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Background: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a severe central nervous system (CNS) infection with a challenging diagnosis due to inadequate detection methods. This study evaluated current clinical detection methods and their applicability. Methods: A cohort of 514 CNS infection patients from 2018 to 2020 was studied. Data on general demographics, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) analysis, epidemiology, and clinical outcomes were collected. TBM patients were identified, and the sensitivities of mmetagenomic next-generation sequencing (NGS), GeneXpert, and microbial culture were compared. Kappa statistic assessed the consistency between methods. Results: Among the patients involved, TBM (29%) and neurosyphilis (25%) were the two most prevalent CNS infections. CSF analysis indicated that 76% of patients had leukocytosis, suggesting a potential CNS inflammation. In TBM cases, 92.5% had elevated CSF protein and leukocyte counts. Moreover, the percentage of positive mNGS results was 55.6%. GeneXpert and MTB cultures alone had lower sensitivity, but combined use resulted in a 53.4% positive rate. Conclusions: This study highlights the high sensitivity of mNGS, comparable to GeneXpert and MTB culture. The combined methods are cost-effective and straightforward, and can partially substitute for mNGS, offering valuable alternatives for TBM diagnosis and providing insights into multiple diagnostic strategies in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly selective and sensitive fluorescence sensor for fluorine ion from aluminium and boric acid codoped carbon dot was synthesized. [Display omitted] • Aluminium ion and boric acid codoped carbon dots was synthesized and characterized. • In the sensor, rich hydroxyl group from boric acid can anchored carbon dots and aluminium, which enhanced the water solubility and biocompatibility of sensor system. • The water soluble fluorescence sensor can detect fluorine ion in cell and zebrafish. Fluorine is one of the essential trace elements for human body, which is essential for calcification process in living organisms. In the paper, a "off–on" fluorescence sensor for fluorine ion based on aluminium ion and boric acid codoped carbon dots was synthesized and characterized. According to fluorescence analysis, the water-soluble sensor exhibited highly selective and sensitive for fluorine ion. In sensing process, F- could bind to Al3+ after the addition of fluorine ion, which resulted in the decomposition of Al-BA-CDs system, then intense yellow fluorescence signal appeared. Moreover, the fluorescence sensor exhibited low detecting limit (5.0 nanomolar level) by fluorescence titration spectrum. In addition, according to evaluate the fluorescence sensing properties of F- in HepG2 cell and zebra fish, this job greatly extended the use of F- sensor from aluminium ion and boric acid codoped carbon dots in organism. The work also provided an interesting idea for fabricating water-soluble fluorescence sensor for F-. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an excellent water-soluble platform derived from a β-cyclodextrin derivative and graphene oxide was synthesized and characterized. Moreover, by a supramolecular host–guest self-assembly interaction between the organic molecule and the water-soluble platform, an interesting supramolecular system was fabricated successfully. By fluorescence experiments toward several metal ions, a higher response toward Al3+ than other commonly coexistent metal ions in absolute water media (pH = 7.2) was shown. Meanwhile, a large binding constant (3.89 × 1012 M−1) between them was calculated by fluorescence titration experiments. In addition, fluorescence imaging in living cells was studied systemically, which exhibited a high fluorescence sensing activity toward Al3+. This study provides the first detailed supramolecular host–guest self-assembled nanosensor from graphene oxide and β-cyclodextrin derivatives. Its water-solubility and excellent sensing activity effectively enhanced the application value of the fluorescent nanosensor for tracking and detecting Al3+ in the environment and in organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclodextrin (CD) is an important guest material owing to the water solubility and biocompatibility. In the paper, an organic small molecule was synthesized. According to supramolecular self-assembly, the organic molecule was bounded to the cavity of Poly β-cyclodextrin, which was characterized by IR, SEM and TEM et al. After self-assembly interaction, the morphology has changed obviously comparing with precursors. Simultaneously, the supramolecular self-assembly