Scutellarin alleviates tensile stress-induced proliferation and migration of venous smooth muscle cells via mediating the p38 MAPK pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Abnormal proliferation and migration of biomechanical force-induced venous smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a major cause to limit the efficacy of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for coronary heart disease (CHD). Scutellarin is the main active ingredient of Erigeron Breviscapus, and has broad-spectrum pharmacological effects. Therefore, the present study was proposed to investigate the effect of Scutellarin on VSMCs under tensile stress. METHODS: After interfering with VSMCs at different tensile stresses, the optimal tensile stress was screened. In a tensile stress environment, 100 µM Scutellarin and Hesperetin (p38 MAPK pathway activator) was used to treatment with VSMCs. CCK-8, EDU, Wound healing, flow cytometry and western blotting assays were used to detect cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Caspase3, Bcl2 and Bax). RESULTS: Tensile stress with 10% significantly enhanced the activity, wound-healing ratio, and EDU+ cells of VSMCs, and decreased their apoptosis ratio. Moreover, it upregulated Bcl2 expression, and downregulated cleaved-Caspase3 and Bax expression of VSMCs. Hence, 10% tensile stress was selected to creates a tensile stress environment for VSMCs. Interestingly, 100 µM Scutellarin alleviated the effect of 10% tensile stress on the phenotype of VSMCs. Notably, 10% tensile stress increased the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK (Thr180 +Tyr182) in VSMCs, which was restricted by Scutellarin. Further, Hesperetin restored the effect of Scutellarin on the phenotype of VSMCs. CONCLUSION: Scutellarin alleviates tension stress-induced proliferation and migration of VSMCs via suppressing p38 MAPK pathway. Scutellarin may be used as an adjunctive strategy for future GABG treatment in CHD patients.

Fluid-solid coupling numerical simulation of entire rat caudal vertebrae under dynamic loading.

Trabeculae bone undergoes directional growth along the applied force under physiological loading. The growth of bone structure relies on the coordinated interplay among osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts. Under normal circumstances, bone remodeling maintains a state of equilibrium. Excessive bone formation can lead to osteosclerosis, while excessive bone resorption can result in osteoporosis and osteonecrosis. The investigation of the structural characteristics of trabeculae and the mechanotransduction between bone cells plays a vital role in the treatment of bone-related diseases. In this study, a fluid-solid coupling model of the entire vertebral bone was established based on micro-CT images obtained from rat tail vertebrae subjected to tensile loading experiments. The flow characteristics of bone marrow and the mechanical response of osteocytes in different regions under physiological loading were investigated. The results revealed a U-shaped distribution of wall fluid shear stress (FSS) along the longitudinal axis in trabecular bone, with higher FSS regions exhibiting greater mechanical stimulation on osteocytes. These findings elucidate a positive correlation between the mechanical microenvironment among osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts, providing potential strategies for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases.

Correlation between maternally expressed gene 3 expression and heart rate variability in heart failure patients with ventricular arrhythmia.

AIM: The aim of the study was to analyse the correlation between maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) expression and heart rate variability (HRV) in heart failure patients with ventricular arrhythmia (VA). METHODS: A total of 130 heart failure patients, treated from July 2018 to March 2021, were prospectively selected and divided into a non-VA group (n = 85) and a VA group (n = 45) according to the presence or absence of VA. The correlations of serum MEG3 expression and HRV with cardiac function indicators were investigated by Pearson correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to assess the predictive value of MEG3, HRV and their combination for the occurrence of heart failure complicated with VA. RESULTS: The VA group had a higher left atrial diameter (LAD) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) but lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and ratio of mitral early diastolic peak velocity (E) to late peak atrial filling velocity (A) (E/A) than the non-VA group (p < 0.05). The serum MEG3 expression was negatively correlated with: standard deviation of the average RR intervals calculated over five-minute segments in the 24-hour record (SDANN), SDANN index, standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR interval (SDNN) index, percentage of differences between adjacent normal RR intervals exceeding 50 ms (PNN50), root mean square of successive difference (RMSSD), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), very low frequency (VLF), LVEF and E/A (r < 0, p < 0.05). The serum MEG3 expression was positively correlated with LAD and LVEDD (r > 0, p < 0.05). The areas under the ROC curves of MEG3, SDANN, SDANN index, SDNN index, PNN50, RMSSD, LF, HF, VLF and their combination for the prediction of the occurrence of heart failure complicated with VA were 0.812, 0.731, 0.737, 0.689, 0.860, 0.783, 0.791, 0.856, 0.769 and 0.966, respectively. CONCLUSION: MEG3 combined with HRV can effectively predict the occurrence of heart failure complicated with VA.

