficient method to access 1,1-diarylalkanes, which are essential structural units in many biologically active compounds. In addition, Ni-catalyzed enantioselective hydrovinylation of styrenes with vinylboronic acids is also realized with good yields and enantioselectivities. The synthetic utility was demonstrated by the efficient synthesis of ( R)-(-)-ibuprofen.

Design and analysis of a triple reflection grazing incidence x-ray telescope.

A triple reflection grazing incidence x-ray telescope is proposed and evaluated. This form of an optical system can detect x-ray energy that is close to the optical axis, which solves the problems encountered by traditional Wolter-type systems. In this paper, we also propose a new design method to ensure that the entire telescope structure is compact and integrated. Finally, a proof-of-concept design with an acceptable image quality is proposed.

Design of a compact two-channel panoramic optical system.

We propose a new panossramic optical system that provides an additional field of view (FOV) channel without expanding the physical size of a conventional panoramic annular lens (PAL). The two channels are contained within one PAL, their optical paths do not interfere with each other, and the two images are realized on a single image plane. A prototype panoramic lens was developed that provides a 360° × (38-80°) front FOV channel and a 360° × (102-140°) back FOV channel.

Periodontal disease, tooth loss and dementia: Is there a link? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that dementia is caused by neuronal damage due to chronic inflammation from peripheral sources such as the oral cavity in periodontal disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our review was to assess the risk of dementia or cognitive impairment associated with chronic periodontitis and multiple tooth loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An extensive search of electronic databases of articles on the relation between periodontitis, tooth loss and dementia published on or before April 2016 was conducted. Experimental and human studies that provided a description consistent with multiple tooth loss, chronic periodontal disease and cognitive impairment obtained by validated methods were selected. The data extracted from the articles included study design, country of origin, sample size, methods used to assess periodontitis and cognition, average age at the baseline and number of years of follow-up. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of human studies. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 756 articles which were independently screened, and 16 articles were included in the review. Four human studies reported an association of subsequent dementia with multiple tooth loss. One human study reported that chronic periodontal disease was associated with dementia. Eight experimental studies demonstrated an association between cognitive impairment and tooth loss. CONCLUSION: The literature on chronic periodontitis and multiple tooth loss as risk factors to dementia remains inconclusive. More randomised clinical trials on the association between periodontitis and dementia with uniform criteria for evaluation and diagnosis of periodontitis are warranted.

Effects and mechanism of moderate aerobic exercise on impaired fasting glucose improvement.

BACKGROUND: Exercise is beneficial for blood glucose metabolism. However, whether moderate aerobic exercise could improve impaired fasting glucose is unknown. And the mechanism is also needed to investigate. METHODS: A cross-sectional research was performed and 120 participants with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were randomly assigned into active and controlled groups. Briefly, participants in active group were required to take moderate aerobic exercise at least 30 min for five times per week, whereas in controlled group, participants were also advised to take exercise but not mandatorily required the same degree as that of active group. At baseline and 3 month's follow-up, laboratory and demographic variables were compared. RESULTS: At baseline, no significant between-group differences were observed. Generally, leukocyte ROCK2 activity in the active and controlled groups were 58.7 ± 6.0 mg/mL and 60.2 ± 7.3 mg/mL, and daily average exercise time at baseline in both groups was extremely little, with 5.2 ± 3.8 min and 5.9 ± 3.5 min, respectively. After 3 months' follow-up, 52 and 56 participants in the active and controlled groups completed the whole program. Compared to baseline, leukocyte ROCK2 activity and daily average exercise time were improved in both groups. Nonetheless, compared to the controlled group, leukocyte ROCK2 activity was reduced more profoundly and the daily average exercise time was longer in the active group (37.5 ± 6.3 min versus 18.3 ± 7.2 min, p < 0.05). Moreover, the percentage of IFG in the active group was decreased more prominently than the controlled group (76.9% versus 82.1%, p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analyses revealed that exercise time and leukocyte ROCK2 activity was significantly associated with IFG, with OR of 0.836 (active group versus controlled group, 95% CI 0.825-0.852, p < 0.05) in exercise time, and 1.043 (controlled group versus active group, 95% CI 1.021-1.069, p < 0.05) in leukocyte ROCK2 activity. In addition, exercise time was significantly associated with leukocyte ROCK2 activity, with OR of 0.822 (active group versus controlled group, 95% CI 0.818-0.843, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In subjects with IFG, increased daily average exercise time is beneficial for improving fasting blood glucose metabolism, and the mechanism may be associated with its effects on attenuating leukocyte ROCK2 activity.

Broadband focusing and demultiplexing of surface plasmon polaritons on metal surface by holographic groove patterns.

Manipulation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on metal surfaces is important for constructing ultracompact integrated micro/nano optical devices and systems. We employ the method of surface electromagnetic wave holography (SWH) to design holographic groove patterns for managing the transport of broadband SPPs on metal surface. Several sets of groove patterns corresponding to different wavelengths are etched on the same region on metal surface to form a broadband SPP hologram. The incident SPPs are scattered by the composite hologram and interfere with each other to focus at different or the same positions for SPPs of different wavelengths. Finite-difference time-domain simulations show that broadband demultiplexing of SPPs is realized by the designed plasmonic holographic structures. In addition, the broadband SPPs can be focused to a pre-designated spot by a designed plasmonic hologram and as a result focusing of an ultrashort plasmonic pulse can be achieved. The results show that the SWH can successfully handle design of plasmonic holographic structures for SPPs wavelength management on metal surface.

