Cryo-Electron Microscopy in the Study of Antiviral Innate Immunity.

Cryo-electron microscopy is a powerful methodology in structural biology and has been broadly used in high-resolution structure determination for challenging samples, which are not readily available for traditional techniques. In particular, the strength of super macro-complexes and the lack of a need for crystals for cryo-EM make this technique feasible for the structural study of complexes involved in antiviral innate immunity. This chapter presents detailed information and experimental procedures of Cryo-EM for determining the structures of the complexes using STING as an example. The procedures included a sample quality check, high-resolution data acquisition, and image processing for Cryo-EM 3D structure determination.

Motivation to learn: an international multilevel study on student autonomy and teacher emphasis on content usefulness / Motivación para aprender: un estudio internacional multinivel sobre la autonomía de los estudiantes y el énfasis de los docentes en la utilidad del contenido

En la educación superior, pocos estudios relacionan factores contextuales en la clase, como el énfasis del profesor en la utilidad del contenido y las características motivacionales de los estudiantes. El objetivo fue probar un modelo multinivel sobre la relación entre el énfasis del docente en la utilidad del contenido durante la clase, la autonomía de los estudiantes y, a su vez, la motivación para aprender. Participaron 3033 estudiantes universitarios matriculados de 1º a 4º grado de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte, de universidades de España (N = 602), Portugal (N = 469), México (N = 1177), Chile (N = 372), y Brasil (N = 413). Se realizó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales multinivel, en el que los participantes respondieron preguntas sobre el énfasis del profesor en la utilidad del contenido de la clase, la autonomía y la motivación para aprender. Se hipotetizó que el énfasis del profesor en la utilidad del contenido predecía la autonomía del estudiante que, por su vez, predecía la motivación para aprender. Los resultados, a nivel grupal e individual, indican que el énfasis del docente en la utilidad del contenido predijo la autonomía del estudiante, y la autonomía predijo la motivación para aprender.(AU)

Teacher autonomy support is related to improved student learn-ing. In higher education, few studies relate classroom contextual factors, such as teacher emphasis on content usefulness, and students' motivational characteristics. The aim was to test a multilevel model about the relation between the extent of teachers’ emphasis on the usefulness of class con-tent with student autonomy, and, in turn, on motivation to learn. The par-ticipants were 3033 university students enrolled from 1st to 4th grade of Sciences of the Physical Activity and Sport, from universities in Spain (N = 602), Portugal (N = 469), Mexico (N = 1177), Chile (N = 372), and Brazil (N = 413). A multilevel structural equation model was performed, in which participants answered questions about the teacher's emphasis on the use-fulness of class content, basic psychological need for autonomy, and moti-vation to learn. At the group and individual levels, the hypothesis is that the teacher's emphasis on the usefulness of class content predict the stu-dent autonomy, in turn, student autonomy predicts student motivation to learn. Results found at the group level and at the individual level the strength of teacher emphasis on class content predicted student autonomy; student autonomy predicted student motivation to learn.(AU)

Solvatomorphism in a series of copper(II) complexes with the 5-phenylimidazole/perchlorate system as ligands.

In the course of an investigation of the supramolecular behaviour of copper(II) complexes with the 5-phenylimidazole/perchlorate ligand system (`blend') remarkable solvatomorphism has been observed. By employing a variety of crystallization solvents (polar protic, polar/non-polar aprotic), a series of 12 crystalline solvatomorphs with the general formula [Cu(ClO4)2(LH)4]·x(solvent) have been obtained [LH = 5-phenylimidazole, x(solvent) = 3.3(H2O) (1), 2(methanol) (2), 2(ethanol) (3), 2(1-propanol) (4), 2(2-propanol) (5), 2(2-butanol) (6), 2(dimethylformamide) (7), 2(acetone) (8), 2(tetrahydrofurane) (9), 2(1,4-dioxane) (10), 2(ethyl acetate) (11) and 1(diethyl ether) (12)]. The structures have been solved using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and the complexes were characterized by thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy. The solvatomorphs are isostructural (triclinic, P1), with the exception of compound 9 (monoclinic, P21/n). The supramolecular structures and the role of the various solvents is discussed. All potential hydrogen-bond functionalities, both of the [Cu(ClO4)2(LH)4] units and of the solvents, are utilized in the course of the crystallization process. The supramolecular assembly in all structures is directed by strong recurring Nimidazole-H...Operchlorate motifs leading to robust scaffolds composed of the [Cu(ClO4)2(LH)4] host complexes. The solvents are located in channels and, with the exception of the disordered waters in 1 and the diethyl ether in 12, participate in hydrogen-bonding formation with the [Cu(ClO4)2(LH)4] complexes, serving as both hydrogen-bond acceptors and donors (for the polar protic solvents in 2-6), or solely as hydrogen-bond acceptors (for the polar/non-polar aprotic solvents in 7-11), linking the complexes and contributing to the stability of the crystalline compounds.

