Nanostructured High Entropy Alloys as Structural and Functional Materials

Since their introduction in 2004, high entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted significant attention due to their exceptional mechanical and functional properties. Advances in our understanding of atomic-scale ordering and phase formation in HEAs have facilitated the development of fabrication techniques for synthesizing nanostructured HEAs. These materials hold immense potential for applications in various fields including automobile industries, aerospace engineering, microelectronics, and clean energy, where they serve as either structural or functional materials. In this comprehensive Review, we conduct an in-depth analysis of the mechanical and functional properties of nanostructured HEAs, with a particular emphasis on the roles of different nanostructures in modulating these properties. To begin, we explore the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence the formation and stability of nanostructures in HEAs. Subsequently, we delve into an examination of the mechanical and electrocatalytic properties exhibited by bulk or three-dimensional (3D) nanostructured HEAs, as well as nanosized HEAs in the form of zero-dimensional (0D) nanoparticles, one-dimensional (1D) nanowires, or two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets. Finally, we present an outlook on the current research landscape, highlighting the challenges and opportunities associated with nanostructure design and the understanding of structure-property relationships in nanostructured HEAs.

Arctium Lappa L

Arctium lappa L. is widely consumed for its various biological effects, and polysaccharides are its main functional components. The present study aimed to evaluate the immunoregulatory effects of the main polysaccharides from burdock (ALP-1) and reveal the underlying mechanisms. ALP-1 consisted of fructose and glucose (14.57:1) and had a molecular weight of 2757 Da, with typical characteristics of (1 → 2)-linked linear fructans. Oral intake of ALP-1 significantly increased the number of colonic goblet cells, serum immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G levels, and fecal secretory immunoglobulin A content as well as up-regulated antioxidant enzymes and increased short chain fatty acid production. In addition, ALP-1 administration regulated pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines (i.e., interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, and IL-10), intestinal microbiota structure, and the spatial information on key metabolites. Some gut-microbiota-mediated metabolic processes were also significantly altered. These results indicated that ALP-1 could exert beneficial effects on immune responses and intestinal health in healthy mice.

The application of proteomics and phosphoproteomics to reveal the molecular mechanism of salidroside in ameliorating myocardial hypoxia

Salidroside (SAL), belonging to a kind of the main active ingredient of Rhodiola rosea, is extensively utilized for anti-hypoxia and prevention of altitude sickness in the plateau region of China. However, the research on the systemic changes induced by SAL at intracellular protein level is still limited, especially at protein phosphorylation level. These limitations hinder a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of SAL. This study aimed to investigate the potential molecular mechanism of SAL in ameliorating the acute myocardial hypoxia induced by cobalt chloride using integrated proteomics and phosphoproteomics. We successfully identified 165 differentially expressed proteins and 266 differentially expressed phosphosites in H9c2 cells following SAL treatment under hypoxic conditions. Bioinformatics analysis and biological experiment validation revealed that SAL significantly antagonized CoCl2-mediated cell cycle arrest by downregulating CCND1 expression and upregulating AURKA, AURKAB, CCND3 and PLK1 expression. Additionally, SAL can stabilize the cytoskeleton through upregulating the Kinesin Family (KIF) members expression. Our study systematically revealed that SAL had the ability to protect myocardial cells against CoCl2-induced hypoxia through multiple biological pathways, including enhancing the spindle stability, maintaining the cell cycle, relieving DNA damage, and antagonizing cell apoptosis. This study supplies a comprehension perspective on the alterations at protein and protein phosphorylation levels induced by SAL treatment, thereby expanded our knowledge of the anti-hypoxic mechanisms of SAL. Moreover, this study provides a valuable resource for further investigating the effects of SAL.

Urinary proteomics for noninvasive monitoring of biomarkers of chronic mountain sickness in a young adult population using data-independent acquisition (DIA)-based mass spectrometry

Different populations exhibit varying pathophysiological responses to plateau environments. Therefore, it is crucial to identify molecular markers in body fluids with high specificity and sensitivity to aid in determination. Proteomics offers a fresh perspective for investigating protein changes linked to diseases. We utilize urine as a specific biomarker for early chronic mountain sickness (CMS) detection, as it is a simple-to-collect biological fluid. We collected urine samples from three groups: plains health, plateau health and CMS. Using DIA's proteomic approach, we found differentially expressed proteins between these groups, which will be used as a basis for future studies to identify protein markers. Compared with the healthy plain population, 660 altering proteins were identified in plateau health, which performed the resistance to altitude response function by boosting substance metabolism and reducing immune stress function. Compared to the healthy plateau population, the CMS group had 140 different proteins identified, out of which 8 were potential biomarkers for CMS. Our study has suggested that CMS may be closely related to increased thyroid hormone levels, oxidative damage to the mitochondria, impaired cell detoxification function and inhibited hydrolase activity. SIGNIFICANCE: Our team has compiled a comprehensive dataset of urine proteomics for AMS disease. We successfully identified differentially expressed proteins between healthy and AMS groups using the DIA proteomic approach. We discovered that 660 proteins were altered in plateau health compared to the healthy plain population, resulting in a heightened resistance to altitude response function by boosting substance metabolism and reducing immune stress function. Additionally, we pinpointed 140 different proteins in the AMS group compared to the healthy plateau population, with 8 showing potential as biomarkers for AMS. Our findings suggest that the onset of AMS may be closely linked to increased thyroid hormone levels, oxidative damage to the mitochondria, impaired cell detoxification function and inhibited hydrolase activity.

Solving conformal defects in 3D conformal field theory using fuzzy sphere regularization

Defects in conformal field theory (CFT) are of significant theoretical and experimental importance. The presence of defects theoretically enriches the structure of the CFT, but at the same time, it makes it more challenging to study, especially in dimensions higher than two. Here, we demonstrate that the recently-developed theoretical scheme, fuzzy (non-commutative) sphere regularization, provides a powerful lens through which one can dissect the defect of 3D CFTs in a transparent way. As a notable example, we study the magnetic line defect of 3D Ising CFT and clearly demonstrate that it flows to a conformal defect fixed point. We have identified 6 low-lying defect primary operators, including the displacement operator, and accurately extract their scaling dimensions through the state-operator correspondence. Moreover, we also compute one-point bulk correlators and two-point bulk-defect correlators, which show great agreement with predictions of defect conformal symmetry, and from which we extract various bulk-defect operator product expansion coefficients. Our work demonstrates that the fuzzy sphere offers a powerful tool for exploring the rich physics in 3D defect CFTs.

Boosting Multielectron Reaction Stability of Sodium Vanadium Phosphate by High-Entropy Substitution

Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) based on the multielectron reactions between V2+ and V5+ has been considered a promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). However, it still suffers from unsatisfactory stability, caused by the poor reversibility of the V5+/V4+ redox couple and structure evolution. Herein, we propos a strategy that combines high-entropy substitution and electrolyte optimization to boost the reversible multielectron reactions of NVP. The high reversibility of the V5+/V4+ redox couple and crystalline structure evolution are disclosed by in situ X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectra and in situ X-ray diffraction. Meanwhile, the electrochemical reaction kinetics of high-entropy substitution NVP (HE-NVP) can be further improved in the diglyme-based electrolyte. These enable HE-NVP to deliver a superior electrochemical performance (capacity retention of 93.1% after 2000 cycles; a large reversible capacity of 120 mAh g-1 even at 5.0 A g-1). Besides, the long cycle life and high power density of the HE-NVP∥natural graphite full-cell configuration demonstrated the superiority of HE-NVP cathode in SIBs. This work highlights that the synergism of high-entropy substitution and electrolyte optimization is a powerful strategy to enhance the sodium-storage performance of polyanionic cathodes for SIBs.