Native plants change the endophyte assembly and growth of an invasive plant in response to climatic factors.

Climate change, microbial endophytes, and local plants can affect the establishment and expansion of invasive species, yet no study has been performed to assess these interactions. Using a growth chamber, we integrated the belowground (rhizosphere soils) and aboveground (mixture of mature leaf and leaf litter) microbiota into an experimental framework to evaluate the impacts of four native plants acting as microbial inoculation sources on endophyte assembly and growth of the invasive plant Ageratina adenophora in response to drought stress and temperature change. We found that fungal and bacterial enrichment in the leaves and roots of A. adenophora exhibited distinct patterns in response to climatic factors. Many fungi were enriched in roots in response to high temperature and drought stress; in contrast, many bacteria were enriched in leaves in response to low temperature and drought stress. Inoculation of microbiota from phylogenetically close native plant species (i.e., Asteraceae Artemisia atrovirens) causes the recipient plant A. adenophora (Asteraceae) to enrich dominant microbial species from inoculation sources, which commonly results in a lower dissimilar endophytic microbiota and thus produces more negative growth effects when compared to non-Asteraceae inoculations. Drought, microbial inoculation source, and temperature directly impacted the growth of A. adenophora. Both drought and inoculation also indirectly impacted the growth of A. adenophora by changing the root endophytic fungal assembly. Our data indicate that native plant identity can greatly impact the endophyte assembly and host growth of invasive plants, which is regulated by drought and temperature.IMPORTANCEThere has been increasing interest in the interactions between global changes and plant invasions; however, it remains to quantify the role of microbial endophytes in plant invasion with a consideration of their variation in the root vs leaf of hosts, as well as the linkages between microbial inoculations, such as native plant species, and climatic factors, such as temperature and drought. Our study found that local plants acting as microbial inoculants can impact fungal and bacterial enrichment in the leaves and roots of the invasive plant Ageratina adenophora and thus produce distinct growth effects in response to climatic factors; endophyte-mediated invasion of A. adenophora is expected to operate more effectively under favorable moisture. Our study is important for understanding the interactions between climate change, microbial endophytes, and local plant identity in the establishment and expansion of invasive species.

Genetic Evidence for Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Transmission Between the Invasive Plant Ageratina adenophora and Co-occurring Neighbor Plants.

To understand the disease-mediated invasion of exotic plants and the potential risk of disease transmission in local ecosystems, it is necessary to characterize population genetic structure and spatio-temporal dynamics of fungal community associated with both invasive and co-occurring plants. In this study, multiple genes were used to characterize the genetic diversity of 165 strains of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex (CGSC) isolated from healthy leaves and symptomatic leaves of invasive plant Ageratina adenophora, as well as symptomatic leaves of its neighbor plants from eleven geographic sites in China. The data showed that these CGSC strains had a high genetic diversity in each geographic site (all Hd > 0.67 and Pi > 0.01). Haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity varied greatly in individual gene locus: gs had the highest haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.8972), gapdh had the highest nucleotide diversity (Pi = 0.0705), and ITS had the lowest nucleotide diversity (Pi = 0.0074). Haplotypes were not clustered by geographic site, invasive age, or isolation source. AMOVA revealed that the genetic variation was mainly from within-populations, regardless of geographic or isolation origin. Both AMOVA and neutrality tests indicated these CGSC strains occurred gene exchange among geographic populations but did not experience population expansion along with A. adenophora invasion progress. Our data indicated that A. adenophora primarily accumulated these CGSC fungi in the introduced range, suggesting a high frequency of CGSC transmission between A. adenophora and co-occurring neighbor plants. This study is valuable for understanding the disease-mediated plant invasion and the potential risk of disease transmission driven by exotic plants in local ecosystems.

