Diversified Techniques for Restructuring Meat Protein-Derived Products and Analogues.

Accompanied by the rapid growth of the global population and increasing public awareness of protein-rich foods, the market demand for protein-derived products is booming. Utilizing available technologies to make full use of meat by-products, such as scraps, trimmings, etc., to produce restructured meat products and explore emerging proteins to produce meat analogues can be conducive to alleviating the pressure on supply ends of the market. The present review summarizes diversified techniques (such as high-pressure processing, ultrasonic treatment, edible polysaccharides modification, enzymatic restructuring, etc.) that have been involved in restructuring meat protein-derived products as well as preparing meat analogues identified so far and classifying them into three main categories (physical, chemical and enzymatic). The target systems, processing conditions, effects, advantages, etc., of the included techniques, are comprehensively and systemically summarized and discussed, and their existing problems or developing trends are also briefly prospected. It can be concluded that a better quality of restructured products can be obtained by the combination of different restructuring technologies. This review provides a valuable reference both for the research and industrial production of restructured meat protein-derived products and analogues.

Discovery of the Next-Generation Platinum-Based Anticancer Agents for Combating Oxaliplatin-Induced Drug Resistance.

Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy has proven to be one of the most effective treatments for advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer. However, increasing clinical resistance to oxaliplatin poses unprecedented challenges for both patients and clinicians. Despite extensive efforts to combat this issue, to date, no new molecules have been discovered that can successfully replace oxaliplatin. With the aim of developing a new generation of Pt(II)-based anticancer agents in response to the challenges of oxaliplatin-induced drug resistance, we performed a systematic screening of new Pt(II)-complexes with a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) study based on their antiresistance activity against oxaliplatin-resistant colon cancer cells. The results revealed that both the structure and chirality of the chelating ligand had a significant impact on the antiresistance properties of the Pt(II)-complexes. Our study culminated in the identification of chiral R-binaphthyldiamine-ligated Pt(II)-malonatoglycoconjugates that can completely counteract oxaliplatin resistance with excellent in vitro and in vivo potency.

Towards a Green Equal City: Measuring and matching the supply-demand of green exposure in urban center.

Exposure to green environments is crucial for human health. However, urbanization has reduced the contact of urban residents with natural environments, causing a mismatch between the supply and demand for green exposure. Research in this field is hindered by the lack of long-term, reliable data sources and methodologies, leading to insufficient consideration of temporal variations in green exposure. This study presented a comprehensive methodology for assessing green exposure at a fine scale utilizing satellite images for urban tree canopy identification. We conducted a case study in the core area of Beijing from 2010 to 2020 and examined the effects of urban renewal and alleviation efforts. The results revealed a slight decrease in green exposure for the elderly over the decade, with minimal changes in equity. In contrast, green exposure for children has increased, with increasing inequality. Moreover, urban renewal has improved green exposure for nearly half of the low-supply blocks. However, a significant mismatch was observed between supply and demand for blocks with increased demand but limited supply. This study enhances the assessment of green exposure and provides guidance for planning and constructing a "Green Equal City".

The Relationship Between Changes of Left Heart Structure and Function and the Risk of Future Renal Damage in Patients with Essential Hypertension.

Purpose: In essential hypertensive patients, cardiac remodeling may be associated with the risk of renal damage in the future which can be reflected by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Through retrospective analysis, we evaluated the potential of cardiac remodeling based on echocardiographic measurements to predict the risk of renal damage in the future with hypertensive patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the relationship between the changes of left heart structure and function and renal damage for 510 patients with hypertension, who were diagnosed between 2016 to 2022. Demography data, clinical data, blood samples and echocardiographic variables were used for survival analysis, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model was used. Results: In our study, we found that age, serum creatinine (SCR), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK MB), abnormal high-sensitivity troponin I (TNI), interventricular septum thickness (IVST) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) could be used as independent predictors in risk of renal impairment in hypertensive patients (p<0.05). Combined in a score where one point was given for the presence of each of the parameters above, this score could strongly predict renal function damage in the future (p<0.05). In receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses, the area under the curve of the risk factor score was 0.849 (P<0.001). Conclusion: In essential hypertensive patients, LVEF and IVST can predict the risk of future adverse renal outcomes. Moreover, combining risk variables into a simplified score may enable to assess the risk of renal impairment in hypertensive patients at an early stage.

