Coverage-dependent activation of CO over Ni/Cu(100) single atom alloys (SAAs).

Single atom alloys (SAAs) often bring new chemistry in heterogeneous catalysis and well-defined structure for the study of structure-activity relationship (SAR). However, the existing pressure gap causes the reported SARs quite divergent. Herein, we have studied CO activation over Ni/Cu(100) SAAs in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and millibar range. While the Ni SAAs formed on Cu(100) significantly enhance the CO adsorption strength under UHV conditions, the CO treatment at elevated pressure leads to notable surface carbon and oxygen deposition through surface reaction. Density functional theory calculations revealed that either dissociation or disproportionation is thermodynamically forbidden for the coverage of CO less than 5/16 ML. However, these two reaction pathways can be opened at higher CO coverages due to the elevated energy state involving repulsion between adsorbed CO. This work uncovers the initial activation process of CO and demonstrates one typical cause for the pressure gap in surface science study as well.

Atramacronoid A induces the PANoptosis-like cell death of human breast cancer cells through the CASP-3/PARP-GSDMD-MLKL pathways.

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor and a major cause of mortality among women worldwide. Atramacronoid A (AM-A) is a unique natural sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (known as Baizhu in Chinese). Our study demonstrated that AM-A triggers a specific form of cell death resembling PANoptosis-like cell death. Further analysis indicated that AM-A-induced PANoptosis-like cell death is associated with the CASP-3/PARP-GSDMD-MLKL pathways, which are mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction. These results suggest the potential of AM-A as a lead compound and offer insights for the development of therapeutic agents for breast cancer from natural products.

Healthy dietary patterns are associated with exposure to environmental chemicals in a pregnancy cohort.

Healthy dietary patterns, such as the alternate Mediterranean diet and alternate Healthy Eating Index, benefit cardiometabolic health. However, several food components of these dietary patterns are primary sources of environmental chemicals. Here, using data from a racially and ethnically diverse US cohort, we show that healthy dietary pattern scores were positively associated with plasma chemical exposure in pregnancy, particularly for the alternate Mediterranean diet and alternate Healthy Eating Index with polychlorinated biphenyls and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. The associations appeared stronger among Asian and Pacific Islanders. These findings suggest that optimizing the benefits of a healthy diet requires concerted regulatory efforts aimed at lowering environmental chemical exposure.

[Effects of Questionnaire-Based Psychological Survey Methods on the Evaluation Results in a Patient Cohort].

Objective To assess the influences of self-and interviewer-administered methods on the scores of anxiety and depression questionnaires among the patients with sports injuries.Methods A total of 532 participants with sports injuries treated in the Sports Medicine Center of West China Hospital,Sichuan University from November 2022 to May 2023 were included.They were randomly assigned to either the interviewer-administered group (n=270) or the self-administered group (n=262) to complete the generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) and the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) scales.The total scores and prevalence rates of anxiety and depression were compared between the two groups.Results There was no statistically significant difference in gender,occupation,or surgical site between the two groups (all P>0.05).The self-administered group had higher scores of GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales than the interviewer-administered group (P<0.001,P<0.001).A greater proportion of participants in the self-administered group than in the interview-administered group met the criteria for mild to moderate anxiety and depression (P<0.001,P=0.002).The prevalence rates of moderate to severe anxiety (GAD-7≥10) and depression (PHQ-9≥10) showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.761,P=0.086).Conclusion This study demonstrates that the participants in the self-administered group are more likely to report mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression than those in the interviewer-administered group.

Insight into the regulatory mechanism of ß-arrestin2 and its emerging role in diseases.

ß-arrestin2, a member of the arrestin family, mediates the desensitization and internalization of most G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and functions as a scaffold protein in signalling pathways. Previous studies have demonstrated that ß-arrestin2 expression is dysregulated in malignant tumours, fibrotic diseases, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic diseases, suggesting its pathological roles. Transcription and post-transcriptional modifications can affect the expression of ß-arrestin2. Furthermore, post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation and S-nitrosylation affect the cellular localization of ß-arrestin2 and its interaction with downstream signalling molecules, which further regulate the activity of ß-arrestin2. This review summarizes the structure and function of ß-arrestin2 and reveals the mechanisms involved in the regulation of ß-arrestin2 at multiple levels. Additionally, recent studies on the role of ß-arrestin2 in some major diseases and its therapeutic prospects have been discussed to provide a reference for the development of drugs targeting ß-arrestin2.