Determination of biomarkers of chlorine exposure from biological samples: a review of analysis techniques.

Introduction: Chlorine gas can be toxic when inhaled or absorbed at high concentrations through the skin. It can cause pulmonary edema, pulmonary inflammation, respiratory failure, and potentially death. Monitoring chlorine exposure helps in determining treatment regimens and may inform safeguards, such as personal protective equipment and ventilation systems. Therefore, verification of chlorine exposure is crucial to protecting human health. This has led to identification of multiple biomarkers of Cl2 exposure with associated innovations in methods of analysis to monitor these markers.Materials and methods: In this review of the last 30 years of literature, biomarkers and associated methods of detection for the determination of chlorine exposure from biological samples are detailed and critically evaluated.Results and discussion: From the 36 included studies, the most useful biomarkers for Cl2 exposure include tyrosine adducts, chlorohydrin, chloro-fatty-acids, chloro-fatty-aldehydes, and chloro-fatty-alcohols. The most common sample preparation methods for these markers are hydrolysis and extraction and the most common analysis techniques are chromatographic separation with mass spectrometric detection.Conclusion: The findings of this review emphasize the need for continued research into biomarkers and stronger evaluation of proposed analytical methods, including validation, to allow more appropriate comparison, which will ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Psychological needs fulfillment and perinatal well-being among low-SES individuals: a mixed methods investigation.

Poor perinatal mental health is associated with deleterious effects and individuals with low socioeconomic status (SES) are at elevated risk. Fortifying multi-level resources of low-SES pregnant individuals to boost their well-being is a crucial step toward achieving equity in perinatal health. The purpose of this project was to explore what patterns of resources supported well-being among low-SES pregnant individuals in Colorado. In a prospective mixed methods cohort study, 23 low-SES pregnant individuals completed surveys and interviews. Participants were separated into 3 subgroups based on their overall Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) score and interviewed to identify multi-level resources that supported their well-being. Our analysis was framed by Self-Determination Theory which contends that three universal basic psychological needs are required for individuals to function in a healthy manner: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. We extrapolated resources that promoted perinatal competence, autonomy, and relatedness from the high well-being group. Perinatal-related knowledge (construct related to competence); mindfulness and intended pregnancy (constructs related to autonomy); and emotional, informational, and friend support, social capital, and connection to nature (constructs related to relatedness) were identified as the resources more frequently endorsed in the high well-being group. Targeting interventions to fortify specific multi-level resources that support the autonomy, competence, and relatedness of pregnant individuals facing socioeconomic disadvantage is a crucial step toward achieving equity in perinatal health.

Uncovering the factors underlying collaboration outcomes in interprofessional education: A preliminary investigation involving healthcare students.

BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) incorporates healthcare students from various disciplines to learn with, about, and from one another, aiming to foster effective collaboration. However, the factors that promote these collaboration outcomes remain elusive. Recognizing this knowledge gap, this study utilizes self-determination theory applied in a ten-day IPE programme. The study aims are twofold: to clarify the potential influence of personal factors (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) and environmental factors (clear goals and technology support) on collaboration outcomes (team goal achievement and team effectiveness) and to examine the effect of the IPE on these outcomes. METHODOLOGY: The study utilized an IPE programme that integrated asynchronous and synchronous learning methods across two institutions in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. This involved 147 students from diverse healthcare disciplines who were enrolled in the IPE programme. A pre- and post-test design was employed to examine programme effects. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors influencing these outcomes, while paired samples t-tests were used to evaluate the effect of the IPE programme on collaboration outcomes. RESULTS: Among the personal factors, a sense of relatedness emerged as an important predictor of team effectiveness and goal achievement. Clear goals and technology support positively influenced collaboration outcomes. A paired samples t-test indicated significant improvements in collaboration outcomes after the IPE simulation. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the importance of designing a large IPE programme that meets basic psychological needs (especially the sense of relatedness) and provides clear goals and adequate technology support in the IPE context. This study is helpful to understand how personal and environmental factors promote the collaboration outcomes in medical education and provide insights for future IPE curriculum development.

