A novel intervention of molecular hydrogen on the unbalance of the gut microbiome in opioid addiction: Experimental and human studies.

The gut-brain axis mediates the interaction pathway between microbiota and opioid addiction. In recent years, many studies have shown that molecular hydrogen has therapeutic and preventive effects on various diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether molecular hydrogen could serve as pharmacological intervention agent to reduce risks of reinstatement of opioid seeking and explore the mechanism of gut microbiota base on animal experiments and human studies. Morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) was constructed to establish acquisition, extinction, and reinstatement stage, and the potential impact of H2 on the behaviors related to morphine-induced drug extinction was determined using both free accessible and confined CPP extinction paradigms. The effects of morphine on microbial diversity and composition of microbiota, as well as the subsequent changes after H2 intervention, were assessed using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) in mice serum were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Meanwhile, we also conducted molecular hydrogen intervention and gut microbiota testing in opioid-addicted individuals. Our results revealed that molecular hydrogen could enhance the extinction of morphine-related behavior, reducing morphine reinstatement. Gut microbes may be a potential mechanism behind the therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogen on morphine addiction. Additionally, molecular hydrogen improved symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as gut microbial features, in individuals with opioid addiction. This study supports molecular hydrogen as a novel and effective intervention for morphine-induced addiction and reveals the mechanism of gut microbiota.

A Multidimensional Approach for Evaluating Reality in Social Media: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Misinformation is a threat to public health. The effective countering of misinformation may require moving beyond the binary classification of fake versus fact to capture the range of schemas that users employ to evaluate social media content. A more comprehensive understanding of user evaluation schemas is necessary. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this research was to advance the current understanding of user evaluations of social media information and to develop and validate a measurement instrument for assessing social media realism. METHODS: This research involved a sequence of 2 studies. First, we used qualitative focus groups (n=48). Second, building on the first study, we surveyed a national sample of social media users (n=442). The focus group data were analyzed using the constant comparison approach. The survey data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analyses and ordinary least squares regression. RESULTS: The findings showed that social media reality evaluation involves 5 dimensions: falsity, naturality, authenticity, resonance, and social assurance. These dimensions were differentially mapped onto patterns of social media use. Authenticity was strongly associated with the existing global measure of social media realism (P<.001). Naturality, or the willingness to accept artificiality and engineered aspects of social media representations, was linked to hedonic enjoyment (P<.001). Resonance predicted reflective thinking (P<.001), while social assurance was strongly related to addictive use (P<.001). Falsity, the general belief that much of what is on social media is not real, showed a positive association with both frequency (P<.001) and engagement with (P=.003) social media. These results provide preliminary validity data for a social media reality measure that encompasses multiple evaluation schemas for social media content. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of divergent schemas expands the current focus beyond fake versus fact, while the goals, contexts, and outcomes of social media use associated with these schemas can guide future digital media literacy efforts. Specifically, the social media reality measure can be used to develop tailored digital media literacy interventions for addressing diverse public health issues.

Estimating the Depths of Normal Surface Notches Using Mode-Conversion Waves at the Bottom Tip.

In this work, a two-parameter inversion problem is analyzed, related to surface crack widths for measuring depths of normal surface notches, based on a laser-based ultrasonic measurement method in the time domain. In determining the depth measurement formulas, the main technique is the time delay between reflected and scattered waves. Scattered waves are generated by two reflections along the bottom and three mode transformations at the surface of the crack tips. Moreover, the scattering angle of the mode-conversion waves is 30°. These two key factors lead to corrected item "2wß" in the depth measurement formula. A laser-based ultrasonic experimental platform is built to generate and receive surface waves in a non-contact manner on aluminum and steel specimens with surface cracks. The depth measurement method proposed in this paper has been validated through theoretical, simulation, and experimental methods. Finally, in this paper, an effective approach for quantitatively measuring crack depths, based on laser ultrasound, using the time-domain properties of surface wave propagation is provided.

Reference Ranges and Comparison of Pepsinogen by Chemiluminescence Immunoassay and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay in Chinese Population.