Multifunctional High Entropy Alloys Enabled by Severe Lattice Distortion

Since 2004, the design of high entropy alloys (HEAs) has generated significant interest within the materials science community due to their exceptional structural and functional properties. By incorporating multiple principal elements into a common lattice, it is possible to create a single-phase crystal with a highly distorted lattice. This unique feature enables HEAs to offer a promising combination of mechanical and physical properties that are not typically observed in conventional alloys. In this article, an extensive overview of multifunctional HEAs that exhibit severe lattice distortion is provided, covering the theoretical models that are developed to understand lattice distortion, the experimental and computational methods employ to characterize lattice distortion, and most importantly, the impact of severe lattice distortion on the mechanical, physical and electrochemical properties of HEAs. Through this review, it is hoped to stimulate further research into the study of distorted lattices in crystalline solids.

FLRT3 and TGF-β/SMAD4 signalling: Impacts on apoptosis, autophagy and ion channels in supraventricular tachycardia

To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), this study aimed to analyse the complex relationship between FLRT3 and TGF-β/SMAD4 signalling pathway, which affects Na+ and K+ channels in cardiomyocytes. Bioinformatics analysis was performed on 85 SVT samples and 15 healthy controls to screen overlapping genes from the key module and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Expression profiling of overlapping genes, coupled with Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, identified FLRT3 as a hub gene. In vitro studies utilizing Ang II-stimulated H9C2 cardiomyocytes were undertaken to elucidate the consequences of FLRT3 silencing on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and autophagic processes. Utilizing a combination of techniques such as quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting (WB), flow cytometry, dual-luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation polymerase chain reaction (ChIP-PCR) assays were conducted to decipher the intricate interactions between FLRT3, the TGF-β/SMAD4 signalling cascade and ion channel gene expression. Six genes (AADAC, DSC3, FLRT3, SYT4, PRR9 and SERTM1) demonstrated reduced expression in SVT samples, each possessing significant clinical diagnostic potential. In H9C2 cardiomyocytes, FLRT3 silencing mitigated Ang II-induced apoptosis and modulated autophagy. With increasing TGF-β concentration, there was a dose-responsive decline in FLRT3 and SCN5A expression, while both KCNIP2 and KCND2 expressions were augmented. Moreover, a direct interaction between FLRT3 and SMAD4 was observed, and inhibition of SMAD4 expression resulted in increased FLRT3 expression. Our results demonstrated that the TGF-β/SMAD4 signalling pathway plays a critical role by regulating FLRT3 expression, with potential implications for ion channel function in SVT.

Predictive effect of net water uptake on futile recanalisation in patients with acute large-vessel occlusion stroke

AIM

To determine whether net water uptake (NWU) based on automated software evaluation could predict futile recanalisation in patients with acute anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion (LVO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with acute anterior circulation LVO undergoing mechanical thrombectomy in Jinling Hospital were evaluated retrospectively. NWU and other baseline data were evaluated by performing univariate and multivariate analyses. The primary endpoint was 90-day modified Rankin scale score ≥3. A nomogram to predict poor clinical outcomes was developed based on multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 135 patients who underwent thrombectomy with a TICI grade ≥2b were enrolled. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the following factors were identified as independent predictors of futile recanalisation: age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.055, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.004-1.110, p=0.035), female (OR: 0.289, 95 % CI: 0.098-0.850, p=0.024), hypertension (OR: 3.182, 95 % CI: 1.160-8.728, p=0.025), high blood glucose level (OR: 1.36, 95 % CI: 1.087-1.701, p=0.007), admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (OR: 1.082, 95 % CI: 1.003-1.168, p=0.043), and NWU (OR: 1.312, 95 % CI: 1.038-1.659, p=0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

NWU based on Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography (CT) Score (ASPECTS) could be used to predict the occurrence of futile recanalisation in patients with acute anterior circulation LVO ischaemic stroke.

Characteristics of aerosol aminiums over a coastal city in North China: Insights from the divergent impacts of marine and terrestrial influences

Aminium ions, as crucial alkaline components within fine atmospheric particles, have a notable influence on new particle formation and haze occurrence. Their concentrations within coastal atmosphere depict considerable variation due to the interplay of distinctive marine and terrestrial sources, further complicated by dynamic meteorological conditions. This study conducted a comprehensive examination of aminiums ions concentrations, with a particular focus on methylaminium (MMAH+), dimethylaminium (DMAH+), trimethylaminium (TMAH+), and triethylaminium (TEAH+) within PM2.5, over varying seasons (summer, autumn, and winter of 2019 and summer of 2021), at an urban site in the coastal megacity of Qingdao, Northern China. The investigations revealed that the total concentration of particulate aminium ions (∑Aminium) was 21.6 ± 23.6 ng/m3, exhibiting higher values in the autumn and winter compared to the two summer periods. Considering diurnal variations during autumn and winter, concentrations of particulate aminium ions (excluding TEAH+) exhibited a slight increase during the day compared to night, with a notable peak during the morning hours. However, it was not the case for TEAH+, which was argued to be readily oxidized by ambient oxidants in the afternoon. Additionally, the ∑Aminium within the summer demonstrated markedly elevated levels during the day compared to night, potentially attributed to daytime sea fog associated with sea-land breeze interactions. Positive matrix factorization results indicate terrestrial anthropogenic emissions, including vehicle emission mixed with road dust and primary pollution, as the primary sources of MMAH+ and DMAH+. Conversely, TMAH+ was predominantly emitted from agricultural and marine sources. With the dominance of sea breeze in summer, TMAH+ was identified as a primary marine emission correlated with sea salt, while MMAH+, DMAH+, and TEAH+ were postulated to undergo secondary formation. Furthermore, a notable inverse correlation was observed between TMAH+ and methanesulfonate in PM2.5, consistent with dynamic emissions of sulfur-content and nitrogen-content gases reported in the literature.

Revealing the effect of conductive carbon materials on the sodium storage performance of sodium iron sulfate

Na2Fe2(SO4)3 (NFS), as a promising cathode for sodium-ion batteries, is still plagued by its poor intrinsic conductivity. In general, hybridization with carbon materials is an effective strategy to improve the sodium storage performance of NFS. However, the role of carbon materials in the electrochemical performance of NFS cathode materials has not been thoroughly investigated. Herein, the effect of carbon materials was revealed by employing various conductive carbon materials as carbon sources. Among these, the NFS coated with Ketjen Black (NFS@KB) shows the largest specific surface area, which is beneficial for electrolyte penetration and rapid ionic/electronic migration, leading to improved electrochemical performance. Therefore, NFS@KB shows a long cycle life (74.6 mA h g-1 after 1000 cycles), superior rate performance (61.5 mA h g-1 at a 5.0 A g-1), and good temperature tolerance (-10 °C to 60 °C). Besides, the practicality of the NFS@KB cathode was further demonstrated by assembling a NFS@KB//hard carbon full cell. Therefore, this research indicates that a suitable carbon material for the NFS cathode can greatly activate the sodium storage performance.

Sustainable production of triazoles from lignin major motifs

An efficiently catalyzed synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant 1,2,3-trazoles from renewable resources is highly desirable. However, due to incompatible catalysis conditions, this endeavor remained challenging so far. Herein, a practical access protocol to 1,2,3-triazoles, starting from lignin phenolic β-O-4 with γ-OH group utilizing a vanadium-based catalyst is presented. A broad substrate scope reaching up to 97 % yield of 1,2,3-triazoles are obtained. The reaction pathway includes selective cleavage of double C-O bonds, cycloaddition, and dehydrogenation. Mechanistic studies and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the V-based complex acts as a bifunctional catalyst for both selective C-O bonds cleavage and dehydrogenation. This synthetic pathway has been applied for the synthesis of pharmacological and biological active carbohydrate derivatives starting from biomass components as feedstock, enabling a potential sustainable route to triazolyl carbohydrate derivatives, which paves the way for lignin-based heterocyclic aromatics in the pharmaceutical applications.

Diagnostic value of adenohypophyseal MRI features in female children with precocious puberty

AIM

To evaluate the diagnostic value of adenohypophyseal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features for precocious puberty (PP) in female children and also to establish a non-invasive diagnostic approach in clinics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 126 female children (37, 57, and 32 female children clinically diagnosed with central PP [CPP], incomplete PP [IPP], and controls, respectively) were enrolled in this study. Data were collected and analysed using analysis of variance. Pearson correlation and stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis were used to examine the association and build prediction models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy.

