Identification and expression analysis of XIP gene family members in rice.

Xylanase inhibitor proteins (XIP) are widely distributed in the plant kingdom, and also exist in rice. However, a systematic bioinformatics analysis of this gene family in rice (OsXIP) has not been conducted to date. In this study, we identified 32 members of the OsXIP gene family and analyzed their physicochemical properties, chromosomal localization, gene structure, protein structure, expression profiles, and interaction networks. Our results indicated that OsXIP genes exhibit an uneven distribution across eight rice chromosomes. These genes generally feature a low number of introns or are intronless, all family members, except for OsXIP20, contain two highly conserved motifs, namely Motif 8 and Motif 9. In addition, it is worth noting that the promoter regions of OsXIP gene family members feature a widespread presence of abscisic acid response elements (ABRE) and gibberellin response elements (GARE-motif and TATC-box). Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis unveiled that the expression of OsXIP genes exhibited higher levels in leaves and roots, with considerable variation in the expression of each gene in these tissues both prior to and following treatments with abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellin (GA3). Protein interaction studies and microRNA (miRNA) target prediction showed that OsXIP engages with key elements within the hormone-responsive and drought signaling pathways. The qRT-PCR suggested osa-miR2927 as a potential key regulator in the rice responding to drought stress, functioning as tissue-specific and temporally regulation. This study provides a theoretical foundation for further analysis of the functions within the OsXIP gene family.

Punicalagin attenuates hyperuricemia via restoring hyperuricemia-induced renal and intestinal dysfunctions.

INTRODUCTION: It is estimated that 90% of hyperuricemia cases are attributed to the inability to excrete uric acid (UA). The two main organs in charge of excreting UA are the kidney (70%) and intestine (30%). Previous studies have reported that punicalagin (PU) could protect against kidney and intestinal damages, which makes it a potential candidate for alleviating hyperuricemia. However, the effects and deeper action mechanisms of PU for managing hyperuricemia are still unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and action mechanisms of PU for ameliorating hyperuricemia. METHODS: The effects and action mechanisms of PU on hyperuricemia were assessed using a hyperuricemia mice model. Phenotypic parameters, metabolomics analysis, and 16S rRNA sequencing were applied to explore the effect and fundamental action mechanisms inside the kidney and intestine of PU for improving hyperuricemia. RESULTS: PU administration significantly decreased elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels in hyperuricemia mice, and effectively alleviated the kidney and intestinal damage caused by hyperuricemia. In the kidney, PU down-regulated the expression of UA resorption protein URAT1 and GLUT9, while up-regulating the expression of UA excretion protein ABCG2 and OAT1 as mediated via the activation of MAKP/NF-κB in hyperuricemia mice. Additionally, PU attenuated renal glycometabolism disorder, which contributed to improving kidney dysfunction and inflammation. Similarly, PU increased UA excretion protein expression via inhibiting MAKP/NF-κB activation in the intestine of hyperuricemia mice. Furthermore, PU restored gut microbiota dysbiosis in hyperuricemia mice. CONCLUSION: This research revealed the ameliorating impacts of PU on hyperuricemia by restoring kidney and intestine damage in hyperuricemia mice, and to be considered for the development of nutraceuticals used as UA-lowering agent.

Shoot-to-root communication via GmUVR8-GmSTF3 photosignaling and flavonoid biosynthesis fine-tunes soybean nodulation under UV-B light.

Legume nodulation requires light perception by plant shoots and precise long-distance communication between shoot and root. Recent studies have revealed that TGACG-motif binding factors (GmSTFs) integrate light signals to promote root nodulation; however, the regulatory mechanisms underlying nodule formation in changing light conditions remain elusive. Here, we applied genetic engineering, metabolite measurement, and transcriptional analysis to study soybean (Glycine max) nodules. We clarify a fine-tuning mechanism in response to ultraviolet B (UV-B) irradiation and rhizobia infection, involving GmUVR8-dependent UV-B perception and GmSTF3/4-GmMYB12-GmCHS-mediated (iso)flavonoid biosynthesis for soybean nodule formation. GmUVR8 receptor-perceived UV-B signal triggered R2R3-MYB transcription factors GmMYB12-dependent flavonoid biosynthesis separately in shoot and root. In shoot, UV-B-triggered flavonoid biosynthesis relied on GmUVR8a, b, c receptor-dependent activation of GmMYB12L-GmCHS8 (chalcone synthase) module. In root, UV-B signaling distinctly promotes the accumulation of the isoflavones, daidzein, and its derivative coumestrol, via GmMYB12B2-GmCHS9 module, resulting in hypernodulation. The mobile transcription factors, GmSTF3/4, bind to cis-regulatory elements in the GmMYB12L, GmMYB12B2, and GmCHS9 promoters, to coordinate UV-B light perception in shoot and (iso)flavonoid biosynthesis in root. Our findings establish a novel shoot-to-root communication module involved in soybean nodulation and reveal an adaptive strategy employed by soybean roots in response to UV-B light.

