A nonparametric point-by-point method to measure time-dependent frequency in wavelength modulation spectroscopy.

A nonparametric point-by-point (NPP) method is presented for high-accuracy measurement of the time-dependent frequency (laser frequency) in tunable laser absorption spectroscopy, crucial for ensuring ultimate measurement accuracy. In wavelength modulation spectroscopy in particular, the parametric methods in current use for time-dependent frequency measurement are insufficiently accurate and are difficult to apply to complex modulation scenarios. Based on a multi-scale viewpoint, point-by-point measurement of the frequency is realized by linear superposition of the frequency information mapped from the interferometric signal on a unit scale and on a local scale. Validation experiments indicate that the measurement accuracy of the proposed NPP method is three times that of the existing parametric methods, while effectively immunizing against non-ideal tuning effects. Additionally, the NPP method is suitable for use with arbitrarily complex modulations such as square wave modulation, for which parametric methods are inapplicable.

Irisin in thyroid diseases.

Irisin, a hormone-like adipo-myokine, has garnered considerable attention in recent years for its potential impact in metabolic diseases. Its physiological effects are similar to those of thyroid hormones, prompting numerous investigations into potential correlations and interactions between irisin and thyroid function through various in vitro and animal experiments. However, existing studies suggest that the relationship between irisin and thyroid diseases is highly complex and multifaceted. In this paper, we have summarized the research results on serum irisin and thyroid function, providing an overview of advancements and constraints in current research on irisin and thyroid hormones. The aim is to offer insights and directions for future clinical trials in this field.

Dip2a regulates stress susceptibility in the basolateral amygdala.

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202506000-00025/figure1/v/2024-08-05T133530Z/r/image-tiff Dysregulation of neurotransmitter metabolism in the central nervous system contributes to mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Monoamines and amino acids are important types of neurotransmitters. Our previous results have shown that disco-interacting protein 2 homolog A (Dip2a) knockout mice exhibit brain development disorders and abnormal amino acid metabolism in serum. This suggests that DIP2A is involved in the metabolism of amino acid-associated neurotransmitters. Therefore, we performed targeted neurotransmitter metabolomics analysis and found that Dip2a deficiency caused abnormal metabolism of tryptophan and thyroxine in the basolateral amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex. In addition, acute restraint stress induced a decrease in 5-hydroxytryptamine in the basolateral amygdala. Additionally, Dip2a was abundantly expressed in excitatory neurons of the basolateral amygdala, and deletion of Dip2a in these neurons resulted in hopelessness-like behavior in the tail suspension test. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that DIP2A in the basolateral amygdala may be involved in the regulation of stress susceptibility. This provides critical evidence implicating a role of DIP2A in affective disorders.

CNKSR2 interactome analysis indicates its association with the centrosome/microtubule system.

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202508000-00031/figure1/v/2024-09-30T120553Z/r/image-tiff The protein connector enhancer of kinase suppressor of Ras 2 (CNKSR2), present in both the postsynaptic density and cytoplasm of neurons, is a scaffolding protein with several protein-binding domains. Variants of the CNKSR2 gene have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly intellectual disability, although the precise mechanism involved has not yet been fully understood. Research has demonstrated that CNKSR2 plays a role in facilitating the localization of postsynaptic density protein complexes to the membrane, thereby influencing synaptic signaling and the morphogenesis of dendritic spines. However, the function of CNKSR2 in the cytoplasm remains to be elucidated. In this study, we used immunoprecipitation and high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify the interactors of CNKSR2. Through a combination of bioinformatic analysis and cytological experiments, we found that the CNKSR2 interactors were significantly enriched in the proteome of the centrosome. We also showed that CNKSR2 interacted with the microtubule protein DYNC1H1 and with the centrosome marker CEP290. Subsequent colocalization analysis confirmed the centrosomal localization of CNKSR2. When we downregulated CNKSR2 expression in mouse neuroblastoma cells (Neuro 2A), we observed significant changes in the expression of numerous centrosomal genes. This manipulation also affected centrosome-related functions, including cell size and shape, cell proliferation, and motility. Furthermore, we found that CNKSR2 interactors were highly enriched in de novo variants associated with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Our findings establish a connection between CNKSR2 and the centrosome, and offer new insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Dietary sn-2 palmitate influences cognitive behavior by increasing the transport of liver-produced lysophosphatidylcholine VLCPUFAs to the brain.