RESULTS

The values of adenohypophysis volume (aPV), adenohypophysis height (aPH), and signal-intensity ratio (SIR), height, weight, and seven laboratory testing characteristics were correlated closely with the activation status of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis in the different groups (all p<0.05). Model 1 including aPV, weight, and aPH and Model 2 including SIR, aPV, and height were built to obtain predicted luteinising hormone (LH; R2 = 0.271) and LH/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH; R2 = 0.311). ROC analysis showed the predicted LH, predicted LH/FSH, and aPV were the top 3 best predictors in distinguishing CPP from controls (AUC = 0.969, 0.949, and 0.938) while predicted LH/FSH was the best predictor in distinguishing CPP from IPP and controls (AUC = 0.829 and 0.828).

CONCLUSION

The adenohypophysis volume itself and the prediction models including main adenohypophyseal MRI features increased diagnostic efficiency for PP and offered a non-invasive and credible diagnostic method.

Amorphous alloys surpass E/10 strength limit at extreme strain rates

Theoretical predictions of the ideal strength of materials range from E/30 to E/10 (E is Young's modulus). However, despite intense interest over the last decade, the value of the ideal strength achievable through experiments for metals remains a mystery. This study showcases the remarkable spall strength of Cu50Zr50 amorphous alloy that exceeds the E/10 limit at strain rates greater than 107 s-1 through laser-induced shock experiments. The material exhibits a spall strength of 11.5 GPa, approximately E/6 or 1/13 of its P-wave modulus, which sets a record for the elastic limit of metals. Electron microscopy and large-scale molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the primary failure mechanism at extreme strain rates is void nucleation and growth, rather than shear-banding. The rate dependence of material strength is explained by a void kinetic model controlled by surface energy. These findings help advance our understanding on the mechanical behavior of amorphous alloys under extreme strain rates.

Emergent Superconductivity and Competing Charge Orders in Hole-Doped Square-Lattice t-J Model

The square-lattice Hubbard and closely related t-J models are considered as basic paradigms for understanding strong correlation effects and unconventional superconductivity (SC). Recent large-scale density matrix renormalization group simulations on the extended t-J model have identified d-wave SC on the electron-doped side (with the next-nearest-neighbor hopping t_{2}>0) but a dominant charge density wave (CDW) order on the hole-doped side (t_{2}<0), which is inconsistent with the SC of hole-doped cuprate compounds. We re-examine the ground-state phase diagram of the extended t-J model by employing the state-of-the-art density matrix renormalization group calculations with much enhanced bond dimensions, allowing more accurate determination of the ground state. On six-leg cylinders, while different CDW phases are identified on the hole-doped side for the doping range δ=1/16-1/8, a SC phase emerges at a lower doping regime, with algebraically decaying pairing correlations and d-wave symmetry. On the wider eight-leg systems, the d-wave SC also emerges on the hole-doped side at the optimal 1/8 doping, demonstrating the winning of SC over CDW by increasing the system width. Our results not only suggest a new path to SC in general t-J model through weakening the competing charge orders, but also provide a unified understanding on the SC of both hole- and electron-doped cuprate superconductors.

Outcomes of Filtering Surgery Versus Clear Lens Extraction in Young Patients With Angle-Closure Glaucoma

PURPOSE

To compare the effect of filtering surgery versus clear lens extraction in young patients with medically uncontrolled angle-closure glaucoma (ACG).

DESIGN

Retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative, interventional study.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical charts of patients with the following scenarios: (1) age ≤40 years; (2) diagnosis of ACG without cataract, including primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG), nanophthalmic ACG, and ACG combined with retinal dystrophies; and (3) ACG undergoing filtering surgery or clear lens extraction. The main outcomes including intraocular pressure (IOP), number of medications, best-corrected visual acuity, and severe complications were extracted at the postoperative early (within 1 week) and late stage (>3 months) follow-up.

RESULTS

Data from 160 eyes of 130 young patients with ACG were available. Eyes with 76 PACG, 12 nanophthalmic ACG, and 26 ACG with retinal diseases underwent filtering surgery, whereas eyes with 22 PACG, 12 nanophthalmic ACG, and 12 ACG with retinal diseases received clear lens extraction. Overall, filtering surgery and clear lens extraction resulted in significant but comparable IOP and drug reductions at the postoperative late stage in each ACG subgroup, with similar complete success rates between 2 treatments (all P > .05). Regarding the safety, filtering surgery and patients with retinal diseases were independent factors associated with postoperative malignant glaucoma (P < .05 in both multivariable logistic regression models).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights that the efficacy of clear lens extraction is comparable to that of filtering surgery in medically uncontrolled ACG in young patients, but clear lens extraction is safer, especially for young patients with ACG comorbid with retinal diseases.

Oxidation-induced superelasticity in metallic glass nanotubes

Although metallic nanostructures have been attracting tremendous research interest in nanoscience and nanotechnologies, it is known that environmental attacks, such as surface oxidation, can easily initiate cracking on the surface of metals, thus deteriorating their overall functional/structural properties1-3. In sharp contrast, here we report that severely oxidized metallic glass nanotubes can attain an ultrahigh recoverable elastic strain of up to ~14% at room temperature, which outperform bulk metallic glasses, metallic glass nanowires and many other superelastic metals hitherto reported. Through in situ experiments and atomistic simulations, we reveal that the physical mechanisms underpinning the observed superelasticity can be attributed to the formation of a percolating oxide network in metallic glass nanotubes, which not only restricts atomic-scale plastic events during loading but also leads to the recovery of elastic rigidity on unloading. Our discovery implies that oxidation in low-dimensional metallic glasses can result in unique properties for applications in nanodevices.

The Influence of Pulmonary Veins' Anatomic Features and Catheter Coaxiality on Cryoballoon Ablation Results for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

A total of 172 consecutive patients with sympathetic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who received cryoballoon (CB) ablation from 2020 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Catheter coaxiality and anatomic features of pulmonary veins (PVs) on computed tomography images were explored by several parameters and their influence on the cryoablation results was then analyzed. The rate of incomplete CB occlusion was significantly higher for inferior than superior PVs. A multivariate analysis revealed that a short distance (<6.3 mm) from PV ostium to first branch (D-PVB) and a small angle (<32.5°) of first branch were independent predict factors for an incomplete CB occlusion in right inferior PVs (RIPVs). A combination of D-PVB and angle of first branch could elevate the predictor value for an incomplete balloon occlusion with a sensitivity of 0.85 and specificity of 1.0 for RIPVs. For PVs with a perfect balloon occlusion, the best catheter coaxiality was observed in right superior PV while the worst catheter coaxiality was observed in RIPV. A more aggressive catheter manipulation with a "7" or "reverse-U" shape of long sheath could obtain a better catheter coaxiality compared with conventional manipulation strategy for RIPVs. In Conclusion, a short D-PVB and a small angle of first branch were independent predict factors for an incomplete CB occlusion in RIPVs. A more aggressive catheter manipulation strategy was recommended to achieve a complete balloon occlusion and a better catheter coaxiality for RIPVs.

A Prospective Trial to Assess the Efficacy of Eye-Tracking-Based Binocular Treatment versus Patching for Children's Amblyopia: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE

To assess visual acuity (VA) and stereoacuity (SA) improvements in children with amblyopia treated with either binocular dichoptic treatment or patching treatment.

