CircABCB10 Promotes the Apoptosis and Inflammatory Response of 16HBE Cells by Cigarette Smoke Extract by Targeting miR-130a/PTEN Axis.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a global public health problem due to its high mortality. So there is an urgent need to find an effective treatment. Methods: The targeting relationship among circABCB10, miR-130a and PTEN was predicted by the targetscan database (TargetScanHuman 8.0, https://www.targetscan.org/vert_80/). A total of 60 patients which were from the second affiliated hospital of Qiqihar Medical University from 2022 to 2023 were enrolled. The lung condition was detected by CT (Computed Tomography). The expression levels of circABCB10, miR-130a and PTEN in lung tissues were determined by qRT-PCR. The COPD model was established by stimulating normal and silenced 16HBE cells in circABCB10 genes with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) at different concentrations. qRT-PCR was conducted for the expression levels of circABCB10, miR-130a and PTEN, WB for the expression levels of apoptotic proteins, ELISA for the content of inflammatory factors, and CCK8 for the effect of CSE on the proliferation of cells. Results: CircABCB10 expression increased in lung tissues from patients with COPD and in 16HBE cells treated with CSE. The stimulation on cells with CSE increased the expression of inflammatory factors, while knocking down circABCB10 could reverse this response. The inflammatory response to the knockdown of circABCB10 was reversed by miR-130a inhibitor, which increased the expression of c-caspase 3. The targetscan database predicted the target factor downstream miR-130a was PTEN. Transfecting OE-PTEN reversed the inflammation of knocking down circABCB10, and increased the apoptosis and inflammation. Conclusion: CircABCB10 can cause the inflammatory response by targeting miR-130a/PTEN axis, which is a mechanism that may lead to the occurrence and development of COPD.

Echocardiographic features of a giant aneurysm of membranous ventricular septum.

We describe the echocardiographic features of a 22-year-old female with a giant aneurysm of membranous ventricular septum (AMVS). Both transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) demonstrated significant dilatation of the aortic annulus and severe aortic regurgitation. A giant aneurysm was detected extending from a large membranous ventricular septal defect (MVSD) to the anterior surface of the aortic root. Contrast-enhanced CT and three-dimensional CT revealed a giant aneurysm located below the aortic root and connected to the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). The diagnosis was confirmed by surgery and postoperative pathological examination.

Nerve-tumor crosstalk in tumor microenvironment: From tumor initiation and progression to clinical implications.

The autonomic nerve system (ANS) innervates organs and tissues throughout the body and maintains functional balance among various systems. Further investigations have shown that excessive activation of ANS not only causes disruption of homeostasis, but also may promote tumor formation. In addition, the dynamic interaction between nerve and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment also regulate tumor progression. On the one hand, nerves are passively invaded by tumor cells, that is, perineural invasion (PNI). On the other hand, compared with normal tissues, tumor tissues are subject to more abundant innervation, and nerves can influence tumor progression through regulating tumor proliferation, metastasis and drug resistance. A large number of studies have shown that nerve-tumor crosstalk, including PNI and innervation, is closely related to the prognosis of patients, and contributes to the formation of cancer pain, which significantly deteriorates the quality of life for patients. These findings suggest that nerve-tumor crosstalk represents a potential target for anti-tumor therapies and the management of cancer pain in the future. In this review, we systematically describe the mechanism by which nerve-tumor crosstalk regulates tumorigenesis and progression.

Uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from PAH-contaminated soils to carrots and Chinese cabbages under the greenhouse and field conditions.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with the properties of structural stability, semi-volatility, and hydrophobicity are toxic and persistent in environments; thus, their transport and fate in agroecosystems is essential for reducing PAH accumulation in the edible parts of crops. Here, we cultivated cabbages (Brassica pekinensis L.) and carrots (Daucus carota L.) in PAH-contaminated soils under the greenhouse and field conditions. After harvesting, we observed a 9.5-46% reduction in soil ∑PAH concentrations. There were 37% of bioconcentration factors (BCFbs) > 1 and 93% of translocation factors (TFab) > 1, while low-molecular-weight (LMW) PAHs had higher BCFbs than high-molecular-weight (HMW) PAHs. The PAH concentrations showed significant and positive correlations among soils, the belowground parts, and the aboveground parts. The toxicity equivalent concentration (TEQBaP) followed the order of cabbage (greenhouse) > cabbage (field) > carrot (greenhouse) > carrot (field), suggesting potentially higher health risks in cabbage relative to carrot and vegetables under the greenhouse relative to field condition. Our study suggested growing carrots under field conditions as a management strategy for reducing the risks of vegetables grown in PAH-contaminated soils.

[Epidemiological Characteristics of Lung Cancer Incidence 
in the Tumor Registration Area of Gansu Province from 2010 to 2019].

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence rate and the heaviest disease burden in China. In recent years, lung cancer has shown a high incidence trend, seriously affecting the health of the population. In this paper, we analyze the characteristics of lung cancer incidence in 2019 and the trend of incidence rate from 2010-2019 in the tumor registration area of Gansu province, in order to provide a reference basis for the development of lung cancer prevention and control strategies in Gansu province. METHODS: By analyzing the cases of lung cancer incidence in the tumor registration area of Gansu province in 2019, we calculated the incidence rate, medium incidence rate, world incidence rate and other related indexes; we used Joinpoint to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) for trend analysis. RESULTS: In 2019, a total of 3757 new cases of lung cancer were reported in Gansu province, accounting for 14.96% of all new malignant tumors. The incidence rate, medium incidence rate and world incidence rate and world rate of lung cancer were 40.52/105, 25.78/105, 25.86/105; and the cumulative rate of 0-74 years old, and the truncation rate of 35-64 years old were 3.23%, 40.03/105, respectively. The incidence of lung cancer rises with age, and is high in the age group of 40 years and above, and the incidence peaks in the male and female populations in the group of 75 years and above, and the group of 80 years and above, respectively. The crude incidence rate of lung cancer in the tumor registration area of Gansu province from 2010-2019 showed an overall increasing trend, and the rate of increase was relatively fast, with an APC 5.39% (P<0.05); Separately, according to gender, urban and rural areas, the incidence of lung cancer in all populations showed an increasing trend, and the APC of male, female, urban and rural populations were 4.98%, 6.39%, 6.26%, and 4.64%, respectively (all P<0.05). According to the trend analysis of lung cancer incidence rate by age group, only lung cancer incidence in the age group of 65 years and above increased at an annual average rate of 4.15% (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence rate of lung cancer in the tumor registration area of Gansu province from 2010 to 2019 shows a rising trend year by year, and there are differences in the incidence of lung cancer in people of different genders, regions and age groups, so comprehensive prevention and control work should be carried out for the key populations of lung cancer incidence.

Application of echocardiography in transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic regurgitation and correlation analysis of postprocedural complications.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is gradually becoming an alternative therapy for patients who cannot adapt to surgical treatment or have contraindications. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of echocardiography in the evaluation of severe AR patients treated with TAVR and to analyze the correlations with postprocedural complications to improve the evaluation and screening of patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and echocardiographic data of 70 patients with severe AR. Periaortic valve structures were carefully measured by esophageal echocardiography (TEE) and compared with the multilayer slice computed tomography (MSCT) findings. Real-time three-dimensional esophageal echocardiography (RT-3D TEE) was monitored during the operation, and a 30-day postprocedural follow-up was performed. The relationship between postprocedural complications and patients' clinical data or periaortic valve structures was analyzed by multifactorial analysis to identify relevant predictors of complications. RESULTS: The TEE measurements of periaortic valve structures were in good agreement with the MSCT measurements. Among the patients who underwent successful operations, both left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) diameters were reduced, and the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was improved 30 days after TAVR compared with the preprocedural period (P < .05). Permanent pacemakers were implanted in 15 patients. The presence of preprocedural right bundle branch block (RBBB) (OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.18-12.70; P = .01) was an independent factor for permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVR. CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiography plays an extremely important role in TAVR procedures. The presence of preprocedural RBBB can be an independent predictor of postprocedural pacemaker implantation.