First-Principles Investigation of Phosphorus-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride as Anchoring Material for the Lithium-Sulfur Battery.

The utilization of lithium-sulfur battery is hindered by various challenges, including the "shuttle effect", limited sulfur utilization, and the sluggish conversion kinetics of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). In the present work, a theoretical design for the viability of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and phosphorus-doping graphitic carbon nitride substrates (P-g-C3N4) as promising host materials in a Li-S battery was conducted utilizing first-principles calculations. The PDOS shows that when the P atom is introduced, the 2p of the N atom is affected by the 2p orbital of the P atom, which increases the energy band of phosphorus-doping substrates. The energy bands of PC and Pi are 0.12 eV and 0.20 eV, respectively. When the lithium polysulfides are adsorbed on four substrates, the overall adsorption energy of PC is 48-77% higher than that of graphitic carbon nitride, in which the charge transfer of long-chain lithium polysulfides increase by more than 1.5-fold. It is found that there are powerful Li-N bonds between lithium polysulfides and P-g-C3N4 substrates. Compared with the graphitic carbon nitride monolayer, the anchoring effect of the LiPSs@P-g-C3N4 substrate is enhanced, which is beneficial for inhibiting the shuttle of high-order lithium polysulfides. Furthermore, the catalytic performance of the P-g-C3N4 substrate is assessed in terms of the S8 reduction pathway and the decomposition of Li2S; the decomposition energy barrier of the P-g-C3N4 substrate decrease by 10% to 18%. The calculated results show that P-g-C3N4 can promote the reduction of S8 molecules and Li-S bond cleavage within Li2S, thus improving the utilization of sulfur-active substances and the ability of rapid reaction kinetics. Therefore, the P-g-C3N4 substrates are a promising high-performance lithium-sulfur battery anchoring material.

Mechanistic Investigation on the Regioselectivity of Electrochemical Co(II)-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Terminal Acetylenes.

In this paper, the regioselectivity of electrochemical Co(II)-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes was investigated using density functional theory. We explored in detail the energy profiles for both 1,2,4- and 1,3,5-regioselectivity pathways and revealed the origin of the regioselectivity. Two kinds of conformational isomers derived from the different coordination modes of alkynes with cobaltacyclopentadiene have been found, which were formed through electrochemically mediated redox processes. The regioselectivity of the reaction depends on the two coordination modes. When the Co(II) center attacks α-C of the third alkyne, while ß2-C in cyclopentadiene bonds to ß-C of the alkyne, the reaction favors the formation of 1,2,4-products. In contrast, when the Co(II) center connects to ß-C of the alkyne, it forms only the 1,3,5-products via [4 + 2] cycloaddition because of the steric repulsion between the bulky ligand on Co(II) and the phenyl group in the alkyne.

Application of CRISPR/Cas12i.3 for targeted mutagenesis in broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.).

In the present study, we have successfully established a gene editing platform in broomcorn millet, one of the oldest crops originating from China, by using our CRISPR/Cas12i.3, and we also created new elite germplasm for this crop.

Loss of Bcl-3 regulates macrophage polarization by promoting macrophage glycolysis.