METHODS

In this pilot prospective coherent study, 34 participants between 4 and 9 years of age with unilateral anisometropic amblyopia and without history of prior amblyopia treatment were enrolled into three groups. Full treatment group (FTG; n = 12): participants were prescribed the binocular dichoptic treatment to watch for 90 minutes per day, 5 days a week. Part-time treatment group (PTTG; n = 8): participants were prescribed the same binocular treatment as FTG, 90 minutes per day, 3 days per week. Patching treatment group (PTG; n = 14): participants wore an adhesive patch over the dominant eye for 2 hours per day, 7 days per week. Amblyopic-eye distance visual acuity (DVA), near visual acuity (NVA) and SA were evaluated at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

At 12 weeks, mean amblyopic-eye DVA improved 1.8 lines (95% CI, 1.1-2.5) in FTG, 1.5 lines (95% CI, 0.4-2.7) in PTTG and 3.0 lines (95% CI, 2.0-4.0) in PTG. The amblyopic-eye NVA improved 2.9 lines (95% CI, 2.4-3.5) in FTG, 1.7 lines (95% CI, 0.5-3.0) in PTTG and 2.8 lines (95% CI, 1.8-3.9) in PTG. The SA improved 0.38 log-arcseconds (95% CI, 0.24-0.53) in FTG, 0.59 log-arcseconds (95% CI, 0.36-0.82) in PTTG and 0.40 log-arcseconds (95% CI, 0.13-0.67) in PTG. No significant differences were found in DVA, NVA or SA improvement between FTG and PTG at 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

VA and SA after binocular dichoptic treatment produced a similar therapeutic outcome to patching, suggesting a potential value for binocular therapy when treating anisometropic moderate degree of Children's amblyopia.

Multi-dimensional radiomics analysis to predict visceral pleural invasion in lung adenocarcinoma of ≤3 cm maximum diameter

AIM

To explore the value of radiomics analysis in preoperatively predicting visceral pleural invasion (VPI) of lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) with ≤3 cm maximum diameter and to compare the performance of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) radiomics models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 391 LAC patients were enrolled retrospectively, of whom 142 were VPI (+) and 249 were VPI (-). Radiomics features were extracted from 2D and 3D regions of interest (ROIs) of tumours in CT images. 2D and 3D radiomics models were developed combining the optimal radiomics features by using the logistic regression machine-learning method and radiomics scores (rad-scores) were calculated. Nomograms were constructed by integrating independent risk factors and rad-scores. The performance of each model was evaluated by using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), clinical impact curve (CIC), and calculating the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

There was no difference in the VPI prediction between 2D and 3D radiomics models (training group: 2D AUC=0.835, 3D AUC=0.836, p=0.896; validation group: 2D AUC=0.803, 3D AUC=0.794, p=0.567). The 2D and 3D nomograms performed similarly regarding discrimination (training group: 2D AUC=0.867, 3D AUC=0.862, p=0.409, validation group: 2D AUC=0.835, 3D AUC=0.827, p=0.558), and outperformed their corresponding radiomics models and the clinical model. DCA and CIC revealed that the 2D nomogram had slightly better clinical utility.

CONCLUSION

The 2D radiomics model has a similar discrimination capability compared with the 3D radiomics model. The 2D nomogram performs slightly better for individual VPI prediction in LAC.

Does Epigallocatechin Gallate as a Radiation Protective Agent Reduce the Anti-Tumor Effect of Radiotherapy in Postoperative Breast Cancer Radiotherapy?

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Based on the previous encouraging results, we further explored whether EGCG would have a protective effect on potential tumor lesions, that is, reduce the efficacy of radiotherapy. We selected patients with stage III breast cancer with or without EGCG. The local control rate, distant metastasis rate, DFS and OS were compared between the two groups.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with stage III breast cancer who were treated with EGCG and radiotherapy was selected from a phase II clinical study (ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT02580279). Each patient was matched with one control patient without EGCG From the medical database of our hospital matching for age and stage. The control group of stage-and age-matched patients was selected at random from the medical database of our hospital RESULTS: We identified 43 EGCG patients and 43 matched controls. The median age was 45 years (range: 26-67). Between the two groups, there were no obvious differences in the baseline demographic or clinical features. When compared to the placebo group, the mean radiation-induced dermatitis index (RIDI) in the EGCG group was substantially lower (2.56±1.14 vs 3.36±1.16 T = -3.232, P = 0.002). Repeated measures ANOVA indicated the significant differences in the RTOG score during the course of radiotherapy between the two groups (F = 9.611 P = 0.003). The patients mostly experienced RID two or three weeks after starting radiotherapy, although in the EGCG group, it appeared later (3.19±0.91 weeks) than it did in the placebo group (2.67±0.84 weeks), P = 0.008. The median follow-up for patients in the EGCG group at the time of data collection was 50.6 months with 95% confidence interval (CI) from 43.9 to 57.3. While it was 48.6 months (95% CI: 43.4-53.9) for patients in the control group. There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS), disease free-survival (DFS) and freedom from locoregional (LRF) and distant failure (DMF) (P > 0.05). At the data cut-off (December 2021), the 4-year DFS with EGCG was 71.4% compared to 65.4% with conventional therapy, and the 4-year OS was 77.0% compared to 80.3%.

CONCLUSION

The prophylactic use of EGCG solution reduced the RID score of stage III breast cancer patients without negatively impacting the therapeutic effect of radiotherapy on the tumor. EGCG is safe and feasible choice for RID for breast cancer during radiotherapy.

Towards bioresource-based aggregation-induced emission luminogens from lignin β-O-4 motifs as renewable resources

One-pot synthesis of heterocyclic aromatics with good optical properties from phenolic β-O-4 lignin segments is of high importance to meet high value added biorefinery demands. However, executing this process remains a huge challenge due to the incompatible reaction conditions of the depolymerization of lignin β-O-4 segments containing γ-OH functionalities and bioresource-based aggregation-induced emission luminogens (BioAIEgens) formation with the desired properties. In this work, benzannulation reactions starting from lignin β-O-4 moieties with 3-alkenylated indoles catalyzed by vanadium-based complexes have been successfully developed, affording a wide range of functionalized carbazoles with up to 92% yield. Experiments and density functional theory calculations suggest that the reaction pathway involves the selective cleavage of double C-O bonds/Diels-Alder cycloaddition/dehydrogenative aromatization. Photophysical investigations show that these carbazole products represent a class of BioAIEgens with twisted intramolecular charge transfer. Distinctions of emission behavior were revealed based on unique acceptor-donor-acceptor-type molecular conformations as well as molecular packings. This work features lignin β-O-4 motifs with γ-OH functionalities as renewable substrates, without the need to apply external oxidant/reductant systems. Here, we show a concise and sustainable route to functional carbazoles with AIE properties, building a bridge between lignin and BioAIE materials.

Effects of lactic acid bacteria-fermented formula milk supplementation on colonic microbiota and mucosal transcriptome profile of weaned piglets

Supplemental probiotic fermented milk as a gut modulator can improve growth performance for weaned piglets by promoting the development of the small intestine in digestion and immune function. The effect on colon health might also play a considerable part in the favourable role of probiotic fermented milk in the growth performance improvement of weaned piglets; however, it has yet to be reported. This study aimed to investigate the effects of supplementation with lactic acid bacteria-fermented formula milk (LFM) on colonic morphology, microbiota composition, and mucosal transcriptome profile in weaned piglets. A total of 24 male weaned piglets were randomly divided into two groups: a control (CON) treatment or the LFM-supplemented treatment. Each group consisted of six replicates (cages) with two piglets per cage, and each piglet in the LFM group was supplemented with 80 mL LFM three times a day for 21 d, while the CON group was treated with the same amount of drinking water. Results showed that supplementation of LFM reduced the colonic histological damage scores and significantly increased the number of goblet cells per crypt. Furthermore, LFM consumption decreased the levels of pro-inflammation cytokines in the colonic mucosa. LFM downregulated the expression of inflammatory genes (CXCL9 and CXCL10) involving Toll-like receptor signalling pathway, immune response, and response to bacterium, and up-regulated two active genes (S100A8 and S100A9) involving the IL-17 signalling pathway and Toll-like receptor 4 binding. In addition, LFM could increase the potential probiotic genera containing Lachnospira and Anaerorhabdus furcosa group, which were positively related to short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production. Correspondingly, LFM-fed piglets had higher total bacterial load and total SCFA concentration in the colonic digesta compared with the CON group. These novel findings support the benefits of LFM in enhancing intestinal homoeostasis and ameliorating weaning stress for weaned piglets, which is associated with the modulation of gut microbiota composition and immune-related genes.