complex exhibited good water solubility. Moreover, By Gaussian calculation, the high binding activity between organic molecule and cyclodextrin was confirmed. By fluorescence investigation, the supramolecular system showed high fluorescence sensing activity for Zn2+ in pure water environment, which could track the dynamic change of Zn2+ in organisms. In addition, the supramolecular system exhibited low cytotoxicity. The work provided an interesting pathway for constructing water-soluble and low cytotoxic fluorescence sensor for Zn2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two simply and highly selective aluminium ion fluorescent probes based on 4-aminoantipyrine derivate have been successfully synthesized and systemically characterized, The investigation of absorption and emission spectra revealed that the compounds exhibited highly selective fluorescence behaviours toward Al in aqueous media and showed differential fluorescent emission peaks corresponding to blue and green. which resulted from different fluorophores, and the fluorescence process is attributed to the Photoinduced Electron Transfer (PET) mechanism, In addition, the association constants between sensors L1 and L2 with aluminum ion are 1.58 × 10 M and 8.72 × 10 M, respectively, which were obtained by fluorescent titration experiments. Moreover, the binding site of sensors with Al were determined by HNMR titration experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A novel water-soluble fluorescent chemosensor based on naphthalene derivate was designed. [•] The fluorescent chemosensor for Al3+ could be synthesized simply. [•] The fluorescent sensor exhibited high selectivity for Al3+ in absolute water media (pH=7.0). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the paper, a novel mutli-wavelength emissive aluminium ion chemosensor based on 3-[1′-(2′-hydroxy-α-methylbenzylidene-imino)]-2-(p-N,N-dimethyl aminophenyl)-1,2-dihydroquinazolin-4-(3H)-one is designed and synthesized. According to the fluorescence behavior toward several metal ions, it shows high selectivity to Al3+ over other commonly coexistent metal ions (Na+, Mg2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Cr3+, Hg2+, Zn2+, Cd2+) in aqueous environment (pH 7.40). Meanwhile the binding constant between Al3+ and chemosensor achieves 3.92×106 M−1 in aqueous media. Moreover, according to the Job plot, 1:1 stoichiometry between Al3+ and the sensor was deduced in aqueous media (pH 7.4). The good selectivity and sensitivity in aqueous media effectively enhance the application value of the chemosensor for Al3+. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Ultrasound‐guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) is considered a novel nerve block for postoperative pain control. However, its efficacy after urological surgery remains unclear. Objectives: The purpose of the current meta‐analysis was to evaluate the effects of the QLB block versus control (placebo or no injection) on postoperative pain and other adverse outcomes after urological surgery, providing extensive evidence of whether quadratus lumborum block is suitable for pain management after urological surgery. Study design: Systematic review with meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials. Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov to collect studies investigating the effects of QLB on analgesia after urological surgery. The primary outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS) at rest and during movement, 24‐h postoperative morphine consumption, and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Results: Overall, 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were reviewed, including 751 patients who underwent urological surgery. The QLB group exhibited a lower VAS score postoperatively at rest or on movement at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h, with less 24‐h postoperative morphine consumption and lower incidence of PONV. Limitations: Although the result is stable, heterogeneity exists in the current research. Conclusions: QLB exhibited a favorable effect of postoperative analgesia with reduced postoperative complications at rest or during movement after urological surgery. However, it is still a novel technology at a primary stage, which needs further research to develop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proton conductivity (σ) of the highly stable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) built by carboxylic acid ligand and aluminum metal has not been fully investigated. Herein, a three-dimensional aluminum-based MOF, [(AlOH) 2 TCPP] n (namely Al-TCPP) with exceptional structural stability was solvothermally synthesized