Study of association between corneal shape parameters and axial length elongation during orthokeratology using image-pro plus software

BACKGROUND

The aim was to validate the correlation between corneal shape parameters and axial length growth (ALG) during orthokeratology using Image-Pro Plus (IPP) 6.0 software.

METHODS

This retrospective study used medical records of myopic children aged 8-13 years (n = 104) undergoing orthokeratology. Their corneal topography and axial length were measured at baseline and subsequent follow-ups after lens wear. Corneal shape parameters, including the treatment zone (TZ) area, TZ diameter, TZ fractal dimension, TZ radius ratio, eccentric distance, pupil area, and pupillary peripheral steepened zone(PSZ) area, were measured using IPP software. The impact of corneal shape parameters at 3 months post-orthokeratology visit on 1.5-year ALG was evaluated using multivariate linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

ALG exhibited significant associations with age, TZ area, TZ diameter, TZ fractal dimension, and eccentric distance on univariate linear regression analysis. Multivariate regression analysis identified age, TZ area, and eccentric distance as significantly correlated with ALG (all P < 0.01), with eccentric distance showing the strongest correlation (β = -0.370). The regressive equation was y = 1.870 - 0.235a + 0.276b - 0.370c, where y represents ALG, a represents age, b represents TZ area, and c represents eccentric distance; R2 = 0.27). No significant relationships were observed between the TZ radius ratio, pupillary PSZ area, and ALG.

CONCLUSIONS

IPP software proves effective in capturing precise corneal shape parameters after orthokeratology. Eccentric distance, rather than age or the TZ area, significantly influences ALG retardation.

Photoactivation Inducing Multifunctional Coupling of Fluorophore for Efficient Tumor Therapy In Situ

Photoactivatable molecules, with high-precision spatialtemporal control, have largely promoted bioimaging and phototherapy applications of fluorescent dyes. Here, the first photoactivatable sensor (BI) is described that can be triggered by broad excitation light (405-660 nm), which further undergoes intersystem crossing and H-atom transfer processes to forming superoxide anion radicals (O2 -• ) and carbon radicals. Particularly, the photoinduced gain of carbon-centered radicals (BI•) allows for radical-radical coupling to afford the combined crosslink product (BI─BI), which would be oxidized in the presence of O2 -• to produce an extended conjugate system with near infrared emission (820 nm). Besides, the photochemically generated product (Cy─BI) possesses ultra-high photothermal conversion efficiency up to 90.9%, which optimized phototherapy potential. What's more, Western Blot assay reveals that both BI and the photoproduct Cy─BI can efficiently inhibit the expression of CHK1, and the irradiation of BI and Cy─BI further induces apoptosis and ultimately enhances the phototherapeutic effects. Thus, the combination of cell cycle block inducing apoptosis, photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy treatments significantly suppress solid tumor in vivo antitumor efficacy explorations. This is a novel finding in developing photoactivatable molecules, as well as the broad applicability of photoimaging and phototherapy in tumor-related areas.

Development of Human Serum Albumin Fluorescent Probes in Detection, Imaging, and Disease Therapy

Human serum albumin (HSA) acts as a repository and transporter of substances in the blood. An abnormal concentration may indicate the occurrence of liver- and kidney-related diseases, which has attracted people to investigate the precise quantification of HSA in body fluids. Fluorescent probes can combine with HSA covalently or noncovalently to quantify HSA in urine and plasma. Moreover, probes combined with HSA can improve its photophysical properties; probe-HSA has been applied in real-time monitoring and photothermal and photodynamic therapy in vivo. This Review will introduce fluorescent probes for quantitative HSA according to the three reaction mechanisms of spatial structure, enzymatic reaction, and self-assembly and systematically introduce the application of probes combined with HSA in disease imaging and phototherapy. It will help develop multifunctional applications for HSA probes and provide assistance in the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

[Clinical study of optimal positive end-expiratory pressure titration guided by lung stretch index in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical practicability of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titrated by lung stretch index (SI) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

METHODS

A parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients with moderate to severe ARDS who required mechanical ventilation admitted to the department of critical care medicine of General Hospital of the Yangtze River Shipping from August 2022 to February 2023 were enrolled. They were randomly divide into SI guided PEEP titration group (SI group) and pressure-volume curve (P-V curve) inspiratory low inflection point (LIP) guided PEEP titration group (LIP group). All patients were ventilated in a supine position after admission, with the head of the bed raised by 30 degree angle. The primary disease was actively treated, prone position ventilation for 12 h/d, and lung protective ventilation strategies such as controlled lung expansion were used for lung recruitment. On this basis, mechanical ventilation parameters were titrated with SI in the SI group; the LIP group titrated mechanical ventilation parameters with P-V curve inspiratory LIP+2 cmH2O (1 cmH2O≈0.098 kPa). The oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), and respiratory mechanics indicators such as lung dynamic compliance (Cdyn), peak airway pressure (Pip) were monitored before recruitment maneuver and after 1, 3, and 5 days of treatment. The therapeutic effect of the two groups was compared.