Chinese expert consensus on the construction of the fluoroless cardiac electrophysiology laboratory and related techniques

Transcatheter radiofrequency ablation has been widely introduced for the treatment of tachyarrhythmias. The demand for catheter ablation continues to grow rapidly as the level of recommendation for catheter ablation. Traditional catheter ablation is performed under the guidance of X-rays. X-rays can help display the heart contour and catheter position, but the radiobiological effects caused by ionizing radiation and the occupational injuries worn caused by medical staff wearing heavy protective equipment cannot be ignored. Three-dimensional mapping system and intracardiac echocardiography can provide detailed anatomical and electrical information during cardiac electrophysiological study and ablation procedure, and can also greatly reduce or avoid the use of X-rays. In recent years, fluoroless catheter ablation technique has been well demonstrated for most arrhythmic diseases. Several centers have reported performing procedures in a purposefully designed fluoroless electrophysiology catheterization laboratory (EP Lab) without fixed digital subtraction angiography equipment. In view of the lack of relevant standardized configurations and operating procedures, this expert task force has written this consensus statement in combination with relevant research and experience from China and abroad, with the aim of providing guidance for hospitals (institutions) and physicians intending to build a fluoroless cardiac EP Lab, implement relevant technologies, promote the standardized construction of the fluoroless cardiac EP Lab.

Three-muscle surgery for large-angle esotropia in chronic sixth nerve palsy: comparison of two approaches

AIMS

To report the effect of two three-muscle surgeries, inferior rectus belly transposition plus augmented superior rectus transposition plus medial rectus recession (ISM) and modified vertical rectus belly transposition plus medial rectus recession (VM), in the management of large-angle esotropia in Chinese patients with chronic sixth nerve palsy.

METHODS

Twenty-eight consecutive patients with large-angle esotropia ≥50Δ were prospectively enrolled and underwent either ISM or VM. Main outcomes included preoperative and postoperative deviation in primary position, abduction limitation and complications. Follow-up was at least 6 months.

RESULTS

Of the included patients, 13 underwent ISM and 15 underwent VM. Preoperatively, ISM group displayed larger esotropia and more severe abduction limitation. 27 patients completed the follow-up. The postoperative horizontal deviation and abduction limitation were similar in both groups. At the last follow-up, ISM group demonstrated greater improvement of abduction limitation than VM group in both grading (group difference -2.1, p<0.001) and quantitation (group difference 2.6 mm, p=0.001). However, eight (30%) patients revealed an induced adduction limitation ≤-1. Of the 22 patients with unilateral palsy, more esotropia of 14.8Δ was corrected in ISM group, compared with VM group (p=0.003). Three patients (14%) developed vertical diplopia and three (14%) developed torsional diplopia. Unexpectedly, keratitis was observed in 4 of 27 (15%) patients, all with concurrent fifth and/or seventh nerve palsy. Three patients aggravated to corneal ulceration.

CONCLUSIONS

Two three-muscle surgeries, ISM and VM were both effective for large-angle esotropia in Chinese patients with chronic sixth nerve palsy. However, attention should be paid to potential complications.

Farrerol Alleviates Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy by Inhibiting Ferroptosis in Neonatal Rats via the Nrf2 Pathway

Farrerol (FA) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties in various diseases. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent oxidative stress-induced cell death. It is characterized by lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion and is involved in neuronal injury. However, the role of FA in inhibiting ferroptosis in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and its underlying mechanisms are not yet completely elucidated. This study aimed to investigate whether FA could mediate ferroptosis and explore its function and molecular mechanism in HIE. A neonatal rat model of HIE was used, and rats were treated with FA, ML385 (a specific inhibitor of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 [Nrf2]), or a combination of both. Neurological deficits, infarction volume, brain water content, pathological changes, and iron ion accumulation in the brain tissues were measured using the Zea-Longa scoring system and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC), hematoxylin-eosin (HE), and Perls' staining. The expression levels of GSH-Px, MDA, SOD, and ROS in brain tissues were also evaluated. Western blot analysis was performed to analyze the expression of the Nrf2 pathway and ferroptosis-related proteins. The results showed that FA administration significantly reduced neuronal damage, infarct volume, cerebral edema, and iron ion accumulation and inhibited MDA and ROS levels while promoting GSH-Px and SOD levels. FA also increased the expression levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), Nrf2, and HO-1. Moreover, the combination of ML385 and FA in HIE abolished the FA protective effects. Therefore, the study concludes that FA exerts a neuroprotective effect after HIE by inhibiting oxidative stress and ferroptosis via the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Water-gas ratio characteristics and development concepts for water-producing gas reservoirs

Water production from gas wells is a key factor affecting the effectiveness of gas-reservoir development, and it poses serious challenges in terms of increasing the degree of recovery during the waterless production stage and reducing the impact of water production on gas-reservoir development in the middle and later periods. Thus, gas reservoirs must be efficiently exploited on the basis of identifying gas-water layers accurately, defining gas-water relationships, and understanding gas-water production performance. Accordingly, this study analyzes the production characteristics in gas reservoirs with different gas-water relationships, and it summarizes the rules that determine water-gas ratios. The results reveal that the water-gas ratio increases rapidly in the early stage of water production, but after a period of time, it enters a relatively stable state in which it is almost a fixed value. According to the material balance equation, the theoretically calculated water-gas ratio is fully consistent with the production rules for an entire confined gas reservoir. This shows that the reality of gas-well-water production must be faced, and that the development of water-bearing gas reservoirs must accommodate gas and water co-production. The gas-water relationship, water body scale, and reservoir heterogeneity determine the time of water breakthrough and the water-gas ratio. Therefore, we should change the traditional "water fear" concept in gas-field development, aim for an overall improvement in recovery, face up to the fact that gas wells produce water, and coordinate the development of multi-wells for entire gas reservoirs, all of which will achieve the ultimate goal of improved gas recovery.

Endothelial exosomes work as a functional mediator to activate macrophages

Introduction

Intercellular communication is essential for almost all physiological and pathological processes. Endothelial cell (EC)-derived exosomes, working as mediators for intercellular information exchange, are involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of atherosclerosis. However, the effect of inflamed endothelial exosomes on the function of macrophages (Mϕ) is poorly defined. This study aims to unravel how exosomes derived from tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-stimulated ECs (exo-T) affect Mϕ in vitro.

Methods and results

Exosomes derived from untreated ECs (exo) and exo-T were identified by using TEM, NTA, and western blot, and we observed that PKH67-labeled exo/exo-T were taken up by Mϕ. Exposure to exo-T for 24 h not only skewed Mϕ to the M1 subtype and exacerbated lipid deposition, but also promoted Mϕ apoptosis, while it did not significantly affect Mϕ migration, as detected by RT-qPCR, Dil-ox-LDL uptake assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and transwell assay, respectively. In addition, exo/exo-T-related microRNA-Seq revealed 104 significantly differentially expressed microRNAs (DE-miRNAs). The target genes of DE-miRNAs were mainly enriched functionally in metabolic pathways, MAPK signaling pathway, etc., as determined using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. We further demonstrated by immunoblotting that exo-T intervention improves the phosphorylation of MAPK/NF-κB-related proteins.

Discussion and conclusion

Collectively, this study reveals that inflamed endothelial exosomes (TNF-α-stimulated EC-derived exosomes) work as a functional mediator to affect Mϕ function and may activate Mϕ through MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways.