using an organic multifunctional bridging ligand, meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (H 4 TCPP) with a large stiff ring structure and Al(NO 3) 3 ⋅9H 2 O as raw materials. The dependency of σ on temperature and relative humidity (RH) was surveyed using the AC impedance test after the MOF's thermal, water, and chemical stabilities, as well as nitrogen and H 2 O vapor adsorptions, were all characterized. Experimental results demonstrated that this highly stable MOF with a high specific surface area exhibited impressive proton conductivity, with an optimal σ of 3.2 × 10−4 S/cm under 100 °C/98 % RH. Furthermore, the proton-conducting mechanism inside the framework was highlighted using computed activation energy and structural analysis. This study provides new inspiration for designing and searching for high-performance proton-conductive materials. An aluminum-based three-dimensional MOF with a fractured pore was created using a polycarboxylic acid ligand based on porphyrin. Its entire process of proton conduction, proton conductivity, and structural stability are disclosed. [Display omitted] • One stale porous Al(III) MOF was fabricated. > Porphyrinyl phenyl tetracarboxylic acid was used. > The MOF's proton-conductive properties were explored. > Its conduction mechanism was examined. >. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the ultralong afterglow, room temperature decay phosphorescence nanomaterials have aroused enough attention. In the work, by simple one-pot solid-state thermal decomposition reaction, aggregate carbon dots (CDs) was prepared from trimesic and boric acid. Based on the intermolecular hydrogen bonds and intramolecular π-π stacking weak interaction from precursors, CDs was encapsulated in boron oxide matrix and formed aggregation. The aggregate state of CDs facilitated the triplet excited states (Tn), which could induce the room temperature decay phosphorescence properties. By careful investigation, under different excitation wavelengths at 254 and 365 nm, the aggregate CDs showed > 15 s and > 3 s room temperature phosphorescence emission in the naked eye, which was associated with 1516.12 ms and 718.62 ms lifetime respectively. And the aggregate CDs exhibited widespread application in encoding encryption, optical anti-counterfeiting and fingerprint identification etc. The interesting aggregate CDs revealed unexpected ultralong-afterglow room temperature decay phosphorescence properties and the work opened a window for constructing ultralong-afterglow room temperature decay phosphorescence aggregate CDs nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, a novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) target molecule derived from rhodamine 6G hydrazine and tetrastyrene carbaldehyde was synthesized and characterized. And the single crystal was obtained by high boiling solvent volatilization (DMF/H 2 O) method, which is the first reported analogous compound single crystal. Inside the crystal structure, the limited benzene ring spinning was observed. By the change of pH, the special spiro structure opened, simultaneously, the fluorescence resonance energy transfer process (blue to orange yellow fluorescence, colorless to pink) between tetrastyrene and rhodamine 6G occurred. So the AIE target molecule can be used as an effective fluorescence and color probe for detecting H+ (pH). Additionally, the cell fluorescence imaging experiment proved potentially that the AIE target molecule could detect the change of pH in organism. Moreover, the FRET sensing mechanism was concluded by fluorescence spectra and DFT calculation. Such studies provided important ideas for pH sensor based on AIE molecule. • A novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE) target molecule derived from rhodamine 6G group was synthesized. • The AIE molecule exhibited color and fluorescence sensing property for H+. • The fluorescence sensing mechanism was concluded by DFT calculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorimetric and fluorescent detection of F− have attracted enormous interest owing to their simplicity, low-cost and high selectivity. However, traditional colorimetric and fluorescent sensors mainly based on the insoluble and toxic organic molecules, which is not favorable for sensing F− in water media and living cells. In this work, we designed fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) with excellent water solubility and good biocompatibility as a colorimetric and fluorescent dual-model probe for the detection of F−. The CDs were prepared by a green, one-step hydrothermal strategy from wheat straw without any additives and surface passivation. The obtained CDs exhibited a bright blue