Investigations indicated that sn-2 palmitate have positive effects on brain development, although its mechanism remains largely unexamined. This research delved into how a diet abundant in sn-2 palmitate influenced the cognitive behavior of mice and elucidated the associated mechanisms using metabolomics and lipidomics. The study demonstrated that dietary sn-2 palmitate led to improved working memory and cognition in mice, as well as an increase in brain BDNF concentration when compared to those fed blend vegetable oil (BVO). This was because sn-2 palmitate feeding promoted the synthesis of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCPUFAs) for the lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE) in the liver. This led to more efficient delivery of VLCPUFAs to the brain, as indicated by elevated concentration of LPC/LPE-VLCPUFAs in the liver and heightened expression of the major facilitator superfamily domain containing 2a (MFSD2A). In essence, this paper offered a potential mechanism by which sn-2 palmitate enhanced mouse neurodevelopment.

An integrative strategy used by the aphid Uroleucon formosanum to counter host sesquiterpene lactone defense: Insights from combined genomic and transcriptomic analysis.

Insect herbivores adapt and develop strategies to counteract plant chemical defenses. The aphid Uroleucon formosanum is a serious sap-sucking pest that infests lettuces containing toxic sesquiterpene lactones (STLs). Herein, we employed a combination of genome sequencing and RNA-seq transcriptome profiling to understand the mechanisms underlying phytotoxin tolerance in U. formosanum. We generated the first chromosome-level genome assembly for U. formosanum, with a total size of 453.26 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 33.22 Mb. Comparative genomic analyses revealed an enrichment of signals for positive selection and gene family expansion in immune-related pathways. Specifically, the expanded set of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes showed upregulation after treatment with lactucin, suggesting that they may play a role in the immune response against STLs. The expression of takeout-like genes and cuticle-associated genes was also significantly increased in the lactucin-treated samples. Additionally, 53 cytochrome P450 monooxygenase, 30 carboxylesterase, 19 glutathione S-transferase, 32 uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase and 63 ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter genes were identified in the U. formosanum genome. CYP4C1, CYP6A13 and 7 ABC genes were strongly upregulated in response to lactucin treatment, indicating the involvement of detoxifying enzymes in the tolerance of U. formosanum to STLs. Our findings suggest that the cuticle barrier, immune response and enzyme-mediated metabolic detoxification jointly enhance the tolerance of U. formosanum to phytotoxins and promote its adaptation to host plants. This study presents a valuable genomic resource and provides insights into insect adaptation to plant chemical challenges and future technological developments for pest management.

C-CAR066, a novel fully human anti-CD20 CAR-T therapy for relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma after failure of anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy: A phase I clinical study.

Managing large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) that is refractory to or relapsed after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy remains a significant challenge. Here we aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of C-CAR066, an autologous fully human anti-CD20 specific CAR-T, for relapsed/refractory LBCL after failure of anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy. This first-in-human, single-arm, phase 1 study was conducted at two sites in China. Eligible patients had to be histologically confirmed with CD20-positive LBCL and must have received prior anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy. Patients received a single intravenous infusion of C-CAR066 at a target dose of 2.0 × 106 or 3.0 × 106 CAR-T cells/kg. The primary endpoint was the incidence of adverse events (AEs). As of October 10, 2023, 14 patients had received C-CAR066. The most common AEs of Grade 3 or higher were hematological toxicities. Cytokine release syndrome occurred in 12 (85.7%) patients, with only one was Grade 4 event. No patient experienced immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome events. The overall response rate was 92.9% with a complete response rate of 57.1%. With a median follow-up of 27.7 months (range, 3.3-40.9), the median progression-free survival and overall survival were 9.4 months (95% CI, 2.0 to NA) and 34.8 months (95% CI, 7.5 to NA), respectively. C-CAR066 demonstrated a manageable safety profile and promising efficacy in patients in whom prior anti-CD19 CAR-T therapies had failed, providing a promising treatment option for those patients. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04316624 and NCT04036019.

Revealing the intrinsic nature of Cu- and Ce-doped Mn3O4 catalysts with positive and negative effects on CO oxidation using operando DRIFTS-MS.