A Facile and Green Approach for the Preparation of Amine-Functionalized Poly(ethylene glycol) by Reducing Poly(ethylene glycol) Azide with Dithiothreitol.

A facile and green approach for the preparation of PEGn-NH2s from PEGn-N3s in water with DTT as the reduction reagent has been developed, avoiding the introduction of metal ions and difficulties in purification compared to the traditional synthesis process of PEGn-NH2s. A series of high-purity linear and multiarm PEGn-NH2s with different molecular weights were synthesized, demonstrating the versatility of this method. Additionally, HS-PEG45-NH2 with high fidelity of thiol and amine was easily prepared through the one-step two functional group conversion of N3-PEG45-S-S-PEG45-N3, and the PEG-based NH2-PEG@AuNPs were also prepared. This technology will promote the application of PEGn-NH2s in the fields of medicine and biomaterials.

A novel coagulation-related lncRNA predicts the prognosis and immune of clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Renal cell cancer is associated with the coagulation system. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression is closely associated with the development of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The aim of this study was to build a novel lncRNA model to predict the prognosis and immunological state of ccRCC. The transcriptomic data and clinical data of ccRCC were retrieved from TCGA database, subsequently, the lasso regression and lambda spectra were used to filter prognostic lncRNAs. ROC curves and the C-index were used to confirm the predictive effectiveness of this model. We also explored the difference in immune infiltration, immune checkpoints, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and drug sensitivity between the high- and low-risk groups. We created an 8 lncRNA model for predicting the outcome of ccRCC. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, tumor grade, and risk score are independent prognostic factors for ccRCC patients. ROC curve and C-index revealed the model had a good performance in predicting prognosis of ccRCC. GO and KEGG analysis showed that coagulation related genes were related to immune response. In addition, high risk group had greater TMB level and higher immune checkpoints expression. Sorafenib, Imatinib, Pazopanib, and etoposide had higher half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) in the high risk group whereas Sunitinib and Bosutinib had lower IC50. This novel coagulation-related long noncoding RNAs model could predict the prognosis of patients with ccRCC, and coagulation-related lncRNA may be connected to the tumor microenvironment and gene mutation of ccRCC.

Efficacy of image-enhanced endoscopy for colorectal adenoma detection: A multicenter, randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Improved adenoma detection at colonoscopy has decreased the risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, whether image-enhanced endoscopy (IEE) further improves the adenoma detection rate (ADR) is controversial. AIM: To compare IEE with white-light imaging (WLI) endoscopy for the detection and identification of colorectal adenoma. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. Participants were enrolled between September 2019 to April 2021 from 4 hospital in China. Patients were randomly assigned to an IEE group with WLI on entry and IEE on withdrawal (n = 2113) or a WLI group with WLI on both entry and withdrawal (n = 2098). The primary outcome was the ADR. The secondary endpoints were the polyp detection rate (PDR), adenomas per colonoscopy, adenomas per positive colonoscopy, and factors related to adenoma detection. RESULTS: A total of 4211 patients (966 adenomas) were included in the analysis (mean age, 56.7 years, 47.1% male). There were 2113 patients (508 adenomas) in the IEE group and 2098 patients (458 adenomas) in the WLI group. The ADR in two group were not significantly different [24.0% vs 21.8%, 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99-1.23, P = 0.09]. The PDR was higher with IEE group (41.7%) than with WLI group (36.1%, 1.16, 95%CI: 1.07-1.25, P = 0.01). Differences in mean withdrawal time (7.90 ± 3.42 min vs 7.85 ± 3.47 min, P = 0.30) and adenomas per colonoscopy (0.33 ± 0.68 vs 0.28 ± 0.62, P = 0.06) were not significant. Subgroup analysis found that with narrow-band imaging (NBI), between-group differences in the ADR, were not significant (23.7% vs 21.8%, 1.09, 95%CI: 0.97-1.22, P = 0.15), but were greater with linked color imaging (30.9% vs 21.8%, 1.42, 95%CI: 1.04-1.93, P = 0.04). the second-generation NBI (2G-NBI) had an advantage of ADR than both WLI and the first-generation NBI (27.0% vs 21.8%, P = 0.01; 27.0% vs 21.2.0%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This prospective study confirmed that, among Chinese, IEE didn't increase the ADR compared with WLI, but 2G-NBI increase the ADR.

