Automatic Recognition of Auditory Brainstem Response Waveforms Using a Deep Learning-Based Framework.

OBJECTIVE: Recognition of auditory brainstem response (ABR) waveforms may be challenging, particularly for older individuals or those with hearing loss. This study aimed to investigate deep learning frameworks to improve the automatic recognition of ABR waveforms in participants with varying ages and hearing levels. STUDY DESIGN: The research used a descriptive study design to collect and analyze pure tone audiometry and ABR data from 100 participants. SETTING: The research was conducted at a tertiary academic medical center, specifically at the Clinical Audiology Center of Tsinghua Chang Gung Hospital (Beijing, China). METHODS: Data from 100 participants were collected and categorized into four groups based on age and hearing level. Features from both time-domain and frequency-domain ABR signals were extracted and combined with demographic factors, such as age, sex, pure-tone thresholds, stimulus intensity, and original signal sequences to generate feature vectors. An enhanced Wide&Deep model was utilized, incorporating the Light-multi-layer perceptron (MLP) model to train the recognition of ABR waveforms. The recognition accuracy (ACC) of each model was calculated for the overall data set and each group. RESULTS: The ACC rates of the Light-MLP model were 97.8%, 97.2%, 93.8%, and 92.0% for Groups 1 to 4, respectively, with a weighted average ACC rate of 95.4%. For the Wide&Deep model, the ACC rates were 93.4%, 90.8%, 92.0%, and 88.3% for Groups 1 to 4, respectively, with a weighted average ACC rate of 91.0%. CONCLUSION: Both the Light-MLP model and the Wide&Deep model demonstrated excellent ACC in automatic recognition of ABR waveforms across participants with diverse ages and hearing levels. While the Wide&Deep model's performance was slightly poorer than that of the Light-MLP model, particularly due to the limited sample size, it is anticipated that with an expanded data set, the performance of Wide&Deep model may be further improved.

A pilot dose-finding study of Terazosin in humans.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder where progressive neuron loss is driven by impaired brain bioenergetics, particularly mitochondrial dysfunction and disrupted cellular respiration. Terazosin (TZ), an α-1 adrenergic receptor antagonist with a known efficacy in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy and hypertension, has shown potential in addressing energy metabolism deficits associated with PD due to its action on phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1). This study aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability, bioenergetic target engagement, and optimal dose of TZ in neurologically healthy subjects. Methods: Eighteen healthy men and women (60 - 85 years old) were stratified into two cohorts based on maximum TZ dosages (5 mg and 10 mg daily). Methods included plasma and cerebrospinal fluid TZ concentration measurements, whole blood ATP levels, 31 Phosphorous magnetic resonance spectroscopy for brain ATP levels, 18 F-FDG PET imaging for cerebral metabolic activity, and plasma metabolomics. Results: Our results indicated that a 5 mg/day dose of TZ significantly increased whole blood ATP levels and reduced global cerebral 18 F-FDG PET uptake without significant side effects or orthostatic hypotension. These effects were consistent across sexes. Higher doses did not result in additional benefits and showed a potential biphasic dose-response. Conclusions: TZ at a dosage of 5 mg/day engages its metabolic targets effectively in both sexes without inducing significant adverse effects and provides a promising therapeutic avenue for mitigating energetic deficiencies. Further investigation via clinical trials to validate TZ's efficacy and safety in neurodegenerative (i.e., PD) contexts is warranted.

New alkylamides from the pericarps of Zanthoxylum schinifolium.

The pericarps of Zanthoxylum schinifolium Sieb. et Zucc were called "green huajiao", which were used as traditional folk medicine and popular seasoning in China. In this study, twenty-seven alkylamides, including a rare alkylamide containing two amide groups (1), an alkylamide with a furan ring (5), six new alkylamide analogues (2-4, 6-8), together with nineteen known alkylamides (9-27) were isolated from green huajiao. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including 1D, 2D NMR, HRESIMS, and UV spectra. Furthermore, compounds 5, 18, 21, and 22 exhibited weak protective activity for corticosterone-induced PC12 cells damage.

A Report of Two Cases of Meningoencephalitis Caused by Streptococcus intermedius.

