Smartphone-assisted colorimetric sensor arrays based on nanozymes for high throughput identification of heavy metal ions in salmon.

The rapid, precise, and high-throughput identification of multiple heavy metals ions holds immense importance in ensuring food safety and promoting public health. This study presents a novel smartphone-assisted colorimetric sensor array for the rapid and precise detection of multiple heavy metals ions. The sensor array is based on three signal recognition elements (AuPt@Fe-N-C, AuPt@N-C, and Fe-N-C) and the presence of different heavy metal ions affects the nanozymes-chromogenic substrate (TMB) catalytic color production, enabling the differentiation and quantification of various heavy metal ions. Combined with a smartphone-based RGB mode, the colorimetric sensor array can successfully identify five different heavy metal ions (Hg2+, Pb2+, Co2+, Cr6+, and Fe3+) as low as 0.5 µM and different ratios of binary and ternary mixed heavy metal ions in just 5 min. The sensor array successfully tested seawater and salmon samples with a total heavy metal content of 10 µM in the South China Sea (Haikou and Wenchang). Overall, this study highlights the potential of smartphone-assisted colorimetric sensor arrays for the rapid and precise detection of multiple heavy metal ions, which could significantly contribute to food safety and public health monitoring.

Inflammation-oriented montmorillonite adjuvant enhanced oral delivery of anti-TNF-α nanobody against inflammatory bowel disease.

Oral delivery of proteins faces challenges due to the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including gastric acid and intestinal enzyme degradation. Permeation enhancers are limited in their ability to deliver proteins with high molecular weight and can potentially cause toxicity by opening tight junctions. To overcome these challenges, we propose the use of montmorillonite (MMT) as an adjuvant that possesses both inflammation-oriented abilities and the ability to regulate gut microbiota. This adjuvant can be used as a universal protein oral delivery technology by fusing with advantageous binding amino acid sequences. We demonstrated that anti-TNF-α nanobody (VII) can be intercalated into the MMT interlayer space. The carboxylate groups (-COOH) of aspartic acid (D) and glutamic acid (E) interact with the MMT surface through electrostatic interactions with sodium ions (Na+). The amino groups (NH2) of asparagine (N) and glutamine (Q) are primarily attracted to the MMT layers through hydrogen bonding with oxygen atoms on the surface. This binding mechanism protects VII from degradation and ensures its release in the intestinal tract, as well as retaining biological activity, leading to significantly enhanced therapeutic effects on colitis. Furthermore, VII@MMT increases the abundance of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing strains, including Clostridia, Prevotellaceae, Alloprevotella, Oscillospiraceae, Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, and Ruminococcaceae, therefore enhance the production of SCFAs and butyrate, inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs) production to modulate local and systemic immune homeostasis. Overall, the MMT adjuvant provides a promising universal strategy for protein oral delivery by rational designed protein.

The Association of Dietary Diversity with Hyperuricemia among Community Inhabitants in Shanghai, China: A Prospective Research.

Hyperuricemia, a major worldwide burden on public hygiene, is closely connected with dietary habits. However, few studies have evaluated the association of dietary diversity with hyperuricemia. To preliminarily reveal the status of a diversified diet in preventing hyperuricemia based on a neighborhood-based, massive-scale cohort in China, a total of 43,493 participants aged 20-74 years old, with no history of hyperuricemia at baseline, were enrolled in the research from April 2016 to December 2019. The Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was utilized to evaluate the dietary variety and split the participants into the low-, medium-, and high-DDS groups. Information on participants was connected to regional health information systems that acquired data on hyperuricemia instances up to 28 February 2023. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed by Cox proportional hazards models. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) were implemented to analyze dose-response correlation. A total of 1460 individuals with newly diagnosed hyperuricemia were observed over a median follow-up period of 5.59 years. Compared to the low-DDS group, HRs for the medium- and high-DDS groups were 0.87 (95% CI 0.76-0.99) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.70-0.91) in the fully adjusted model, respectively. The risk of hyperuricemia incidence was reduced by 5% for each 1 unit of DDS increase. A linear correlation of DDS with hyperuricemia emerged and further revealed that the intake of 8-10 broad categories of food could decrease the incidence of hyperuricemia. Our results validate the dietary principle of "food diversification" recommended in guidelines. Conclusions should be applied with caution considering the paucity of related evidence in additional nations.