Operator Product Expansion Coefficients of the 3D Ising Criticality via Quantum Fuzzy Spheres

Conformal field theory (CFT) plays a crucial role in the study of various critical phenomena. While much attention has been paid to the critical exponents of different universalities, which correspond to the conformal dimensions of CFT primary fields, other important and intricate data such as operator product expansion (OPE) coefficients governing the fusion of two primary fields, have remained largely unexplored, especially in dimensions higher than 2D (or equivalently, 1+1D). Motivated by the recently proposed fuzzy sphere regularization, we investigate the operator content of 3D Ising criticality from a microscopic perspective. We first outline the procedure for extracting OPE coefficients on the fuzzy sphere and then compute 13 OPE coefficients of low-lying CFT primary fields. Our results are highly accurate and in agreement with the numerical conformal bootstrap data of 3D Ising CFT. Moreover, we were able to obtain 4 OPE coefficients, including f_{T_{μν}T_{ρη}ε}, which were previously unknown, thus demonstrating the superior capabilities of our scheme. Expanding the horizon of the fuzzy sphere regularization from the state perspective to the operator perspective opens up new avenues for exploring a wealth of new physics.

Differentially Expressed Circulating Long-Noncoding RNAS in Premature Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Purpose

Recent studies have addressed the association between lung development and long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). But few studies have investigated the role of lncRNAs in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Thus, this study aimed to compare the expression profile of circulating lncRNAs between RDS infants and controls.

Methods

10 RDS infants and 5 controls were enrolled. RDS patients were further divided into mild and severe RDS subgroups. Blood samples were collected for the lncRNA expression profile. Subsequently, differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened out. Bioinformatics analysis was applied to establish a co-expression network of differential lncRNAs and mRNAs, and predict the underlying biological functions.

Results

A total of 135 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified, including 108 upregulated and 27 downregulated lncRNAs (fold-change>2 and P<0.05) among the three groups (non-RDS, mild RDS and severe RDS groups). Of these lncRNAs, four were selected as showing higher fold changes and validated by qRT-PCR. ENST00000470527.1, ENST00000504497.1, ENST00000417781.5, and ENST00000440408.5 were increased not only in the plasma of total RDS patients but also in the severe RDS subgroup. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that differentially expressed lncRNAs may play important roles in RDS through regulating PI3KAkt, RAS, MAPK, and TGF-β signaling pathways.

Conclusion

The present results found that ENST00000470527.1, ENST00000504497.1, ENST00000417781.5, and ENST00000440408.5 may be invol ved in RDS. This could provide new insight into research of the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of preterm RDS.

Important Roles and Formation of Atmospheric Organosulfates in Marine Organic Aerosols: Influence of Phytoplankton Emissions and Anthropogenic Pollutants

Organosulfates (OSs) could be potentially important compounds in marine organic aerosols, while their formation in marine atmospheres is far from clear due to a lack of cruise observations. In this work, shipboard atmospheric observations were conducted over the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea to investigate the abundance and formation of biogenic isoprene/monoterpene-OSs in marine aerosols. The quantified OSs and NOSs accounted for 0.04-6.9% of marine organic aerosols and were 0.07-2.2% of the non-sea-salt (nss) sulfate in terms of sulfur content. Isoprene-related (nitrooxy-)OSs occupied 27-87% of the total quantified OSs, following the abundance order of summer > autumn > spring or winter. This order was driven by the marine phytoplankton biomass and sea surface temperature (SST), which controlled the seawater and atmospheric isoprene concentration levels. Under the severe impacts of anthropogenic pollutants from the East Asia continent in winter, monoterpene nitrooxy-OSs, generated with NO_x involved in, increased to 34.4 ± 35.5 ng/m³ and contributed 68% of the quantified (nitrooxy-)OSs. Our results highlight the notable roles of biogenic OSs in marine organic aerosols over regions with high biological activity and high SST. The formation of biogenic OSs and their roles in altering marine aerosol properties calls for elaboration through cruise observations in different marine environments.

[Influential factors related to functional status after full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influential factors associated with functional status of those patients who undertook a full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy operation.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted. A total of 96 patients who undertook a full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy operation and met inclusive criteria were enrolled in the study. The postoperative follow-up was held 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation. The self-developed record file was used to collect the patient's information and medical history. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, Gene-ralised anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale score and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale score were applied to measure pain intensity, functional status, anxiety status and depression status. Repeated measurement analysis of variance was used to explore the ODI score 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation. Multiple linear regression was recruited to illuminate the influential factors associated with functional status after the operation. Logistic regression was employed to explore the independent risk factors related to return to work 6 months after operation.

RESULTS

The postoperative functional status of the patients improved gradually. The functional status of the patients 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after operation were highly positively correlated with the current average pain intensity. The factors influencing the postoperative functional status of the patients were different according to the recovery stage. One month and 3 months after operation, the factors influencing the postoperative functional status were the current average pain intensity; 6 months after operation, the factors influencing the postoperative functional status included the current average pain intensity, preoperative average pain intensity, gender and educational level. The risk factors influencing return to work 6 months after operation included women, young age, preoperative depression status and high average pain intensity 3 months after operation.

CONCLUSION

It is feasible to treat chronic low back pain with full-endoscopic lumbar discectomy operation. In the process of postoperative functional status recovery, medical staffs should not only take analgesic mea-sures to reduce the pain intensity experienced by the patients, but also pay attention to the impact of psychosocial factors on the recovery. Women, young age, preoperative depression status, and high average pain intensity 3 months after operation may delay return to work after the operation.

Fast synthesis of large-area bilayer graphene film on Cu

Bilayer graphene (BLG) is intriguing for its unique properties and potential applications in electronics, photonics, and mechanics. However, the chemical vapor deposition synthesis of large-area high-quality bilayer graphene on Cu is suffering from a low growth rate and limited bilayer coverage. Herein, we demonstrate the fast synthesis of meter-sized bilayer graphene film on commercial polycrystalline Cu foils by introducing trace CO₂ during high-temperature growth. Continuous bilayer graphene with a high ratio of AB-stacking structure can be obtained within 20 min, which exhibits enhanced mechanical strength, uniform transmittance, and low sheet resistance in large area. Moreover, 96 and 100% AB-stacking structures were achieved in bilayer graphene grown on single-crystal Cu(111) foil and ultraflat single-crystal Cu(111)/sapphire substrates, respectively. The AB-stacking bilayer graphene exhibits tunable bandgap and performs well in photodetection. This work provides important insights into the growth mechanism and the mass production of large-area high-quality BLG on Cu.

Multi-scale optical simulation of crystalline silicon solar cells by combining ray and wave optics

Optical simulations allow the evaluation of the absorption, reflection, and transmission of each functional layer of solar cells and, therefore, are of great importance for the design of high-efficiency crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells. Here, a multi-scale simulation method (MSM) based on ray and wave optics is proposed to investigate the optical characteristics of c-Si solar cells. The ray and wave optical methods are first independently employed on inverted pyramid glass sheets, where the latter one can describe the size-dependent interfacial scattering characteristics more accurately. Then the optical properties of a c-Si solar cell with a tunnel oxide passivated carrier-selective contact configuration are studied by employing the MSM, where scattering at the interfaces is acquired by a finite-difference time-domain method (wave optics). Since the MSM can accurately simulate optical modes such as the Rayleigh anomaly, Bloch mode, and Mie resonances, the reflection and transmission spectra of the whole device are in good agreement with the measured data. The proposed MSM has proven to be accurate for structures with functional thin films, which can be extended to hybrid tandem devices with top-level cells consisting of stacks of layers with similar dimensions.

Residual Strain Evolution Induced by Crystallization Kinetics During Anti-Solvent Spin Coating in Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite (OIHP) polycrystalline thin films are attractive due to their outstanding photoelectronic properties. The anti-solvent spin coating method is the most widely used to synthesize these thin films, and the residual strain is inevitably originates and evolves during the process. However, this residual strain evolution induced by crystallization kinetics is still poorly understood. In this work, the in situ and ex situ synchrotron grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) are utilized to characterize the evolution and distribution of the residual strain in the OIHP polycrystalline thin film during the anti-solvent spin coating process. A mechanical model is established and the mechanism of the crystallization kinetics-induced residual strain evolution process is discussed. This work reveals a comprehensive understanding of the residual strain evolution during the anti-solvent spin coating process in the OIHP polycrystalline thin films and provides important guidelines for the residual strain-related strain engineering, morphology control, and performance enhancement.