M1/M2 macrophage polarization plays an important role in regulating the balance of the microenvironment within tissues. Moreover, macrophage polarization involves the reprogramming of metabolism, such as glucose and lipid metabolism. Transcriptional coactivator B-cell lymphoma-3 (Bcl-3) is an atypical member of the IκB family that controls inflammatory factor levels in macrophages by regulating nuclear factor kappa B pathway activation. However, the relationship between Bcl-3 and macrophage polarization and metabolism remains unclear. In this study, we show that the knockdown of Bcl-3 in macrophages can regulate glycolysis-related gene expression by promoting the activation of the nuclear factor kappa B pathway. Furthermore, the loss of Bcl-3 was able to promote the interferon gamma/lipopolysaccharide-induced M1 macrophage polarization by accelerating glycolysis. Taken together, these results suggest that Bcl-3 may be a candidate gene for regulating M1 polarization in macrophages.

Bioengineering autologous cartilage grafts for functional posterior lamellar eyelid reconstruction: A preliminary study in rabbits.

The reconstruction of posterior lamellar eyelid defects remains a significant challenge in clinical practice due to anatomical complexity, specialized function, and aesthetic concerns. The ideal substitute for the posterior lamellar should replicate the native tarsoconjunctival tissue, providing both mechanical support for the eyelids and a smooth surface for the globe after implantation. In this study, we present an innovative approach utilizing tissue-engineered cartilage (TEC) grafts generated from rabbit auricular chondrocytes and a commercialized type I collagen sponge to reconstruct critical-sized posterior lamellar defects in rabbits. The TEC grafts demonstrated remarkable mechanical strength and maintained a stable cartilaginous phenotype both in vitro and at 6 months post-implantation in immunodeficient mice. When employed as autografts to reconstruct tarsal plate defects in rabbits' upper eyelids, these TEC grafts successfully restored normal eyelid morphology, facilitated smooth eyelid movement, and preserved the histological structure of the conjunctival epithelium. When applied in bilayered tarsoconjunctival defect reconstruction, these TEC grafts not only maintained the normal contour of the upper eyelid but also supported conjunctival epithelial cell migration and growth from the defect margin towards the centre. These findings highlight that auricular chondrocyte-based TEC grafts hold great promise as potential candidates for clinical posterior lamellar reconstruction. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The complex structure and function of the posterior lamellar eyelid continue to be significant challenges for clinical reconstructive surgeries. In this study, we utilized autologous auricular chondrocyte-based TEC grafts for posterior lamellar eyelid reconstruction in a preclinical rabbit model. The TEC grafts exhibited native cartilaginous histomorphology and comparable mechanical strength to those of the native human tarsal plate. In rabbit models with either tarsal plate defects alone or bilayered tarsoconjunctival defects, TEC grafts successfully restored the normal eyelid contour and movement, as well as supported preservation and growth of conjunctival epithelium. This is the first study to demonstrate autologous TEC grafts can be employed for repairing tarsal plate defects, thereby offering an alternative therapeutic approach for treating posterior lamellar defects in clinic settings.

TANGO6 regulates cell proliferation via COPI vesicle-mediated RPB2 nuclear entry.

Coat protein complex I (COPI) vesicles mediate the retrograde transfer of cargo between Golgi cisternae and from the Golgi to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). However, their roles in the cell cycle and proliferation are unclear. This study shows that TANGO6 associates with COPI vesicles via two transmembrane domains. The TANGO6 N- and C-terminal cytoplasmic fragments capture RNA polymerase II subunit B (RPB) 2 in the cis-Golgi during the G1 phase. COPI-docked TANGO6 carries RPB2 to the ER and then to the nucleus. Functional disruption of TANGO6 hinders the nuclear entry of RPB2, which accumulates in the cytoplasm, causing cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. The conditional depletion or overexpression of TANGO6 in mouse hematopoietic stem cells results in compromised or expanded hematopoiesis. Our study results demonstrate that COPI vesicle-associated TANGO6 plays a role in the regulation of cell cycle progression by directing the nuclear transfer of RPB2, making it a potential target for promoting or arresting cell expansion.

Causal effects of gut microbiota on the risk of urinary tract stones: A bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study.