Who stays? Who goes? Motivation and tendency to drop out in music schools.

Based on self-determination theory, this study examined the extent to which the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and social relatedness in instrumental lessons explain the quality and quantity of motivation, which are responsible for persistence and dropout in music schools. This study also investigated whether parental involvement contributes to dropout. A total of 140 music students from Austria (37.16% male, 62.1% female, 0.8% diverse) were surveyed using a quantitative questionnaire. The central variables are the tendency to dropout (dependent variable) and, as predictors, the motivational regulation styles, the satisfaction of basic psychological needs in the classroom and parental involvement. The results of a structural equation model indicated that satisfaction of basic needs in class and parental involvement, mediated by motivation, predicted dropout tendencies. Autonomous motivation in lessons is negatively associated and controlled motivation is positively associated with the tendency to drop out of music schools. Satisfaction of basic psychological needs during lessons and parental involvement predicts autonomous motivation. However, basic psychological needs cannot predict controlled motivation but parental involvement can predict controlled motivation to a limited extent. Finally, this study emphasizes the practical importance of need satisfaction and parental involvement in motivation and continuing to play a musical instrument.

A lysosome-targeted fluorescent probe for thiol detection in drug analysis and multiple biological systems.

Biothiols, characterized by their unique sulfhydryl (-SH) groups, possess excellent antioxidant properties, effectively neutralizing the damage to cellular structures caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) in living organisms. Additionally, lysosomes play a crucial role in decomposing damaged biomolecules through the action of their internal enzymes, regulating the cellular redox state, and mitigating oxidative stress. To facilitate rapid monitoring of intracellular biothiols, particularly within lysosomes, we constructed a lysosome-targeted biothiol fluorescent probe, PHL-DNP, in this study. PHL-DNP exhibited excellent photophysical properties in an aqueous test system, including strong fluorescence enhancement response, excellent selectivity, and low detection limits (Cys 16.5 nM, Hcy 16.8 nM, GSH 21.3 nM, Cap 26.6 nM). These attributes enabled easy and efficient qualification of Cys on test strips and accurate determination of the effective content of captopril tablets. Notably, PHL-DNP demonstrated low cytotoxicity and precise lysosomal targeting. Through bioimaging, PHL-DNP not only monitored changes in biothiol levels under oxidative stress but also assessed biothiols in complex biological systems such as live HeLa cells, zebrafish, tumor tissue sections, and radish roots. This provides a promising tool for quantitative analysis of biothiols, disease marker detection, and drug testing.

Analysis of total lip score system and total groove score for gender identification: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Endless ink and pixel space have been spent to validate the use of cheiloscopy classification systems in the field of identification. It is becoming evident that lip-print patterns may provide indications about an individual's gender, race, occupation, habits, blood type, and paternity. Over the course of time, much data have been collected on a substantial population in this field. In the present study, we strive to see how well a noble total lip scoring (TLS) system works in identifying a person's gender among the College of Dentistry students. We also quantified the total groove score (TGS) and compared it with each quadrant for better authentication of the set study design. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 60 dental students (30 males and 30 females), with an age range of 18-30 years. Lip prints were recorded using the writing pad method and subsequently digitalized by capturing the images using Adobe Photoshop CS 6 Extended Version, counted and summed up, quadrant-wise, in both upper and lower lips. The TLS and TGS between males and females were statistically calculated using the Jamovi project. Results: The mean value for TLS for males (n = 402; SD ± 92.1) is higher than that for females (n = 348; SD ± 86.1). The correlation matrix applying a non-parametric test for non-continuous data using Spearman's ratio inferred a statistically significant correlation (-0.354) with a P-value of 0.005 for TLS, whereas a correlation (-0.162) of TGS with gender was not so significant with a P-value of 0.217. Conclusion: Our study proved the uniqueness of applying TLS as a novel approach to gender identification. The study revealed that males had a statistically higher lip score than females. Clinical Significance/Future Implications: Being unique, our study inferred the importance of TLS, which needs to be explored in detail for applying, evaluating, and validating its accuracy in forensic research that can help for errorless investigations as full-proof evidence in court.