Aiming at the problem of the poor performance of an Mn-MOF-74-derived Mn3O4 catalyst in low-temperature carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation, copper (Cu) and cerium (Ce) elements were used to modify the Mn3O4 catalyst to improve its performance in low-temperature CO oxidation. According to the results of catalytic performance testing, the CO oxidation activity of the Cu0.3Mn2.7O4 catalyst was significantly improved compared with that of the pristine Mn3O4 catalyst, when a CO conversion rate of 90% was achieved at 118 °C. According to X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analyses, the (Mn2+ + Mn3+)/(Mn2+ + Mn3+ + Mn4+) ratio and the Oads/Ototal ratio increased after Cu doping, indicating promoted oxygen vacancy generation. In addition, the increased specific surface area was beneficial for the adsorption of reactant molecules and the exposure of active sites. According to H2-temperature-programmed reduction characterization, Cu doping significantly enhanced the performance of the Cu0.3Mn2.7O4 catalyst during low-temperature redox. Finally, these factors synergistically promoted the degradation of CO over the Cu0.3Mn2.7O4 catalyst. In addition, operando diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results suggested the presence of more terminal-type oxygen, which is essential for the catalytic oxidation of CO on the surface of the Cu0.3Mn2.7O4 catalyst. Moreover, the Cu0.3Mn2.7O4 catalyst also showed excellent resistance to carbonate, and remarkable stability.

Unlocking amplified magneto-photocurrent using multi-field manipulation in nonfullerene organic bulk heterojunction systems.

An effective manipulation of polaron pairs (PPs) for realizing amplified magneto-photocurrent (AMPC) is of critical importance toward the development of low power consumption and high-performance organic spin-optoelectronic devices, for instance magneto-photo-volatile memories. By far, it is challenging and there is a lack of method to reach AMPC. The typical magneto-photocurrent due to the light-matter interanion is primarily for unveiling the spin-dependent electron-hole dissociation in organic solar cells. Herein, we achieved an AMPC of ∼140% in nonfullerene organic bulk heterojunction systems at room temperature. We found that the amplification can be effectively triggered by a multi-field to a large number of photogenerated PPs at intermediate charge transfer states. We further postulate that, at steady state, they may experience a cyclic photophysical process due to the triplet-exciton polaron interaction. This study paves the way for the realization of AMPC in the organic spin-optoelectronic system.

Fluoxetine promotes the recovery of dysphagia and improves nutritional status and neurotrophic status in dysphagia patients after acute ischemic stroke.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fluoxetine on swallowing function, neurotrophic factors, and psychological status in patients with dysphagia after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A total of 118 patients with dysphagia after AIS who were diagnosed and treated in our hospital from July 2020 to March 2022 were selected as the study objects with 59 cases in each group. Patients in the control group underwent routine treatment and swallowing rehabilitation without fluoxetine. Patients in the study group received routine treatment, swallowing rehabilitation, and fluoxetine treatment. The quality of life was compared according to the Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (CQOLI-74). Patients were followed for 90 days, and the grades were compared with the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The total effective rate of the study group was 84.75%, which was higher than that of the control group with 62.71% (χ2 = 7.394, P < 0.05). The life quality scores of the two groups were both dramatically elevated compared to those before the treatment, and the study group had a sensibly higher life quality score than the control group (P < 0.05). The proportion of grade 4~5 in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (χ2 = 492, P < 0.05). The total incidence of adverse reactions in the control group was 5.08% (3/59), which was significantly lower than that in the study group with 11.86% (7/59) (χ2 = 1.748, P = 0.186). Fluoxetine has a significant effect on the treatment of dysphagia after AIS by enhancing the recovery of dysphagia and promoting the recovery of neurological function.

Alleviation of colitis by honeysuckle MIR2911 via direct regulation of gut microbiota.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic relapsing diseases associated with inflammatory disorders and microbial dysbiosis of the intestine. The use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat colitis has the advantage of fewer side effects, but the molecular mechanism is not clear. Recently, miRNAs have been recognized as novel functional small molecules in plants that have regulatory effects on biological activities. This study mainly investigated the mechanism of action of MIR2911 from Honeysuckle, the main component of TCM preparations for colitis. The results demonstrated that MIR2911 can be absorbed through the diet and secreted within host small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), acting directly on intestinal bacteria, reducing the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella, and improving colitis symptoms. This study provides a new theoretical basis for the molecular mechanism of TCM therapy and identifies a potential new drug a new drug target for the treatment of colitis.

Ferroptosis in eye diseases: a systematic review.