RESULTS

There were 41 patients in the SI group and 40 patients in the LIP group. There was no significant difference in general information such as gender, age, and disease type between the two groups. The mechanical ventilation time and the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay in the SI group were significantly shorter than those in the LIP group (days: 9.47±3.36 vs. 14.68±5.52, 22.27±4.68 vs. 27.57±9.52, both P < 0.05). Although the 28-day mortality of the SI group was lower than that of the LIP group, the difference was not statistically significant [19.5% (8/41) vs. 35.0% (14/40), P > 0.05]. On the fifth day, the PaO2/FiO2 was higher in SI group [mmHg (1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa): 225.57±47.85 vs. 198.32±31.59, P < 0.05], the Cdyn was higher in SI group (mL/cmH2O: 47.39±6.71 vs. 35.88±5.35, P < 0.01), the Pip was lower in SI group (mmHg: 35.85±5.77 vs. 43.87±6.68, P < 0.05). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed no statistically significant difference in the 28 days cumulative survival rate between the two groups (Log-Rank: χ 2 = 2.348, P = 0.125).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of SI titration with PEEP in the treatment of ARDS patients may improve their prognosis.

An ICT-switched fluorescent probe for visualizing lipid and HClO in lipid droplets during ferroptosis

Herein, we have designed and synthesized a fluorescent probe, LDs-ClO, which can detect hypochlorous acid and lipid accumulation simultaneously in lipid droplets of live RAW 264.7 cells. Cell ferroptosis was discovered to lead to an increase in HClO levels, and to possibly further stimulate accumulation of lipid. We expect the results of this work with LDs-ClO to promote the study of physiological and pathological processes related to lipid droplets and hypochlorite.

Global, regional, and national trends in osteoarthritis disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019: a comprehensive analysis of the global burden of disease study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate global, regional, and national trends in osteoarthritis disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2019, identify the burden of osteoarthritis in different age groups, and assess age, period, and cohort effects on osteoarthritis DALYs.

STUDY DESIGN

A comprehensive analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 data, covering 204 countries and territories.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive analysis using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, encompassing 204 countries and territories. Age-standardized DALY rates were calculated, and the age-period-cohort model was employed to examine the age, period, and cohort effects on osteoarthritis DALYs. The annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) were estimated to evaluate trends in DALYs.

RESULTS

Globally, osteoarthritis DALYs increased by 114.48 % between 1990 and 2019, with an age-standardized DALY rate growth of 3.3 %. The largest relative growth in DALYs occurred in Middle and Low-middle Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions. DALYs increased significantly in almost all age-specific groups, particularly among 45-74 years old age groups. Age, period, and cohort effects analysis revealed a general increase in osteoarthritis DALYs risk over time, with some variations by SDI quintiles and sex. The steepest increase in DALYs occurred in the 30-34 years age group, and the trend attenuated with increasing age. Males showed significantly slower DALYs growth than females in age groups with non-overlapping 95 % confidence intervals. Age effects were consistently higher in females, especially in high-SDI countries. Period and cohort effects generally demonstrated a climbing risk of osteoarthritis DALYs across different SDI quintiles, with more pronounced increases in lower-SDI regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the substantial and increasing burden of osteoarthritis at global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2019, with significant variations by age, period, and cohort. These results underscore the importance of developing targeted public health strategies and interventions to address the growing impact of osteoarthritis, particularly in lower-SDI regions and among older populations.

Relationships between blood bone metabolic biomarkers and anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease

INTRODUCTION

Blood bone metabolic biomarkers are noninvasive indices for evaluating metabolic bone diseases. We investigated the relationships between blood bone metabolic biomarkers and anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and analyzed the effects of parathyroidectomy (PTX) on the above indices.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 100 healthy controls and 239 CKD patients, including 46 secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) patients with PTX, were enrolled. Moreover, a prospective study was conducted in which 28 PTX patients were followed up. The degree of anemia was classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the tertiles of hemoglobin (Hb) levels of the anemic CKD patients, with cutoff values of 83 g/L and 102 g/L. Bone metabolic biomarkers, including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and α-klotho, were tested.