Objective: Serum pepsinogen (PG) is a good indicator of atrophic changes in the gastric mucosa. Gastric mucosal atrophy is a high-risk factor for gastric cancer. Serological testing for PG combined with endoscopy can help to improve gastric cancer screening. In this study, we established the reference ranges of serum PG-I, PG-II, and the PG-I/II ratio (PGR) in the Chinese population by chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Besides, in the real world, doctors are often confused by the results of different testing platforms. Thus, a comparison of methods CLIA and ELISA was performed. Methods: 2904 individuals were enrolled from six regions in China as part of the Chinese Adult Digestive Diseases Surveillance (2016) program. The individuals completed questionnaires and volunteered to undergo examinations, including gastroscopy, urea breath test, abdominal ultrasound examination and routine serologic tests. Serum was collected to measure PGs (including PG-I, PG-II and PGR) by CLIA and ELISA. Participants who were found obvious abnormalities or absent from the examinations were excluded. Ultimately, 747 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the distribution of variables. The Kruskal-Wallis H or Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to compare different sex, age, and geographical groups. The 95% reference ranges of PGs obtained by the two methods were established according to document CLSI-EP28-A3, with covariates of sex, age, and region. Spearman correlation analysis, linear regression analysis and allowable total error (ATE) zone analysis were utilized for comparing the two methods. Results: On overall, the 95% reference ranges of PG-I, PG-II, and PGR measured by CLIA were 23.00-110.64 ng/mL, 2.50-19.13 ng/mL, and 3.87-13.30, respectively. Meanwhile, the reference ranges of PG-I, PG-II, and PGR measured by ELISA were 36.93-205.06 ng/mL, 1.65-17.96 ng/mL, and 7.50-33.60, respectively. Both PG-I and PG-II levels measured by the two platforms were found to be influenced by sex and age. PGR measured by CLIA was influenced by age but not by sex, while PGR measured by ELISA was not affected by either age or sex. Regional factors did not significantly impact the PG results, except for PG-I detected by ELISA. Ultimately, reference ranges for PGs were established based on age and sex stratification. Additionally, the Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the correlation coefficients for PG-I, PG-II, and PGR detected by the two methods were 0.899, 0.887, and 0.777, respectively, indicating a strong correlation between the two methods. The regression equation for the PG levels detected by two methods was obtained through linear regression analysis. The ATE analysis provided a visual depiction of the consistency between the two methods, clearly indicating the poor agreement between them. Conclusion: This study established the reference ranges of PGs by strict and intact enrollment standard. In addition, the results indicated a strong linear relationship between the two methods, yet with a clear bias, which was valuable for laboratory interpretation.

Psychometric properties of the chinese version of the value-based stigma inventory (VASI): a translation and validation study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a culturally adapted Chinese version of the Value-based Stigma Inventory (VASI) and to evaluate its psychometric properties, including reliability and validity, among the general Chinese population. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional study. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 708 general citizens from Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China. The VASI's internal consistency, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability were tested to assess the translated scale's reliability. Several validity tests were performed, including expert consultation, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, United States) and AMOS 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, United States). RESULTS: The Chinese version of the VASI showed good reliability, with a Cronbach's α value of 0.808, and the dimensions ranged from 0.812 to 0.850. Test-retest reliability showed good temporal stability with a value of 0.855, and the split-half reliability value was 0.845, indicating a high degree of consistency. The scale also demonstrated good content validity with a content validity index of 0.952. After conducting exploratory factor analysis, a five-factor structure was identified, including factors of self-realization, personal enrichment, reputation, meritocratic values, and security. In the confirmatory factor analysis, all recommended fit indicators were found to be within the acceptable range, including χ2/DF = 1.338, GFI = 0.960, AGFI = 0.940, RMSEA = 0.031, TLI = 0.985, CFI = 0.989, IFI = 0.989, PGFI = 0.640, and PNFI = 0.729. CONCLUSION: The Chinese version of the VASI is valid and reliable among the Chinese general public. The five-factor structured scale effectively assessed public stigma against mental illness, including the value orientations associated with personal stigma. Given the harsh and widespread public stigma against mental illness, the findings from the questionnaire may inform the development of future public health education programs. Public health education is needed to reduce the stigma of mental illness, increase public awareness of mental health issues, and mitigate the continued stigmatization of mental illness.

Wireless Optogenetic Targeting Nociceptors Helps Host Cells Win the Competitive Colonization in Implant-Associated Infections.

The role of nociceptive nerves in modulating immune responses to harmful stimuli via pain or itch induction remains controversial. Compared to conventional surgery, various implant surgeries are more prone to infections even with low bacterial loads. In this study, an optogenetic technique is introduced for selectively activating peripheral nociceptive nerves using a fully implantable, wirelessly rechargeable optogenetic device. By targeting nociceptors in the limbs of awake, freely moving mice, it is found that activation induces anticipatory immunity in the innervated territory and enhances the adhesion of various host cells to the implant surface. This effect mediates acute immune cell-mediated killing of Staphylococcus aureus on implants and enables the host to win "implant surface competition" against Staphylococcus aureus. This finding provides new strategies for preventing and treating implant-associated infections.

Endosomal catabolism of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate is fundamental in building resilience against pathogens.