Clinical value of SLC12A9 for diagnosis and prognosis in colorectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the study is to assess the clinical value and the potential mechanism of SLC12A9 combing transcriptome and single cell sequencing data. METHODS: In this study, the expression level and the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of SLC12A9 in CRC and normal tissue were analyzed in multiple data cohort. The standardized mean difference (SMD) calculation and the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) analysis were performed further to detect its diagnostic ability and expression level. KM survival analysis was performed to assess the prognosis value of SLC12A9. The expression level of SLC12A9 in different clinical characteristics was analyzed to explore the clinical value. Single cell data was studied to reveal the potential mechanism of SLC12A9. The correlation analysis of immunoinfiltration was performed to detect the potential immune cell related to SLC12A9. The nomogram was drawn to assess the probable mortality rate of CRC patient. RESULTS: We found that SLC12A9 was significantly up-regulated with the moderate diagnostic value in CRC. Patients with overexpressed SLC12A9 had a worse prognosis. SLC12A9 was related to Age, Pathologic N stage, Pathologic M stage, Lymphatic invasion and Pathologic stage (p < 0.05). The 1, 3 and 5-year survival rates of patient named TCGA-G4-6309 are 0.959, 0.897 and 0.827. PCR also showed that SLC12A9 was overexpressed in CRC comparing with normal tissue. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our study comprehensively analyzed the clinical value of SLC12A9 and its potential mechanism, as well as immune cell infiltration, which may accelerate the diagnosis and improve the prognosis of CRC.

Femtosecond Laser Direct Writing of Gecko-Inspired Switchable Adhesion Interfaces on a Flexible Substrate.

Biomimetic switchable adhesion interfaces (BSAIs) with dynamic adhesion states have demonstrated significant advantages in micro-manipulation and bio-detection. Among them, gecko-inspired adhesives have garnered considerable attention due to their exceptional adaptability to extreme environments. However, their high adhesion strength poses challenges in achieving flexible control. Herein, we propose an elegant and efficient approach by fabricating three-dimensional mushroom-shaped polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillars on a flexible PDMS substrate to mimic the bending and stretching of gecko footpads. The fabrication process that employs two-photon polymerization ensures high spatial resolution, resulting in micropillars with exquisite structures and ultra-smooth surfaces, even for tip/stem ratios exceeding 2 (a critical factor for maintaining adhesion strength). Furthermore, these adhesive structures display outstanding resilience, enduring 175% deformation and severe bending without collapse, ascribing to the excellent compatibility of the micropillar's composition and physical properties with the substrate. Our BSAIs can achieve highly controllable adhesion force and rapid manipulation of liquid droplets through mechanical bending and stretching of the PDMS substrate. By adjusting the spacing between the micropillars, precise control of adhesion strength is achieved. These intriguing properties make them promising candidates for various applications in the fields of microfluidics, micro-assembly, flexible electronics, and beyond.

Silk fibroin-based embolic agent for transhepatic artery embolization with multiple therapeutic potentials.