Background: Recent studies increasingly suggest notable changes in both the quantity and types of gut microbiota among individuals suffering from urinary tract stones. However, the causal relationship between GMB and urinary tract stone formation remains elusive, which we aim to further investigate in this research through Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis. Materials and methods: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the human GMB were selected from MiBioGen International Consortium GWAS dataset. Data on urinary tract stone-related traits and associated SNPs were sourced from the IEU Open GWAS database. To investigate the causal relationships between gut microbiota and urinary tract stones, Mendelian Randomization (MR) was applied using genetic variants as instrumental variables, utilizing a bidirectional two-sample MR framework. This analysis incorporated various statistical techniques such as inverse variance weighting, weighted median analysis, MR-Egger, and the maximum likelihood method. To ensure the reliability of the findings, a range of sensitivity tests were conducted, including Cochran's Q test, the MR-Egger intercept, leave-one-out cross-validation, and examination of funnel plots. Results: The results revealed the causal relationship between the increase in the abundance of 10 microbial taxa, including Genus-Barnesiella (IVW OR = 0.73, 95%CI 0.73-0.89, P = 2.29 × 10-3) and Genus-Flavonifractor (IVW OR = 0.69, 95%CI 0.53-0.91, P = 8.57 × 10-3), and the decreased risk of urinary tract stone formation. Conversely, the development of urinary tract stones was observed to potentially instigate alterations in the abundance of 13 microbial taxa, among which Genus-Ruminococcus torques group was notably affected (IVW OR = 1.07, 95%CI 0.64-0.98, P = 1.86 × 10-3). In this context, Genus-Clostridium sensustricto1 exhibited a bidirectional causal relationship with urinary tract stones, while the remaining significant microbial taxa demonstrated unidirectional causal effects in the two-sample MR analysis. Sensitivity analyses did not identify significant estimates of heterogeneity or pleiotropy. Conclusion: To summarize, the results of this study suggest a likely causative link between gut microbiota and the incidence of urinary tract stones. This insight opens up potential pathways for discovering biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the management and prevention of urolithiasis. However, further in-depth research is warranted to investigate these associations.

Complete Restoration of Hearing Loss and Cochlear Synaptopathy via Minimally Invasive, Single-Dose, and Controllable Middle Ear Delivery of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Poly(dl-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)-Loaded Hydrogel.

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) often accompanies cochlear synaptopathy, which can be potentially reversed to restore hearing. However, there has been little success in achieving complete recovery of sensorineural deafness using nearly noninvasive middle ear drug delivery before. Here, we present a study demonstrating the efficacy of a middle ear delivery system employing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-poly-(dl-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-loaded hydrogel in reversing synaptopathy and restoring hearing function in a mouse model with NIHL. The mouse model achieved using the single noise exposure (NE, 115 dBL, 4 h) exhibited an average 20 dBL elevation of hearing thresholds with intact cochlear hair cells but a loss of ribbon synapses as the primary cause of hearing impairment. We developed a BDNF-PLGA-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel, which was administered via a single controllable injection into the tympanic cavity of noise-exposed mice, allowing its presence in the middle ear for a duration of 2 weeks. This intervention resulted in complete restoration of NIHL at frequencies of click, 4, 8, 16, and 32 kHz. Moreover, the cochlear ribbon synapses exhibited significant recovery, whereas other cochlear components (hair cells and auditory nerves) remained unchanged. Additionally, the cochlea of NE treated mice revealed activation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TRKB) signaling upon exposure to BDNF. These findings demonstrate a controllable and minimally invasive therapeutic approach that utilizes a BDNF-PLGA-loaded hydrogel to restore NIHL by specifically repairing cochlear synaptopathy. This tailored middle ear delivery system holds great promise for achieving ideal clinical outcomes in the treatment of NIHL and cochlear synaptopathy.

Recent Advances in Implantable Neural Interfaces for Multimodal Electrical Neuromodulation.