RESULTS

The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in CKD patients was 25.7 ± 36.0 ml/min/1.73 m², and 84.10% of CKD patients had anemia. The baseline Hb levels in the mild, moderate, and severe anemia subgroups were 110.86 ± 5.99 g/L, 92.71 ± 5.96 g/L, and 67.38 ± 10.56 g/L, respectively. CKD patients had higher adjusted Ca, P, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), iPTH, and FGF23 levels and lower α-klotho levels than controls. Baseline adjusted Ca, P, iPTH, and α-klotho levels were associated with Hb levels in CKD patients. Blood adjusted Ca, P, and iPTH levels were correlated with anemia severity. After PTX (median interval: 6.88 months), anemia and high blood adjusted Ca, P, iPTH, and FGF23 levels were ameliorated, while α-klotho levels were increased.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood adjusted Ca, P, iPTH, and α-klotho levels were correlated with Hb levels in CKD patients. Correction of bone metabolic disorders may be a therapeutic strategy for anemia treatment.

A summary of calixarene-based fluorescent sensors developed during the past five years

Calixarenes are "chalice like" phenol-based macrocycles that are one of the most fascinating studied scaffolds in supramolecular chemistry. Their preorganized nonpolar cavities and ion binding sites, and their well-defined conformations all lay important foundations for forming host-guest complexes. Conjugation of calixarene scaffolds with various fluorophores at either upper or lower rims has led to the development of smart fluorescent probes for inorganic molecules or ions, aliphatic or aromatic compounds, biomolecules, temperature and hypoxia, even multi-component traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Moreover, significant advancements have been made for biological applications. This review critically summarizes the recent advances made in these areas.

A Fluorescent Probe for Investigating the Role of Biothiols in Signaling Pathways Associated with Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is intimately associated with the redox regulation of biothiol, a crucial antioxidant marker that precludes the onset of ROS. We designed a novel fluorescent probe, DCI-Ac-Py, showing various physicochemical properties, such as high selectivity, exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, near-infrared (NIR) optical window, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrability, for detecting biothiols in the brain. The picolinate serves as a specific recognition group that is rapidly activated by biothiol and undergoes nucleophilic substitution with the adjacent acrylic ester to yield the desired NIR probe. Additionally, the probe's lipid solubility is improved through the inclusion of halogen atoms, which aids in penetrating the BBB. Using DCI-Ac-Py, we investigated changes of biothiols in vivo in the brains of mice during CIRI. We found that biothiol-mediated NF-kB classical (P65-related) and nonclassical (RelB-related) pathways contribute to abundant ROS production induced by CIRI and that biothiols are involved in redox regulation. These findings provide new insights into the study of CIRI and shed light on the physiological and pathological mechanisms of biothiols in the brain.

Serum levels of 25-OH vitamin D levels predict cognitive impairments among acute coronary syndrome patients

BACKGROUND

The cognitive impairment after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has become a crucial clinical concern that cannot be ignored. However, studies on the early warning factors of cognitive impairment after PCI are still insufficient.

METHODS

This study reviewed the postoperative cognitive function of 284 patients who underwent PCI in our hospital from June 2019 to June 2022. During the 21-day follow-up, all participants included in the analysis were divided into the cognitive impairment (CI) group (n = 82) and the noncognitive impairment (NCI) group (n = 186) according to their Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale. Participants' serum 25(OH)D3 levels on admission and serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100β levels were measured 21 days after surgery.

RESULTS

Age more than 65 years, hypertension, operation time longer than 60 min, left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50% and serum 25(OH)D3 less than 31.41 ng/ml were the risk factors for cognitive dysfunction in ACS patients 21 days after PCI. Serum levels of 25(OH)D3, NSE, S100β and GFAP were significantly higher in patients with cognitive impairment than in patients without cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative serum NSE, S100β and GFAP levels were significantly negatively correlated with serum 25(OH)D3 levels at admission. The serum 25(OH)D3 level is a risk factor and predictor of cognitive impairment in patients with ACS after PCI.

A nucleophilic addition-elimination based ratiometric fluorescent probe for monitoring N2H4 in biological systems and actual samples

Hydrazine (N₂H₄) is an important reagent in the field of fine chemical engineering. However, its accumulation in the environment and food chain could pose a great threat to food safety and human health. Therefore, designing a fluorescent probe with good cell penetration and high selectivity and sensitivity to detect N₂H₄ in actual samples and in vivo is a meaningful project. Herein, due to the nucleophilicity of hydrazine, we utilized naphthalimide as the fluorescence chromophore and pyrone as the recognition site to achieve the ratiometric detection of hydrazine by ring opening. In addition, we introduced the ester to improve the lipid solubility of the probe, which allowed the probe to better penetrate the cell membrane to realize the fluorescent imaging of probes in cells. Meanwhile, to our delight, the probe showed high selectivity and sensitivity to N₂H₄ in the test system, so we further applied the probe in water samples and food, in vitro and in vivo.