BACKGROUND: The excellent physicochemical and biomedical properties make silk fibroin (SF) suitable for the development of biomedical materials. In this research, the silk fibroin microspheres (SFMS) were customized in two size ranges, and then carried gold nanoparticles or doxorubicin to evaluate the performance of drug loading and releasing. Embolization efficiency was evaluated in rat caudal artery and rabbit auricular artery, and the in vivo distribution of iodinated SFMS (125I/131I-SFMS) after embolization of rat hepatic artery was dynamically recorded by SPECT. Transhepatic arterial radioembolization (TARE) with 131I-SFMS was performed on rat models with liver cancer. The whole procedure of selective internal radiation was recorded with SPECT/CT, and the therapeutic effects were evaluated with 18 F-FDG PET/CT. Lastly, the enzymatic degradation was recorded and followed with the evaluation of particle size on clearance of sub-micron silk fibroin. RESULTS: SFMS were of smooth surface and regular shape with pervasive pores on the surface and inside the microspheres, and of suitable size range for TAE. Drug-loading functionalized SFMS with chemotherapy or radio-sensitization, and the enhanced therapeutic effects were proved in treating HUH-7 cells as lasting doxorubicin release or more lethal radiation. For artery embolization, SFMS effectively blocked the blood supply; when 131I-SFMS serving as the embolic agent, the good labeling stability and embolization performance guaranteed the favorable therapeutic effects in treating in situ liver tumor. At the 5th day post TARE with 37 MBq/3 mg 131I-SFMS per mice, tumor activity was quickly inhibited to a comparable glucose metabolism level with surrounding normal liver. More importantly, for the fragments of biodegradable SFMS, smaller sized SF (< 800 nm) metabolized in gastrointestinal tract and excreted by the urinary system, while SF (> 800 nm) entered the liver within 72 h for further metabolism. CONCLUSION: The feasibility of SFMS as degradable TARE agent for liver cancer was primarily proved as providing multiple therapeutic potentials.

Roles of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria in mediating soil legacy phosphorus availability.

Phosphorus (P), an essential macronutrient for all life on Earth, has been shown to be a vital limiting nutrient element for plant growth and yield. P deficiency is a common phenomenon in terrestrial ecosystems across the world. Chemical phosphate fertilizer has traditionally been employed to solve the problem of P deficiency in agricultural production, but its application has been limited by the non-renewability of raw materials and the adverse influence on the ecological health of the environment. Therefore, it is imperative to develop efficient, economical, environmentally friendly and highly stable alternative strategies to meet the plant P demand. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are able to improve plant productivity by increasing P nutrition. Pathways to fully and effectively use PSB to mobilize unavailable forms of soil P for plants has become a hot research topic in the fields of plant nutrition and ecology. Here, the biogeochemical P cycling in soil systems are summarized, how to make full use of soil legacy P via PSB to alleviate the global P resource shortage are reviewed. We highlight the advances in multi-omics technologies that are helpful for exploring the dynamics of nutrient turnover and the genetic potential of PSB-centered microbial communities. Furthermore, the multiple roles of PSB inoculants in sustainable agricultural practices are analyzed. Finally, we project that new ideas and techniques will be continuously infused into fundamental and applied research to achieve a more integrated understanding of the interactive mechanisms of PSB and rhizosphere microbiota/plant to maximize the efficacy of PSB as P activators.

Effect of Hydrogen on AM Pyroptosis Induced by Severe Burns in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Hydrogen has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and is beneficial to multiple organs. However, its effect on alveolar macrophage (AM) pyroptosis induced by burns is still unclear. The purpose of this research was to study the possible positive effects of hydrogen on burn-induced lung injury and the effects of hydrogen on AM pyroptosis during acute lung injury (ALI) induced by burns. METHODS: In this study, histological changes in rat lungs in vivo were evaluated by micro-CT, and histological changes in isolated lungs were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The expressions of leucine rich repeat (LRR) and pyrin domain (PYD) containing protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1 and Gasdermin-D (GSDMD) were analyzed by Western blotting. The expression of GSDMD was measured by immunofluorescence to evaluate the levels of lung inflammation and pyroptosis. The level of inflammation was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pyroptosis was observed by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: We observed that severe burn resulted in increased IL-1ß and IL-18, overexpression of NLRP3 and caspase-1 proteins, and pyroptosis in rat lung tissues, as demonstrated by GSDMD overexpression and electron microscopy of AMs. We also observed that hydrogen treatment partially reversed the increase in lung tissue density and reduced pulmonary inflammation. Moreover, hydrogen reduced the HE pathological injury score in the lung tissues of severely burned rats. Hydrogen treatment significantly reduced the contents of IL-1ß and IL-18 in the lung tissues and decreased the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD proteins compared with the burn group. Transmission electron microscopy results also showed that the number of AM membrane pores was significantly reduced in the hydrogen treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that hydrogen may protect against ALI induced by burn injury by inhibiting pyroptosis of macrophages via NLRP3.

Origin and chromatin remodeling of young X/Y sex chromosomes in catfish with sexual plasticity.