Plasmonic Scattering Imaging of Surface-Bonded Nanoparticles at the Solution-Solid Interface.

Imaging nanoscale objects at interfaces is essential for revealing surface-tuned mechanisms in chemistry, physics, and life science. Plasmonic-based imaging, a label-free and surface-sensitive technique, has been widely used for studying the chemical and biological behavior of nanoscale objects at interfaces. However, direct imaging of surface-bonded nanoscale objects remains challenging due to uneven image backgrounds. Here, we present a new surface-bonded nanoscale object detection microscopy that eliminates strong background interference by reconstructing accurate scattering patterns at different positions. Our method effectively functions at low signal-to-background ratios, allowing for optical scattering detection of surface-bonded polystyrene nanoparticles and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pseudovirus. It is also compatible with other imaging configurations, such as bright-field imaging. This technique complements existing methods for dynamic scattering imaging and broadens the applications of plasmonic imaging techniques for high-throughput sensing of surface-bonded nanoscale objects, enhancing our understanding of the properties, composition, and morphology of nanoparticles and surfaces at the nanoscale.

Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation of a Light-Controlled Variable Damping System.

In this paper, a light-controlled variable damping system (LCVDS) is proposed based on PLZT ceramics and electrorheological fluid (ERF). The mathematical models for the photovoltage of PLZT ceramics and the hydrodynamic model for the ERF are established, and the relationship between the pressure difference at both ends of the microchannel and the light intensity is deduced. Then, simulations are conducted by applying different light intensities in the LCVDS to analyze the pressure difference at both ends of the microchannel using COMSOL Multiphysics. The simulation results show that the pressure difference at both ends of the microchannel increases with the increase in light intensity, which is consistent with results from the mathematical model established in this paper. The error rate of the pressure difference at both ends of the microchannel is within 13.8% between the theoretical and simulation results. This investigation lays the foundation for the application of light-controlled variable damping in future engineering.

Circadian rhythms and sleep quality among undergraduate students in China: The mediating role of health-promoting lifestyle behaviours.

BACKGROUND: Poor sleep quality have become one of the most pressing public health problems for undergraduate students. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between circadian rhythms and sleep quality and the meditating role of health-promoting lifestyles in the relationship of Chinese undergraduate students. METHODS: A total of 3423 students participated. The online survey consisted of the reduced Morningness-Evening Questionnaire (rMEQ), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II). Logistic regression models were employed. RESULTS: The prevalence of poor sleep quality is 43.03 %. The total mean scores of HPLP - II, PSQI, and rMEQ are 96.94 ± 17.26, 5.20 ± 2.70 and 14.83 ± 2.10, respectively. A significant negative correlation exists between the rMEQ and PSQI scores (r = -0.262, p < 0.001), but a positive correlation exists between the rMEQ and HPLP scores (r = 0.232, p < 0.001). The total and sub-domain scores of HPLP are also negatively correlated with the PSQI scores (r = -[0.166, 0.291], p < 0.001). Mediation analysis demonstrates the mediation of HPLP (indirect effect = -0.036, p < 0.001) on the effect of the rMEQ on PSQI scores that accounts for 13.30 % of the total effect. LIMITATIONS: Cross-sectional design and recall bias in data collection. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of circadian rhythm on sleep quality is partially mediated by the health-promoting lifestyle. In addition to maintaining a normal circadian rhythm, helping undergraduate students develop a healthy lifestyle is also an effective measure to improve sleep quality.