The Relationship Between Autistic Traits and Quality of Life: Investigation of Indirect Effects Through Self-Determination.

Background: Self-determination, described broadly as experiencing causal agency, is positively associated with quality of life (QoL) and increases through satisfaction of three basic psychological needs: autonomy (feeling able to make choices free from pressure), competence (perceived self-efficacy), and relatedness (social connection). Both unsupportive environments and challenges with social interaction can interfere with satisfaction of psychological needs. Social challenges are a key trait for autism diagnosis, and unsupportive environments are also known to adversely affect QoL for autistic people. Autistic people report, on average, lower self-determination than non-autistic people. Therefore, it is hypothesized that higher levels of autistic traits may reduce opportunities to develop self-determination, affecting QoL. Methods: We tested a parallel indirect effects model where we hypothesized that the relationships between autistic traits and four domains of QoL (psychological, social, physical, and environmental) would be indirectly influenced through self-determination (represented through satisfaction of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness). This study drew participants from the general population (N = 262; M AGE = 37.6, standard deviation = 11.92; 1.9% reported an autism diagnosis and 2.7% identified as autistic without a diagnosis). Participants completed an online survey. Results: Higher levels of autistic traits were associated with lower levels of self-determination and lower levels of QoL, and there was a significant indirect effect between autistic traits and QoL via self-determination. More specifically, we found a significant indirect effect between autistic traits and all QoL domains via competence; between autistic traits and the environmental, social, and psychological QoL domains via relatedness; and between autistic traits and the physical and environmental QoL domains through autonomy. Conclusions: Our results suggest that supporting satisfaction of the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness may represent an important element in designing effective programs to support the development of self-determination in people with higher levels of autistic traits (potentially including autistic individuals) and also to support these people to improve their QoL.

Why is this an important issue? In this study, we looked at how autistic traits might affect self-determination and quality of life. Quality of life is the way that you feel about your own life circumstances. In this study, we looked at four aspects of quality of life­psychological (e.g., mental health), social (how you interact with other people), physical (e.g., disability or sickness), and environmental (e.g., where you live). Self-determination is the ability to choose based on your own wants, needs, and interests, without feeling pressured. To be self-determined, you need to meet your needs for autonomy (experiencing free choice), competence (feeling able to do things effectively), and relatedness (feeling connected with others). Meeting these needs is affected by the world around you (e.g., where you live, if you have a job, whether you are disabled) and by the actions and beliefs of the people around you. People with higher autistic traits report, on average, lower quality of life and self-determination than people with lower autistic traits. Because other researchers have found that self-determination influences quality of life, lower levels of self-determination might partly explain lower quality of life. Programs that promote self-determination may reduce the gap in quality of life between autistic and non-autistic people. What was the purpose of this study? We thought that self-determination might partly explain why people with higher autistic traits report lower quality of life than people with lower autistic traits, so we wanted to test this idea. What did the researchers do? We asked people to answer questions about autistic traits, self-determination, and quality of life in an online survey. We statistically analyzed their answers to find out whether autistic traits influenced the levels of self-determination (feelings of autonomy, competence, and relatedness) or quality of life (psychological, social, physical and environmental quality of life). What were the results of this study? Autistic traits did not directly influence psychological, physical, or environmental quality of life but did directly influence social quality of life. In our study, people with higher autistic traits reported less satisfaction of their psychological needs than people with lower autistic traits. People with lower satisfaction of psychological needs also reported lower quality of life. Autistic traits influenced self-determination, which in turn influenced quality of life. What do these findings add to what was already known? To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to explore relationships between autistic traits, self-determination, and quality of life. Our results showed that people with higher levels of autistic traits may report lower quality of life partly because autistic traits might make it difficult to become self-determined. What are the potential weaknesses in the study? We investigated self-determination and quality of life among one group of people from the general population. We did not compare autistic and non-autistic people. While some studies have shown that people with high levels of autistic traits may be similar to autistic people in some ways, this is not necessarily the case all the time. We cannot assume that results will be the same in other groups, that autistic traits cause lower self-determination, or that lower self-determination causes lower quality of life. We also did not consider all the things that might have influenced self-determination or quality of life (e.g., where people lived, how much money they had, or what their health was like). How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future? People with higher autistic traits (including autistic adults) may find it harder to be self-determined both because of their autistic traits (e.g., difficulty in social interaction, sensory sensitivities) and also because school, work, and community systems may not be designed to support acceptance of differences. The results from this study suggest that higher autistic traits might make it difficult to meet the psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Research that compares autistic and non-autistic people is needed to determine both personal and environmental factors which may support the development of self-determination in autistic people and empower them to achieve higher quality of life.