Ferroptosis is a type of iron-dependent cell death that differs from apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and other forms of cell death. It is mainly characterized by the accumulation of intracellular lipid peroxides, redox imbalance, and reduced levels of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase 4. Studies have demonstrated that ferroptosis plays an important regulatory role in the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Multiple mechanisms, such as iron metabolism, ferritinophagy, p53, and p62/Keap1/Nrf2, as well as the combination of FSP1/CoQ/NADPH and hepcidin/FPN-1 can alter the vulnerability to ferroptosis. Nevertheless, there has been limited research on the development and management of ferroptosis in the realm of eye disorders, with most studies focusing on retinal conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. This review offers a thorough examination of the disruption of iron homeostasis in eye disorders, investigating the underlying mechanisms. We anticipate that the occurrence of ferroptotic cell death will not only establish a fresh field of study in eye diseases, but also present a promising therapeutic target for treating these diseases.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of linezolid in Chinese premature neonates: a population pharmacokinetic analysis and dosage optimization.

This study aimed to develop a pharmacokinetic model of linezolid in premature neonates and evaluate and optimize the administration regimen. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to detect the blood concentration data of 54 premature neonates after intravenous administration of linezolid, and the relevant clinical data were collected. The population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model was established by nonlinear mixed effects modeling. Based on the final model parameters, the optimal administration regimen of linezolid in premature neonates with different body surface areas (BSA) was simulated and evaluated. The pharmacokinetic properties of linezolid in premature neonates are best described by a single-compartment model with primary elimination. The population typical values for apparent volume of distribution and clearance were 0.783 L and 0.154 L/h, respectively. BSA was a statistically significant covariate with clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (Vd). Monte Carlo simulations showed that the optimal administration regimen for linezolid in premature neonates was 6 mg/kg q8h for BSA 0.11 m2, 7 mg/kg q8h for BSA 0.13 m2, and 9 mg/kg q8h for BSA 0.15 m2 with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≤1 mg/L, 7 mg/kg q8h for BSA 0.11 m2, 8 mg/kg q8h for BSA 0.13 m2, and 10 mg/kg q8h for BSA 0.15 m2 with MIC = 2 mg/L. A pharmacokinetic model was developed to predict the blood concentration on linezolid in premature neonates. Based on this model, the optimal administration regimen of linezolid in premature neonates needs to be individualized according to different BSA levels.

N6-methyladenosine-mediated upregulation of LNCAROD confers radioresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through stabilizing PARP1.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy is a primary therapeutic modality for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but its effectiveness is still restricted due to the resistance of cancer cells to radiation. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) have been shown to play significant roles in tumour radioresistance. However, the precise manifestation and role of m6A-modified lncRNAs in ESCC radioresistance remain unclear. METHODS: Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify m6A-modified lncRNAs implicated in the radioresistance of ESCC. A series of functional experiments were performed to investigate the function of LNCAROD in ESCC. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, chromatin isolation by RNA purification-mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation, and co-immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to explore the mechanism of m6A-mediated upregulation of LNCAROD expression and the downstream mechanism enhancing the radioresistance of ESCC. The efficacy of LNCAROD in vivo was assessed using murine xenograft models. RESULTS: Herein, we identified LNCAROD as a novel METTL3-mediated lncRNA that enhanced radioresistance in ESCC cells and was post-transcriptionally stabilised by YTHDC1. Moreover, we confirmed that LNCAROD prevented ubiquitin-proteasome degradation of PARP1 protein by facilitating PARP1-NPM1 interaction, thereby contributing to homologous recombination-mediated DNA double-strand breaks repair and enhancing the radiation resistance of ESCC cells. Silencing LNCAROD in a nude mouse model of ESCC in vivo resulted in slower tumour growth and increased radiosensitivity. CONCLUSION: Our findings enhance the understanding of m6A-modified lncRNA-driven machinery in ESCC radioresistance and underscore the significance of LNCAROD in this context, thereby contributing to the development of a potential therapeutic target for ESCC patients.