Endosomes are characterized by the presence of various phosphoinositides that are essential for defining the membrane properties. However, the interplay between endosomal phosphoinositides metabolism and innate immunity is yet to be fully understood. Here, our findings highlight the evolutionary continuity of RAB-10/Rab10's involvement in regulating innate immunity. Upon infection of C. elegans with P. aeruginosa, an increase in RAB-10 activity was observed in the intestine. Conversely, when RAB-10 was absent, the intestinal diacylglycerols (DAGs) decreased, and the animal's response to the pathogen was impaired. Further research revealed that UNC-16/JIP3 acts as an RAB-10 effector, facilitating the recruitment of phospholipase EGL-8 to endosomes. This leads to a decrease in endosomal PI(4,5)P2 and an elevation of DAGs, as well as the activation of the PMK-1/p38 MAPK innate immune pathway. It is noteworthy that the dimerization of UNC-16 is a prerequisite for its interaction with RAB-10(GTP) and the recruitment of EGL-8. Moreover, we ascertained that the rise in RAB-10 activity, due to infection, was attributed to the augmented expression of LET-413/Erbin, and the nuclear receptor NHR-25/NR5A1/2 was determined to be indispensable for this increase. Hence, this study illuminates the significance of endosomal PI(4,5)P2 catabolism in boosting innate immunity, and outlines an NHR-25-mediated mechanism for pathogen detection in intestinal epithelia.

Ultrasensitive pH-switchablenitrogen doped carbon dots for MnO4- detection and fluorescent anti-counterfeiting.

Herein, high-efficiency green fluorescence nitrogen doped CDs (G-CDs) were prepared using acetaminophen and ethylenediamine as precursors. The G-CDs exhibited good anti-photobleaching, salttolerance and low cytotoxicity. Interestingly, the G-CDs revealed excellent fluorescence stability in the pH range of 6-12, however, the intensity of the G-CDs was almost completely quenched in other pH values. The MnO4- demonstrated strong fluorescence quenching capability on our G-CDs with the mechanism involving dynamic quenching caused by energy transfer. G-CDs exhibited a strong linear relationship with MnO4- concentration in the range of 0-75 µmol/L, with a low limit detection of 7.6 nmol/L. What was even more interesting was that the G-CDs displayed bright green solid-state fluorescence, and exhibited potential application in anti-counterfeiting.

Differentiating the associations of passive and active social media use with e-cigarette use among U.S. youth.

PURPOSE: The impacts of passive (i.e., browsing) versus active (i.e., engagement) use of social media on e-cigarette use among youth have been understudied in existing literature. This study examines how passive and active use of social media are differentially associated with e-cigarette use among youth and how risk perceptions mediate these associations. METHODS: Pooled data from the 2021 and 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey (N=48,704, aged 11-19) were used. Weighted structural equation models were employed to estimate the associations between passive and active social media use and youth e-cigarette use. RESULTS: Both passive and active social media use were associated with higher odds and more days of e-cigarette use among youth. E-cigarette risk perceptions mediated the associations between active use and both the likelihood of ever using e-cigarettes and the number of days of use. Risk perceptions mediated the association between active, but not passive, use and the number of days of e-cigarette use. Compared to passive use, active use was overall associated with higher odds and more days of youth e-cigarette use. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest that public health efforts should distinguish between passive and active social media use when designing and executing interventions. Attention and efforts should also be directed towards understanding the distinct indirect effects of passive and active social media use through risk perceptions. These findings advance our theoretical understanding of the role of different types of social media use and offer significant practical insights for interventions.

Detection of rare microorganisms in bone and joint infections by metagenomic next-generation sequencing.

Aims: This aim of this study was to analyze the detection rate of rare pathogens in bone and joint infections (BJIs) using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), and the impact of mNGS on clinical diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 235 patients with BJIs who were treated at our hospital between January 2015 and December 2021. Patients were divided into the no-mNGS group (microbial culture only) and the mNGS group (mNGS testing and microbial culture) based on whether mNGS testing was used or not. Results: A total of 147 patients were included in the no-mNGS group and 88 in the mNGS group. The mNGS group had a higher detection rate of rare pathogens than the no-mNGS group (21.6% vs 10.2%, p = 0.016). However, the mNGS group had lower rates of antibiotic-related complications, shorter hospital stays, and higher infection control rates compared with the no-mNGS group (p = 0.017, p = 0.003, and p = 0.028, respectively), while there was no significant difference in the duration of antibiotic use (p = 0.957). In culture-negative cases, the mNGS group had lower rates of antibiotic-related complications, shorter hospital stays, and a higher infection control rate than the no-mNGS group (p = 0.036, p = 0.033, p = 0.022, respectively), while there was no significant difference in the duration of antibiotic use (p = 0.748). Conclusion: mNGS improves detection of rare pathogens in BJIs. mNGS testing reduces antibiotic-related complications, shortens hospital stay and antibiotic use duration, and improves treatment success rate, benefits which are particularly evident in culture-negative cases.