Objective: In this paper, we analyzed the clinical data of patients with meningoencephalitis caused by Streptococcus intermedius to understand better the clinical characteristics of the disease and recommend auxiliary diagnostic mode as well as treatment experience. Methods: We reviewed the clinical data of two patients admitted to our department in 2019 with meningoencephalitis caused by S. intermedius. Results: Two female patients were examined, one of whom had a history of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma while the other had no underlying disease. These two patients were admitted with symptoms of meningoencephalitis. Cerebrospinal fluid examinations revealed elevated levels of leukocytes and protein. After treatment with meropenem, the condition improved for a brief time, but then worsened with a decline in mental status and limb movement. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures demonstrated the absence of pathogenic bacteria, while genome sequencing of cerebrospinal fluids revealed the presence of S. intermedius. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple cerebral abscesses (CAs). After coadministration of linezolid as an anti-infective, clinical symptoms gradually improved, and the CAs shrank on follow-up imaging. The condition exhibited a pattern of improvement-deterioration-improvement. Conclusion: Meningoencephalitis caused by S. intermedius is complex and prone to fluctuation and formation of multiple CAs. The definitive clinical diagnosis of this disease can be aided by genome sequencing technology, and early clarification of the etiology combined with the use of potent antibiotics is effective.

Inhibiting the activation of enteric glial cells alleviates intestinal inflammation and comorbid anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in the ulcerative colitis mice.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common inflammatory bowel disease with a complex origin in clinical settings. It is frequently accompanied by negative emotional responses, including anxiety and depression. Enteric glial cells (EGCs) are important components of the gut-brain axis and are involved in the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS), intestinal neuroimmune, and regulation of intestinal motor functions. Since there is limited research encompassing the regulatory function of EGCs in anxiety- and depression-like behaviors induced by UC, this study aims to reveal their regulatory role in such behaviors and associated intestinal inflammation. This study applied morphological, molecular biological, and behavioral methods to observe the morphological and functional changes of EGCs in UC mice. The results indicated a significant activation of EGCs in the ENS of dextran sodium sulfate -induced UC mice. This activation was evidenced by morphological alterations, such as elongation or terminal swelling of processes. Besides EGCs activation, UC mice exhibited significantly elevated expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood, accompanied by anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. The inhibition of EGCs activity within the ENS can ameliorate the anxiety- and depression-like behaviors caused by UC. Our data suggest that UC and its resulting behaviors may be related to the activation of EGCs within the ENS. Moreover, the modulation of intestinal inflammation through inhibition of EGCs activation emerges as a promising clinical approach for alleviating UC-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors.

Serum ASGR2 level: an efficacy biomarker for balloon pulmonary angioplasty in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Background: This study aimed to employ plasma proteomics to investigate the molecular changes, pathway alterations, and potential novel biochemical markers associated with balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Methods: Pre- and post-BPA plasma samples from five CTEPH patients in the PRACTICE study were analyzed to identify differentially expressed proteins. Proteomic and bioinformatics analyses were conducted, and the identified proteins were further validated using ELISA assays in a separate cohort of the same study. Correlation and multivariate regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations between these differentially expressed proteins and clinical parameters. Results: Significantly higher serum levels of asialoglycoprotein receptor 2 (ASGR2) were detected in 5 CTEPH patients compared to those in healthy individuals but decreased significantly after successful BPA procedures. The decrease in serum levels of ASGR2 after the completion of BPA procedures was further validated in a separate cohort of 48 patients with CTEPH [0.70 (0.51, 1.11) ng/mL vs. 0.38 (0.27, 0.59) ng/mL, P < 0.001]. Significant associations were found between the pre-BPA ASGR2 level and clinical parameters, including neutrophil percentage (R = 0.285, P < 0.05), platelet (PLT) count (R = 0.386, P < 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) before BPA (R = -0.285, P < 0.05). Significant associations were detected between post-BPA serum ASGR2 levels and lymphocyte percentage (LYM%) (R = 0.306, P < 0.05), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (R = -0.294, P < 0.05), and pulmonary vascular resistance after BPA (R = -0.35, P < 0.05). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis revealed that pre-BPA ASGR2 levels were associated with HDL-C and PLT count (both P < 0.001), while post-BPA ASGR2 levels were associated with LYM% (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Serum levels of ASGR2 may be a biomarker for the effectiveness of BPA treatment in CTEPH patients. The pre-BPA serum level of ASGR2 in CTEPH patients was associated with HDL-C and the PLT count. The post-BPA serum level of ASGR2 was correlated with the LYM%, which may reflect aspects of immune and inflammatory status.