Poly-L-Lactic acid increases collagen gene expression and synthesis in cultured dermal fibroblast (Hs68) through the TGF-β/Smad pathway

OBJECTIVE

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) is a synthetic polymer which possesses biocompatible and biodegradable properties, and is widely used in the clinical filler material. This study focuses on the potential role of PLLA on the collagen production of dermal fibroblasts and its mechanism.

METHODS

The dermal fibroblast Hs60 was treated with different concentration of PLLA. RT-qPCR was conducted for the determination of mRNA levels of collagen type I (COL1) alpha 1 (COL1A1), COL1 alpha 2 (COL1A2), elastin, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), and TIMP-2. Procollagen Type I C-peptide (PIP) enzyme immunoassay (EIA) Kit assay was carried out to analyze procollagen production. Western Blot was employed to examine the effect of PLLA and transforming frown factor (TGF-β) receptor-specific inhibitor (SB431542) on protein levels of COL1A1 and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway related proteins.

RESULTS

With the increase of PLLA concentration, the production of procollagen gradually increased, and both protein and mRNA levels of COL1A1 and COL1A2 gradually increased (p < 0.001). Elevated PLLA concentrations increased elastin, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 levels and attenuated MMP-1 expression. PLLA increased TGF-β levels in a dose-dependently manner. p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 protein levels were also increased by PLLA, but the influences were reversed by SB431542 (p < 0.001). Similarly, increased levels of COL1A1, COL1A2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 caused by PLLA were significantly inhibited by SB431542, whereas MMP-1 was typically elevated (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Poly-L-Lactic Acid promotes the collagen production of dermal fibroblasts by activating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. The findings may lay a foundation for clinical material applications of PLLA.

First donor haemovigilance system at a national level in China: Establishment and improvement

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

No systematic study has measured the incidence of adverse reactions (ARs) to blood donation at the national level in China before 2019. The objective of this study was to establish an effective reporting system to collect information on ARs to blood donation in China.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The status of donor haemovigilance (DHV) in blood collection facilities in China was evaluated, and an online DHV system was established to collect data on ARs to blood donation in July 2019. The definitions of ARs were based on the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) standards. The prevalence and data quality of ARs from 2019 to 2021 were analysed.

RESULTS

A standard online reporting system has been established for ARs to blood donation. In total, 61, 62 and 81 participating sites were included in this pilot study in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. From July 2019 to December 2021, 21,502 cases of whole-blood-related ARs and 1114 cases of apheresis platelet-related ARs were reported, with an incidence of 3.8‰ and 2.2‰, respectively. Data completeness for key reporting elements improved from 41.7% (15/36) in 2019 to 74.4% (29/39) in 2020. Data quality analysis for the year 2021 yielded similar results as for 2020.

CONCLUSION

The construction and continuous improvement of the blood donor safety monitoring system prompted the establishment of the DHV system. Improvements have been made to the DHV system in China, with a significant increase in sentinels and higher data quality.

Silicon Nanodots Increase Plant Resistance against Herbivores by Simultaneously Activating Physical and Chemical Defenses

Nanosilicon applications have been shown to increase plant defenses against both abiotic and biotic stresses. Silicon quantum nanodots (Si NDs), a form of nanosilicon, possess excellent biological and physiochemical properties (e.g., minimal size, high water solubility, stability, and biocompatibility), potentially making them more efficient in regulating plant responses to stress than other forms of silicon. However, to date, we still lack mechanistic evidence for how soil-applied Si NDs alter the regulation of plant physical and chemical defenses against insect herbivores. To address this gap, we compared the effect of fluorescent amine-functionalized Si NDs (5 nm) and the conventional fertilizer sodium silicate on maize (Zea mays L.) physical and chemical defenses against the oriental armyworm (Mythimna separata, Walker) caterpillars. We found that 50 mg/kg Si NDs and sodium silicate additions inhibited the growth of caterpillars the most (35.7% and 22.8%, respectively) as compared to other application doses (0, 10, and 150 mg/kg). Both Si NDs and silicate addition activated biosynthesis genes responsible for chemical (benzoxazinoids) and physical (lignin) defense production. Moreover, Si NDs upregulated the gene expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and POD) and promoted the antioxidant metabolism (flavonoids) in maize leaves under M. separata attack. Finally, we show that, under field conditions, Si ND addition increased maize cob weight (28.7%), cob grain weight (40.8%), and 100-grain weight (26.5%) as compared to the control, and more so than the conventional silicon fertilizer. Altogether, our findings highlight the potential for Si NDs to be used as an effective and ecofriendly crop protection strategy in agroecosystems.

Synergistic Mechanism of Ultrasonic-Chemical Effects on the CH4 Adsorption-Desorption and Physicochemical Properties of Jincheng Anthracite

Ultrasonic is a new method to enhance coalbed methane recovery. A deeper comprehension of the synergistic mechanisms of combined ultrasonic-chemical modification on the CH₄ adsorption-desorption capability and physicochemical properties of coal is necessary for potential field implementation, as the modification of coal reservoirs frequently necessitates the addition of chemical reagents. This paper evaluated the CH₄ adsorption-desorption properties of anthracite modified by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solution, ultrasonic modification, and combined ultrasonic-SDS modification. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, and micro-CT were applied to elucidate the synergistic mechanism of the combined modification. The research results show that the SDS solution reduces the saturated adsorption capacity of anthracite and increases its final desorption rate by dissolving clay minerals and the physical adsorption masking effect of SDS micelles on the coal surface. Some surface groups with low bond energy are broken or evaporated under mechanical vibration and thermal effects generated by ultrasonic. The original fractures are expanded and connected, which changes the adsorption-desorption properties of anthracite. The synergistic effect of the combined modification of ultrasonic-SDS can promote the penetration range and chemical reaction efficiency of the SDS solution, which expands the effective range of ultrasonic. After combined modification, the amount of aromatics, oxygen-containing functional groups, and aliphatic hydrocarbons on the surface of coal is reduced. The connected porosity of coal samples accounts for 91.5% of the total porosity. As a result, the saturated adsorption capacity of anthracite reduces by 26.7%, and the final desorption rate increases by 28.0%. The effect of the combined ultrasonic-chemical modification is better than that of a single modification.

[Effect analysis of myectomy guided by personalized three-dimensional reconstruction and printing in the treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]

Objective: To examine the clinical efficacy of myectomy guided by personalized three-dimensional reconstruction and printing for patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Methods: The clinical data of 28 patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, who underwent septal myectomy guided by personalized three-dimensional reconstruction and printing in the Department of Cardiaovascular Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from May 2020 to December 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. There were 14 males and 14 females, aging (51.1±14.0) years (range: 18 to 72 years). Enhanced cardiac computed tomography images were imported into Mimics software for preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction. The direction of the short axial plane of each segment was marked perpendicularly to the interventricular septum on the long axial plane of the digital cardiac model, then the thickness was measured on each short axial plane. A figurative digital model was used to determine the extent of resection and to visualize mitral valve and papillary muscle abnormalities. Correlation between the length, width, thickness, and volume of the predicted resected myocardium and those of the surgically resected myocardium was assessed by Pearson correlation analysis or Spearman correlation analysis. The accuracy of detecting mitral valve and papillary muscle abnormalities of transthoracic echocardiography and three-dimensional reconstruction was also compared. Results: There was no death or serious complications like permanent pacemaker implantation, re-sternotomy for bleeding, low cardiac output syndrome, stroke, or multiple organ dysfunction syndromes in the whole group. Namely, the obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract was effectively relieved. The systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral valve leaflet was absent in all patients after myectomy. The length, width, and thickness of the predicted resected myocardium by three-dimensional reconstruction were significantly positively correlated with the length (R=0.65, 95%CI: 0.37 to 0.82, P<0.01), width (R=0.39, 95%CI: 0.02 to 0.67, P<0.01), and thickness (R=0.82, 95%CI: 0.65 to 0.92, P<0.01) of the surgically resected myocardium, while the relation of the volume of the predicted resected myocardium and the volume of the surgically resected myocardium was a strong positive correlation (R=0.88, 95%CI: 0.76 to 0.94, P<0.01). Importantly, the interventricular septal myocardial thickness measured by preoperative transthoracic echocardiography showed a moderate positive correlation with the volume of surgically resected myocardium (R=0.52, 95%CI: 0.19 to 0.75, P<0.01). During a follow-up of (14.4±6.8) months (range: 3 to 22 months), no death occurred, and 1 patient was readmitted for endocardial radiofrequency ablation due to atrial fibrillation. Conclusion: Personalized three-dimensional reconstruction and printing can not only visualize the intracardiac structure but also guide septal myectomy by predicting the thickness, volume, and extent of resected myocardium to achieve ideal resection.