Hydrogel-Encapsulated Pancreatic Islet Cells as a Promising Strategy for Diabetic Cell Therapy.

Islet transplantation has now become a promising treatment for insulin-deficient diabetes mellitus. Compared to traditional diabetes treatments, cell therapy can restore endogenous insulin supplementation, but its large-scale clinical application is impeded by donor shortages, immune rejection, and unsuitable transplantation sites. To overcome these challenges, an increasing number of studies have attempted to transplant hydrogel-encapsulated islet cells to treat diabetes. This review mainly focuses on the strategy of hydrogel-encapsulated pancreatic islet cells for diabetic cell therapy, including different cell sources encapsulated in hydrogels, encapsulation methods, hydrogel types, and a series of accessorial manners to improve transplantation outcomes. In addition, the formation and application challenges as well as prospects are also presented.

Tourmaline/pyrite dual mineral photocatalysis with a powerful surface electric field for efficient antibiotic removal.

Pyrite (FeS2) has garnered attention due to its narrow bandgap, high light absorption, and low cost. However, the rapid recombination of charge carriers hinders its practical application. Surface electric field is a unique characteristic of tourmaline, which can induce effective separation of photo generated electrons and holes. This study successfully combined two directly mined natural minerals, tourmaline and pyrite, to form TFS. Characterization and experiments show that the surface electric field of tourmaline can significantly enhance the photocatalytic activity of TFS. Tetracycline (TC, 50 ppm) was degraded by 95% with 60 min, and the TFS reaction rate constant reached 0.0439 min-1, which is 6.1 times and 17.3 times higher than that of tourmaline and FeS2. Additionally, it significantly improved light absorption and charge carrier separation capabilities. After simulating various natural environmental factors, TFS demonstrated practicality. Considered analysis of active substances and detection revealed that h+ and 1O2 radicals are significant contributors, and the photocatalytic mechanism was proposed. Furthermore, the transformation pathways and toxicity of metabolites were studied. This research offers further inspiration and insights for improving photocatalytic material performance and the green governance environment of natural resources.

Synbiotic therapy with Clostridium sporogenes and xylan promotes gut-derived indole-3-propionic acid and improves cognitive impairments in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized primarily by cognitive impairment. Recent investigations have highlighted the potential of nutritional interventions that target the gut-brain axis, such as probiotics and prebiotics, in forestalling the onset of AD. In this study, whole-genome sequencing was employed to identify xylan as the optimal carbon source for the tryptophan metabolism regulating probiotic Clostridium sporogenes (C. sporogenes). Subsequent in vivo studies demonstrated that administration of a synbiotic formulation comprising C. sporogenes (1 × 1010 CFU per day) and xylan (1%, w/w) over a duration of 30 days markedly enhanced cognitive performance and spatial memory faculties in the 5xFAD transgenic AD mouse model. The synbiotic treatment significantly reduced amyloid-ß (Aß) accumulation in the cortex and hippocampus of the brain. Importantly, synbiotic therapy substantially restored the synaptic ultrastructure in AD mice and suppressed neuroinflammatory responses. Moreover, the intervention escalated levels of the microbial metabolite indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) and augmented the relative prevalence of IPA-synthesizing bacteria, Lachnospira and Clostridium, while reducing the dominant bacteria in AD, such as Aquabacterium, Corynebacterium, and Romboutsia. Notably, synbiotic treatment also prevented the disruption of gut barrier integrity. Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive association between gut microbiota-generated IPA levels and behavioral changes. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that synbiotic supplementation significantly improves cognitive and intellectual deficits in 5xFAD mice, which could be partly attributed to enhanced IPA production by gut microbiota. These findings provide a theoretical basis for considering synbiotic therapy as a novel microbiota-targeted approach for the treatment of metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases.

