A SPR aptamer sensor for mercury based on AuNPs@NaYF:Yb,Tm,Gd upconversion luminescent nanoparticles.

A new aptamer-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system has been designed to detect Hg that utilizes near-infrared (NIR)-to-NIR gold nanoparticle coated NaYF:Yb,Tm,Gd up-conversion nanoparticles (AuNPs@NaYF:Yb,Tm,Gd UCNPs) as probes. The AuNPs@NaYF:Yb,Tm,Gd UCNPs were prepared and excited by near-infrared light (980 nm) which emitted at a near-infrared wavelength (808 nm) using an inexpensive infrared continuous wave laser diode. The AuNPs@NaYF:Yb,Tm,Gd UCNPs were conjugated with Hg aptamers.

Preparation of a novel RAM-MIP for selective solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography determination of heptachlor, endosulfan and their metabolite residues in pork.

A novel method was established using a restricted access material combined with a molecularly imprinted polymer (RAM-MIP) as the sorbent material in solid phase extraction (SPE) for clean-up of α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, endosulfate, endosulfan-ether, endosulfan lactone, heptachlor, heptachlor--epoxide, and heptachlor--epoxide in pork and gas chromatography (GC) for determination. The RAM-MIP was prepared by precipitation polymerization by using endosulfan as the template, methacrylic acid (MAA) as the monomer, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) as the pro-hydrophilic co-monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the crosslinker, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator, and toluene as the porogen. Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV) and H-nuclear magnetic resonance (H-NMR) analysis verified that MAA interacted specifically with endosulfan in a ratio of 1 : 1 in the pre-polymerization solution.

Macrophage Infiltration and ITGB2 Expression in ESCC: A Novel Correlation.

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most prevalent and lethal malignancies worldwide. Despite progress in immunotherapy for cancer treatment, its application and efficacy in ESCC remain limited. Therefore, there is an ongoing need to explore potential molecules and therapeutic strategies related to tumor immunity in ESCC.

Measurement and Analysis of Optical Transmission Characteristics of the Human Skull.

The brain, as a vital part of central nervous system, receives approximately 25% of body's blood supply, making accurate monitoring of cerebral blood flow essential. While fNIRS is widely used for measuring brain physiology, complex tissue structure affects light intensity, spot size, and detection accuracy. Many studies rely on simulations with limited experimental validation.

From Natural Product Derivative to Hexagonal Prism Supermolecule: Potent Biofilm Disintegration, Enhanced Foliar Affinity, and Effective Management of Tomato Bacterial Canker.

Clavibacter michiganensis (Cmm), designated as an A2 quarantine pest by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO), incites bacterial canker of tomato, which presently eludes rapid and effective control methodologies. Dense biofilms formed by Cmm shield internal bacteria from host immune defenses and obstruct the ingress of agrochemicals. Even when agrochemicals disintegrate biofilms, splashing and bouncing during application disperse active ingredients away from target sites.

Prognostic Factors and Nomogram for Malignant Brainstem Ependymoma: A Population-Based Retrospective Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database Analysis.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify prognostic factors and develop a nomogram for survival in patients with brainstem ependymoma.

Methods: Data of 652 patients diagnosed with brainstem ependymoma extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry from 2000 to 2020 were analyzed. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to examine factors influencing overall survival (OS).

Population pharmacokinetic modeling and exposure-response analysis of Anrikefon: insights and implications in clinical analgesia.

Background: Anrikefon (HSK21542), a potent and selective peripheral kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist developed by Haisco, effectively blocks pain and itch signals.

Aim: To develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model for anrikefon and conduct exposure-response (E-R) analysis for safety and efficacy in postoperative pain patients.

Method: The Population PK analysis uses NONMEM software with data from six trials.

Two TAL Effectors of Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum Induce Water Soaking by Activating GhSWEET14 Genes in Cotton.

Bacterial blight of cotton (BBC) caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. malvacearum (Xcm) is an important and destructive disease affecting cotton plants. Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) released by the pathogen regulate cotton resistance to the susceptibility.

Unlocking Mechanisms for Soil Organic Matter Accumulation: Carbon Use Efficiency and Microbial Necromass as the Keys.

Soil microorganisms transform plant-derived C (carbon) into particulate organic C (POC) and mineral-associated C (MAOC) pools. While microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) is widely recognized in current biogeochemical models as a key predictor of soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, large-scale empirical evidence is limited. In this study, we proposed and experimentally tested two predictors of POC and MAOC pool formation: microbial necromass (using amino sugars as a proxy) and CUE (by O-HO approach).

The effect and mechanism of mutual aid on the subjective well-being of participants under the COVID-19 pandemic.

The outbreak of COVID-19 led to the emergence of various forms of mutual aid. While prior research has demonstrated that mutual aid can contribute to participants' subjective well-being, the majority of these studies are qualitative and lack clear understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Using a questionnaire survey and structural equation modeling, this study finds that mutual aid significantly enhances the subjective well-being of participants in China.

Teachers' academic motivation and student procrastination behaviour: mediating effects of emotion regulation and study habits.

Purpose: The present study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of external and personal regulatory mechanisms in reducing procrastination behavior among university students. For this purpose, the role of teachers' academic motivation is worthwhile in shaping the learning environment and reducing procrastination, with a focus on the mediating roles of emotion regulation and study habits considered imperative.