Two Novel Species of Mesophoma gen. nov. from China.

During an investigation of the fungal pathogens associated with the invasive weed Ageratina adenophora from China, some interesting isolates were obtained from healthy leaf, leaf spot, and roots of this weed. Among them, a novel genus Mesophoma, containing two novel species M. speciosa and M. ageratinae, was found. Phylogenetic analysis of the combined, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large nuclear subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU), the RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2), and the partial ß-tubulin (tub2) sequences, showed that M. speciosa and M. ageratinae formed a distinct clade far from all genera previously described in the family Didymellaceae. Combined distinctive morphological characters, including smaller and aseptate conidia when comparing with nearby genera Stagonosporopsis, Boeremia, and Heterphoma, allowed us to describe them as novel species belonging to a novel genus Mesophoma. The full descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic tree showing the position of both M. speciosa and M. ageratinae are provided in this paper. Moreover, the potential for two strains belonging to these two species to be developed into a biocontrol for the spread of the invasive weed Ag. adenophora is also discussed.

Presence of leptin and its receptor in the ram reproductive system and in vitro effect of leptin on sperm quality.

Leptin is a 16 kDa hormone encoded by obese (OB) gene in adipocytes. This molecule not only regulates energy metabolism but also plays a role in the reproduction of mammals. Leptin and its receptor (OBR) have been found in male reproductive systems of human, bovine, equine and pig. The effects of leptin on sperm quality vary widely from different research findings. However, the presence of leptin and its receptor in the ram reproductive system and the in vitro effect of leptin on sperm quality have not reported yet. In the present study, we found that the OB was highly expressed in primary and secondary spermatocytes of the testes, OBR was highly expressed in secondary spermatocytes of the testes. The expressions of OB were in stereocilia of epididymis and in columnar cells of epididymal caput and cauda, the expressions of OBR were in columnar cells of epididymis and in stereocilia of epididymal corpus and cauda. The presence of both OB and OBR in testes, epididymis and sperm were confirmed through RT-PCR, immunolocalization and Western blot analyses. The RT-qPCR results indicated OB and OBR had higher expression levels in epididymal sperm than that of the ejaculated sperm in rams. When sperm were treated with 5 ng/mL leptin, the progressive motility (P < 0.01), straight-line velocity (VSL) (P < 0.05), average path velocity (VAP) (P < 0.05), membrane mitochondrial potential (MMP) (P < 0.01) and viability (P < 0.05) significantly increased, while DNA fragmentation index (DFI) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly decreased compared to the control (P < 0.01), and the other semen parameters such as acrosome integrity and acrosome reaction rate had no significant changes between groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, this is probably the first report describing localization of leptin and its receptors in the reproductive system of rams and their effects on sperm quality parameters. Our findings suggest that 5 ng/mL leptin treatment enhanced sperm motility, viability and MMP, and decrease DFI and ROS without obvious influence on the acrosome reaction in ram sperm. The potential mechanisms may be related to leptin's ability to reduce the oxidative stress and apoptosis of sperms and improve their mitochondrial function and energy supply, therefore, to maintain the physiological homeostasis of the sperm.

Virulence and Host Range of Fungi Associated With the Invasive Plant Ageratina adenophora.