Direct method to control surface plasmon polaritons on metal surfaces.

The manipulation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) on metal surfaces is an important aspect in the design of ultra-compact integrated micro/nano optical systems. We present a direct method for the easy, yet accurate design of complicated groove patterns to control SPPs traveling on metal surfaces, using a surface electromagnetic wave holography method, based on the Huygens-Fresnel principle. SPPs are scattered by these deliberately and appropriately determined groove patterns and interfere with each other to form new paths with desire. Two devices are demonstrated, with predesignated functionalities fully implemented by the designed plasmonic holographic structures, according to the finite-difference time-domain simulations. The results strongly indicate that this direct method is effective, efficient, and user friendly in its application to control SPPs on metal surfaces.

Visible light to the second near-infrared light-harvesting donor-acceptor1-donor-acceptor2-type terpolymers for boosted photocatalytic hydrogen evolution via dual-sulfone-acceptor engineering.

Developing visible to near-infrared light-absorbing conjugated polymer photocatalysts is crucial for enhancing solar energy utilization efficiency, as most conjugated organic polymers only absorb light in the visible range. In this work, we firstly developed a novel thiophene S,S-dioxide (TDO) monomer with the stronger electron-withdrawing character, and then prepared a series of donor-acceptor1-donor-acceptor2-type (D-A1-D-A2-type) conjugated terpolymers (THTDB-1-THTDB-5) by statistically adjusting the molar ratio of two sulfone-based acceptor monomers, dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide (BTDO, A1) and TDO (A2). These terpolymers demonstrate a gradually expanding absorption range from visible light to the second near-infrared (Vis-to-NIR-II) region with the gradual increase of the TDO contents in the polymer skeleton, showcasing excellent absorption properties and efficient light-capturing capabilities. The optimized D-A1-D-A2 polymer photocatalyst THTDB-4 exhibits a high hydrogen evolution rate of 21.27 mmol g-1 h-1 under visible light without any co-catalyst. The dual-sulfone-acceptor engineering offers a viable approach for developing efficient the longer Vis-to-NIR-II light-harvesting polymer photocatalysts.

Regulating superstructures of conjugated polymers towards enhanced and stable photocatalytic hydrogen evolution via covalent crosslinking and complementary supramolecular self-assembly.

The modulation of microstructures in conjugated polymers represents a viable strategy for enhancing photocatalytic efficiency, albeit hampered by complex processing techniques. Here, we present an uncomplicated, template-free method to synthesize polymeric photocatalysts, namely BCN(x)@PPy, featuring a hollow nanotube-nanocluster core-shell superstructure. This configuration is realized through intramolecular covalent crosslinking and synergistic intermolecular donor-acceptor (D-A) interactions between phenylene pyrene (PPy, D) nanotubes and poly([1,1'-biphenyl]-3-carbonitrile) (PBCN, A) nanoclusters. Interestingly, the optimized BCN2@PPy composite demonstrates remarkably enhanced performance for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, with an efficiency of 14.7-fold higher than that of unmodified PPy nanotubes. Experimental and density functional theory calculations revealed that BCN(x)@PPy composites are conducive to shortening photogenerated exciton migration, facilitating charge separation and transfer, reducing nanoclusters aggregation or re-stacking, and providing sufficient catalytically active sites, all contributing to the heightened efficiency in photocatalysis. These insights underscore the potential for precise molecular adjustments in conjugated polymers, advancing artificial photosynthesis.

Serum salusin-α levels are inversely correlated with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease.

We sought to measure serum salusin-α levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and to assess their correlation with the severity of the disease. We enrolled 172 patients with CAD and 91 controls. We assessed the angiographic severity of CAD by coronary atherosclerosis index (CAI) and detected serum salusin-α levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We demonstrated that CAD patients had significantly lower serum salusin-α levels compared to controls. Moreover, serum salusin-α levels were independently and negatively correlated with the presence and severity of CAD. These findings indicated that salusin-α might serve as a potential biomarker for predicting the development and progression of CAD.

Comprehensive Analysis to Identify Rh Family C Glycoprotein (RHCG) as the Causative Gene for Psoriasis and Search for Alternative Treatment Modalities.