Application of Emerging Teaching Models in Dental Education: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: As an experimental teaching method, emerging learning methods including problem-based learning (PBL), case-based learning, team-based learning and flipped classroom (FC) have been widely applied in dental education. This study aims to evaluate the effect of these teaching methods on dental education performance compared to traditional lecture-based learning (LBL). METHODS: The search was carried out in April 2024 in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. All randomized controlled trials were included and the methodological quality assessment was based on the guidelines described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews, followed by a meta-analysis using Stata 14.0 software. Using standard mean deviation (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) to determine the effectiveness of emerging teaching methods and LBL in all dental disciplines. Meta-regression was used to analyse sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the stability, and Begg's analysis was used to determine whether there is publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 29 randomized controlled trials including 3502 students were included. The results indicate that emerging educational methods have a significantly positive effect on achieving higher scores (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.34-0.62, P < .001), whether it was theoretical scores (SMD = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.32-0.72, P < .001) or skill scores (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.15-0.76, P < .001). Compared to LBL, PBL (SMD = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.01-0.65, P = .045) and FC (SMD = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.31-0.69, P < .001) can both significantly improve students' academic performance. CONCLUSION: Compared to LBL, emerging educational methods (PBL, case-based learning, and FC) have significantly improved the learning effectiveness of dental students. These emerging educational methods can be advocated and popularized as routine teaching methods. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study is the first meta-analysis of the effects of emerging teaching methods in dental education which shows great impact of emerging teaching methods on students' development.

Impact of Evidence-Based Nursing on Self-Efficacy, Quality of Life and Treatment Compliance in Patients Undergoing Urological Surgery: Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Urological surgery presents unique challenges to patients, necessitating specialised aftercare nursing. Evidence-based nursing has emerged as a strategy to improve patient outcomes through tailored education, self-management strategies and psychological support. However, its specific impact on post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing urological surgery has not been extensively explored. METHODS: This study assessed postoperative self-efficacy, quality of life, treatment compliance and nursing satisfaction. Self-compiled percentage of satisfaction scale was used to assess the degree of satisfaction with nursing work in both groups. Patients' self-care ability was evaluated using the Self-Care Ability Scale, and their quality of life scores were assessed with Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Patients' anxiety and depression levels were examined using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 29.0 statistical software. RESULTS: This retrospective study analysed 231 patients undergoing urological surgery and categorised them into a usual care group (n = 99) and an evidence-based nursing group (n = 132). Post-operative outcomes in the evidence-based nursing group included significantly higher self-care abilities (p < 0.001), improved quality of life scores (p < 0.001), lower anxiety and depression levels (p < 0.001) and higher treatment compliance rates (p < 0.05) compared with the usual care group. Additionally, nursing satisfaction was higher in the evidence-based nursing group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide compelling evidence regarding the favourable impact of evidence-based nursing on various post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing urological surgery. Evidence-based nursing shows promise in enhancing patients' self-efficacy, well-being, treatment compliance and satisfaction. The results underscore the potential benefits of evidence-based nursing in optimising aftercare nursing and driving positive patient-centred outcomes in urological surgery setting.

Ferrocene-modified covalent organic framework for efficient oxygen evolution reaction and CO2 electroreduction.

A ferrocene-modified COF, namely Ni-Tph-COF-Fc, was synthesized and applied in OER. Compared with Ni-Tph-COF-OH, Ni-Tph-COF-Fc shows improved performance with a current density of 99.6 mA cm-2, an overpotential of 450 mV, and a Tafel slope of 73.1 mV dec-1, which may be attributed to a synergy between introduced ferrocene and metalloporphyrin in the COFs. Moreover, the enhanced OER performance leads to an improved CO2RR performance with an FECO of 93.1%. This work represents an effective strategy to enhance the anodic OER performance and realize efficient CO2RR.

Vagal-α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor signaling exacerbates influenza severity by promoting lung epithelial cell infection.

The vagus nerve circuit, operating through the alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR), regulates the inflammatory response by influencing immune cells. However, the role of vagal-α7 nAChR signaling in influenza virus infection is unclear. In particular, does vagal-α7 nAChR signaling impact the infection of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), the primary target cells of influenza virus? Here, we demonstrated a distinct role of α7 nAChR in type II AECs compared to its role in immune cells during influenza infection. We found that deletion of Chrna7 (encoding gene of α7 nAChR) in type II AECs or disruption of vagal circuits reduced lung influenza infection and protected mice from influenza-induced lung injury. We further unveiled that activation of α7 nAChR enhanced influenza infection through PTP1B-NEDD4L-ASK1-p38MAPK pathway. Mechanistically, activation of α7 nAChR signaling decreased p38MAPK phosphorylation during infection, facilitating the nuclear export of influenza viral ribonucleoproteins and thereby promoting infection. Taken together, our findings reveal a mechanism mediated by vagal-α7 nAChR signaling that promotes influenza viral infection and exacerbates disease severity. Targeting vagal-α7 nAChR signaling may offer novel strategies for combating influenza virus infections.