To determine whether disease-mediated invasion of exotic plants can occur and whether this increases the risk of disease transmission in local ecosystems, it is necessary to characterize the species composition and host range of pathogens accumulated in invasive plants. In this study, we found that Didymellaceae, a family containing economically important plant fungal pathogens, is commonly associated with the invasive plant Ageratina adenophora. Accordingly, we characterized its phylogenetic position through multi-locus phylogenetic analysis, as well as its environmental distribution, virulence, and host range. The results indicated that 213 fungal collections were from 11 genera in Didymellaceae, ten of which are known, and one is potentially new. Didymella, Epicoccum, Remotididymella, and Mesophoma were the dominant genera, accounting for 93% of total isolates. The virulence and host ranges of these fungi were related to their phylogenetic relationship. Boeremia exigua, Epicoccum latusicollum, and E. sorghinum were found to be strongly virulent toward all tested native plants as well as toward A. adenophora; M. speciosa and M. ageratinae were weakly virulent toward native plants but strongly virulent toward A. adenophora, thus displaying a narrow host range. Co-evolution analysis showed no strong phylogenetical signal between Didymellaceae and host plants. Isolates S188 and Y122 (belonging to M. speciosa and M. ageratinae, respectively) showed strong virulence toward A. adenophora relative to native plants, highlighting their potential as biocontrol agents for A. adenophora invasion. This study provides new insights into the understanding of the long-term ecological consequences of disease transmission driven by plant invasion.

Preparation of Graphene Quantum Dots by Visible-Fenton Reaction and Ultrasensitive Label-Free Immunosensor for Detecting Lipovitellin of Paralichthys Olivaceus.

The increasing levels of environmental estrogens are causing negative effects on water, soil, wildlife, and human beings; label-free immunosensors with high specificities and sensitivities are being developed to test estrogeneous chemicals in complex environmental conditions. For the first time, highly fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were prepared using a visible-Fenton catalysis reaction with graphene oxide (GO) as a precursor. Different microscopy and spectroscopy techniques were employed to characterize the physical and chemical properties of the GQDs. Based on the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between amino-functionalized GQDs conjugated with anti-lipovitellin monoclonal antibodies (Anti-Lv-mAb) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), an ultrasensitive fluorescent "ON-OFF" label-free immunosensor for the detection of lipovitellin (Lv), a sensitive biomarker derived from Paralichthys olivaceus for environmental estrogen, has been established. The immunosensor has a wide linear test range (0.001-1500 ng/mL), a lower limit of detection (LOD, 0.9 pg/mL), excellent sensitivity (26,407.8 CPS/(ng/mL)), and high selectivity and reproducibility for Lv quantification. The results demonstrated that the visible-Fenton is a simple, mild, green, efficient, and general approach to fabricating GQDs, and the fluorescent "ON-OFF" immunosensor is an easy-to-use, time-saving, ultrasensitive, and accurate detection method for weak estrogenic activity.

Sevoflurane inhibits the malignant phenotypes of glioma through regulating miR-146b-5p/NFIB axis.

PURPOSE: Sevoflurane is a common used inhaled anesthetic that was reported to regulate the progression of multiple cancers. Here, we aimed to investigate the function and regulatory mechanism underlying sevoflurane in glioma cells. METHODS: A172 and U251 cells were treated with different concentrations of sevoflurane. Colony formation, EdU satining and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), flow cytometry, and transwell assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, respectively. Circ_VCAN, microRNA-146b-5p (miR-146b-5p) and nuclear factor I B (NFIB) expression levels were assessed by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) or western blot. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay were applied to evaluate the correlation between miR-146b-5p and circ_VCAN or NFIB. A xenograft glioma mice model was established to verify the effect of sevoflurane on tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS: Sevoflurane (Sev) inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion, and elevated apoptosis of A172 and U251 cells. Sevoflurane treatment inhibited the expression of circ_VCAN and NFIB, but elevated the expression of miR-146b-5p in glioma cells. Overexpression of circ_VCAN alleviated the inhibition effects of sevoflurane on the malignant phenotypes of glioma in vitro and in vivo. Besides, miR-146b-5p is a target of circ_VCAN and negatively regulated NFIB expression. Overexpression of miR-146b-5p partly reversed the effects of circ_VCAN in Sev-treated glioma cells. Furthermore, miR-146b-5p deletion enhanced glioma progression in sevoflurane treated glioma cells by targeting NFIB. Moreover, circ_VCAN could upregulate NFIB expression by sponging miR-146b-5p in Sev-treated glioma cells. CONCLUSION: Sevoflurane alleviated proliferation, migration and invasion, but enhanced apoptosis of glioma cells through regulating circ_VCAN/miR-146b-5p/NFIB axis.