A near-infrared fluorescent probe for in situ imaging of SO2 flux in drug-induced liver injury

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) has been widely applied as an important additive in various foods and drugs due to its antioxidant, antiseptic and bleaching properties. SO₂ in living organisms plays a key biological role as an antioxidant in a variety of life activities. However, abnormal levels of SO₂ in both food and living organisms could cause harm and even serious illness, such as diseases related to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems and cancers. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to accurately determine the level of SO₂ in food and organisms. In this work, we synthesized a novel near-infrared ratiometric fluorescent probe (NTO) using xanthene and benzopyran as the matrix for the detection of SO₂. NTO demonstrates a rapid response (within 8 s), high selectivity, excellent sensitivity (LOD = 3.64 μM) and a long emission wavelength (800 nm), which could be applied to SO₂ monitoring in a complex environment. NTO showed a high recovery (90%-110%) of SO₂ in food samples such as beer and rock sugar. The results of HeLa cell experiments indicate that NTO has excellent fluorescence labeling ability for SO₂ in endoexogenous-sulfide metabolism. In addition, we applied it to mice with acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury and observed changes in SO₂ during liver injury. Based on these results, we believe that this will provide a convenient visual tool for the detection of the SO₂ content in food safety and biomedicine.

Low-order fine roots of Picea asperata have different physiological mechanisms in response to seasonal freeze and freeze-thaw of soil

Seasonal soil freezing (F) and freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) are common natural phenomena in high latitude or altitude areas of the world, and seriously affect plant physiological processes. However, studies on the effect of soil F and FTCs on fine roots are less common, especially in subalpine coniferous forests of western Sichuan, China. We set up a controlled experiment in growth chambers to explore the effects of F and FTCs on low-order fine roots of Picea asperata and differential responses of first-order roots and the first three root orders (1st, 2nd and 3rd order roots combined as a unit). Soil F and FTCs resulted in serious damage to cell membranes and root vitality of low-order fine roots, accompanied by increased MDA content and O₂ ·^- production. FTCs had a stronger effect than F treatment. In turn, low-order fine roots are the unit that responds to cold stress. These roots had increased unsaturated fatty acid contents, antioxidant enzyme activities, osmolytes and plant hormones contents when acclimation to cold stress. The first-order roots were more sensitive to cold stress than the combined first three root orders for several processes (e.g. antioxidant enzymes, osmolytes and hormones) because of their specific structure and physiological activity. This study explains physiological differences in responses of fine roots of different root orders to seasonal soil freezing, which will improve the understanding of fine root heterogeneity and support agriculture and forest management.

An Activatable NIR Fluorescent Probe for NAD(P)H and Its Application to the Real-Time Monitoring of p53 Abnormalities In Vivo

NAD(P)H is crucial for biosynthetic reactions and antioxidant functions. However, the current probes developed for detecting NAD(P)H in vivo require intratumoral injection, which limited their application for animal imaging. To address this issue, we have developed a liposoluble cationic probe, KC8, which exhibits excellent tumor-targeting ability and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence after reaction with NAD(P)H. By using KC8, it was demonstrated for the first time that the level of NAD(P)H in the mitochondria of living colorectal cancer (CRC) cells was highly related to the abnormality of the p53. Furthermore, KC8 was successfully used to differentiate not only between tumor and normal tissue but also between tumors with p53 abnormality and normal tumors when administered intravenously. Finally, we evaluated tumor heterogeneity through two fluorescent channels after treating a tumor with 5-Fu. This study provides a new tool for real-time monitoring of the p53 abnormality of CRC cells.

Modular Synthesis of a Tridecasaccharide Motif of Bacteroides vulgatus Lipopolysaccharides against Inflammatory Bowel Diseases through an Orthogonal One-Pot Glycosylation Strategy

Lipopolysaccharides from Bacteroides vulgatus represent interesting targets for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, efficient access to long, branched and complex lipopolysaccharides remains challenging. Herein, we report the modular synthesis of a tridecasaccharide from Bacteroides vulgates through an orthogonal one-pot glycosylation strategy based on glycosyl ortho-(1-phenylvinyl)benzoates, which avoids the issues of thioglycoside-based one-pot synthesis. Our approach also features: 1) 5,7-O-di-tert-butylsilylene-directed glycosylation for stereoselective construction of the α-Kdo linkage; 2) hydrogen-bond-mediated aglycone delivery for the stereoselective formation of β-mannosidic bonds; 3) remote anchimeric assistance for stereoselective assembly of the α-fucosyl linkage; 4) several orthogonal one-pot synthetic steps and strategic use of orthogonal protecting groups to streamline oligosaccharide assembly; 5) convergent [1+6+6] one-pot synthesis of the target.