Sex Specific Global Burden of Osteoporosis in 204 Countries and Territories, from 1990 to 2030: An Age-Period-Cohort Modeling Study

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent disease with distinct sex pattern. We aimed to estimate the sex specific incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life (DALYs) years of osteoporosis between 1990 and 2019, with additional predictions from 2020 to 2034.

METHODS

We collected osteoporosis disease burden data from the Global Burden of Disease study covering the years 1990 through 2019 in 204 countries and territories. The data included information on the number of incident cases of osteoporosis, DALYs, age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR), age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPR) and age-standardized DALYs rates. Additionally, we performed an age-period-cohort analysis to forecast the burden of osteoporosis.

RESULTS

The global number of incidence cases of osteoporosis, in 2019, reached 41.5 million cases. From 1990 to 2019, the low-middle socio-demographic index (SDI) region had the highest estimated annual percentage change in the world. Compared to males, female's ASIR and ASPR were all about 1.5 times higher than males for the same years in the same SDI regions. The projected global total number of incidence cases for osteoporosis between 2030 and 2034 is estimated to reach 263.2 million (154.4 million for females and 108.8 for males). Additionally, the burden in terms of DALYs is predicted to be 128.7 million (with 78.4 million for females and 50.3 million for males).

CONCLUSION

The global burden of osteoporosis is still increasing, mainly observed in high SDI countries. Females bear a burden 1.5 times higher than males in terms of incidence and DALYs. Steps should be taken to reduce the osteoporosis burden, especially in high SDI countries.

Uniform thin ice on ultraflat graphene for high-resolution cryo-EM

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) visualizes the atomic structure of macromolecules that are embedded in vitrified thin ice at their close-to-native state. However, the homogeneity of ice thickness, a key factor to ensure high image quality, is poorly controlled during specimen preparation and has become one of the main challenges for high-resolution cryo-EM. Here we found that the uniformity of thin ice relies on the surface flatness of the supporting film, and developed a method to use ultraflat graphene (UFG) as the support for cryo-EM specimen preparation to achieve better control of vitreous ice thickness. We show that the uniform thin ice on UFG improves the image quality of vitrified specimens. Using such a method we successfully determined the three-dimensional structures of hemoglobin (64 kDa), α-fetoprotein (67 kDa) with no symmetry, and streptavidin (52 kDa) at a resolution of 3.5 Å, 2.6 Å and 2.2 Å, respectively. Furthermore, our results demonstrate the potential of UFG for the fields of cryo-electron tomography and structure-based drug discovery.

Investigation of a haze-to-dust and dust swing process at a coastal city in northern China part I: Chemical composition and contributions of anthropogenic and natural sources

The long retention of dust air masses in polluted areas, especially in winter, may efficiently change the physicochemical properties of aerosols, causing additional health and ecological effects. A large-scale haze-to-dust weather event occurred in the North China Plain (NCP) region during the autumn-to-winter transition period in 2018, affecting the coastal city Qingdao several times between Nov. 27th and Dec. 1st. To study the evolution of the pollution process, we analyzed the chemical characteristics of PM_2.5 and PM_10-2.5 and source apportionments of PM_2.5 and PM_10, The dust stagnated around NCP and moved out and back to the site, noted as dust swing process, promoting SO₄^2- formation in PM_2.5 and NO₃^- formation in PM_10-2.5. Source apportionments were analyzed using the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) receptor model and weighted potential source contribution function (WPSCF). Before the dust invasion, Qingdao was influenced by severe haze; waste incineration and coal burning were the major contributors (~80 %) to PM_2.5, and the source region was in the southwest of Shandong Province. During the initial dust event, mineral dust and the mixed factor of dust and sea salt were the major contributors (46.0 % of PM_2.5 and 86.5 % of PM₁₀). During the polluted dust period, the contributions of regional transported biomass burning (22.3 %), vehicle emissions (20.8 %), and secondary aerosols (33.8 %) to PM_2.5 from the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region significantly increased. The secondary aerosols source was more regional than that of vehicle emissions and biomass burning and contributed considerably to PM₁₀ (30.8 %) during the dust swing process. Our findings demonstrate that environmental managers should consider the possible adverse effects of winter dust on regional and local pollution.

Cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced and preserved ejection fraction

AIMS

Limited data are available on the outcomes of cryoballoon ablation (CBA)-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of CBA in such patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutive patients with AF referred for CBA-based PVI from two highly experienced electrophysiology centres were included in this retrospective study. Of 651 patients undergoing CBA, 471 cases were divided into four groups: No HF (n = 255), HFpEF (n = 101), HFmrEF (n = 78), and HF with reduced ejection fraction (n = 37). Similar early recurrence of atrial arrhythmia was found among groups (16.2% vs. 15.4% vs. 14.9% vs. 12.2%, P = 0.798), and no significant difference of long-term sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance was identified among the HFmrEF, HFpEF, and No HF groups (71.8% vs. 75.2% vs. 79.6%, P = 0.334). CBA is safe for patients with HFmrEF and HFpEF with similar complications compared with the No HF group (3.8% vs. 4.0% vs. 3.1%, P = 0.814). The reassessment of cardiac function after CBA showed that patients with HF indicated beneficial outcomes. Left atrial diameter (LAD) and left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly improved in the HFmrEF group. There were 41.6% of patients in the HFpEF group who were completely relieved from HF. LAD and New York Heart Association (NYHA) were associated with recurrence in the HFpEF and HFmrEF groups, and the maintenance of SR was an independent predictor of NYHA improvement for all HF groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HFmrEF and HFpEF could benefit from CBA with high SR maintenance and significant HF improvement.

Effect of the interaction between alcohol and meat consumption on the hyperlipidaemia risk among elderly individuals: Evidence from Shanghai, China

Background

Diet and other lifestyle habits may have an increased effect on blood lipids in older people. This study aimed to examine the associations between diet (meat, fish, and egg), alcohol consumption and blood lipids.

Methods

Surveillance data on chronic diseases and their risk factors were collected from Shanghai during 2017–2018. A Kish table was used for sampling 438 older adults, of whom 71 consumed alcohol. Logistic regression was used to test the relationships between diet, alcohol consumption and blood lipid levels in elderly individuals, and the marginal effects (MEs) were estimated.

Results

Dyslipidaemia was more common among drinkers than among nondrinkers (P < 0.01). Alcohol consumption was associated with dyslipidaemia (OR = 2.667, P < 0.01 for TC; OR = 1.919, P < 0.05 for LDL; OR = 3.412, P < 0.01 for TG), and consumption of more than 50 g of meat per day showed similar associations (OR = 3.227, P < 0.01 for TC; OR = 3.263, P < 0.01, for LDL; OR = 2.329, P < 0.01 for TG). The MEs of alcohol drinking and excessive meat consumption on the rate of dyslipidaemia were 0.324 for TC (P < 0.01), 0.255 for LDL (P < 0.05), and 0.174 for TG (P < 0.01).

Discussion

The risk of hyperlipidaemia was increased among elderly individuals with excessive meat and alcohol consumption, which also had an interactive effect.