Transcriptomic and proteomic investigations identify PI3K-akt pathway targets for hyperthyroidism management in rats via polar iridoids from radix Scrophularia.

High-polarity iridoids from Radix Scrophulariae (R. Scrophulariae) offer a range of benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiallergic effects. Although previous studies have indicated the potential of R. Scrophulariae for hyperthyroidism prevention and treatment, the specific active compounds involved and their mechanisms of action are not fully understood. This study explored the effects of high-polarity iridoid glycosides from R. Scrophulariae on hyperthyroidism induced in rats by levothyroxine sodium. The experimental design included a control group, a hyperthyroidism model group, and a group treated with iridoid glycosides. Serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were applied to liver samples to identify differentially expressed genes and proteins. These analyses were complemented by trend analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The effectiveness of key factors was further examined through molecular biology techniques. ELISA results indicated a notable increase in T3 and T4 in the hyperthyroid rats, which was significantly mitigated by treatment with iridoid glycosides. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 6 upregulated and 6 downregulated genes in the model group, showing marked improvement following treatment. Proteomic analysis revealed changes in 30 upregulated and 50 downregulated proteins, with improvements observed upon treatment. The PI3K-Akt signalling pathway was investigated through KEGG enrichment analysis. Molecular biology methods verified the upregulation of Spp1, Thbs1, PI3K, and Akt in the model group, which was reversed in the treatment group. This study revealed that highly polar iridoids from R. Scrophulariae can modulate the Spp1 gene and Thbs1 protein via the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, suggesting a therapeutic benefit for hyperthyroidism and providing a basis for drug development targeting this condition.

Sensitive detection of histamine utilizing the SERS platform combined with an azo coupling reaction and a composite hydrophobic layer.

Herein, the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform was combined with an azo coupling reaction and an aluminum alloy covered with a hydrophobic layer of praseodymium oxide and stearic acid complexes for the detection of histamine. The praseodymium oxide on aluminum alloy was successfully synthesized by the rare-earth-salt-solution boiling bath method and modified by stearic acid. Its surface exhibits a water contact angle (WCA) of 125.0°. Through the azo derivatization reaction with 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (AMTA) diazonium salts, histamine can be converted into the derivatization product with higher Raman activity. The mixture of the derivatization product and ß-cyclodextrin-modified Ag nanoparticles (ß-CD-AgNPs) were dropped onto the surface of an aluminum alloy covered with a hydrophobic layer of praseodymium oxide and stearic acid complexes, and dried for SERS measurement. The intensity ratio between the SERS peaks at 1246 cm-1 and 1104 cm-1 (I1246/I1104) of the derivatization product was used for the quantification of histamine. Under the selected conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) for this method were 7.2 nM (S/N = 3) and 24 nM (S/N = 10), respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of this method for the determination of 1 µM histamine was 6.1 % (n = 20). The method was also successfully used for the determination of histamine in fish samples with recoveries ranging from 92 % to 111 %. The present method is simple, sensitive, reliable, and may provide a new approach for preparing the composite hydrophobic layer that can enhance SERS signals through hydrophobic condensation effect. Meanwhile, it may have a promising future in the determination of small molecular compounds containing an imidazole ring.