Diversity and pathogenicity of Alternaria species associated with the invasive plant Ageratina adenophora and local plants.

Pathogen accumulation after introduction is unavoidable for exotic plants over a long period of time. Therefore, it is important to understand whether plant invasion promotes novel pathogen emergence and increases the risk of pathogen movement among agricultural, horticultural, and wild native plants. In this study, we used multiple gene analysis to characterize the species composition of 104 isolates of Alternaria obtained from the invasive plant Ageratina adenophora and native plants from Yunnan, Hubei, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Guangxi in China. Phylogenetically, these strains were from A. alternata (88.5%), A. gossypina (10.6%) and A. steviae (0.9%). There was a high amount of sharing between strains associated with A. adenophora and with local plants. Pathogenicity tests indicated that most of these Alternaria strains are generalists; the isolates with a wider host range were more virulent to the plant. Woody plants were more resistant to these strains than herbaceous plants and vines. However, the invasive plant A. adenophora was highly sensitive to these strains. Our data are valuable for understanding how A. adenophora invasion impacts the Alternaria species composition of the native plant and whether A. adenophora invasion causes potential disease risks in invaded ecosystems.

Melatonin promotes the development of sheep transgenic cloned embryos by protecting donor and recipient cells.

The yield efficiency of transgenic animal generation is relatively low[1]. To improve its efficiency has become a priority task for researchers[2]. Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, MT) is a potent-free radical scavenger and antioxidant to protect mitochondria, lipids, protein and DNA from oxidative stress[3]. In this study, we observed that improving the quality of both donor and recipient cells by giving physiological concentration (10-7 M) of MT significantly increase the sheep transgenic embryo development in the in vitro condition. MT promotes the donor cell viability, proliferation, efficiency of monoclonal formation and the electrotransferring efficiency of fetal fibroblast cells (FFCs). The mechanistic exploration indicates that MT has the capacity for the synchronization of cell division cycle, reduction of cellular oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the increase of mitochondrial number and function. All of these render MT's ability to increase the efficiency of animal transgenic processes such as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and electroporation. The outcomes are the increased cleavage rate and blastocyst rate of the transgenic sheep embryos after MT treatment. These beneficial effects of MT on transgenic embryo development are worth to be tested in the in vivo condition in the future.

Comparison of Bispectral Index Monitor Data Between Standard Frontal-Temporal Position and Alternative Nasal Dorsum Position in the Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The Bispectral (BIS) monitor is a validated, noninvasive monitor placed over the forehead to titrate sedation in patients under general anesthesia in the operating room. In the neurocritical care unit, there is limited room on the forehead because of incisions, injuries, and other monitoring devices. This is a pilot study to determine whether a BIS nasal montage correlates to the standard frontal-temporal data in this patient population. METHODS: This prospective nonandomized pilot study enrolled 10 critically ill, intubated, and sedated adult patients admitted to the neurocritical care unit. Each patient had a BIS monitor placed over the standard frontal-temporal location and over the alternative nasal dorsum with simultaneous data collected for 24 hours. RESULTS: In the frontal-temporal location, the mean (SD) BIS score was 50.9 (15.0), average minimum BIS score was 47.0 (15.0), and average maximum BIS score was 58.4 (16.7). In the nasal dorsum location, the mean BIS score was 54.8 (21.6), average minimum BIS score was 52.8 (20.9), and average maximum BIS score was 58.0 (22.2). Baseline nonparametric tests showed nonsignificant P values for all variables except for Signal Quality Index. Generalized linear model analysis demonstrated significant differences between the 2 monitor locations (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot study do not support using a BIS nasal montage as an alternative for patients in the neurocritical care unit.