Antifungal effect of cinnamon essential oil against Penicillium oxalicum on rice noodles.

Plant essential oils have been extensively investigated for their application in food industry due to their broad antimicrobial spectrum and safety. However, rare studies investigated their application in decontaminating rice noodles from fungal contamination. In this study, the cinnamon essential oil was screened out among 12 species of plant essential oils, and its antifungal activity against Penicillium oxalicum isolated from rice noodles was investigated. Our study revealed that cinnamon essential oil inhibited the spore germination in a concentration-dependent manner, and a dosage of 0.025% (v/v) could entirely disable the spore germination. The disruption of the fungal plasma membrane was evidenced by the change of plasma membrane permeability and the leakage of cellular components. The cinnamon essential oil in vapor phase (0.00625% [v/v]) could totally inhibit the growth of fungi inoculated on rice noodles. In addition to the potential application in inactivating fungi germination on rice noodles, this study also demonstrated the feasibility of cinnamon essential as an environmental disinfectant. This study is the first report that cinnamon essential oil has been studied for decontaminating rice noodles from fungal contamination with P. oxalicum, which not only broadens the application field of plant essential oil but also provides an alternative approach for rice noodle preservation.

Phase separation of hnRNPA1 and TERRA regulates telomeric stability.

Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences and associated protein complexes located at the end of chromatin. As a result of the DNA replication ending issue, telomeric DNA shortens during each cell cycle. The shelterin protein complex caps telomeric ends and forms a high-order protein-DNA structure to protect telomeric DNA. The stability of telomeres is critical for cellular function and is related to the progression of many human diseases. Telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) is a noncoding RNA transcribed from telomeric DNA regions. TERRA plays an essential role in regulating and maintaining the stability of telomeres. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are RNA-binding proteins associated with complex and diverse biological processes. HnRNPA1 can recognize both TERRA and telomeric DNA. Previous research reported that hnRNPA1, TERRA, and POT1, a component of the shelterin complex, worked coordinately and displaced replication protein A from telomeric ssDNA after DNA replication, promoting telomere capping to preserve genomic integrity. However, the detailed molecular mechanism has remained unclear for over twenty years. Our study revealed the molecular structure through which the hnRNPA1 UP1 domain interacts with TERRA. Through structural analysis, we identified critical residues on the interacting surface between UP1 and TERRA. Furthermore, we proved that nucleic acids significantly increase the phase separation ability of hnRNPA1 and disrupting the UP1-TERRA interaction extraordinarily affects hnRNPA1 droplet formation both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, these data revealed the molecular mechanism of the droplet formation of hnRNPA1 and TERRA and the possible function of the droplets for maintaining genomic stability.

Predictive Value of the Naples Prognostic Score for Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Receiving Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

The Naples prognostic score (NPS) is a novel multidimensional inflammatory and nutritional assessment system in cancer patients. However, its significance in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear. The study has a single-center, retrospective design and included 631 patients with CKD who underwent index PCI between 2019 and 2022. All participants were divided into 2 groups according to the NPS (Low-risk group: n = 209; High-risk group: n = 422) and followed up until November 2022. The primary endpoint was Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE). NPS predicted MACE events better than other scores, besides, high-risk NPS with severe renal dysfunction (RD) group (MODEL 2) had superior MACE diagnostic efficiency than NPS high-risk group lonely. (NPS: AUC: 0.605, P < .001; MODEL 2: AUC: 0.624, P < .001, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of two groups showed that high-risk group had higher incidence of MACE (P < .001). Meanwhile, high-risk group had higher MACE events [adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR) 2.013, 95% CI 1.294, 3.132; P = .002]. NPS is an independent prognostic factor for CKD patients undergoing index PCI before operation whose predictive value for survival prognosis is better than other nutritional and inflammatory indicators. Compared with low NPS, patients with high NPS have a relatively poor prognosis.