Comparative analysis of amide proton transfer and diffusion-weighted imaging for assessing Ki-67, p53 and PD-L1 expression in bladder cancer.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate amide proton transfer (APT) imaging for assessing Ki-67, p53 and PD-L1 status in bladder cancer (BC) and compare its diagnostic efficacy with that of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients suspected of BC were recruited for preoperative multiparametric MRI. APT signal was quantified by asymmetric magnetization transfer ratio (MTRasym). MTRasym and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were measured by two radiologists, with interobserver agreement assessed. Spearman's correlation analyzed MTRasym values and molecular markers. The Whitney U test evaluated MTRasym and ADC variation based on molecular marker status. Optimal cutoff points were determined using area under the curve (AUC) analysis. RESULTS: 88 patients (72 ± 10 years; 77 men) with BC were studied. MTRasym values were significantly correlated with Ki-67, p53 and PD-L1 levels (P < 0.05). Higher MTRasym values were found in high Ki-67 expression BCs (1.89% [0.73%] vs. 1.23% ± 0.26%; P < 0.001), high p53 expression BCs (1.63% [0.56%] vs. 1.24% [0.56%]; P < 0.001) and positive PD-L1 expression BCs (2.02% [0.81%] vs. 1.48% [0.38%]; P < 0.001). Lower ADCs were found in high Ki-67 expression BCs (1.06 ×10-3 mm2/s [0.32 ×10-3 mm2/s] vs. 1.38 ×10-3 mm2/s [0.39 ×10-3 mm2/s]; P < 0.001). For p53 status, an MTRasym threshold of 1.27% had 95% sensitivity, 60% specificity, and AUC of 0.781. For PD-L1 status, a 1.90% threshold had 88% sensitivity, 92% specificity, and AUC of 0.859. CONCLUSION: APT may significantly enhance the preoperative assessment of BC aggressiveness and inform targeted immunotherapy decisions, with performance superior to DWI.

A novel method for the preparation of reproducible, stable, and non-infectious quality control materials for Chlamydia trachomatis nucleic acid detection.

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is a significant sexually transmitted pathogen known to evoke severe complications, including infertility. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are recommended by the World Health Organization to detect CT infection. Furthermore, the establishment of methods, performance validation, internal quality control, and external quality assessment for CT NAATs necessitate the utilization of quality control materials (QCs). QCs are specimens or solutions that are analyzed for quality control purposes in a test system. In this study, we established a novel cell line that stably integrates CT amplification target sequences for producing QCs for CT NAATs. Utilizing clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 technology, we integrated the CT plasmid-mediated sequence (comprising the full length of the cryptic plasmid and the major outer membrane protein gene, 9,136 bp) into the MUC4 gene of HEK293T cells. Positive clones were screened through flow cytometric sorting, single-cell culture, and PCR-based identification, followed by the establishment of stable cell lines. These cells were then processed using optimized cell preservation procedures to prepare QCs. The sequence insertion copy number was confirmed by real-time quantitative PCR. This novel CT QCs demonstrate excellent clinical applicability, non-infectiousness, quantifiability, and stability. With an integrated sequence exceeding 9 kb in length, it offers exceptional flexibility for adapting to new kit developments. Furthermore, maintaining a well-defined copy number and stable shelf life, the QCs closely aligns with the quality control requirements of CT NAATs. This study presents an innovative method for preparing QCs for CT nucleic acid detection, making a valuable contribution to improving the performance of CT NAATs.IMPORTANCEUntreated CT infections impose significant burdens on individuals and communities, underscoring the importance of early and accurate testing via CT NAATs for disease control. QCs are instrumental in identifying testing process issues. Hence, we developed a cell line integrating CT-amplified target sequences as readily accessible non-infectious QCs. These QCs boast several advantages: the integration of over 9 kb of CT sequence allows for broad applicability, allowing flexible adaptation to the development of new kits. Confirming the CT sequence copy number provides a reliable basis for QC concentration preparation and kit detection limit evaluation. Optimized preservation protocol enhances QC stability during storage, facilitating convenient shipment to clinical laboratories at ambient temperatures. In summary, our novel CT QCs offer a powerful tool for improving CT NAAT performance and present a fresh perspective on QC preparation for detecting nucleic acids from intracellular parasitic pathogens.

An algorithmic account for how humans efficiently learn, transfer, and compose hierarchically structured decision policies.

Learning structures that effectively abstract decision policies is key to the flexibility of human intelligence. Previous work has shown that humans use hierarchically structured policies to efficiently navigate complex and dynamic environments. However, the computational processes that support the learning and construction of such policies remain insufficiently understood. To address this question, we tested 1026 human participants, who made over 1 million choices combined, in a decision-making task where they could learn, transfer, and recompose multiple sets of hierarchical policies. We propose a novel algorithmic account for the learning processes underlying observed human behavior. We show that humans rely on compressed policies over states in early learning, which gradually unfold into hierarchical representations via meta-learning and Bayesian inference. Our modeling evidence suggests that these hierarchical policies are structured in a temporally backward, rather than forward, fashion. Taken together, these algorithmic architectures characterize how the interplay between reinforcement learning, policy compression, meta-learning, and working memory supports structured decision-making and compositionality in a resource-rational way.