"It Helps Make the Fuzzy Go Away": Autistic Adults' Perspectives on Nature's Relationship with Well-being Through the Life Course.

Background: While previous work highlights the links between nature and various positive well-being-related outcomes, the experiences of autistic people in nature have received limited empirical research. Our study aimed at gathering autistic adults' perspectives on the relationship between nature and well-being in both childhood and adulthood. Methods: We used an online survey to capture the views of 127 autistic adults across the United Kingdom. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we analyzed responses to three questions focused on nature experiences in childhood and adulthood and how the participants felt that nature was (or was not) related to well-being. Guided by self-determination theory, we used both inductive and deductive analysis. Results: We developed three main themes to reflect the nature experiences of autistic adults: choosing to escape into nature, supporting relatedness through connecting in (and to) nature, and nature doesn't judge, but other people do. Compared with many other contexts, nature provides a non-judgmental space through which (in both childhood and adulthood) many, but not all, autistic individuals can meet individual needs and experience autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Conclusion: This analysis of how autistic adults in the United Kingdom utilize nature to support well-being has implications for how nature can be used in social prescribing as well as in ensuring that existing outdoor spaces, organizations, and activities are supportive of autistic people.

Why is this an important issue? Autistic adults often experience poorer mental health and overall well-being than neurotypical adults. Since some autistic adults are very interested in nature and often report that they feel better after spending time in nature, natural spaces and activities taking place outside could be one way of improving well-being for autistic adults. What was the purpose of this study? There is very little research on how autistic adults experience nature, although some autistic people have written about their experiences. The purpose of this study was to develop an understanding of how autistic people experience nature and how nature might benefit their well-being. What did the researchers do? We created a survey that asked 26 questions about how autistic adults experience nature. This survey included questions about how often they visited nature, if they had a focused interest in nature, whether and how nature was related to their well-being, and childhood experiences of nature. Focusing on three of the questions, we used reflexive thematic analysis (a way of identifying patterns in data) to develop three themes. What were the results of the study? The three themes we developed were: choosing to escape into nature, supporting relatedness through connecting in (and to) nature, and nature doesn't judge, but other people do. These themes illustrate the different ways that autistic adults experienced nature. For some, nature was a way of relating to others and relating more deeply with themselves. Nature was also a way of escaping from people who were unkind, from situations that were uncomfortable, and from other stresses in life. Many autistic participants reported that nature was helpful to their well-being, because they experienced less judgment from natural spaces and creatures­though other people were sometimes judgmental, which made nature experiences worse. What do these findings add to what was already known? These findings confirm previous research showing that many autistic people have focused interests in nature. The findings not only add to the numerous existing anecdotal accounts about how autistic people feel in nature but also demonstrate a diverse range of perspectives. Not all autistic participants in this study felt that nature was beneficial to their well-being. What are the potential weaknesses of the study? Unfortunately, surveys are only accessible to people who have Wi-Fi/internet access, can use a computer or phone, and have the time to complete the survey. The survey might also have drawn in participants who were specifically interested in this topic, which might influence the findings. How will these findings help autistic adults now or in the future? These findings will help autistic adults, practitioners, and carers to identify a potential source of support for well-being. As autistic adults in this study used nature to meet different needs related to their well-being, natural space and nature-based activities may help improve well-being in autistic adults who enjoy nature.