Dynamic Organic Phosphorescence Glass by Rigid-Soft Coupling.

Organic phosphorescence glass has garnered considerable attention owing to the excellent shaping ability and photophysical behavior, but facile construction from single-component phosphors is still challenging. Herein, a rigid-soft coupling design is adopted in organic phosphors of ICO, CCO and PCO, thus preparing phosphorescence glasses through melting-quenching method to give excellent shaping ability and dynamic phosphorescence. RTP performance is significantly enhanced in the dense-structure glass, and intriguing high-temperature phosphorescence (HTP) is still observable even at 400 K. Direct patterning under UV irradiation is also achieved using photolithography technique, allowing for the creation of high-quality afterglow patterns that can be reversibly erased and rewritten. This rigid-soft conformation in organic phosphors elucidates a promising concept for achieving efficient RTP glass with wide application prospects.

Rational Construction of Cyanide-Functionalized D-A-π-D Covalent Organic Framework for Highly Efficient Overall H2O2 Photosynthesis from Air and Water.

Sacrificial-agent-free overall photosynthesis of H2O2 from water and air represents currently a promising route to reform the industrial anthraquinone production manner, but, still blocks by the requirement of pure O2 feedstock, due to the insufficient oxygen supply from water under air. Herein, we report a rational molecule design on COFs (covalent organic frameworks) equiped with cyanide-functionalized D-A-π-D system for highly efficient overall H2O2 production from air and water through photocatalytic oxygen reduction reactions (ORR) and water oxidation reaction (WOR). Without using any sacrificial agent, the as-synthesized D-A-π-D COF is found to enable a H2O2 production rate as high as 4742 µmol h-1 g-1 from water and air and an O2 utilization and conversion rate up to 88%, exceeding the other D-A-π-A COF by respectively 1.9- and 1.3-fold. Such high performance is attributed to the tuned electronic structure and prolonged charge lifetime facilitated by the unique D-A-π-D structure and cyanide groups. This work highlights a fundamental molecule design on advanced photocatalytic COFs with complicated D-A system for low-cost and massive H2O2 production.

Association of Microbleeds on Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging with Ferroptosis and Prognosis in Rabbits with Spinal Cord Injury.

BACKGROUND: Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a common imaging technique used to identify cerebral microbleeds. Given that spinal cord injury (SCI) often creates an environment that favors ferroptosis, a type of cell death driven by iron, this study aimed to explore the relationship between microbleeds on SWI and ferroptosis, and explore the effect of deferoxamine on SCI. METHODS: Thirty-six rabbits were divided into three groups: sham, SCI, and SCI with deferoxamine (DFO, a ferroptosis inhibitor) treatment (SCI+DFO). Following 48 hours of SCI modeling, the rabbits underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and SWI examinations. Ferroptosis markers and spinal cord tissue morphology were examined, and the modified Tarlov's score was used to assess neurological function. RESULTS: SWI analysis revealed that rabbits in the SCI group exhibited lower signal intensities and larger microbleed areas compared to the those in the SCI+DFO group (p < 0.05). The SCI+DFO group demonstrated significantly decreased iron and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, coupled with increased glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) levels, along with attenuated ferroptosis (p < 0.05). This group also displayed greater Neuronal Nuclei (NeuN) expression, Tarlov's scores, and neurological recovery rates (all p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between the microbleed area and iron content (r = 0.59, p = 0.04), MDA (r = 0.75, p = 0.01), and mitochondrial damage (r = 0.90, p < 0.01). Conversely, a negative correlation was established between the microbleed area and GPX4 levels (r = -0.87, p < 0.01), as well as neurological function recovery (r = -0.62, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The extent of microbleeds on SWI following SCI is closely correlated with ferroptosis, and the inhibition of ferroptosis could improve neurologic function. These findings suggest that the area of microbleeds on SWI could potentially serve as a predictive marker for ferroptosis in spinal cord injury.