Invisible hazards: Exploring neonicotinoid contamination and its environmental risks in urban parks across China.

Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are commonly used pesticides in agriculture. Urban parks containing numerous green plants and flowers also require NEOs for pest control. However, information on the distribution patterns and environmental risks of NEOs and their metabolites in urban park soils has yet to be discovered, which seriously limits the comprehensive evaluation of the potential hazards of NEOs. Our study explored the occurrence and distribution patterns of ten NEOs and five major metabolites in park soils from Guangzhou, Shijiazhuang, and Urumqi of China. At least three NEOs were detected in 95 % of soil samples, with the sum of all NEOs (∑10NEOs) ranging from 2.21 to 204 ng/g. Guangzhou has the highest levels of ∑10NEOs (median: 52.1 ng/g), followed by Urumqi (49.3 ng/g) and Shijiazhuang (21.7 ng/g). The top three most common NEOs in all three cities are imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiacloprid, which together account for 67 % to 70 % of ∑10NEOs. The levels of the metabolites of NEOs show a significant positive correlation with their corresponding parent NEOs. These NEOs pose detrimental effects to non-targeted invertebrates in the soil. Our findings raise concern about the environmental risks posed by NEO exposure to humans and other organisms in urban parks.

Methylobacterium flocculans sp. nov., a Floc-Forming Bacterium Isolated from Aquaculture Ponds.

Strain FF17T, a Gram-negative, obligate aerobic, motile, pink-pigmented, and methylotrophic bacterium, was selected for a polyphasic taxonomic investigation due to its capacity for aggregation, or floc formation. The predominant respiratory quinone observed was Q-10, accounting for 83.36% of the total, while the major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (18:1 w6c and/or 18:1 w7c). The major polar lipids included Diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and one unknown polar lipid. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain FF17T was hithermost related to Methylobacterium goesingense iEII3T (99.86%), M. gossipiicola Gh-105 T (99.22%), M. adhaesivum AR27T (98.92%), and M. iners 5317S-33 T (97.27%) based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. A 5,735,273-bp chromosome and six plasmids make up the genome, making it larger than the genomes of the other four Methylobacterium species described above. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between strain FF17T and the reference strains were 21.90-28.70 and 77.39-85.04%, respectively. Strain FF17T had a genome DNA G + C content of 68.5 mol%. The analysis of genomes indicated that cellulose apparently plays an important character in the aggregation of Methylobacterium species. Genome annotation revealed the presence of genes involved in assimilatory/dissimilatory nitrate reduction and ammonia assimilation. In conclusion, Strain FF17T is identified as a new species in the Methylobacterium genus, based on analyses of genomics, phylogeny, biochemistry, and fatty acids, and the name Methylobacterium flocculans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FF17T (= MCCC 1K08738T = KCTC 8320 T).

Neuroplasticity of the white matter tracts underlying recovery of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome following acupuncture treatment.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder frequently associated with other pain syndromes and psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety. These abnormalities coincide with alterations in the brain's structure, particularly in the thalamus and cingulate system. Acupuncture has been demonstrated to be highly effective in treating IBS. However, it remains unclear how white matter (WM) tracts change after acupuncture treatment, and whether the neuroplasticity of these tracts can serve as a neural marker to assist in the development of novel treatments. In this study, we aim to answer these questions by investigating longitudinal changes in the WM of the thalamus and cingulate system in a group of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) patients before and after acupuncture treatment. We found that after acupuncture treatment, as IBS symptoms improved, there were significant changes in the microstructure of the right thalamus radiation (TR) (p < 0.05) and the right cingulum hippocampus (CH) (p < 0.05). At the same time, patients with reduced IBS symptom severity scores (SSSs) were associated with the change of the right CH (p = 0.015, r = -0.491), while reduced depressive conditions correlated with the change of the left TR (p = 0.019, r = 0.418). In addition, the consequences for the quality of life (QOL) showed a correlation with the right cingulum [cingulate cortex (CC)] (p = 0.012, r = 0.504) and left TR (p = 0.027, r = -0.397). Our study highlighted the potential implications of neuroplasticity in WM tracts for IBS. Furthermore, these findings suggested that the right CH, TR, and right CC can serve as potential "biomarkers" of IBS-D recovery under acupuncture treatments.