A Space-Dependent 'Enzyme-Substrate' Type Probe based on 'Carboxylesterase-Amide Group' for Ultrafast Fluorescent Imaging Orthotopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Fast and selective fluorescence imaging for a biomarker to related-disease diagnosis remains a significant challenge due to complex physical environment. Human carboxylesterase (CE) is expected to be a potential biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to improve the accuracy of diagnosis. However, existing probes for CE has slow response rate and low selectivity. Herein, the amide group is selected as CE-responsive sites based on the "substrate-hydrolysis enzymatic reaction" approach. From a series of off-on probes with leave groups in the amide unit, probe J_Fast is screened with the optimal combination of rapid response rate and high selectivity toward CE. J_Fast requires only 150 s to reach the maximum fluorescence at 676 nm in the presence of CE and free from the interference of other esterase. Computational docking simulations indicate the shortest distance between the CE and active site of J_Fast . Cell and in vivo imaging present that the probe can turn on the liver cancer cells and tumor region precisely. Importantly, J_Fast is allowed to specifically image orthotopic liver tumor rather than metastatic tumor and distinguish human primary liver cancer tissue from adjacent ones. This study provides a new tool for CE detection and promotes advancements in accurate HCC diagnosis.

Eclampsia with hypothyroidism complicated with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome-a case report

BACKGROUND

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare neurological disorder with complex physiopathological mechanisms that have not been fully understood. Early identification is of great prognostic significance, of which the symptoms and radiological abnormalities can be completely reversed. If the diagnosis and treatment are delayed, ischemia and massive infarction may be developed in some patients. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been reported mainly in association with postpartum eclampsia, which have been rarely reported, while the association with hypothyroidism has not been reported at home or abroad.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here we report on a pregnant 29-year-old with multipara and a chief complication of hypothyroidism. She presented in the emergency department with frequent attacks of severe headache symptoms resulting from reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), accompanied with prenatal eclampsia. PRES was determined by radiological examination.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of PRES complicated by hypothyroidism and prepartum eclampsia.Clinicians should be alert for the co-occurence of eclampsia, PRES, and RCVS when patients have convulsions after a typical throbbing headache. Moreover, regular monitoring of thyroid function during pregnancy should also occupy certain special attention.

Fast-Specific Fluorescent Probes to Visualize Norepinephrine Signaling Pathways and Its Flux in the Epileptic Mice Brain

Norepinephrine (NE) is synthesized in the locus coeruleus and widely projected throughout the brain and spinal cord. It regulates various actions and consciousness linked to a variety of neurological diseases. A "hunting-shooting" strategy was proposed in this work to improve the specificity and response rate of an NE fluorescent probe: 2-(cyclohex-2-en-1-ylidene)malononitrile derivatives were chosen as a fluorophore. To create a dual-site probe, an aldehyde group was added to the ortho of the ester group (or benzene sulfonate). Because of its excellent electrophilic activity, the aldehyde group could rapidly "hunt" the amino group and then form an intramolecular five-membered ring via the nucleophilic reaction with the β-hydroxyl group. The -NH- in the five-membered ring "shoots" the adjacent ester group, releasing the fluorophore and allowing for rapid and specific NE detection. The NE release and reuptake ″emetic″-″swallow″ transient process is captured and visualized under the action of the primary NE receptor drug. Furthermore, by introducing halogen into the fluorophore to lengthen the absorption wavelength, improve lipid solubility, and adjust the pK_a appropriately, the probe successfully penetrated the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In situ synchronous probe imaging was used to detect the NE level in the brains of epileptic and normal mice, and abnormal expression of NE in the brain was discovered during epilepsy. Brain anatomy was used to examine the distribution and level changes of NE in various brain regions before and after epilepsy. This research provides useful tools and a theoretical foundation for diagnosing and treating central nervous system diseases early.

An ultra-fast UV-electrochemical sensor based on Cu-MOF for highly sensitive and selective detection of ferric ions

A 2D Cu-MOF: {[CuL(H₂O)]}_n (Cu-1, H₂L = 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid) was synthesized using the hydrothermal method. Cu-1 showed excellent solvent stability and was used to fabricate a UV ferric ion sensor. An ultra-low limit of detection (LOD) at 14.5 fM was obtained. Furthermore, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as a 'turn-off' switch was introduced into the Cu-1 framework to construct another 2D Cu-MOF: {[CuL(DMF)]}_n (Cu-2) by a single crystal to single crystal (SCSC) transformation method. Cu-2 lost the ability to recognize ferric ions and the switching effect of Fe³⁺ recognition was realized. Cyclic voltammograms (CVs) were employed to investigate this conversion process and provided a way for explaining the interaction mechanism between Cu-1 and ferric ions. We present an approach for designing and synthesizing MOFs that are suitable for ion sensing.