A refined ICD-10 diagnoses-based approach for retrospective analysis of potential palliative care need and coverage in claims data of deceased.

Objectives: ICD-10-based approaches often provide the basis for retrospective estimation of potential palliative care need. Applying the ICD-10-based Murtagh et al. classification from 2014 (Murtagh classification), developed using mortality data, to administrative claims data leads to inconsistencies in estimating palliative care need. The aim of the study was to refine the classification for palliative care need estimation in deceased individuals with cancer and non-cancer diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective population-based study comparing Murtagh classification to a new ICD-10-based classification (revised by expert opinion) was conducted using outpatient and inpatient claims data, including billing codes for palliative care. Palliative care need was estimated for diagnoses groups and was contrasted with palliative care utilization rates in the last year of life. Our dataset included records of 417,405 individuals who deceased in 2016-2019. Results: Out of individuals deceased in 2019 (n = 117,436), 81.4% had at least one diagnosis from the new classification, while 97.0% had at least one diagnosis from the Murtagh classification. Classification revision thus identified fewer individuals as potentially in need of palliative care. Among individuals with cancer, 70.7% (vs. 55.7% via Murtagh classification) received palliative care. In non-cancer subgroups, the utilization rate was considerably lower, with a maximum of 36.7% (vs. 33.7% via Murtagh classification) in 2019. Similar results were observed for the other years. Conclusion: Compared to the ICD10-based Murtagh classification, the revised ICD-10-based classification enables more realistic estimations if the cause of death is unavailable and reveals higher rates of palliative care coverage and differences especially in cancer versus non-cancer diseases. German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00024133).

Centrifugated lateral flow assay strips based on dual-emission carbon dots modified with europium ions for ratiometric determination and on-site discrimination of tetracyclines in environment.

Due to the serious detrimental impact on human health, antibiotic pollution particularly tetracyclines residues has become a serious problem. Herein, a multiple response fluorescent probe consisted of dual-emission carbon dots and Eu3+ (D-CDs@Eu3+) is designed for the determination and discrimination of tetracyclines (TCs). Specifically, the carboxyl and amidogen group of dual-emission carbon dots (D-CDs) can coordinate with Eu3+ to form the D-CDs@Eu3+. Upon adding TCs, the fluorescence intensities of D-CDs at 405 nm and 495 nm are quenched due to inner filter effect (IFE) and the localization of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (L-FRET) between the D-CDs@Eu3+ and TC. Simultaneously, the D-CDs@Eu3+ may chelate with TCs to enhance the occurrence of antenna effect, while the characteristic peaks of Eu3+ at 590 nm and 615 nm are enhanced. On these bases, the TCs detection is achieved with low detection limits from 46.7 to 72.0 nM. Additionally, through the distinct efficiencies of L-FRET, the discrimination of TCs is achieved. Moreover, a novel centrifugated lateral flow assay strips (CLFASs) device is developed by integrating the D-CDs@Eu3+, lateral flow assay strips and smartphone using RGB variations for TCs detection, achieving remarkable recoveries (98.6-103.7 %) in real samples. Therefore, this CLFASs device provides a reliable approach for the TCs detection, demonstrating potential applications.

Nitenpyram in tea: Eco-friendly detection methodology and residue behavior.

Studies on nitenpyram determination and behavior within tea remain limited despite its widespread use as a neonicotinoid. An organic-saving analytical approach tailored for the detection of nitenpyram in tea was established. Nitenpyram was extracted by boiling water and cleaned up by Cleanert PCX solid-phase. The average recoveries were 75.1-94.5 %, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.7-8.6 % for saving 34.5-88.6 % organic solvent. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.002 mg·kg-1 in fresh tea shoots, 0.005 mg·kg-1 in made tea, and 0.001 mg·L-1 in tea brew, satisfying the current minimum Maximum Residue Limit (MRL). Nitenpyram dissipated rapidly with half-lives of 1.2-1.4 days at the recommended dosage (27 g a.i. ha-1) in two locations. Remarkably, 20-110 % of nitenpyram was leached out from made tea in different brewing modes. This work provides insights into nitenpyram's rational application in tea cultivation and offers considerations to institutions tasked with unestablished MRLs in tea.