Rational design of bioengineered recombinant collagen-like protein enhances GelMA hydrogel for diabetic wound healing.

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) holds significant potential in tissue engineering; however, its clinical applications are often constrained by its lack of functional groups. To overcome this limitation, recombinant proteins with multiple biofunctional domains present a promising strategy for GelMA functionalization, enhancing its biological properties. In this study, we developed a rationally designed recombinant collagen-like protein (RC) engineered with multiple biofunctional domains, which demonstrated the ability to upregulate collagen 1α (COL-1α) expression in NIH-3 T3 cells. By utilizing EDC/NHS chemistry, the purified RC was conjugated to GelMA, resulting in GelMA-RC hydrogels that significantly improved cell viability and migration compared to unmodified GelMA. Subsequent in vivo studies showed that RC-modified GelMA exhibited superior wound healing efficacy, largely attributed to enhanced expression of cytokeratin-14 (CK-14) and COL-1α. These findings underscore the potential of RC-functionalized GelMA in promoting diabetic wound repair and suggest broader applicability for functionalizing other biomaterials.

Machine learning prediction of stalk lignin content using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in large scale maize germplasm.

Lignin has been recognized as a major factor contributing to lignocellulosic recalcitrance in biofuel production and attracted attentions as a high-value product in the biorefinery field. As the traditional wet chemical methods for detecting lignin content are labor-intensive, time-consuming and environment-toxic, it is an urgent need to develop high-throughput and environment-friendly techniques for large-scale crop germplasms screening. In this study, we conducted a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) assay on 150 maize germplasms with a diverse lignin composition to build predictive models for lignin content in maize stalk. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the FTIR spectra for use as model inputs. Classification and advanced gradient boosting machine (GBM) algorithms demonstrated higher predictive accuracy (0.82-0.96) compared to traditional linear and regularization algorithms (0.03-0.04) in the training set. Notably, two optimal models, built using the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) algorithms, achieved R2 values of over 0.91 in the training set and over 0.82 in the test set. Overall, the combination of FTIR and machine learning (ML) algorithms offers a high-throughput and efficient method for predicting lignin content. This approach holds significant potential for genetic breeding and the effective utilization of maize in industrial production.

Mechanical properties of aeolian sand cemented via microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP).

The cementation of desert aeolian sand is a key method to control land desertification and dust storms, so an economical, green and durable process to reach the binding between sand grains needs to be searched. The method based on the microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) appeared in recent years as a promising process that proved its efficiency. The feasibility of the MICP technique to treat aeolian sand composed by low clay content, fine particles, low water content and characterized by weak permeability was demonstrated in the present paper. The effects of initial dry density, cementation number and curing time on the permeability and strength of MICP-treated aeolian sand were investigated using permeability tests and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests. The microstructure of aeolian sand was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests and X-ray diffraction (XRD), aiming to reveal the solidification principle of MICP. The tests result indicated that when the initial dry density and the cementation number rose, the hydraulic conductivity of aeolian sand decreased while the mechanical strength given by UCS values improved. When the initial dry density was 1.65 g/cm3, the curing time was 3 h and the cementation number reached 20, the hydraulic conductivity and UCS reached 0.00151 cm/s and 1050.30 kPa, respectively. With increasing curing time, the hydraulic conductivity first decreased, followed by an increase, while the UCS exhibited an up and then a downtrend. Furthermore, the correlation between UCS values and the CaCO3 content reached a high R2 value equal to 0.912, which confirmed that the cementation occurred in sandy material and governed the soil strengthening. Indeed, the calcium carbonate crystals observed by SEM and XRD enhanced the friction between particles when they wrapped around the sand grains surface, while carbonates reduced the soil permeability when filling the pores and sticking the sand particles together. Finally, the theoretical and scientific knowledge brought by the present study should help in managing sand in desert areas.