Enlarging the Stokes Shift by Weakening the π-Conjugation of Cyanines for High Signal-to-Noise Ratiometric Imaging

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is one of the key features of a fluorescent probe and one that often defines its potential utility for in vivo labeling and analyte detection applications. Here, it is reported that introducing a pyridine group into traditional cyanine-7 dyes in an asymmetric manner provides a series of tunable NIR fluorescent dyes (Cy-Mu-7) characterized by enhanced Stokes shifts (≈230 nm) compared to the parent cyanine 7 dye (<25 nm). The observed Stokes shift increase is ascribed to symmetry breaking of the Cy-Mu-7 core and a reduction in the extent of conjugation. The fluorescence signals of the Cy-Mu-7 dyes are enhanced upon confinement within the hydrophobic cavity of albumin or via spontaneous encapsulation within micelles in aqueous media. Utilizing the Cy-Mu-7, ultra-fast in vivo kidney labeling in mice is realized, and it is found that the liver injury will aggravate the burden of kidney by monitoring the fluorescence intensity ratio of kidney to liver. In addition, Cy-Mu-7 could be used as efficient chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer acceptor for the reaction between H₂ O₂ and bisoxalate. The potential utility of Cy-Mu-7 is illustrated via direct monitoring fluctuations in endogenous H₂ O₂ levels in a mouse model to mimic emergency room trauma.

Comparison of hospitalization cause and risk factors between patients undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis

This retrospective study was designed to compare the cause of hospitalization and influencing factors between patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Baseline data and laboratory parameters of 192 dialysis patients (92 HD patients and 100 PD patients) were compared. Quantitative parameters with normal distribution were assessed using independent t-test or analysis of variance (ANOVA). Quantitative parameters with non-normal distribution were assessed by non-parametric test. Qualitative data were statistically compared using χ2 test. The number of patients with urban employee medical insurance (88 HD patients and 60 PD patients) and rural cooperative medical care (12 HD patients and 40 PD patients) significantly differed (P < .01). The hospitalization rate of PD patients was significantly higher than that of HD counterparts. The average length of hospital stay of PD patients was 10 days, remarkably longer than 8 days of HD patients (P < .01). The primary cause of hospitalization for HD patients was infection-related complications, followed by cardiovascular, cerebrovascular complications and dialysis access disorders. The primary cause of hospitalization for PD patients was infection-related complications, followed by dialysis access disorders, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal complications. Compared with the HD group, the levels of hemoglobin, serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase, intact parathyroid hormone were significantly decreased, whereas serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, phosphorus levels and cardiothoracic ratio were remarkably increased in the PD group (all P < .01). The hospitalization rate of PD patients is relatively higher, and the length of hospital stay is longer. Extensive attention and efforts should be delivered to enhance the understanding of disease and lower the risk of complications for patients.

Synergistic Modulation by Halogens and Pyridine Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier for In Situ Visualization of Thiol Flux in the Epileptic Brain

Epilepsy is a nervous system disease, and seizures are closely related to oxidative stress. Thiols, as the main antioxidant in an organism, play a key role in regulating the redox balance and defending from oxidative stress. As a result of the complexity of the brain structure, there is still a lack of suitable in situ detection methods of thiols to reveal the relationship between epilepsy and thiol level fluctuations. Therefore, by combining picolinate as the new recognition site for thiols, parallel synthesis, and the fluorescence rapid screening method, DCI-Br-3 was developed as a rapid, highly sensitive, and selective probe to monitor thiols in vitro and in vivo. It is worth noting that DCI-Br-3 effectively crossed the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reveal the negative relationship between the level of thiols and the occurrence of epilepsy and may further provide important information for the prevention and treatment of thiol-related neurological diseases.

Small-Molecule Fluorescent Probes for Detecting Several Abnormally Expressed Substances in Tumors

Malignant tumors have always been the biggest problem facing human survival, and a huge number of people die from cancer every year. Therefore, the identification and detection of malignant tumors have far-reaching significance for human survival and development. Some substances are abnormally expressed in tumors, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitroreductase (NTR), pH, biothiols (GSH, Cys, Hcy), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), hydrogen sulfide (H₂O₂), hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and NADH. Consequently, it is of great value to diagnose and treat malignant tumors due to the identification and detection of these substances. Compared with traditional tumor detection methods, fluorescence imaging technology has the advantages of an inexpensive cost, fast detection and high sensitivity. Herein, we mainly introduce the research progress of fluorescent probes for identifying and detecting abnormally expressed substances in several tumors.