Label-Free Optical Imaging of the Electron Transfer in Single Live Microbial Cells.

Measurement of electron transfer at the single-particle or -cell level is crucial to the in situ study of basic chemical and biological processes. However, it remains challenging to directly probe the microbial extracellular electron transfer process due to the weakness of signals and the lack of techniques. Here, we present a label-free and noninvasive imaging method that is able to measure the electron transfer in microbial cells. We measured the extracellular electron transfer processes by imaging the redox reaction of c-type outer membrane cytochromes in microbial cells using a plasmonic imaging technique, and obtained the electrochemical activity parameters (formal potential and number of electrons transferred) of multiple individual microbial cells, allowing for unveiling ample heterogeneities in electron transfer at the single-cell level. We anticipate that this method will contribute to the study of electron transfer in various biological and chemical processes.

Acuminatums E and F, two new cyclic lipopeptides from Fusarium lateritium HU0053 and their antifungal activity.

Two new cyclic lipopeptides, acuminatums E (1) and F (2), together with four known cyclic lipopeptides, acuminatums A-D (3-6) were isolated from the corn culture of endophytic Fusarium lateritium HU0053. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic and advanced Marfey's amino acid analysis. All compounds were found to exhibit antifungal activities against Penicillium digitatum. Acuminatum F (2), a new cyclic lipopeptide containing an unusual 3, 4-dihydroxy-phenylalanine unit exhibited the strongest antifungal activities with inhibition zone of 6.5 mm at the dose of 6.25 µg. Therefore, acuminatum F might be a potential environmental-friendly preservative for citrus fruits.

Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) 91H Confers Tamoxifen Resistance in ER+ Breast Cancer Cells through Inhibiting mTOR Signaling Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers are the most often diagnosed subtype of breast tumors, in which the development of tamoxifen resistance remains a major impediment. The effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) on therapy resistance is beginning to emerge. The lncRNA 91H, a recently identified lncRNA involved in tumorigenesis, is also overexpressed in breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of 91H in the biological function and tamoxifen resistance of ER+ breast cancer cells. METHODS: MCF-7 and T47D cells were transfected for 91H silence. CCK-8 assay was performed to examine cell viability and drug sensitivity. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed using flow cytometry. Cell migration capacity was determined by wound healing assay. The protein level was analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: MCF-7 and T47D cells with 91H knockdown exhibited lower capacities of cell proliferation and migration. In addition, knockdown of 91H resulted in significantly increased sensitivity to tamoxifen and a higher ratio of apoptosis induced by tamoxifen. Furthermore, the protein level of p-mTOR was notably inhibited through downregulating 91H expression. And the mTOR inhibitor together with tamoxifen presented synergistic effect on the inhibition of cell viability. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights that 91H might serve as a potential target for ER+ breast cancer patients who have acquired tamoxifen resistance.

The effect of varied exercise intensity on antioxidant function, aortic endothelial function, and serum lipids in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease / El efecto del ejercicio de intensidad variada sobre la función antioxidante, la función endotelial aórtica y los lípidos séricos en ratas con enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólico

Abstract This study aimed to compare the effects of diet and exercise of different intensities on antioxidant function, aortic endothelial cell function and serum lipids in NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) rats. Fifty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats (180-220g) were randomly divided into two experimental groups and fed either a standard rodent chow diet (CON; n=10) or a high-fat diet (HFD; n=40). After 16 weeks, the animals that received the HFD were randomly separated into a high-fat control group (HFC; n=10) or three exercise training groups: HFD and low-intensity exercise (LE; n=10), HFD and moderate-intensity exercise (ME; n=10), and HFD and incremental intensity exercise (IE; n=10). These experimental rats keep sedentary or trained for the next six weeks. A detection kit was used to detect nitric oxide synthase (NOs), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and other markers of aortic oxidative stress. The expression levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (e-NOS) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were detected by immunohistochemistry. TC, TG, and other lipid metabolism parameters were detected by an automatic analyzer. Exercise with different intensities could improve lipid metabolism, enhance antioxidant function, reduce MDA (P<0.01), increase NO (P<0.01), and improve the expression of e-NOS and ET-1 (P<0.01) protein levels in NAFLD rats. Decreased blood lipids were exhibited in all exercise groups. Notably, the moderate-intensity exercise demonstrated more effect on increasing glutathione (GSH) contents (P<0.01) and decreased the expression of ET-1 protein levels (P<0.01). The results showed that exercise at different intensities improved lipid metabolism and enhanced anti-oxidation function. Moderate exercise could improve the function of aortic endothelial cells.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar los efectos de la dieta y el ejercicio a diferentes intensidades sobre la función antioxidante, la función de las células endoteliales aórticas y los lípidos séricos en ratas NAFLD (con enfermedad del hígado graso no alcohólico) y alimentados con una dieta estándar para roedores (CON; n = 10) o con una dieta alta en grasas (HFD; n = 40). Después de 16 semanas, los animales que recibieron HFD se separaron aleatoriamente en un grupo de control alto en grasas (HFC; n=10) o tres grupos de entrenamiento físico: HFD y ejercicio de baja intensidad (LE; n=10), HFD y ejercicio de intensidad moderada (ME; n=10), y HFD y ejercicio de intensidad incremental (IE; n=10). Estas ratas experimentales se mantuvieron sedentarias o entrenadas durante las próximas seis semanas. Se utilizó un kit de detección para determinar óxido nítrico sintetasa (NO), óxido nítrico (NO), malondialdehído (MDA) y otros marcadores de estrés oxidativo aórtico. Los niveles de expresión de la óxido nítrico sintetasa endotelial (e-NOS) y endotelina-1 (ET-1) se detectaron mediante inmunohistoquímica. El analizador automático detectó TC, TG y otros parámetros del metabolismo de los lípidos. El ejercicio con diferente intensidad mejoró el metabolismo de los lípidos, mejoró la función antioxidante, redujo la MDA (P <0,01), aumentó el NO (P <0,01) y mejoró la expresión de los niveles de proteína e-NOS y ET-1 (P <0,01) en ratas NAFLD. Se observó una disminución de los lípidos en sangre en todos los grupos de ejercicio. En particular, el ejercicio de intensidad moderada demostró un mayor efecto en el aumento del contenido de glutatión (GSH) (P<0,01) y disminuyó la expresión de los niveles de proteína ET-1 (P<0,01). Los resultados mostraron que el ejercicio a diferentes intensidades mejoró el metabolismo de los lípidos y mejoró función antioxidante. El ejercicio moderado podría mejorar la función de las células endoteliales aórticas.

Optical Tracking of Surfactant-Tuned Bacterial Adhesion: a Single-Cell Imaging Study.

Probing the interfacial dynamics of single bacterial cells in complex environments is crucial for understanding the microbial biofilm formation process and developing antifouling materials, but it remains a challenge. Here, we studied single bacterial interfacial behaviors modulated by surfactants via a plasmonic imaging technique. We quantified the adhesion strength of single bacterial cells by plasmonic measurement of potential energy profiles and dissected the mechanism of surfactant-tuned single bacterial adhesion. The presence of surfactant tuned single bacterial adhesion by increasing the thickness of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and reducing the degree of EPS cross-linking. The adhesion kinetics and equilibrium state of bacteria attached to the surface confirmed the decrease in adhesion strength tuned by surfactants. The information obtained is valuable for understanding the interaction mechanism between a single bacterial cell and surface, developing new biofilm control strategies, and designing anticontamination materials. IMPORTANCE Studying the interfacial dynamic of single bacteria in complex environments is crucial for understanding the microbial biofilm formation process and developing antifouling materials. However, quantifying the interactions between microorganisms and surfaces in the presence of pollution at the single-cell level remains a great challenge. This paper presents the analysis of single bacterial interfacial behaviors modulated by surfactants and quantification of the adhesion strength via a plasmonic imaging technique. Our study provided insights into the mechanism of initial bacterial adhesion, facilitating our understanding of the adhesion process at the microscopic scale, and is of great value for controlling membrane fouling biofilm formation.