Effect of cold and heat therapies on pain relief in patients with delayed onset muscle soreness: A network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively compare the effectiveness of cold and heat therapies for delayed onset muscle soreness using network meta-analysis. METHODS: Eight Chinese and English databases were searched from date of establishment of the database to 31 May 2021. Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to analyse the included randomized controlled trials. Potential papers were screened for eligibility, and data were extracted by 2 independent researchers. RESULTS: A total of 59 studies involving 1,367 patients were eligible for this study. Ten interventions were examined: contrast water therapy, phase change material, the novel modality of cryotherapy, cold-water immersion, hot/warm-water immersion, cold pack, hot pack, ice massage, ultrasound, and passive recovery. Network meta-analysis results showed that: (i) within 24 h after exercise, hot pack was the most effective for pain relief, followed by contrast water therapy; (ii) within 48 h, the ranking was hot pack, followed by the novel modality of cryotherapy; and (iii) over 48 h post-exercise, the effect of the novel modality of cryotherapy ranked first. CONCLUSION: Due to the limited quality of the included studies, further well-designed research is needed to draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of cold and heat therapies for delayed onset muscle soreness.

An App knock-in rat model for Alzheimer's disease exhibiting Aß and tau pathologies, neuronal death and cognitive impairments.

A major obstacle in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research is the lack of predictive and translatable animal models that reflect disease progression and drug efficacy. Transgenic mice overexpressing amyloid precursor protein (App) gene manifest non-physiological and ectopic expression of APP and its fragments in the brain, which is not observed in AD patients. The App knock-in mice circumvented some of these problems, but they do not exhibit tau pathology and neuronal death. We have generated a rat model, with three familiar App mutations and humanized Aß sequence knocked into the rat App gene. Without altering the levels of full-length APP and other APP fragments, this model exhibits pathologies and disease progression resembling those in human patients: deposit of Aß plaques in relevant brain regions, microglia activation and gliosis, progressive synaptic degeneration and AD-relevant cognitive deficits. Interestingly, we have observed tau pathology, neuronal apoptosis and necroptosis and brain atrophy, phenotypes rarely seen in other APP models. This App knock-in rat model may serve as a useful tool for AD research, identifying new drug targets and biomarkers, and testing therapeutics.

Facile Fabrication of Highly Fluorescent N-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots Using an Ultrasonic-Assisted Hydrothermal Method: Optical Properties and Cell Imaging.

Fluorescent N-doped carbon nanodots (CNDs) are a type of environmentally friendly nanomaterial that is promising for application in cell imaging and optoelectronics. In this paper, a natural amino acid (l-glutamic acid) was used as a precursor, and two different morphological and structured N-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were synthesized via a one-step ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method at 230 and 250 °C. Various microscopy and spectroscopy techniques were employed to characterize the morphology, structure, optical properties, and stability of the CQDs. The results showed that N-CQDs-1 are new CNDs composed of amorphous carbon with a large amount of pyroglutamic acid, and N-CQDs-2 are composed of pure amorphous carbon. The CQDs exhibit excellent optical properties, such as 40.5% quantum yield, strong photobleaching resistance, and superior photostability. Combining the fluorescence lifetimes and radiative and non-radiative decay constants, the photoluminescence mechanism of the CQDs was qualitatively explained. The two CQDs were used for BV2 cell imaging and showed good results, implying the ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal approach as a facile method to obtain structure- and morphology-controllable N-doped CQDs with prospect for application in cell imaging.