Tofacitinib prevents depressive-like behaviors through decreased hippocampal microgliosis and increased BDNF levels in both LPS-induced and CSDS-induced mice.

Depressive disorders are a global mental health challenge that is closely linked to inflammation, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. The JAK-STAT pathway, which is primarily associated with inflammatory responses, is not fully characterized in the context of depressive disorders. Recently, a phase 3 retrospective cohort analysis heightened that the marketed JAK inhibitor tofacitinib is beyond immune diseases and has potential for preventing mood disorders. Inspired by these clinical facts, we investigated the role of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in depression and comprehensively assessed the antidepressant effect of tofacitinib. We found that aberrant activation of the JAK-STAT pathway is highly conserved in the hippocampus of classical depressive mouse models: LPS-induced and chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced depressive mice. Mechanistically, the JAK-STAT pathway mediates proinflammatory cytokine production and microgliosis, leading to synaptic defects in the hippocampus of both depressive models. Remarkably, the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib effectively reverses these phenomena, contributing to its antidepressant effect. These findings indicate that the JAK/STAT pathway could be implicated in depressive disorders, and suggest that the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib has a potential translational implication for preventing mood disorders far beyond its current indications.

The impact of ketamine on emergency rapid sequence intubation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) is a crucial step in the resuscitation process for critically ill patients, and the judicious use of sedative drugs during RSI significantly influences the clinical outcomes of patients. Ketamine is a commonly used anesthetic sedative; however, its impact on the mortality of patients undergoing RSI has yielded inconsistent findings. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating ketamine's role in RSI to provide insights into selecting appropriate sedatives for critically ill patients. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we conducted a systematic search on MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, without restricting to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or cohort studies. The search was performed from inception until Dec 12, 2023, with no language restrictions. All studies comparing the use of sedatives, including ketamine, and documenting in-hospital mortality were included in this study. RESULTS: A total of 991 studies were identified, out of which 15 studies (5 RCTs and 10 cohort studies) involving 16,807 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. No significant impact on in-hospital mortality was observed with the use of ketamine compared to other drugs during RSI (OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.72 to 1.12). Low-quality evidence suggested that ketamine might reduce mortality within the first seven days of hospitalization (OR 0.42, 95%CI 0.19 to 0.93), but it may also have a potential effect on prolonging ICU-free days at day 28 (MD -0.71, 95%CI -1.38 to -0.05). There were no significant differences in the results of the other RSI-related outcomes, such as physiological function and adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Based on existing studies, ketamine showed no significant difference compared to other sedatives in terms of in-hospital mortality, physiological impact, and side effects following RSI. However, it may reduce mortality within 7 days while probably prolong the length of stay in the ICU. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42023478020.

Cuproptosis in microsatellite stable colon cancer cells affects the cytotoxicity of CD8+T through the WNT signaling pathway.