Assembly of a complete Y chromosome is a significant challenge in animals with an XX/XY sex-determination system. Recently, we created YY-supermale yellow catfish by crossing XY males with sex-reversed XY females, providing a valuable model for Y-chromosome assembly and evolution. Here, we assembled highly homomorphic Y and X chromosomes by sequencing genomes of the YY supermale and XX female in yellow catfish, revealing their nucleotide divergences with only less than 1% and with the same gene compositions. The sex-determining region (SDR) was identified to locate within a physical distance of 0.3 Mb by FST scanning. Strikingly, the incipient sex chromosomes were revealed to originate via autosome-autosome fusion and were characterized by a highly rearranged region with an SDR downstream of the fusion site. We found that the Y chromosome was at a very early stage of differentiation, as no clear evidence of evolutionary strata and classical structure features of recombination suppression for a rather late stage of Y-chromosome evolution were observed. Significantly, a number of sex-antagonistic mutations and the accumulation of repetitive elements were discovered in the SDR, which might be the main driver of the initial establishment of recombination suppression between young X and Y chromosomes. Moreover, distinct three-dimensional chromatin organizations of the Y and X chromosomes were identified in the YY supermales and XX females, as the X chromosome exhibited denser chromatin structure than the Y chromosome, while they respectively have significantly spatial interactions with female- and male-related genes compared with other autosomes. The chromatin configuration of the sex chromosomes as well as the nucleus spatial organization of the XX neomale were remodeled after sex reversal and similar to those in YY supermales, and a male-specific loop containing the SDR was found in the open chromatin region. Our results elucidate the origin of young sex chromosomes and the chromatin remodeling configuration in the catfish sexual plasticity.

Photoresponsive reversible self-assembly of rod-coil amphiphiles containing spiropyran groups.

Stimuli-responsive assembly deformation is a key feature in constructing smart soft materials, which makes them versatile and autonomous. In this study, rod-coil amphiphilic compounds containing spiropyran (SP) groups were developed and synthesized to investigate their stimuli-responsive assembly in a solution system with 99% water content. In addition to photochromic phenomena, reversible light-mediated morphological alterations occurred in these molecular aggregates. Based on the different flexible chain segments of rod-coil amphiphiles, the initial assemblies underwent a dissociation-reassembly process under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, whereupon they deformed or disassembled to assemblies. Furthermore, as the UV source was removed, the original nanostructures were gradually recovered again via the ring-closing reaction process. These compounds, interestingly, can selectively combine with copper ions to produce cross-linked co-assembled nanostructures. The copper ion complex solution of rod-coil amphiphilic compounds emitted unique bright blue fluorescence, which allowed for the specific visual identification of copper ions in aqueous solutions.

Self-assembly of ß-cyclodextrin-pillar[5]arene molecules into supramolecular nanoassemblies: morphology control by stimulus responsiveness and host-guest interactions.

Macrocyclic molecules have attracted considerable attention as new functional materials owing to their unique pore size structure and excellent host-guest properties. With the development of macrocyclic compounds, the properties of mono-modified macrocyclic materials can be improved by incorporating pillar[n]arene or cyclodextrin derivatives through bridge bonds. Herein, we report the self-assembly of amphiphilic di-macrocyclic host molecules (H1-2) based on ß-cyclodextrin and pillar[5]arene units linked by azophenyl or biphenyl groups. In a H2O/DMSO (19 : 1, v/v) mixed polar solvent, an amphiphile H1 with an azophenyl group self-assembled into unique nanorings and exhibited an obvious photoresponsive colour change. This photochromic behaviour makes H1 suitable for application in carbon paper materials on which arbitrary patterns can be erased and rewritten. The amphiphile H2, with a biphenyl unit, self-assembled into spherical micelles. These differences indicate that various linker units lead to changes in the intermolecular and hydrophilic-hydrophobic interactions. In a CHCl3/DMSO (19 : 1, v/v) mixed low-polarity solvent, the amphiphile H1 self-assembled into fibrous aggregates, whereas the molecule H2 assembled into unique nanoring aggregates. In this CHCl3/DMSO mixed solvent system, small nanosheet aggregates were formed by the addition of a guest molecule (G) composed of tetraphenylethene and hexanenitrile groups. With prolonged aggregation time, the small sheet aggregates further aggregated into cross-linked nanoribbons and eventually formed large nanosheet aggregates. The data reveal that the morphology of H1-2 can be controlled by tuning the intermolecular interactions of the molecules via the formation of host-guest complexes. Moreover, the polyhydroxy cyclodextrin unit on H1-2 can be strongly adsorbed on the stationary phase in column chromatography via multiple hydrogen bonds, and the singly modified pillar[5]arenes can be successfully separated by host-guest interactions.