Electrical neuromodulation plays a pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes among individuals suffering from neurological disorders. Implantable neural interfaces are vital components of the electrical neuromodulation system to ensure desirable performance; However, conventional devices are limited to a single function and are constructed with bulky and rigid materials, which often leads to mechanical incompatibility with soft tissue and an inability to adapt to the dynamic and complex 3D structures of biological systems. In addition, current implantable neural interfaces utilized in clinical settings primarily rely on wire-based techniques, which are associated with complications such as increased risk of infection, limited positioning options, and movement restrictions. Here, the state-of-art applications of electrical neuromodulation are presented. Material schemes and device structures that can be employed to develop robust and multifunctional neural interfaces, including flexibility, stretchability, biodegradability, self-healing, self-rolling, or morphing are discussed. Furthermore, multimodal wireless neuromodulation techniques, including optoelectronics, mechano-electrics, magnetoelectrics, inductive coupling, and electrochemically based self-powered devices are reviewed. In the end, future perspectives are given.

Bright and Stable Red Perovskite LEDs under High Current Densities.

Perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) have emerged as a next-generation light-emitting technology. Recent breakthroughs were made in achieving highly stable near-infrared and green PeLEDs. However, the operational lifetimes (T50) of visible PeLEDs under high current densities (>10 mA cm-2) remain unsatisfactory (normally <100 h), limiting the possibilities in solid-state lighting and AR/VR applications. This problem becomes more pronounced for mixed-halide (e.g., red and blue) perovskite emitters in which critical challenges such as halide segregation and spectral instability are present. Here, we demonstrate bright and stable red PeLEDs based on mixed-halide perovskites, showing measured T50 lifetimes of up to ∼357 h at currents of ≥25 mA cm-2, a record for the operational stability of visible PeLEDs under high current densities. The devices produce intense and stable emission with a maximum luminance of 28,870 cd m-2 (radiance: 1584 W sr-1 m-2), which is record-high for red PeLEDs. Key to this demonstration is the introduction of sulfonamide, a dipolar molecular stabilizer that effectively interacts with the ionic species in the perovskite emitters. It suppresses halide segregation and migration into the charge-transport layers, resulting in enhanced stability and brightness of the mixed-halide PeLEDs. These results represent a substantial step toward bright and stable PeLEDs for emerging applications.

Three new Pyrenula species with 3-septate ascospores with red or orange oil when over-mature (Ascomycota, Pyrenulales, Pyrenulaceae) from China.

The lichenised fungal genus Pyrenula is a very common crustose lichen element in tropical to subtropical forests, but little research has been done on this genus in China. During our study on Pyrenula in China, based on morphological characteristics, chemical traits and molecular phylogenetic analysis (ITS and nuLSU), three new 3-septate species with red or orange oil in over-mature ascospores were found: Pyrenulainspersasp. nov., P.thailandicoidessp. nov. and P.apiculatasp. nov. Compared to the known 3-septate species of Pyrenula with red or orange oil, P.inspersa is characterised by the inspersed hamathecium; P.thailandicoides is characterised by the IKI+ red hamathecium and the existence of an unknown lichen substance; and P.apiculata is characterised by the absence of endospore layers in the spore tips and the absence of pseudocyphellae. It is reported for the first time that the presence of a gelatinous halo around the ascospores of Pyrenula is common. A word key for the Pyrenula species with red or orange oil in over-mature ascospores is provided.