Background: Psoriasis is a complex autoimmune disease. Frequent interactions between epidermal and immune cells are likely to be responsible for the strong heterogeneity of psoriasis. Therefore, our work aims to build on current knowledge and further search for new molecular mechanisms related to psoriasis pathogenesis in order to develop new targeted drugs. Methods: Data from psoriasis samples were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and batch effects were corrected using the "Combat" algorithm in the "SVA" package. Functional annotation of differential genes in psoriasis was performed by Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Core functional modules were identified using the Multiscale Embedded Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (MEGENA) algorithm for selection from the differential gene interaction network. The expression and potential function of Rh Family C Glycoprotein (RHCG) was predicted in single cell data by the "Seurat" package and validated in psoriasis samples by multiplex immunofluorescence. In addition, the regulatory function of HOP Homeobox (HOPX) on RHCG in keratinocytes was confirmed using RNA interference. Using immune infiltration analysis, RHCG and DC cells were analyzed for their association. Finally, the molecular mechanisms of treatment of psoriasis using Tripterygii Radix (TR) and Cinnamomi Ramulus (CR) were explored through network pharmacology and experimental validation. Results: Immune response (represented by C1_2) and collagen matrix formation (represented by C1_3) were identified as two important pathogenic factors in psoriasis and helped to define new biological subtypes of psoriasis. One important psoriasis hub gene, RHCG, was obtained and found to be closely associated with keratinocyte differentiation as well as DC cell maturation. And RHCG was regulated by HOPX in keratinocytes. In addition, the mechanism of action of CR and TR in the treatment of psoriasis was tentatively confirmed to be related to TRPV3, NFKB2, and YAP1. Conclusions: Our study identifies a new causal disease gene (RHCG) and offers potential alternatives for the treatment of psoriasis.

Short- and long-term results of open vs laparoscopic multisegmental resection and anastomosis for synchronous colorectal cancer located in separate segments.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether laparoscopic multisegmental resection and anastomosis (LMRA) is safe and advantageous over traditional open multisegmental resection and anastomosis (OMRA) for treating synchronous colorectal cancer (SCRC) located in separate segments. AIM: To compare the short-term efficacy and long-term prognosis of OMRA as well as LMRA for SCRC located in separate segments. METHODS: Patients with SCRC who underwent surgery between January 2010 and December 2021 at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and the Peking University First Hospital were retrospectively recruited. In accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 109 patients who received right hemicolectomy together with anterior resection of the rectum or right hemicolectomy and sigmoid colectomy were finally included in the study. Patients were divided into the LMRA and OMRA groups (n = 68 and 41, respectively) according to the surgical method used. The groups were compared regarding the surgical procedure's short-term efficacy and its effect on long-term patient survival. RESULTS: LMRA patients showed markedly less intraoperative blood loss than OMRA patients (100 vs 200 mL, P = 0.006). Compared to OMRA patients, LMRA patients exhibited markedly shorter postoperative first exhaust time (2 vs 3 d, P = 0.001), postoperative first fluid intake time (3 vs 4 d, P = 0.012), and postoperative hospital stay (9 vs 12 d, P = 0.002). The incidence of total postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade: ≥ II) was 2.9% and 17.1% (P = 0.025) in the LMRA and OMRA groups, respectively, while the incidence of anastomotic leakage was 2.9% and 7.3% (P = 0.558) in the LMRA and OMRA groups, respectively. Furthermore, the LMRA group had a higher mean number of lymph nodes dissected than the OMRA group (45.2 vs 37.3, P = 0.020). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates in OMRA patients were 82.9% and 78.3%, respectively, while these rates in LMRA patients were 78.2% and 72.8%, respectively. Multivariate prognostic analysis revealed that N stage [OS: HR hazard ratio (HR) = 10.161, P = 0.026; DFS: HR = 13.017, P = 0.013], but not the surgical method (LMRA/OMRA) (OS: HR = 0.834, P = 0.749; DFS: HR = 0.812, P = 0.712), was the independent influencing factor in the OS and DFS of patients with SCRC. CONCLUSION: LMRA is safe and feasible for patients with SCRC located in separate segments. Compared to OMRA, the LMRA approach has more advantages related to short-term efficacy.

Perturbation of 60 S ribosomal biogenesis results in ribosomal protein L5- and L11-dependent p53 activation.

Ribosomal proteins play an important role in p53 activation in response to nucleolar stress. Multiple ribosomal proteins, including L5, L11, L23, and S7, have been shown to bind to and inhibit MDM2, leading to p53 activation. However, it is not clear whether ribosomal protein regulation of MDM2 is specific to some, but not all ribosomal proteins. Here we show that L29 and L30, two ribosomal proteins from the 60 S ribosomal subunit, do not bind to MDM2 and do not inhibit MDM2-mediated p53 suppression, indicating that the ribosomal protein regulation of the MDM2-p53 feedback loop is specific. Interestingly, direct perturbation of the 60 S ribosomal biogenesis by knocking down either L29 or L30 drastically induced the level and activity of p53, leading to p53-depedent cell cycle arrest. This p53 activation was drastically inhibited by knockdown of L11 or L5. Consistently, knockdown of L29 or L30 enhanced the interaction of MDM2 with L11 and L5 and markedly inhibited MDM2-mediated p53 ubiquitination, suggesting that direct perturbation of 60 S ribosomal biogenesis activates p53 via L11- and L5-mediated MDM2 suppression. Mechanistically, knockdown of L30 or L29 significantly increased the NEDDylation and nuclear retention of L11. Knocking down endogenous NEDD8 suppressed p53 activation induced by knockdown of L30. These results demonstrate that NEDDylation of L11 plays a critical role in mediating p53 activation in response to perturbation of ribosomal biogenesis.