Effect of molecular hydrogen treatment on Sepsis-Associated encephalopathy in mice based on gut microbiota.

INTRODUCTION: In our experiments, male wild-type mice were randomly divided into four groups: the sham, SAE, SAE + 2% hydrogen gas inhalation (H2 ), and SAE + hydrogen-rich water (HW) groups. The feces of the mice were collected for 16 S rDNA analysis 24 h after the models were established, and the serum and brain tissue of the mice were collected for nontargeted metabolomics analysis. AIM: Destruction of the intestinal microbiota is a risk factor for sepsis and subsequent organ dysfunction, and up to 70% of severely ill patients with sepsis exhibit varying degrees of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE). The pathogenesis of SAE remains unclear. We aimed to explore the changes in gut microbiota in SAE and the regulatory mechanism of molecular hydrogen. RESULTS: Molecular hydrogen treatment significantly improved the functional outcome of SAE and downregulated inflammatory reactions in both the brain and the gut. In addition, molecular hydrogen treatment improved gut microbiota dysbiosis and partially amended metabolic disorder after SAE. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular hydrogen treatment promotes functional outcomes after SAE in mice, which may be attributable to increasing beneficial bacteria, repressing harmful bacteria, and metabolic disorder, and reducing inflammation.

Emerging applications of femtosecond laser fabrication in neurobiological research.

As a typical micro/nano processing technique, femtosecond laser fabrication provides the opportunity to achieve delicate microstructures. The outstanding advantages, including nanoscale feature size and 3D architecting, can bridge the gap between the complexity of the central nervous system in virto and in vivo. Up to now, various types of microstructures made by femtosecond laser are widely used in the field of neurobiological research. In this mini review, we present the recent advancement of femtosecond laser fabrication and its emerging applications in neurobiology. Typical structures are sorted out from nano, submicron to micron scale, including nanoparticles, micro/nano-actuators, and 3D scaffolds. Then, several functional units applied in neurobiological fields are summarized, such as central nervous system drug carriers, micro/nano robots and cell/tissue scaffolds. Finally, the current challenges and future perspective of integrated neurobiology research platform are discussed.

Fluorescent Quinoline-Based Supramolecular Gel for Selective and Ratiometric Sensing Zinc Ion with Multi-Modes.

A gelator 1 containing functional quinoline and Schiff base groups that could form organogels in DMF, DMSO, acetone, ethanol and 1,4-dioxane was designed and synthesized. The self-assembly process of geator 1 was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence emission spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and water contact angle. Under non-covalent interactions, gelator 1 self-assembled into microbelts and nanofiber structures with different surface wettability. Weak fluorescence was emitted from the solution and gel state of 1. Interestingly, gelator 1 exhibited good selectivity and sensitivity towards Zn2+ in solution and gel states along with its emission enhancement and change. The emission intensity at 423 nm of solution 1 in 1,4-dioxane was slightly enhanced, and a new emission peak appeared at 545 nm along with its intensity sequentially strengthened in the titration process. The obvious ratiometric detection process was presented with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5.51 µM. The detection mechanism was revealed by a theoretical calculation and NMR titration experiment, which was that Zn2+ induced the transition from trans- to cis- of molecule 1 and further coordinated with 1. This study will introduce a new method for the construction of functional self-assembly gel sensors for the detection of Zn2+.

Amlexanox-modified platinum(IV) complex triggers apoptotic and autophagic bimodal death of cancer cells.