Biological roles of sulfur dioxide and sulfite in the regulation of mitochondrial viscosity

Herein, a NIR fluorescent probe has been developed for visualization of the roles of SO₂/SO₃^2- in mitochondrial viscosity. The results showed that SO₃^2- would increase mitochondrial viscosity and decrease mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). However, increasing SO₂ stimulation decreased mitochondrial viscosity and caused inconspicuous MMP changes.

Dual-channel detection of viscosity and pH with a near-infrared fluorescent probe for cancer visualization

Compared to ordinary cells, tumor cells have a unique microenvironment, characterized by high viscosity, low pH, high reactive oxygen species level and the overexpression of certain proteases. Therefore, viscosity and pH can be used as important parameters for visualizing cancer. We designed a spiro-oxazolidine compound (In-1) for the dual-channel detection of viscosity and pH, with the red channel for detecting viscosity and the blue channel for pH. Interestingly, In-1 can locate different organelles under different conditions. Under physiological conditions, In-1 efficiently targeted lysosomes and showed that the viscosity of lysosomes increases in cancer cells while the pH decreases, which can be used to distinguish and detect cancer cells and normal cells. When we treated HL-7702 cells with CCCP, the probe could effectively target the mitochondria, and the fluorescence intensity in the pH channel decreased. This indicates that In-1 can be used as a powerful tool to simultaneously monitor viscosity and pH in different organelles, and may have a guiding role in diseases caused by mitochondrial and lysosomal microenvironments.

First live birth in China after cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

This article reports the first live birth after cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency in China.

METHODS

A patient with myelodysplastic syndrome received ovarian tissue cryopreservation before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and six ovarian cortex strips were thawed and transplanted into her peritoneal pocket 2 years later.

RESULTS

Pregnancy occurred spontaneously 27 months after grafting, and a healthy girl was born at 38 weeks gestation. Until now, the child has developed normally without any major diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first live birth resulting from ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in China.

A dual-response NIR probe reveals positive correlation between biothiols and viscosity under cellular stress change

A mitochondrial targeted NIR fluorescent probe NIR-NBD was designed and developed for the detection of biothiols and viscosity. Furthermore, a positive correlation between the biothiol level and viscosity under cellular stress change was found for the first time, which provides some important correlation analysis information in the pathophysiological state.

Mitochondrial-Targeting Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probe for Visualizing Viscosity in Drug-Induced Cells and a Fatty Liver Mouse Model

Mitochondria, as "cell energy stations", are involved in the regulation of various cell functions. Recent investigations revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction that can cause an intracellular viscosity mutation, a process that is associated with an increasing number of diseases that are not curable or manageable. However, conventional viscometers cannot be used to monitor the viscosity changes in living cells and in vivo. In order to cater to the complex biological environment, we present a chemical toolbox, MI-BP-CC, that employs N,N-diethyl and double bonds as sensitive sites for viscosity based on the TICT mechanism (twisted intramolecular charge transfer) to monitor the viscosity of living cells and fatter liver mice. MI-BP-CC features good mitochondrial targeting and a near-infrared emission. Surprisingly, in the presence of viscosity, the MI-BP-CC probe exhibited an ultrasensitive model for viscosity detection showing a red fluorescence signal from a silent "off" state to "on". More importantly, utilizing the satisfactory detection performance of MI-BP-CC, we have successfully visualized increased viscosity under the pathological models of Parkinson's (PD) and fatty liver mice. We anticipate that these findings will provide a convenient and efficient tool to understand physiological functions of viscosity in more biosystems.

A NIR fluorescent probe tracing norepinephrine exocytosis and depression occurrence at the cellular level

A NIR fluorescent probe tracing norepinephrine exocytosis and depression occurrence at the cellular level revealed that norepinephrine exocytosis rather than the inherent intracellular concentration was related with depression.

Endogenous cysteine fluorescence monitoring and its deployment in tumour demarcation

A cysteine-specific fluorescent probe with a wide concentration detection range was used to monitor changes in cysteine levels in HeLa cells under stress and to demarcate the boundary of a xenograft tumour.

Enzyme-activated Prodrugs and Their Release Mechanisms for Treatment of Cancer

Enzyme-activated prodrugs have received a lot of attention in recent years. These prodrugs have low toxicity to cells before they are activated, and when they interact with specific enzymes, they...