Hepatic GDP-fucose transporter SLC35C1 attenuates cholestatic liver injury and inflammation by inducing CEACAM1 N153 fucosylation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammatory response is crucial for bile acid (BA)-induced cholestatic liver injury, but molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Solute Carrier Family 35 Member C1 (SLC35C1) can transport GDP-fucose into the Golgi to facilitate protein glycosylation. Its mutation leads to the deficiency of leukocyte adhesion and enhances inflammation in humans. However, little is known about its role in liver diseases. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Hepatic SLC35C1 mRNA transcripts and protein expression were significantly increased in patients with obstructive cholestasis (OC) and mouse models of cholestasis. Immunofluorescence revealed that the upregulated SLC35C1 expression mainly occurred in hepatocytes. Liver-specific ablation of Slc35c1 (Slc35c1 cKO) significantly aggravated liver injury in mouse models of cholestasis induced by bile duct ligation and 1% cholic acid-feeding, evidenced by increased liver necrosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and bile ductular proliferation. The Slc35c1 cKO increased hepatic chemokine Ccl2 and Cxcl2 expression and T-cell, neutrophil and F4/80 macrophage infiltration, but did not affect the levels of serum and liver BA in mouse models of cholestasis. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that hepatic Slc35c1 deficiency substantially reduced the fucosylation of cell-cell adhesion protein CEACAM1 at N153. Mechanistically, cholestatic levels of conjugated BAs stimulated SLC35C1 expression by activating the STAT3 signaling to facilitate CEACAM1 fucosylation at N153, and deficiency in the fucosylation of CEACAM1 at N135 enhanced the BA-stimulated CCL2 and CXCL2 mRNA expression in primary mouse hepatocytes and PLC/PRF/5-ASBT cells. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated hepatic SLC35C1 expression attenuates cholestatic liver injury by enhancing CEACAM1 fucosylation to suppress CCL2 and CXCL2 expression and liver inflammation.

Building Vulnerability to Landslides: Broad-Scale Assessment in Xinxing County, China.

This study develops a model to assess building vulnerability across Xinxing County by integrating quantitative derivation with machine learning techniques. Building vulnerability is characterized as a function of landslide hazard risk and building resistance, wherein landslide hazard risk is derived using CNN (1D) for nine hazard-causing factors (elevation, slope, slope shape, geotechnical body type, geological structure, vegetation cover, watershed, and land-use type) and landslide sites; building resistance is determined through quantitative derivation. After evaluating the building susceptibility of all the structures, the susceptibility of each village is then calculated through subvillage statistics, which are aimed at identifying the specific needs of each area. Simultaneously, different landslide hazard classes are categorized, and an analysis of the correlation between building resistance and susceptibility reveals that building susceptibility exhibits a positive correlation with landslide hazard and a negative correlation with building resistance. Following a comprehensive assessment of building susceptibility in Xinxing County, a sample encompassing different landslide intensity areas and susceptibility classes of buildings was chosen for on-site validation, thus yielding an accuracy rate of the results as high as 94.5%.

Interleukin-1 receptor 1 deficiency worsens hepatocellular carcinoma, while gemcitabine treatment alleviates the hepatocellular carcinoma-induced increase in intra-hepatic immune cells.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Primary liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), represents a substantial global health challenge. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective in HCC treatment, several patients still experience disease progression. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) regulates immunity and inflammation. We investigate the role of IL-1 in HCC development and progression and determine the potential therapeutic impact of gemcitabine in treating HCC. METHODS: Hydrodynamics-based transfection, employing the sleeping beauty transposase system, delivered surrogate tumor antigens, NRAS (NRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase), ShP53, and SB100 to C57BL/6 mice. A basic HCC mouse model was established. Pathogen-free animals were tested for serum and hepatotoxicity. The HCC prognosis was monitored using alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels. Liver histology immunohistochemistry and mouse splenocyte/intra-hepatic immune cell flow cytometry were conducted. IL-1ß levels in human and mouse serum were assessed. RESULTS: Interleukin-1ß levels were elevated in patients with HCC compared with those in non-HCC controls. Hepatic IL-1ß levels were higher in HCC mouse models than those in non-HCC mice, suggesting localized hepatic inflammation. IL-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) knockout (IL-1R1-/-) mice exhibited less severe HCC progression than that in wild-type mice, despite the high intra-hepatic IL-1ß concentration. IL-1R1-/- mice exhibited increased hepatic levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, which may exacerbate HCC. Gemcitabine significantly reduced the HCC tumor burden, improved liver conditions, and increased survival rates in HCC mouse models. Gemcitabine reduced the hepatic levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, potentially alleviating immune suppression in the liver. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting IL-1 or combining gemcitabine with immunotherapy is a promising approach for treating advanced-stage HCC.