A predicted orthogonal semimetallic carbon with negative thermal expansion and compressibility.

Carbon has many allotropes possessing unique properties. In this work, we predicted an orthogonal carbon crystal, named ort-C24, with dynamic, mechanical and thermodynamic stability. Studies indicate that it is a topological semimetal having both nodal rings and nodal lines in its Brillouin zone. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal that it is a rare material having a negative thermal expansion coefficient along the a axis. It also has negative compressibility along the same axis under hydrostatic pressure. Its b axis can bear an astonishing strain of 115% even if the dynamical stability is considered. Tensioning along different axes can either change it into a metal or alter the nodal ring into nodal lines or only modify the shape of the nodal ring, together with the variation of the number of Dirac cones. Theoretically, temperature has a limited influence on its electronic topological properties while a hydrostatic pressure of 5 GPa can alter it noticeably. The simulated X-ray diffraction peaks indicate the possible existence of ort-C24 in carbon soot. These adjustable electronic topological properties may provide us with an interesting platform for studying such topological semimetals.

Rapid Limit Test of Seven Pesticide Residues in Tea Based on the Combination of TLC and Raman Imaging Microscopy.

Numerous studies have shown that pesticide residues in tea exceeding the maximum residue limits (MRL) can cause harmful effects on the human body. There are many limitations in the existing analytical methods for pesticide residues in tea, so new analytical methods need to be developed. We developed a limit test method that combines thin-layer chromatography with Raman imaging microscopy (TLC-RIM). Seven residual pesticide components in tea (Avermectin, Methomyl, Carbendazim, Imidacloprid, Chlorothalonil, Azoxystrobin, and Acetamiprid) could be preliminarily separated by TLC and then irradiated by a 532 nm laser. Raman spectra of seven pesticides obtained by Raman imaging microscopy could be used to test whether the pesticide residues in tea exceed the MRL. The limits of detection of the seven pesticides were 0.04, 0.10, 0.24, 0.20, 0.12, 0.12, and 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. The simulated positive test showed that the matrix in tea did not interfere with the test of the seven pesticides. When the pesticides were tested within 8 h, the RSD of the peak heights of the seven pesticides were 1.2%~9.6%; the test results of three batches of tea showed that the imidacloprid in one batch of tea exceeded its MRL, and the results were consistent with that by UPLC-MS/MS. The TLC-RIM is fast, sensitive, stable, specific, and reliable.

An Insertion Variant in CRH Confers an Increased Risk of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

Purpose: To identify a novel corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) gene variant relevant in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods: We performed a genetic study of CSC in families and sporadic cases with controls. Using whole-exome sequencing and linkage analysis, we identified a heterozygous insertion variant, Gln52insPro, in the CRH gene that cosegregated in two Chinese families with CSC. This variant was evaluated among an additional 1307 patients with CSC and 1438 ethnicity-matched control individuals from three independent Chinese cohorts. Results: The CRH variant was strongly associated with CSC in these cohorts of Chinese patients (Pmeta = 1.24 × 10-11; odds ratio, 3.01; 95% confidence interval, 2.15-4.21). The risk variant Gln52insPro decreased CRH gene expression. Conclusions: Our results implicate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress response system in the pathogenesis of CSC and provide a novel rationale for therapeutic intervention.