Suppression of GATA3 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and simultaneous cellular senescence in human extravillous trophoblasts.

The regulatory mechanism of the transcription factor GATA3 in the differentiation and maturation process of extravillous trophoblasts (EVT) in early pregnancy placenta, as well as its relevance to the occurrence of pregnancy disorders, remains poorly understood. This study leveraged single-cell RNA sequencing data from placental organoid models and placental tissue to explore the dynamic changes in GATA3 expression during EVT maturation. The expression pattern exhibited an initial upregulation followed by subsequent downregulation, with aberrant GATA3 localization observed in cases of recurrent miscarriage (RM). By identifying global targets regulated by GATA3 in primary placental EVT cells, JEG3, and HTR8/SVneo cell lines, this study offered insights into its regulatory mechanisms across different EVT cell models. Shared regulatory targets among these cell types and activation of trophoblast cell marker genes emphasized the importance of GATA3 in EVT differentiation and maturation. Knockdown of GATA3 in JEG3 cells led to repression of GATA3-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by changes in marker gene expression levels and enhanced migration ability. Additionally, interference with GATA3 accelerated cellular senescence, as indicated by reduced proliferation rates and increased activity levels for senescence-associated ß-galactosidase enzyme, along with elevated expression levels for senescence-associated genes. This study provides comprehensive insights into the dual role of GATA3 in regulating EMT and cellular senescence during EVT differentiation, shedding light on the dynamic changes in GATA3 expression in normal and pathological placental conditions.

Conversion therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of precision medicine: Current status, challenges and opportunities.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent malignancy of the digestive tract, is characterized by a high mortality rate and poor prognosis, primarily due to its initial diagnosis at an advanced stage that precludes any surgical intervention. Recent advancements in systemic therapies have significantly improved oncological outcomes for intermediate and advanced-stage HCC, and the combination of locoregional and systemic therapies further facilitates tumor downstaging and increases the likelihood of surgical resectability for initially unresectable cases following conversion therapies. This shift toward high conversion rates with novel, multimodal treatment approaches has become a principal pathway for prolonged survival in patients with advanced HCC. However, the field of conversion therapy for HCC is marked by controversies, including the selection of potential surgical candidates, formulation of conversion therapy regimens, determination of optimal surgical timing, and application of adjuvant therapy post-surgery. Addressing these challenges and refining clinical protocols and research in HCC conversion therapy is essential for setting the groundwork for future advancements in treatment strategies and clinical research. This narrative review comprehensively summarizes the current strategies and clinical experiences in conversion therapy for advanced-stage HCC, emphasizing the unresolved issues and the path forward in the context of precision medicine. This work not only provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of treatment modalities for conversion therapy but also paves the way for future studies and innovations in this field.

Appropriate Stubble Height Can Effectively Improve the Rice Quality of Ratoon Rice.

Ratoon rice, the cultivation of a second crop from the stubble after the main harvest, is recognized as an eco-friendly and resource-saving method for rice production. Here, a field experiment was carried out in the Yangtze River region to investigate the impact of varying stubble heights on the grain quality of ratoon rice, as well as to compare the grain quality between the main and ratoon season. This study, which focused on 12 commonly cultivated rice varieties, conducted a comprehensive analysis assessing milling characteristics, appearance, and cooking quality. The results show that ratoon rice crops exhibited a higher milled rice rate and head rice rate compared to the main rice crops. Conversely, chalky rice percentage, chalkiness degree, and amylose content were lower in ratoon rice crops. Principal component analysis grouped eight relevant quality indicators of rice quality which were concentrated into three categories, with amylose content identified as the key indicator of rice quality for distinguishing between different stubble heights. Random forest results reveal a robust and significant correlation between appearance quality index and amylose content. Subordinate function analysis indicated that a stubble height of 30 cm resulted in optimal rice quality, with Lingliangyou 211 exhibiting the highest quality and Xiangzao Xian 32 the lowest. Overall, our study suggests that ratoon rice crops generally outperform main rice crops in terms of quality, with the optimal measurement at a stubble height of 30 cm. This study holds substantial importance for selecting appropriate stubble heights for ratoon rice crops and enhancing overall rice quality.