Waterborne Liquid-like Coatings with High Transparency, Superior Scratch Resistance, and Antismudge Properties.

The aqueous formulation of antismudge coatings is a crucial step for environmental protection and pollution reduction. However, the inferior mechanical durability of waterborne antismudge coatings poses challenges for their practical application. Herein, we developed a fully waterborne antismudge coating with excellent scratch resistance by preparing hyperbranched amine-rich polysiloxane (HySPx) for antismudge ability and epoxy-rich zirconium-based aqueous solution (ZAS) for mechanical performance. The former is obtained by combining SPx, polydimethylsiloxane modified by 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane (IPTS), with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550), and the latter is synthesized using zirconium propoxide solution (TPOZ) with 3-glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560). This report investigates the effects of the chain length and content of SPx on the performance of the coating. The results indicate that the coating exhibits optimal comprehensive performance when the molecular weight of polydimethylsiloxane is 4.5 kDa, and the mass fraction of SPx in HySPx is 1.5%. The coating possesses high transparency similar to glass, good adhesion (≈3 MPa) to various substrates, high hardness (8H), flexibility (2.5 mm bending radius), and exceptional antismudge property. More importantly, the coating can still maintain excellent antismudge property even after enduring 400 cycles of abrasion with steel wool. Furthermore, the rapid enrichment of polydimethylsiloxane on the coating surface endows the coating with excellent lubrication ability, allowing most common liquid stains to slide off the coating surface. Moreover, the rewritability of the coating remains stable even after writing traces that have persisted on its surface for several weeks. This coating is anticipated to be utilized for protecting foldable electronic screens, vehicles, and other fields.

Diagnostic accuracy of low-dose dual-input computed tomography perfusion in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary benign and malignant ground-glass nodules.

This study aimed to evaluate the value of low-dose dual-input computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant pulmonary ground-glass opacity nodules (GGO). A retrospective study was conducted in patients with GGO who underwent CTP in our hospital from January 2021 to October 2023. All nodules were confirmed via pathological analysis or disappeared during follow-up. Postprocessing analysis was conducted using the dual-input perfusion mode (pulmonary artery and bronchial artery) of the body perfusion software to measure the perfusion parameters of the pulmonary GGOs. A total of 101 patients with pulmonary GGOs were enrolled in this study, including 43 benign and 58 malignant nodules. The dose length product of the CTP (348 mGy.cm) was < 75% of the diagnostic reference level of the unenhanced chest CT (470 mGy.cm). The effective radiation dose was 4.872 mSV. The blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), mean transit time (MTT), and flow extraction product (FEP) of malignant nodules were higher than those of the benign nodules (p < 0.05). The FEP had the highest accuracy for the diagnosis of malignant nodules (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.821, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.735-0.908) followed by BV (AUV = 0.713, 95% CI 0.608-0.819), BF (AUC = 0.688, 95% CI 0.587-0.797), and MTT (AUC = 0.616, 95% CI 0.506-0.726). When the FEP was ≥ 19.12 mL/100 mL/min, the sensitivity was 91.5% and the specificity was 62.8%. To distinguish between benign nodules and malignant nodules, the AUC of the combination of BV and FEP was 0.816 (95% CI 0.728-0.903), whereas the AUC of the combination of BF, BV, MTT, and FEP was 0.814 (95% CI 0.729-0.900). Low-dose dual-input perfusion CT was extremely effective in distinguishing between benign from malignant pulmonary GGOs, with FEP exhibiting the highest diagnostic capability.

Binding of single/double stranded ct-DNA with graphene oxide­silver nanocomposites in vitro: A multispectroscopic approach.