Materialistic happiness is negatively associated with meaning in life: A serial double mediation model.

BACKGROUND: Materialism refers to values that equate materialistic possessions with happiness and success. Gathering materialistic possessions is also central to materialists' life. Extant research has widely shown that materialism is detrimental to people's well-being, but its influences on meaning in life are less clear. In this article, we address two principal research questions within the framework of self-determination theory: First, we explore the association between varying dimensions of materialism and the perceived meaning in life; second, we investigate the factors that mediate the relationship between materialistic values and meaning in life. METHODS: Two cross-sectional online survey studies (Study 1: 190 Chinese participants; Study 2: 767 participants [mainly Caucasians] from Prolific) were conducted to test a hypothesized serial double mediation model, in which basic psychological needs satisfaction and subjective well-being were the two serial factors mediating the materialistic happiness to meaning in life relationship. RESULTS: Among the three materialism values, only materialistic happiness was negatively associated with meaning in life. Basic psychological needs satisfaction and subjective well-being serially mediated the relationship. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

Gender Determination Through Mandibular Features on Orthopantomograms: A Preliminary Study.

Introduction Determination of gender can be highly accurate with a complete adult skeleton, but in scenarios like mass disasters, only fragmented bones might be available. In such cases, identifying gender relies significantly on which parts of the skeleton are found. The mandible is a notably distinct bone in the skull and can be key in determining gender, especially when the entire skull is not available. The mandibular features provide clues that can help forensic experts determine the gender of an individual. Aim of the study This preliminary study aimed to determine the gender of an individual using mandibular parameters such as coronoid ramus height, condylar ramus height, projective ramus, minimum ramus breadth, and maximum ramus breadth. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the gender of an individual using various mandibular parameters, (ii) evaluate the effectiveness of these mandibular parameters in distinguishing between male and female individuals, and (iii) establish a reliable method for gender identification based on the measured mandibular parameters. Materials and methods Since it was a preliminary study, the sample size calculation was done using G*Power software (Version 3.1.9.4; Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany). The sample size was determined to guarantee a 95% statistical power at a significance level (alpha error probability) of 0.05. To ensure sufficient statistical power, a total of 100 samples were included, with a projected sample size of 92. A total of 100 samples, evenly split between 50 males and 50 females aged 20 to 30 years, were analyzed. Orthopantomograms (OPGs) showing pathologies, fractures, developmental disturbances of the mandible, and edentulous mandibles were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows, Version 16.0 (Released 2007; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Additionally, an accuracy test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), multiple regression, and discriminant analysis for gender were performed on individual data. Results In this study, five mandibular parameters were analyzed for gender such as coronoid ramus height, condylar ramus height, projective ramus, minimum ramus breadth, and maximum ramus breadth showed a positive correlation comparatively, and a novel formula was developed.  Conclusion According to the present study, panoramic radiography can be considered a valuable tool in sex determination (with an accuracy of 90%), and all parameters of the mandible exhibited sexual dimorphism, showing they are reliable parameters with a total accuracy of 90%. However, coronoid ramus height, projective ramus, and maximum ramus breadth played a significant role in identifying gender in this particular study.

Solving the Mystery: A Case Study on Treating a Mandibular First Premolar With Multiple Canals.

The mandibular first premolar, which is the anteriormost tooth in the mandibular arch, differs from other teeth in that it typically has two roots and two to four canals. The current case involves treating a mandibular first premolar with two canals through endodontic therapy. The 42-year-old male patient's left mandibular first premolar was diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. The lateral view X-ray depicted two canals. In the dental procedure, endodontic treatment involves working under an operating microscope and using magnification to treat the affected tooth. After canal shaping the tooth was treated with the crown after it had been cleaned and then adjusted for the bite. As aforementioned, no signs of periapical disease were observed when the tooth was rediscovered a year later. However, this case study indicates that any shift in the anatomy of the canal in premolars should be well monitored and controlled to improve endodontic treatment outcomes of such teeth as the mandibular first premolars.

Sex chromosome turnover plays an important role in the maintenance of barriers to post-speciation introgression in willows.