Platinum(IV) prodrugs c,c,t-[PtCl2(NH3)2(OH)(amlexanox)] (MAP) and c,c,t-[PtCl2(NH3)2(amlexanox)2] (DAP) were synthesized by reacting amlexanox with oxoplatin and characterized by NMR, HR-MS, HPLC, and elemental analysis. The complexes could be reduced to platinum(II) species and amlexanox to exert antitumor activity. Generally, MAP was more potent than DAP and cisplatin towards various human cancer cell lines; particularly, it was active in cisplatin-resistant Caov-3 ovarian cancer and A549/DDP lung cancer cells. MAP induced serious damage to DNA, remarkable change in mitochondrial morphology, decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic protein Bax in Caov-3 cells, thereby leading to evident apoptosis. Meanwhile, MAP markedly promoted the autophagic flux, including affecting the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and autophagy adaptor protein p62 in Caov-3 cells, with an increase in the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I and a decrease in p62, thus trigging the occurrence of autophagy. The MAP-induced bimodal cell death mode is uncommon for platinum complexes, which presents a new possibility to invent anticancer drugs with unique mechanism of action.

The mechanistic basis of sodium exclusion in Puccinellia tenuiflora under conditions of salinity and potassium deprivation.

Soil salinity is a significant threat to global agriculture. Understanding salt exclusion mechanisms in halophyte species may be instrumental in improving salt tolerance in crops. Puccinellia tenuiflora is a typical salt-excluding halophytic grass often found in potassium-deprived saline soils. Our previous work showed that P. tenuiflora possesses stronger selectivity for K+ than for Na+ ; however, the mechanistic basis of this phenomenon remained elusive. Here, P. tenuiflora PutHKT1;5 was cloned and the functions of PutHKT1;5 and PutSOS1 were characterized using heterologous expression systems. Yeast assays showed that PutHKT1;5 possessed Na+ transporting capacity and was highly selective for Na+ over K+ . PutSOS1 was located at the plasma membrane and operated as a Na+ /K+ exchanger, with much stronger Na+ extrusion capacity than its homolog from Arabidopsis. PutHKT2;1 mediated high-affinity K+ and Na+ uptake and its expression levels were upregulated by mild salinity and K+ deprivation. Salinity-induced changes of root PutHKT1;5 and PutHKT1;4 transcript levels matched the expression pattern of root PutSOS1, which was consistent with root Na+ efflux. The transcript levels of root PutHKT2;1 and PutAKT1 were downregulated by salinity. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the functional activity of PutHKT1;5 and PutSOS1 in P. tenuiflora roots is fine-tuned under saline conditions as well as by operation of other ion transporters/channel (PutHKT1;4, PutHKT2;1, and PutAKT1). This leads to the coordination of radial Na+ and K+ transport processes, their loading to the xylem, or Na+ retrieval and extrusion under conditions of mild salinity and/or K+ deprivation.

Bis-Pyridine-Based Organogel with AIE Effect and Sensing Performance towards Hg2.

A novel gelator (1) based on a bis-pyridine derivative was designed and synthesized, which could form stable gels in methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, DMF/H2O (4/1, v/v) and DMSO/H2O (4/1, v/v). The self-assembly process of gelator 1 was studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence emission spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction and a water contact angle experiment. Gelator 1 exhibited obvious AIE behavior. On the base of its AIE, the gel of 1 could detect Hg2+, which resulted in fluorescence quenching and a gel-sol transition. 1H NMR titration experiments with Hg2+ revealed that the metal coordination interaction induced the fluorescence quenching and the breakdown of the noncovalent interaction in the gel system. This research provides a new molecular mode for designing a functional self-assembly gel system.

A novel tool for predicting the risk of central lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Central lymph node status in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) plays an important role in treatment decision-making clinically, however, it is not easy to predict central lymph node metastasis (CLNM). The present work focused on finding the more rational alternative for evaluating central lymph node status while identifying influencing factors to construct a model to predict CLNM incidence. METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the typical sonographic and clinicopathologic features of 546 PTMC patients who underwent surgery, among which, the data of 382 patients were recruited in the training cohort and that of 164 patients in the validation cohort. Based on the outcome of the training cohort, significant influencing factors were further identified through univariate analysis and were considered as independent variables in multivariable logistic regression analysis and incorporated in and presented with a nomogram. RESULTS: In total, six independent predictors, including the age, sex, tumor size, multifocality, capsular invasion, Hashimotos thyroiditis were entered into the nomogram. Both internal validation and external validation revealed the favorable discrimination of our as-constructed nomogram. Calibration curves exhibited high consistency. As suggested by decision-curve analyses, the as-constructed nomogram might be applied in clinic. Besides, the model also distinguished patients according to risk stratification. CONCLUSIONS: The novel nomogram containing remarkable influencing factors for CLNM cases was established in the present work. The nomogram can assist clinicians in clinical decision-making.