Research Design/method: By employing a quantitative, cross-sectional research design, data were collected from a sample of 210 teachers working in universities located in Multan-Pakistan via convenient sampling, yielding a usable response rate of 70.

Intraoperative sensitization in trigeminal region caused by postherpetic neuralgia: a case report.

Background: Interventional therapy of trigeminal neuropathic pain has been well documented; however, intraoperative monitoring and management of pain hypersensitivity remains barely reported, which may pose a great challenge for pain physicians as well as anesthesiologists.

Case Presentation: A 77-year-old Han Chinese male, who suffered from severe craniofacial postherpetic neuralgia, underwent pulsed radiofrequency of trigeminal ganglion in the authors' department twice. The authors successfully placed a radiofrequency needle through the foramen ovale during the first procedure with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation (dexmedetomidine).

Effects of functional strength training on pain, function, and lower extremity biomechanics in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common disorder affecting the lower extremity. This study aimed to compare the effects of functional strength training (FST) and standard strength training (SST) in PFPS patients.

Methods: Forty college students (aged 18-30 years) with PFPS and no exercise habits were randomized into FST group (n = 20) and SST group (n = 20).

The expression landscape and clinical significance of methyltransferase-like 17 in human cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma: a pan-cancer analysis using multiple databases.

Background: Methyltransferase-like (METTL) family protein plays a crucial role in the progression of malignancies. However, the function of METTL17 across pan-cancers, especially in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still poorly understood.

Methods: All original data were downloaded from TCGA, GTEx, HPA, UCSC databases and various data portals.

Eating "rubbish"? Exploring the herbal secrets of "Laji-He," a traditional herbal rice snack from southern China.

Background: Laji-He is a traditional rice-based snack from the Beibu Gulf region in southern China. In the Beibu Gulf region, "Laji-He" (literally "garbage He") signifies the removal of toxins from the body, making it a truly "green" food. Laji-He holds essential cultural and medicinal value, incorporating various medicinal plants into its preparation.

Construction of a Vero cell line expression human KREMEN1 for the development of CVA6 vaccines.

Coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) has emerged as a major pathogen causing hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreaks worldwide. The CVA6 epidemic poses a new challenge in HFMD control since there is currently no vaccine available against CVA6 infections. The Vero cell line has been widely used in vaccine production, particularly in the preparation of viral vaccines, including poliovirus vaccines and EV71 vaccines.

The role of circadian rhythm regulator PERs in oxidative stress, immunity, and cancer development.

The complex interaction between circadian rhythms and physiological functions is essential for maintaining human health. At the heart of this interaction lies the PERIOD proteins (PERs), pivotal to the circadian clock, influencing the timing of physiological and behavioral processes and impacting oxidative stress, immune functionality, and tumorigenesis. PER1 orchestrates the cooperation of the enzyme GPX1, modulating mitochondrial dynamics in sync with daily rhythms and oxidative stress, thus regulating the mechanisms managing energy substrates.

Efficacy and safety of perioperative analgesia in PENG block for children undergoing hip surgery with developmental dysplasia: study protocol for a randomized, double-blinded, non-inferiority trial.

Background: Surgical intervention is critical in the treatment of hip developmental dysplasia in children. Perioperative analgesia, usually based on high opioid dosages, is frequently used in these patients. In some circumstances, regional anesthetic procedures such as caudal block and lumbar plexus block have also been used.

Integrative bioinformatics and machine learning approach unveils potential biomarkers linking coronary atherosclerosis and fatty acid metabolism-associated gene.

Background: Atherosclerosis (AS) is increasingly recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease that significantly compromises vascular health and acts as a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases. Advancements in lipidomics and metabolomics have unveiled the complex role of fatty acid metabolism (FAM) in both healthy and pathological states. However, the specific roles of fatty acid metabolism-related genes (FAMGs) in shaping therapeutic approaches, especially in AS, remain largely unexplored and are a subject of ongoing research.

Cell-free fat extract improves embryo development and clinical outcomes in older women with previous in-vitro fertilization failure.

Background: Preimplantation embryos in vivo are exposed to various growth factors in the female reproductive tract that are absent in in vitro embryo culture media. Cell-free fat extract exerts antioxidant, anti-ageing, and ovarian function-promoting effects. However, its effects on embryo quality are yet to be investigated.

Individualized PEEP titration by lung compliance during one-lung ventilation: a meta-analysis.

Background: Despite the physiological advantages of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), its optimal utilization during one-lung ventilation (OLV) remains uncertain. We aimed to investigate whether individualized PEEP titration by lung compliance is associated with a reduced risk of postoperative pulmonary complications during OLV.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until April 1, 2024, to identify published randomized controlled trials that compared individualized PEEP titration by lung compliance with fixed PEEP during OLV.

Development and validation of the Information Literacy Measurement Scale (ILMS-34) in Chinese public health practitioners.

Background: Public health professionals (PHPs) have increasing information needs to inform evidence-based public health decisions and practice, which requires good information literacy. A comprehensive and reliable assessment tool is necessary to assess PHPs' literacy and guide future promotion programs. However, there is a lack of measurement tools specifically for the information literacy of PHPs.