Influence and Optimization of Gas Diffusion Layer Porosity Distribution along the Flow Direction on the Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

The longevity of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), as a promising new energy technology, is a critical factor in achieving their market viability. However, the nonuniform distribution of reactants within fuel cells, resulting from their complex porous structure and reaction mechanisms, can lead to localized catalyst degradation and consequently reduce their lifespan. Moreover, the condensation of water vapor exacerbates this phenomenon. To address this challenge, this study proposes an optimization approach focused on the pore distribution of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) to enhance the uniformity of the reactant distribution and mitigate catalyst degradation. Initially, a three-dimensional (3D) model is established to describe the two-phase flow dynamics within PEMFCs. Subsequently, parameter models are developed for three different distributions of GDL pore density, namely, uniform, curved, and parabolic distributions, while ensuring that the average porosity of the GDL remains constant. The performance of PEMFCs under these distinct GDL pore density distributions is comprehensively analyzed including current density, oxygen concentration, and liquid water behavior. Compared to the uniform distribution, both the curved and parabolic distributions of GDL pore density exhibit an improved current density distribution and enhanced liquid water removal. Numerical analysis of performance characteristics elucidates the underlying mechanism by which the GDL pore density distribution influences the cell's performance. Specifically, variations in the pore density distribution alter the interfacial area for mass transfer between the catalyst layer and GDL, resulting in a more even distribution of current density and mitigating localized catalyst degradation. Furthermore, an optimization process is implemented to determine the optimal parameters for the GDL pore density distributions. Comparative analysis of the three GDL pore density distributions under optimal conditions reveals that the parabolic distribution offers advantages in promoting a uniform distribution of the current density within PEMFCs. In summary, this research proposes an innovative approach to improve the longevity of PEMFCs by optimizing the pore distribution of the GDL. The findings highlight the significance of GDL pore density distribution in enhancing reactant uniformity and mitigating catalyst degradation, ultimately contributing to the advancement and commercialization of PEMFC technology.

Dynamics of bacterioplankton communities in the estuary areas of the Taihu Lake: Distinct ecological mechanisms of abundant and rare communities.

As the crucial confluences of rivers and lakes, the estuary areas with varied hydrodynamic exchanges intensively affect the bacterioplankton communities, whereas the ecological characteristics of the bacterioplankton in the areas have not been well understood. Here, the distribution patterns and assembly mechanisms of bacterioplankton communities in the estuary areas of the Taihu Lake were investigated using high-throughput sequencing and multivariate statistical analyses. Our results showed obvious seasonal variations in bacterioplankton diversity and community composition, which had significant correlations with water temperature. Neutral and null models together revealed that stochastic processes (especially dispersal limitation) were the major processes in shaping the communities across different seasons. By contrast, heterogeneous selection in deterministic processes exhibited increased impacts on community assembly during summer and autumn, which was significantly related to the comprehensive water quality index (WQI) rather than any single factor. In this study, rare communities displayed more pronounced seasonal dynamics compared to abundant communities, likely due to their sensitivity towards environmental factors. Accordingly, the heterogeneous selection of deterministic processes largely shaped the rare communities. These results enriched our understanding of the assembly mechanisms of bacterioplankton communities in estuary areas and emphasized the specific co-occurrence patterns of abundant and rare communities.

The effect of mini basketball on upper limb strength performance in children aged 4-6 years: a Meta analysis / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To systematically evaluate the effect of mini basketball on children s upper limb strength in China, and to provide basis for the development of kindergarten mini basketball and the improvement of children s upper limb strength performance.@*Methods@#CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched from the establishment of the database to July 26, 2023. The PICOST model was used for literature screening, and 13 literature with a total of 20 studies were finally included. The Cochrane System Evaluation Criteria was used for literature quality evaluation. Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 17 were used for statistical analysis and publication bias test.@*Results@#A total of 939 children were included in 20 studies, including 470 in the experimental group and 469 in the control group. Meta analysis showed that mini basketball had an extremely significant effect on the improvement of children s upper limb strength ( SMD=0.83, 95%CI=0.53-1.13, Z=5.40, P < 0.01 ). The results of subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant gender difference in the improvement of children s upper limb strength by mini basketball ( P >0.05), mini basketball exercise with an intervention time of less than or equal to 30 minutes ( SMD=0.49, 95%CI=0.29-0.70, Z=4.70, P <0.01) and an exercise cycle of more than 12 weeks ( SMD=1.25, 95%CI=0.54-1.96, Z= 3.45 , P<0.01) can achieve a better intervention effect on the upper limb strength of children. Meta regression results showed that the exercise intervention time was the main source of heterogeneity ( t=2.71, 95%CI= 1.38-22.93, P <0.05). Egger s test showed that the publication bias of the included studies was not statistically significant ( t=0.78, P >0.05).@*Conclusions@#Mini basketball training can improve the upper limb strength of children, but there is no significant gender difference. The upper limb strength is affected by the restriction of intervention time and exercise cycle. Schools can appropriately add small basketball in physical education classes to improve children s upper limb strength.