One-Pot Synthesis of Bright Blue Luminescent N-Doped GQDs: Optical Properties and Cell Imaging.

High fluorescent graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are promising in bioimaging and optoelectronics. In this paper, bright blue fluorescent N-doped GQDs were synthesized using a ultrasonic-assisted hydrothermal method. The morphology, structure, surface chemistry, optical properties, and stability subject to photo-bleaching, temperature, pH and preservation period for the N-GQDs were investigated in detail using various microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. The results showed that the N-GQDs possessed an average size of 2.65 nm, 3.57% N doping, and up to 54% quantum yield (QY). The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the N-GQDs are excitation dependent when excited in the range of 300-370 nm and excitation independent in the range of 380-500 nm for the core and surface states emission. The N-GQDs showed excellent photo-bleaching resistance and superior photo-stability. At room temperature and in the pH range of 3-8, the fluorescence of the N-GQDs was almost invariable. The N-GQDs can be stably preserved for at least 40 days. The average decay lifetime of the N-GQDs was 2.653 ns, and the radiative and nonradiative decay rate constants were calculated to be 2.04 × 108 s-1 and 1.73 × 108 s-1, respectively. The PL mechanism was qualitatively explained. The N-GQDs was used for cell imaging, and it showed good results, implying great potential applications for bioimaging or biomarking.

Ergonomic Consideration in Pillow Height Determinants and Evaluation.

(1) Background: Sleep problems have become one of the current serious public health issues. Pillow height affects the alignment of the cervical spine and is closely related to the mechanical environment of the cervical spine. An appropriate pillow height can provide adequate support for the head and neck to reduce the stress in the cervical spine and relax the muscles of the neck and shoulder, thereby relieving pain and improving sleep quality. (2) Methods: We reviewed the current trends, research methodologies, and determinants of pillow height evaluation, summarizing the evidences published since 1997. In particular, we scrutinized articles dealing with the physiological and mechanical characteristics of the head-neck-shoulder complex. (3) Results: Through the investigation and analysis of these articles, we presented several quantitative and objective determinants for pillow height evaluation, including cervical spine alignment, body dimension, contact pressure, and muscle activity. The measurement methods and selection criteria for these parameters are described in detail. However, the suggested range for achieving optimal cervical spine alignment, appropriate pressure distribution, and minimal muscle activity during sleep cannot yet be identified considering the lack of sufficient evidence. Moreover, there remain no firm conclusions about the optimal pillow height for the supine and lateral positions. (4) Conclusions: A comprehensive evaluation combining the above determinants provides a unique solution for ergonomic pillow design and proper pillow height selection, which can effectively promote the public sleep health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a reasonable algorithm to weigh multiple determinants.

Virulence and community dynamics of fungal species with vertical and horizontal transmission on a plant with multiple infections.

The virulence evolution of multiple infections of parasites from the same species has been modeled widely in evolution theory. However, experimental studies on this topic remain scarce, particularly regarding multiple infections by different parasite species. Here, we characterized the virulence and community dynamics of fungal pathogens on the invasive plant Ageratina adenophora to verify the predictions made by the model. We observed that A. adenophora was highly susceptible to diverse foliar pathogens with mixed vertical and horizontal transmission within leaf spots. The transmission mode mainly determined the pathogen community structure at the leaf spot level. Over time, the pathogen community within a leaf spot showed decreased Shannon diversity; moreover, the vertically transmitted pathogens exhibited decreased virulence to the host A. adenophora, but the horizontally transmitted pathogens exhibited increased virulence to the host. Our results demonstrate that the predictions of classical models for the virulence evolution of multiple infections are still valid in a complex realistic environment and highlight the impact of transmission mode on disease epidemics of foliar fungal pathogens. We also propose that seedborne fungi play an important role in structuring the foliar pathogen community from multiple infections within a leaf spot.