The microsatellite stable (MSS) colon cancer (CC) has long been considered resistant to immunotherapy. Cuproptosis, as a novel form of cell death, may interact with tumor immunity. This project focused on the impact of cuproptosis on the cytotoxicity of CD8+T in MSS CC, aiming to provide effective clues for improving the treatment strategy of MSS CC. The study developed an MSS CC cuproptosis model using 50 nM elesclomol and 1 µM CuCl2. Cuproptotic SW480 cells were directly co-cultured with CD8+ T cells. Cuproptosis levels were assessed via intracellular copper ion detection, Western blot, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. CCK-8, Hochest/PI staining, CFSE cell proliferation assay, LDH cytotoxicity detection, and ELISA were used to evaluate CD8+ T cell immune activity and cytotoxicity. Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis identified regulated signals in cuproptotic SW480 cells. A rescue experiment utilized a WNT pathway activator (BML-284). PD-L1 expression in cells/membranes was analyzed using qRT-PCR, Western blot, and flow cytometry. NSG mice were immunoreconstituted, and the effects of cuproptosis on immune infiltration and cancer progression in MSS CC mice were assessed using ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Treatment with 50 nM elesclomol and 1 µM CuCl2 significantly increased cuproptosis in SW480 cells. Co-culture with CD8+ T cells enhanced their cytotoxicity. Sequencing revealed cuproptosis-mediated modulation of immune and inflammatory pathways, including WNT signaling. Rescue experiments showed downregulation of WNT signaling in cuproptotic SW480 cells. Indirectly, CD8+ T cell immune function was enhanced by reducing PD-L1 expression. In mice, cuproptosis resulted in increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells in tumor tissue, leading to delayed cancer progression compared to the control group. Cuproptosis in MSS CC cells enhances the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells, which may be achieved through downregulation of the WNT signaling pathway and decreased expression of PD-L1. In the future, drugs that can induce cuproptosis may be a promising approach to improve MSS CC immunotherapy.

High-throughput prediction of stalk cellulose and hemicellulose content in maize using machine learning and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Cellulose and hemicellulose are key cross-linked carbohydrates affecting bioethanol production in maize stalks. Traditional wet chemical methods for their detection are labor-intensive, highlighting the need for high-throughput techniques. This study used Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy combined with machine learning (ML) algorithms on 200 large-scale maize germplasms to develop robust predictive models for stalk cellulose, hemicellulose and holocellulose content. We identified several peak height features correlated with three contents, used them as input data for model building. Four ML algorithms demonstrated higher predictive accuracy, achieving coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.83 to 0.97. Notably, the Categorical Boosting algorithm yielded optimal models with coefficient of determination (R2) exceeding 0.91 for the training set and over 0.81 for the test set. The approach combined FTIR spectroscopy with ML algorithms offers a precise and high-throughput tool for predicting stalk cellulose, hemicellulose and holocellulose contents, benefiting maize genetic breeding for bioenergy and biofuels.

Dynamic phosphorylation of FOXA1 by Aurora B guides post-mitotic gene reactivation.

FOXA1 serves as a crucial pioneer transcription factor during developmental processes and plays a pivotal role as a mitotic bookmarking factor to perpetuate gene expression profiles and maintain cellular identity. During mitosis, the majority of FOXA1 dissociates from specific DNA binding sites and redistributes to non-specific binding sites; however, the regulatory mechanisms governing molecular dynamics and activity of FOXA1 remain elusive. Here, we show that mitotic kinase Aurora B specifies the different DNA binding modes of FOXA1 and guides FOXA1 biomolecular condensation in mitosis. Mechanistically, Aurora B kinase phosphorylates FOXA1 at Serine 221 (S221) to liberate the specific, but not the non-specific, DNA binding. Interestingly, the phosphorylation of S221 attenuates the FOXA1 condensation that requires specific DNA binding. Importantly, perturbation of the dynamic phosphorylation impairs accurate gene reactivation and cell proliferation, suggesting that reversible mitotic protein phosphorylation emerges as a fundamental mechanism for the spatiotemporal control of mitotic bookmarking.

Impact of Tibetan ethnicity and residence altitude on complications during total knee arthroplasty and difficulties of measurement of perioperative blood loss.