Comparison of the use of a spiral nasojejunal tube and transendoscopic enteral tubing in washed microbiota transplantation via the mid-gut route.

Background: Methods for washed microbiota transplantation (WMT) through the mid-gut include transendoscopic enteral tubing (TET) and manual spiral nasojejunal tube (SNT) placement have not been studied. Methods: This prospective interventional study was performed at a single centre. Patients were divided into the SNT and mid-gut TET groups based on their conditions and wishes. In the SNT group, an SNT was passively inserted into the stomach, and abdominal X-rays were taken within 24 h to confirm tube placement in the small intestine. In the mid-gut TET group, mid-gut TET was placed in the small intestine for gastroscopy. Data on the clinical efficacy of WMT, intubation time, cost, overall comfort score, adverse reactions, etc., were collected from the two groups. Results: Sixty-three patients were included in the study (SNT group (n = 40) and mid-gut TET group (n = 23)). The clinical efficacy of WMT in the SNT and mid-gut TET groups was 90 % and 95.7 %, respectively (P = 0.644). Compared with the mid-gut TET group, the SNT group showed a shorter operation time (120 s vs. 258 s, P = 0.001) and a lower average cost (641.7 yuan vs. 1702.1 yuan, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the overall comfort score or the incidence of common discomfort symptoms between the two groups. Conclusion: The different implantation methods have different advantages; compared with mid-gut TET placement, manual SNT placement provides some benefits.

Treatment of multiple myeloma: What is the impact on T-cell function?

Treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) has evolved remarkably over the past few decades. Autologous stem cell transplantation, as well as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, and monoclonal antibodies, has substantially improved the prognosis of patients with MM. Novel therapies, including chimeric antigen receptor-T cells, bispecific T-cell engagers, antibody-drug conjugates, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and nuclear export inhibitors, have provided more options. However, MM remains incurable. T cells are the principal weapons of antitumor immunity, but T cells display a broad spectrum of dysfunctional states during MM. The promising clinical results of T-cell-directed immunotherapies emphasize the significance of enhancing T-cell function in antimyeloma treatment. This review summarizes the potential effects of these antimyeloma agents on T-cell function and discusses possible optimized strategies for MM management by boosting T-cell immunity.

The severity of meiotic aneuploidy is associated with altered morphokinetic variables of mouse oocyte maturation.