Chromodomain Y-like (CDYL) inhibition ameliorates acute kidney injury in mice by regulating tubular pyroptosis.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common disease, but lacking effective drug treatments. Chromodomain Y-like (CDYL) is a kind of chromodomain protein that has been implicated in transcription regulation of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one derivative (compound D03) is the first potent and selective small-molecule inhibitor of CDYL (KD = 0.5 µM). In this study, we investigated the expression of CDYL in three different models of cisplatin (Cis)-, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced AKI mice. By conducting RNA sequencing and difference analysis of kidney samples, we found that tubular CDYL was abnormally and highly expressed in injured kidneys of AKI patients and mice. Overexpression of CDYL in cisplatin-induced AKI mice aggravated tubular injury and pyroptosis via regulating fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4)-mediated reactive oxygen species production. Treatment of cisplatin-induced AKI mice with compound D03 (2.5 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p.) effectively attenuated the kidney dysfunction, pathological damages and tubular pyroptosis without side effects on liver or kidney function and other tissue injuries. Collectively, this study has, for the first time, explored a novel aspect of CDYL for tubular epithelial cell pyroptosis in kidney injury, and confirmed that inhibition of CDYL might be a promising therapeutic strategy against AKI.

Assessing and predicting water quality index with key water parameters by machine learning models in coastal cities, China.

The water quality index (WQI) is a widely used tool for comprehensive assessment of river environments. However, its calculation involves numerous water quality parameters, making sample collection and laboratory analysis time-consuming and costly. This study aimed to identify key water parameters and the most reliable prediction models that could provide maximum accuracy using minimal indicators. Water quality from 2020 to 2023 were collected including nine biophysical and chemical indicators in seventeen rivers in Yancheng and Nantong, two coastal cities in Jiangsu Province, China, adjacent to the Yellow Sea. Linear regression and seven machine learning models (Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Self-Organizing Maps (SOM), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) and Stochastic Gradient Boosting (SGB)) were developed to predict WQI using different groups of input variables based on correlation analysis. The results indicated that water quality improved from 2020 to 2022 but deteriorated in 2023, with inland stations exhibiting better conditions than coastal ones, particularly in terms of turbidity and nutrients. The water environment was comparatively better in Nantong than in Yancheng, with mean WQI values of approximately 55.3-72.0 and 56.4-67.3, respectively. The classifications "Good" and "Medium" accounted for 80 % of the records, with no instances of "Excellent" and 2 % classified as "Bad". The performance of all prediction models, except for SOM, improved with the addition of input variables, achieving R2 values higher than 0.99 in models such as SVM, RF, XGB, and SGB. The most reliable models were RF and XGB with key parameters of total phosphorus (TP), ammonia nitrogen (AN), and dissolved oxygen (DO) (R2 = 0.98 and 0.91 for training and testing phase) for predicting WQI values, and RF using TP and AN (accuracy higher than 85 %) for WQI grades. The prediction accuracy for "Medium" and "Low" water quality grades was highest at 90 %, followed by the "Good" level at 70 %. The model results could contribute to efficient water quality evaluation by identifying key water parameters and facilitating effective water quality management in river basins.

Single-neuron projectome-guided analysis reveals the neural circuit mechanism underlying endogenous opioid antinociception.

Endogenous opioid antinociception is a self-regulatory mechanism that reduces chronic pain, but its underlying circuit mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that endogenous opioid antinociception required the activation of mu-opioid receptors (MORs) in GABAergic neurons of the central amygdala nucleus (CEA) in a persistent-hyperalgesia mouse model. Pharmacogenetic suppression of these CEAMOR neurons, which mimics the effect of MOR activation, alleviated the persistent hyperalgesia. Furthermore, single-neuron projection analysis revealed multiple projectome-based subtypes of CEAMOR neurons, each innervating distinct target brain regions. We found that the suppression of axon branches projecting to the parabrachial nucleus (PB) of one subtype of CEAMOR neurons alleviated persistent hyperalgesia, indicating a subtype- and axonal-branch-specific mechanism of action. Further electrophysiological analysis revealed that suppression of a distinct CEA-PB disinhibitory circuit controlled endogenous opioid antinociception. Thus, this study identified the central neural circuit that underlies endogenous opioid antinociception, providing new insight into the endogenous pain modulatory mechanisms.