PURPOSE: Tibetan patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have greater fluctuations in perioperative haemoglobin levels and blood hypercoagulability. This study was to investigate whether ethnicity and altitude affect perioperative blood loss and the risk of complications after TKA. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 1,116 patients undergoing TKA for knee osteoarthritis at our hospital between January 2016 and September 2021. We divided patients into four groups according to whether they were of Tibetan or Han ethnicity and whether they lived above or below 2500 m above sea level. Primary outcomes were total, intraoperative, and hidden blood losses, while secondary outcomes were complications and homologous transfusion. Factors associated with increased blood loss were analyzed by multivariate regression. RESULTS: Total blood loss was higher among patients residing at high altitude compared with lower altitude, whether they were of Han (794.6 mL vs. 667.2 mL, P = 0.020) or Tibetan (904.4 mL vs. 663.8 mL, P < 0.001). Total blood loss was similar between the two ethnic groups at the same altitude. Altitude, but not Tibetan ethnicity, remained associated with increased blood loss after being analyzed by multivariate regression. Complications among the four groups were generally similar, although the frequency of calf muscular venous thrombosis was higher among Tibetan patients, while the frequency of blood transfusion was higher among Han subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that residence at high altitude, but not ethnicity, may contribute to increased total blood loss during TKA. Thrombotic complications were more frequent among Tibetan than Han patients.

Aggregation-Induced Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer Biosensor for Ultrasensitive Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Based on Donor-Acceptor Organic Nanoparticles.

Aggregation-induced electrochemiluminescence (AIECL) combines the merits of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL), which has become a research hot spot in recent years. Therefore, we synthesized a novel AIE compound (Z)-3-(4-(2-butyl-1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-6-yl)phenyl)-2-(4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)phenyl)acrylonitrile (TPENI) with a donor-acceptor (D-A) structure, that is, a simple peripheral modification of 4-(2-butyl-1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-6-yl) benzaldehyde (NI-CHO) with AIE-active tetraphenylethylene (TPE) to achieve the transition of NI-CHO from aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) to an AIE molecule. When TPENI was in the aggregated state, the luminescence intensity was significantly enhanced due to the TPE structural unit restricting the free rotation of the intramolecular benzene ring, as well as the π-π stacking interactions of the molecules, which was conducive to the preparation of TPENI NPs as ECL materials. Satisfactorily, we found that the ECL intensity of TPENI NPs was increased by about 4.8-fold compared with that of the molecules dispersed in organic solution, and the stability reached about 1000 s. Based on the excellent ECL properties of TPENI NPs, an "on-off-on" ECL biosensor with a wider detection range (1 fg/mL to 100 ng/mL) and a lower detection limit of 0.20 fg/mL (S/N = 3) was proposed for sensitive analysis of a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Overall, this work provided a new approach to the realization of AIECL and laid the foundation for the application of naphthalimide derivatives in ECL.

Synergistic effects of Pleistocene geological and climatic events on complex phylogeographic history of widespread sympatric species of Megaloptera in East Asia.

Unraveling the phylogeographic histories of species remains a key endeavor for comprehending the evolutionary processes contributing to the rich biodiversity and high endemism found in East Asia. In this study, we explored the phylogeographic patterns and demographic histories of three endemic fishfly and dobsonfly species ( Neochauliodes formosanus, Protohermes costalis, and Neoneuromus orientalis) belonging to the holometabolan order Megaloptera. These species, which share a broad and largely overlapping distribution, were analyzed using comprehensive mitogenomic data. Our findings revealed a consistent influence of vicariance on the population isolation of Neoc. formosanus and P. costalis between Hainan, Taiwan, and the East Asian mainland during the early Pleistocene, potentially hindering subsequent colonization of the later diverged Neon. orientalis to these islands. Additionally, we unveiled the dual function of the major mountain ranges in East Asia, serving both as barriers and conduits, in shaping the population structure of all three species. Notably, we demonstrated that these co-distributed species originated from Southwest, Southern, and eastern Central China, respectively, then subsequently migrated along multi-directional routes, leading to their sympatric distribution on the East Asian mainland. Furthermore, our results highlighted the significance of Pleistocene land bridges along the eastern coast of East Asia in facilitating the dispersal of mountain-dwelling insects with low dispersal ability. Overall, this study provides novel insight into the synergistic impact of Pleistocene geological and climatic events in shaping the diversity and distribution of aquatic insects in East Asia.