fluorescence, special response to F− and low cytotoxicity. More interestingly, a significant color change from light yellow to red can be observed by the naked eye upon addition of F− ions to the CDs solution probably due to the formation of hydrogen bonding between CDs and F−. Besides, the fluorescence of CDs also can be selectively quenched by F− with the detection limit of about 49 μM. Additionally, the CDs are also applied to intracellular imaging and sensing of F− in living cells. This strategy may provide a new method for the detection of F− in water media and biological systems. Unlabelled Image • Fluorescent CDs were prepared by a green hydrothermal method from wheat straw. • The obtained CDs showed excitation-dependent emission and excellent biocompatibility. • The CDs can be used as colorimetric and fluorescent dual-model probes for sensing F−. • The CDs can be applied for bioimaging and intracellular sensing of F−. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional (3D) honeycomb-like hematite superstructure was successfully fabricated on 100 pixel per inch (ppi) Fe foam scaffold via a straightforward hydrothermal approach. Influencing factors including the reaction temperature, time and the dosage of precipitant were systematically studied. A self-assembly growth mechanism was proposed based on the results of hydrothermal reaction. The powder catalyst in the form of zero-dimensional (0D) hematite nanoparticles acted as a reference sample was also synthesized at the same reaction conditions without Fe foam substrate. The honeycomb-like hematite structure exhibited a higher CO conversion and lower methane selectivity than the traditional powder catalyst for Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS). These enhancements can be mainly attributed to its distinctive structure with high specific surface area, large Fe3O4 content, promoted reducibility and uniform particle size distribution, as well as effective diffusion of feed gas and products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Two novel asymmetric structure monomers, 3,6-Bis-(2,3-dihydro-thieno[3,4- b][1,4]dioxin-5-yl)-9-[4-(2,5-di-thiophen-2-yl-pyrrol-1-yl)-phenyl]-9H-carbazole (BDTC) and 2,7-Bis-(2,3-dihydro-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-5-yl)-9-[4-(2,5-di-thio phen-2-yl-pyrrol-1-yl)-phenyl]-9H-carbazole (BDDC), were designed and synthesized. Both the monomers could be electropolymerized to form the related polymer films. The electrochemical and electrochromic properties of polymer films were different from that of their homopolymers, which could be attributed to the similar copolymerization effect of asymmetric structure. Different linked positions also led to different features, PBDDC film showed more colors (orange, yellow green, green and blue) than that of PBDTC film (yellow, green and purple blue). However, after the introduction of 2, 2′-Bi(3,4-ethoxylene dioxy thiophene)(BIEDOT), the resulting copolymers exhibited similar electrochromic features(red, brown yellow, green and blue) due to the leading effect of EDOT units. Moreover, all the polymer films displayed fast switching time, reasonable optical contrast and good coloration efficiency, which made them have potential application in electrochromic devices. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Obtained two novel asymmetric structure monomers. • Both the polymer films showed good electrochromic properties. • The copolymers exhibited multi-electrochromism and outstanding coloration efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable Fe-based superhydrophobic surfaces are constructed via a hydrothermal method and an autocatalytic CO hydrogenation reaction. The platform molecule of syngas is proposed as an alternative to traditional low-free-energy materials. Syngas may be a powerful tool for fabricating superhydrophobic surfaces that can catalyze the CO hydrogenation reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyoxometalates (POMs), also known as transition metal‑oxygen clusters deliver unique physical and chemical properties such as low effective surface charge density, high thermal stability, and multi-electron acceptance, making them suitable for proton conductors. In recent years, proton conductive POMs have achieved significant progress in high performance (>10−2 S/cm) comparable to conventional materials through structural regulation strategies. At the same time, the veiled conduction mechanism has been elucidated by structural analysis and characterization. In this review, the research of POMs (Keggin-type, Dawson-type, composite materials) in proton conduction is reviewed mainly from the design strategy, proton conductivity and mechanism, structure-function