An AIE Metal Iridium Complex: Photophysical Properties and Singlet Oxygen Generation Capacity.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has garnered significant attention in the fields of cancer treatment and drug-resistant bacteria eradication due to its non-invasive nature and spatiotemporal controllability. Iridium complexes have captivated researchers owing to their tunable structure, exceptional optical properties, and substantial Stokes displacement. However, most of these complexes suffer from aggregation-induced quenching, leading to diminished luminous efficiency. In contrast to conventional photosensitizers, photosensitizers exhibiting aggregation-induced luminescence (AIE) properties retain the ability to generate a large number of reactive oxygen species when aggregated. To overcome these limitations, we designed and synthesized a novel iridium complex named Ir-TPA in this study. It incorporates quinoline triphenylamine cyclomethylated ligands that confer AIE characteristics for Ir-TPA. We systematically investigated the photophysical properties, AIE behavior, spectral features, and reactive oxygen generation capacity of Ir-TPA. The results demonstrate that Ir-TPA exhibits excellent optical properties with pronounced AIE phenomenon and robust capability for producing singlet oxygen species. This work not only introduces a new class of metal iridium complex photosensitizer with AIE attributes but also holds promise for achieving remarkable photodynamic therapeutic effects in future cellular experiments and biological studies.

[Characteristics of Silent Alpha Thalassemia Gene in Child-Bearing Adults in Guangdong].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate characteristics of silent alpha thalassemia genes in child-bearing adults in Guangdong, in order to provide data for the prevention and control of hemoglobin H disease. METHODS: A total of 8 752 cases were collected from January 2016 to December 2020. Gap-PCR was used to detect the deletional of α-thalassemia mutations (-α3.7, -α4.2), while PCR reverse dot blot hybridization assay (RDB) was used to detect the non-deletional α-thalassemia mutations (Hb CS, Hb QS and Hb Westmead). RESULTS: Among 8 752 subjects, 717 cases of silent α-thalassemia were detected, the detection rate was 8.19%, including 555 cases of deletional α-thalassemia (77.41%) and 162 cases of non-deletional α-thalassemia 22.59%. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of deletional silent α-thalassemia was (82.09±4.10) fl, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) was (27.03±1.37) pg, which both were over the diagnostic cut-off value for thalassemia. The MCV of non-deletional silent α-thalassemia was (81.07±4.93) fl, and MCH was (26.77±2.20) pg. According to the diagnostic criteria, if using MCV<82 fl or (and) MCH<27 pg as a positive criteria for screening thalassemia in the childbearing age, the screening sensitivity was 53.14% and different in different genotype, among which ααQS/αα was 100%, -α3.7/αα, -α4.2/αα, ααCS/αα and ααWS/αα was 62.15%, 63.41%, 44.83% and 39.62%, respectively. Namely, nearly half the carriers of such mutations might have escaped detection as a result of their screening strategy. CONCLUSION: When a couple is preparing for pregnancy, if one of them has been determined to be mild α-thalassemia or hemoglobin H disease, other half is necessary to carry out silent α thalassemia detection to prevent the birth of children with hemoglobin H disease even if MCV>82 fl and MCH>27 pg.