Almost all species in the genus Salix (willow) are dioecious and willows have variable sex-determining systems, the role of this variation in maintaining species barriers is relatively untested. We first analyzed the sex determination systems (SDS) of two species, Salix cardiophylla and Salix interior, whose positions in the Salix phylogeny make them important for understanding a sex chromosome turnover that has been detected in their relatives, and that changed the system from male (XX/XY) to female (ZW/ZZ) heterogamety. We show that both species have male heterogamety, with sex-linked regions (SLRs) on chromosome 15 (termed a 15XY system). The SLRs occupy 21.3% and 22.8% of the entire reference chromosome, respectively. By constructing phylogenetic trees, we determined the phylogenetic positions of all the species with known SDSs. Reconstruction of ancestral SDS character states revealed that the 15XY system is likely the ancestral state in willows. Turnovers of 15XY to 15ZW and 15XY to 7XY likely contributed to early speciation in Salix and gave rise to major groups of the Vetrix and Salix clades. Finally, we tested introgression among species in the phylogenetic trees based on both autosomes and SLRs separately. Frequent introgression was observed among species with 15XY, 15ZW, and 7XY on autosomes, in contrast to the SLR datasets, which showed less introgression, and in particular no gene flow between 15ZW and 7XY species. We argue that, although SDS turnovers in willow speciation may not create complete reproductive barriers, the evolution of SLRs plays important roles in preventing introgression and maintaining species boundaries.

Enhanced electrocatalytic activity in MOFs-derived 3D hollow NiCo-LDH nanocages decorated porous biochar for simultaneously ultra-sensitive electrochemical sensing of Cu2+ and Hg2.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have attracted significant attention due to their compositional and structural flexibility. However, it is challenging but meaningful to design and fabricate hierarchical mixed-dimensional LDHs with synergistic effects to increase the electrical conductivity of LDHs and promote the intrinsic activity. Herein, 3D hollow NiCo-LDH nanocages decorated porous biochar (3D NiCo-LDH/PBC) has been synthesized by using ZIF-67 as precursor, which was utilized for constructing electrochemical sensing platform to realize simultaneous determination of Cu2+ and Hg2+. The 3D NiCo-LDH/PBC possessed the characteristics of hollow material and three-dimensional porous material, revealing a larger surface area, more exposed active sites, and faster electron transfer, which is beneficial to enhancing its electrochemical performance. Consequently, the developed sensor displayed good performance for simultaneously detecting Cu2+ and Hg2+ with ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 µg L-1 and 0.03 µg L-1, respectively. The proposed sensor also demonstrated excellent stability, repeatability and reproducibility. Furthermore, the sensor can be successfully used for the electrochemical analysis of Cu2+ and Hg2+ in lake water sample with satisfactory recovery, which is of great feasibility for practical application.

Unravelling the novel sex determination genotype with 'ZY' and a distinctive 2.15-2.95 Mb inversion among poplar species through haplotype-resolved genome assembly and comparative genomics analysis.

Populus tomentosa, an indigenous tree species, is widely distributed and cultivated over 1,000,000 km2 in China, contributing significantly to forest production, ecological conservation and urban-rural greening. Although a reference genome is available for P. tomentosa, the intricate interspecific hybrid origins, chromosome structural variations (SVs) and sex determination mechanisms remain confusion and unclear due to its broad and even overlapping geographical distribution, extensive morphological variations and cross infiltration among white poplar species. We conducted a haplotype-resolved de novo assembly of P. tomentosa elite individual GM107, which comprises subgenomes a and b with a total genome size of 714.9 Mb. We then analysed the formation of hybrid species and the phylogenetic evolution and sex differentiation across the entire genus. Phylogenomic analyses suggested that GM107 likely originated from a hybridisation event between P. alba (♀) and P. davidiana (♂) approximately 3.8 Mya. A total of 1551 chromosome SVs were identified between the two subgenomes. More noteworthily, a distinctive inversion structure spanning 2.15-2.95 Mb was unveiled among Populus, Tacamahaca, Turaga, Aigeiros poplar species and Salix, highlighting a unique evolutionary feature. Intriguingly, a novel sex genotype of the ZY type, which represents a crossover between XY and ZW systems, was identified and confirmed through both natural and artificial hybrids populations. These novel insights offer significant theoretical value for the study of the species' evolutionary origins and serve as a valuable resource for ecological genetics and forest biotechnology.