relationship, and application, finally with a detailed discussion of challenges and prospects. This review will provide more inspiration for exploring and applying proton-conducting POM materials. Polyoxometalates (POMs) have low effective surface charge density, high thermal stability, electron acceptance ability, and discrete mobile ion components, making them particularly suitable as proton conductors. This article reviews the recent advances in this field, including Keggin-type POMs, Dawson-type POMs, organic-graded POMs, composites, and others. The design strategy, the relationship between structure and proton conductivity, and the future development trend of POMs are discussed. [Display omitted] • We provide a detailed elaboration on proton conducting POMs. • The design strategy, proton conductivity and mechanism, structure-function relationship, and application are summarized. • The review provides the prospects and challenges of proton conducting POMs. • The review would inspire development of more advanced proton conducting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles were covalently modified by a fluorescent 8-aminoquinoline derivative and formed an optical sensor to be used as a highly sensitive and selective Zn2+ ions fluorescent nanosensor in aqueous solution at pH 7.0. The nanosensor was sufficiently characterized by physicochemical methods. The sensor can detect Zn2+ ions in aqueous solution with a submicromolar sensitivity of 0.1μM, and the interfering metal ions cannot influence its selectivity. MTT assay experiments indicated that the sensor showed no apparent cytotoxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A highly sensitive and selective upconversion near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence and colorimetric dual readout hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) nanoprobe was constructed based on the excellent NIR fluorescence emission performance of upconversion nanomaterials (UCNPs), the specific recognition effect of synergistically synthesized gold nanoflowers (trypsin-stabled AuNFs (Try-AuNFs)) and the effective NIR fluorescence quenching capability. In this assay, the sensing strategy included three processes. First of all, the synthesized UCNPs can emit 803 nm NIR fluorescence when they were excited by 980 nm excitation light. Secondly, as a result of the principle of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), Try-AuNFs can effectively quench the NIR fluorescence of UCNPs at 803 nm, which can effectively improve the signal-to-background ratio of nanoprobes, thereby improving the sensitivity of the probes. Thirdly, in the presence of H 2 S, the Try protective layer on the surface of Try-AuNFs was specifically penetrated, which will subsequently cleave Try-AuNFs via the strong S–Au bond. As such, the NIR fluorescence of UCNPs will be restored, achieving high selectivity and sensitivity detection of H 2 S. Under optimized conditions, the linear response range of H 2 S was 0.1–300 μM, and the detection limit was 53 nM. It is worth noting that the Try on the surface of Try-AuNFs via the synergistic effect can increase the steric hindrance of the probe, and this can effectively prevent the interaction between the probe with biothiols (cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy)) and other natural amino acids (non-thiol-containing) with resultant in the high selectivity regarding the detection of H 2 S in human serum, which is unlikely to be achieved by AuNFs synthesized by the gold seed method (Se-AuNFs). This work not only provided a new type of UCNPs fluorescence quencher and recognition unit, but also exemplified that the use of the physical properties (steric hindrance) of protein ligands on the surface of nanoflowers can improve the specificity of the probe. This will provide new ideas for the design of other nanoprobes. [Display omitted] • The novel gold nanoflowers (AuNFs) were prepared by ultrafast (5–8 s) and one-step synthesis method. • The AuNFs have excellent upconversion fluorescence quenching ability and specific recognition effect. • A novel upconversion near-infrared fluorescent and colorimetric nanoprobe for H 2 S was designed. • The mechanism of H 2 S-triggered AuNFs cleave reaction was confirmed for the first time. • The nanoprobe has been applied to the analysis of H 2 S in human serum samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A VN62 fluorescent sensor with ESIPT propertywas designed, synthesized and characterized. • VN62 sensor exhibited rapid and stable detection of Al3+ with a remarkable fluorescence enhancement in aqueous solution. • The sensing mechanism of VN62 sensorto Al3+ wasreasonably speculated based on