Progress in the past five years of small organic molecule dyes for tumor microenvironment imaging

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is the survival environment for tumor cell proliferation and metastasis in deep tissues.

Viscosity-sensitive NIR probe for in vivo imaging of early-stage hepatic fibrosis

A viscosity-sensitive and liver-targeted NIR fluorescent probe has been developed for early diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis.

Unique assemble of carbonylpyridinium and chromene reveal mitochondrial thiol starvation under ferroptosis and novel ferroptosis inducer

To reveal the delicate function of mitochondrial, precise detection tools in spatiotemporal manner remains highly desirable. However, current probes with positive charge warheads for targeting mitochondria diffuse out of the...

Sulfur and nitrogen served as electron donors to rescue short wave emission or fluorescence quenching caused by nucleophilic addition

SO2 is not only a new potential gas signaling molecule, but also an antioxidant and antioxidant metabolite, which plays an important role in biophysiological and pathological processes. However, excessive intake...

A tracer-type fluorescent probe for imaging adenosine triphosphate under the stresses of hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen peroxide in living cells

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a direct energy source in cells and the core of the biochemical system, and is closely related to various metabolic activities in living organisms.

HSA-Lys-161 covalent bound fluorescent dye for in vivo blood drug dynamic imaging and tumor mapping

The specific combination of human serum albumin and fluorescent dye will endow superior performance to a coupled fluorescent platform for in vivo fluorescence labeling. In this study, we found that lysine-161 in human serum albumin is a covalent binding site and could spontaneously bind a ketone skeleton quinoxaline-coumarin fluorescent dye with a specific turn-on fluorescence signal for the first time. Supported by the abundant drug binding domains in human serum albumin, drugs such as ibuprofen, warfarin and clopidogrel could interact with the fluorescent dye labeled human serum albumin to feature a substantial enhancement in fluorescence intensity (6.6-fold for ibuprofen, 4.5-fold for warfarin and 5-fold for clopidogrel). The drug concentration dependent fluorescence intensity amplification realized real-time, in situ blood drug concentration monitoring in mice, utilizing ibuprofen as a model drug. The non-invasive method avoided continuous blood sample collection, which fundamentally causes suffering and consumption of experimental animals in the study of pharmacokinetics. At the same time, the coupled fluorescent probe can be efficiently enriched in tumors in mice which could map a tumor with a high-contrast red fluorescence signal and could hold great potential in clinical tumor marking and surgical resection.

Host-guest type multiple site fluorescent probe for GSH detection in living organisms

The host-guest type molecular size matching strategy, which embodied intramolecular hydrogen bond, aromatic nucleophilic substitution and nucleophilic addition, was utilized to develop a fluorescent probe for GSH specific detection and in situ imaging in organisms.

A reversible coumarin-based sensor for intracellular monitoring cysteine level changes during Cu2+-induced redox imbalance

Biological thiols are crucial small molecule amino acids widely existing in cells, which play indispensable roles in maintaining redox homeostasis of living systems. Owing to their abnormal levels have close relation with many diseases, thus, developing more convenient, rapid and practical in-vivo detection tools is imminent. Herein, a reversible coumarin-based probe (HNA) was successfully constructed through a simple two-step synthesis. HNA can detect Cys/Hcy with high response speed and desirable selectivity based on Michael addition recognition mechanism. Free HNA has an orange emission at 580 nm, but after addition of Cys/Hcy, the conjugated structure of probe HNA was destroyed by the attack of sulfhydryl, resulting in a new green emission at 507 nm. Further, HNA has been applied to monitor Cys/Hcy in HeLa cells and zebrafish. Notably, HNA has also been successfully applied for real-time tracing Cys levels changes in living cells and zebrafish during the imbalance in redox status caused by copper (II). This provides a new strategy for studying the process of oxidative stress in cells.

Recent progress of organic small molecule-based fluorescent probes for intracellular pH sensing

Fluorescent probes along with fluorescence microscopy are essential tools for biomedical research. Various cellular ubiquitous chemical factors such as pH, H₂O₂, and Ca²⁺ are labeled and traced using specific fluorescent probes, therefore helping us to explore their physiological function and pathological change. Among them, intracellular pH value is an important factor that governs biological processes, generally ∼7.2. Furthermore, specific organelles within cells possess unique acid-base homeostasis, involving the acidic lysosomes, alkalescent mitochondria, and neutral endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, which undergo various physiological processes such as intracellular digestion, ATP production, and protein folding and processing. In this review, recently reported fluorescent probes targeted toward the lysosomes, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and cytoplasm for sensing pH change are discussed, which involves molecular structures, fluorescence behavior, and biological applications.