The fundamental binding of single-stranded (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with graphene oxide-Ag nanocomposites (GO-AgNCPs) has been systematically investigated by multi spectroscopic methods, i.e. ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy, and circular dichroism (CD). The experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that both ssDNA and dsDNA can be adsorbed onto the GO-AgNCPs surface. All of the evidence indicated that there were relatively strong binding of ssDNA/dsDNA with GO-AgNCPs. The article compares the differences in binding between the two types of DNA and the nanomaterials using spectroscopic and thermodynamic data. UV-vis absorption spectroscopy experiments indicate that the characteristic absorbance intensity of both ss DNA and ds DNA increases, but the rate of change in absorbance is different. The fluorescence results revealed that ss/dsDNA could interact with the GO-AgNCPs surface, in spite of the different binding affinities. The Ka value of ssDNA binding with GO-AgNCPs is greater than that of dsDNA at each constant temperature, indicating that the affinity of dsDNA toward GO-AgNCPs is comparatively weak. Molecular docking studies have corroborated the mentioned experimental results. The calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that the binding process was thermodynamically spontaneous, van der Waals force and hydrogen bonding played predominant roles in the binding process. The mechanism of ss/ds DNA binding with GO-AgNCPs was also investigated, and the results indicated that GO-AgNCPs directly binds to the minor groove of ss/ds DNA by replacing minor groove binders.

The chloroplast genome of a subtropical tree Sassafras randaiense (Hayata) Rehder, 1920 (Lauraceae).

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Sassafras randaiense (Hayata) Rehder, 1920, a subtropical tree in the family Lauraceae, was determined. For a better understanding of the differences between S. randaiense and S. tzumu, the complete chloroplast genome of S. randaiense was sequenced and analyzed. The complete chloroplast genome is 151,781 bp in length, consisting of a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 20,114 bp, one large single-copy (LSC) region of 92,740 bp, and one small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,813 bp. The overall GC content of the complete chloroplast genome is 39.2%. Further, maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analysis was conducted using 31 complete plastome sequences, which support that S. randaiense and S. tzumu are nested among the members of Cinnamomum, suggesting that Sassafras belongs to Cinnamomum.

Ultrasound Characteristics Can Predict Response to Biologics Therapy in Stricturing Crohn's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Stricture is a common complication in Crohn's disease (CD). Accurate identification of strictures that poorly respond to biologic therapy is essential for making optimal therapeutic decisions. The aim of this study was to determine the association between ultrasound characteristics of strictures and their therapeutic outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive CD patients with symptomatic strictures scheduled for biologic therapy were retrospectively recruited at a tertiary hospital. Baseline intestinal ultrasound was conducted to assess stricture characteristics, including bowel wall thickness, length, stratification, vascularity, and creeping fat wrapping angle. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year, during which long-term outcomes including surgery, steroid-free clinical remission, and mucosal healing were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients were enrolled. Strictures were located in the ileocecal region (39.5%), colon (37.2%), anastomosis (20.9%), and small intestine (2.3%). The median follow-up time was 17 months (interquartile range 7-25), with 27 patients (62.8%) undergoing surgery. On multivariant analysis, creeping fat wrapping angle > 180° (odds ratio: 6.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-41.1) and a high Limberg score (odds ratio: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4-6.0) were independent predictors of surgery, with an area under the curve of 0.771 (95% CI: 0.602-0.940), accuracy of 83.7%, sensitivity of 96.3%, and specificity of 62.5%. On Cox survival analysis, creeping fat >180° was significantly associated with surgery (hazard ratio, 5.2; 95% CI: 1.2-21.8; P = 0.03). In addition, creeping fat was significantly associated with steroid-free clinical remission ( P = 0.015) and mucosal healing ( P = 0.06). DISCUSSION: Intestinal ultrasound characteristics can predict outcomes in patients with stricturing CD who undertook biologic therapy.

Fabricating oxygen self-supplying 3D printed bioactive hydrogel scaffold for augmented vascularized bone regeneration.

Limited cells and factors, inadequate mechanical properties, and necrosis of defects center have hindered the wide clinical application of bone-tissue engineering scaffolds. Herein, we construct a self-oxygenated 3D printed bioactive hydrogel scaffold by integrating oxygen-generating nanoparticles and hybrid double network hydrogel structure. The hydrogel scaffold possesses the characteristics of extracellular matrix; Meanwhile, the fabricated hybrid double network structure by polyacrylamide and CaCl2-crosslinked sodium carboxymethylcellulose endows the hydrogel favorable compressive strength and 3D printability. Furthermore, the O2 generated by CaO2 nanoparticles encapsulated in ZIF-8 releases steadily and sustainably because of the well-developed microporous structure of ZIF-8, which can significantly promote cell viability and proliferation in vitro, as well as angiogenesis and osteogenic differentiation with the assistance of Zn2+. More significantly, the synergy of O2 and 3D printed pore structure can prevent necrosis of defects center and facilitate cell infiltration by providing cells the nutrients and space they need, which can further induce vascular network ingrowth and accelerate bone regeneration in all areas of the defect in vivo. Overall, this work provides a new avenue for preparing cell/factor-free bone-tissue engineered scaffolds that possess great potential for tissue regeneration and clinical alternative.