experimental results and theoretical calculations. • VN62 sensor was capable of recognizing Al3+ by test strips and imaging Al3+in plants and living cells. A new acylhydrazone fluorescent sensor (VN62) with excited intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) characteristics has been designed and synthesized through condensation of o -vanillin with 6‑hydroxy-2-naphthoic hydrazide for selective detection of Al3+ in aqueous medium. The structure of the VN62 sensor was characterized by various techniques such as 1H and 13C NMR and mass spectrometry, and also confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The VN62 sensor showed a remarkable fluorescence enhancement response to Al3+ over a broad pH range in a nearly 100 % aqueous solution without interference by most of tested metal ions and anions. Through fluorescence titration and a Job's plot experiment, the binding stoichiometry of VN62 with Al3+ was found to be 1:1. The limit of detection of VN62 toward Al3+ was determined as 39.6 nM and the binding constant was 2.66 × 104 M−1. Comprehensive analyses by HR-MS, 1H NMR and density functional theory calculations illustrated that the VN62 sensor coordinated with Al3+, forming a stable trigonal bipyramid structure complex, which blocked the ESIPT and photoinduced electron transfer processes and simultaneously promoted an intramolecular charge transfer process, thereby leading to strong cyan fluorescence. Moreover, VN62 -loaded test strips were successfully applied for rapid and visual detection of Al3+. Furthermore, the VN62 sensor was used to visualize Al3+in plants and live cells. The results indicated that the VN62 sensor has great potential for detecting Al3+in biological systems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel and facile strategy was firstly developed to synthesize an efficient magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent via linking the Gd-complex (Gd-DTPA) onto the surfaces of ferroferric oxide nanoparticles. The new contrast agent is easily soluble in water media and shows better targeting ability on the liver organ. In addition, the synthesized contrast agent shows excellent magnetic resonance contrast behavior with longitudinal relaxivity value of 62.58mM−1 s−1 and emits strong bright fluorescence in the cellular environment. Furthermore, the new magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent is superparamagnetic at room temperature and has no apparent cytotoxicity on human HeLa cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel fluorescein derivative, synthesized by the reaction of fluorescein hydrazide and 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl-5-pyrazolone, was evaluated as a chemoselective metal ion sensor. Addition of Cu2+ to an aqueous solution of the fluorescein derivative resulted in a rapid color change from colorless to deep yellow together with a distinctive change in UV–vis absorption spectrum. However, other common alkali-, alkaline earth-, transition- and rare earth metal ions induced no or minimal spectral changes. The stoichiometry of the reaction and association constant of the fluorescein derivative with Cu2+ are described. Experimental results indicate that the fluorescein derivative could provide a rapid, selective and sensitive response to Cu2+, and could be used as a potential Cu2+ colorimetric chemosensor in aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel quinoline derivative chemosensor (QN) as dual chemosensor was designed, synthesized and characterized. • The chemosensor QN exhibits highly selectivity fluorescence enhancement to Al3+ and colorimetric sensing for Fe2+. • The plausible binding modes of QN -Al3+ and QN -Fe2+ were supported by theoretical calculations. A simple and novel quinoline derivative (QN), based on quinoline-8-carboxaldehyde and 3‑hydroxy-2-naphthoic hydrazide was synthesized. The structure of chemosensor QN was confirmed by X-ray Crystallography. The chemosensor QN as dual chemosensor showed selective fluorescence recognition of Al3+ and colorimetric detection of Fe2+. In the presence of Al3+, the sensor QN generated a noticeable fluorescence enhancement accompanied with obvious color change from colorless to yellowish green. Moreover, QN was successfully used for colorimetric sensing for Fe2+, while the solution color changed from pale yellow to dark green. The detection limit was obtained to be 1.22 × 10−8 mol L−1 for Al3+ and 1.04 × 10−7 mol L−1 for Fe2+. The sensing mechanism of sensor QN toward Al3+ and Fe2+ were investigated by 1H NMR, ESI-MS and IR. Moreover, the coordination modes of QN -Al3+ and QN -Fe2+were confirmed by theoretical calculations. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]