STUDY QUESTION: Is there an association between morphokinetic variables of meiotic maturation and the severity of aneuploidy following in vitro maturation (IVM) in the mouse? SUMMARY ANSWER: The severity of meiotic aneuploidy correlates with an extended time to first polar body extrusion (tPB1) and duration of meiosis I (dMI). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Morphokinetic variables measured using time-lapse technology allow for the non-invasive evaluation of preimplantation embryo development within clinical assisted reproductive technology (ART). We recently applied this technology to monitor meiotic progression during IVM of mouse gametes. Whether there is a relationship between morphokinetic variables of meiotic progression and aneuploidy in the resulting egg has not been systematically examined at the resolution of specific chromosomes. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a robust clinical tool for determining aneuploidy status and has been reverse-translated in mouse blastocysts and oocytes. Therefore, we harnessed the technologies of time-lapse imaging and NGS to determine the relationship between the morphokinetics of meiotic progression and egg aneuploidy. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION: Cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from large antral follicles from hyperstimulated CD-1 mice. Cumulus cells were removed, and spontaneous IVM was performed in the absence or presence of two doses of Nocodazole (25 or 50 nM) to induce a spectrum of spindle abnormalities and chromosome segregation errors during oocyte meiosis. Comprehensive chromosome screening was then performed in the resulting eggs, and morphokinetic variables and ploidy status were compared across experimental groups (control, n = 11; 25 nM Nocodazole, n = 13; 50 nM Nocodazole, n = 23). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS: We monitored IVM in mouse oocytes using time-lapse microscopy for 16 h, and time to germinal vesicle breakdown (tGVBD), tPB1, and dMI were analyzed. Following IVM, comprehensive chromosome screening was performed on the eggs and their matched first polar bodies via adaptation of an NGS-based preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) assay. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to align reads to the mouse genome and determine copy number-based predictions of aneuploidy. The concordance of each polar body-egg pair (reciprocal errors) was used to validate the results. Ploidy status was categorized as euploid, 1-3 chromosomal segregation errors, or ≥4 chromosomal segregation errors. Additionally, aneuploidy due to premature separation of sister chromatids (PSSC) versus non-disjunction (NDJ) was distinguished. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: We applied and validated state-of-the-art NGS technology to screen aneuploidy in individual mouse eggs and matched polar bodies at the chromosome-specific level. By performing IVM in the presence of different doses of Nocodazole, we induced a range of aneuploidy. No aneuploidy was observed in the absence of Nocodazole (0/11), whereas IVM in the presence of 25 and 50 nM Nocodazole resulted in an aneuploidy incidence of 7.69% (1/13) and 82.61% (19/23), respectively. Of the aneuploid eggs, 5% (1/20) was due to PSSC, 65% (13/20) to NDJ, and the remainder to a combination of both. There was no relationship between ploidy status and tGVBD, but tPB1 and the dMI were both significantly prolonged in eggs with reciprocal aneuploidy events compared to the euploid eggs, and this scaled with the severity of aneuploidy. Eggs with ≥4 aneuploid chromosomes had the longest tPB1 and dMI (P < 0.0001), whereas eggs with one to three aneuploid chromosomes exhibited intermediate lengths of time (P < 0.0001). LARGE SCALE DATA: N/A. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: We used Nocodazole in this study to disrupt the meiotic spindle and induce aneuploidy in mouse oocytes. Whether the association between morphokinetic variables of meiotic progression and the severity of aneuploidy occurs with other compounds that induce chromosome segregation errors remain to be investigated. In addition, unlike mouse oocytes, human IVM requires the presence of cumulus cells, which precludes visualization of morphokinetic variables of meiotic progression. Thus, our study may have limited direct clinical translatability. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: We validated NGS in mouse eggs to detect aneuploidy at a chromosome-specific resolution which greatly improves the utility of the mouse model. With a tractable and validated model system for characterizing meiotic aneuploidy, investigations into the molecular mechanisms and factors which may influence aneuploidy can be further elaborated. Time-lapse analyses of morphokinetic variables of meiotic progression may be a useful non-invasive predictor of aneuploidy severity. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This work was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (INV-003385). Under the grant conditions of the Foundation, a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Generic License has already been assigned to the Author Accepted Manuscript version that might arise from this submission. The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.

Metal bond strength regulation enables large-scale synthesis of intermetallic nanocrystals for practical fuel cells.

Structurally ordered L10-PtM (M = Fe, Co, Ni and so on) intermetallic nanocrystals, benefiting from the chemically ordered structure and higher stability, are one of the best electrocatalysts used for fuel cells. However, their practical development is greatly plagued by the challenge that the high-temperature (>600 °C) annealing treatment necessary for realizing the ordered structure usually leads to severe particle sintering, morphology change and low ordering degree, which makes it very difficult for the gram-scale preparation of desirable PtM intermetallic nanocrystals with high Pt content for practical fuel cell applications. Here we report a new concept involving the low-melting-point-metal (M' = Sn, Ga, In)-induced bond strength weakening strategy to reduce Ea and promote the ordering process of PtM (M = Ni, Co, Fe, Cu and Zn) alloy catalysts for a higher ordering degree. We demonstrate that the introduction of M' can reduce the ordering temperature to extremely low temperatures (≤450 °C) and thus enable the preparation of high-Pt-content (≥40 wt%) L10-Pt-M-M' intermetallic nanocrystals as well as ten-gram-scale production. X-ray spectroscopy studies, in situ electron microscopy and theoretical calculations reveal the fundamental mechanism of the Sn-facilitated ordering process at low temperatures, which involves weakened bond strength and consequently reduced Ea via Sn doping, the formation and fast diffusion of low-coordinated surface free atoms, and subsequent L10 nucleation. The developed L10-Ga-PtNi/C catalysts display outstanding performance in H2-air fuel cells under both light- and heavy-duty vehicle conditions. Under the latter condition, the 40% L10-Pt50Ni35Ga15/C catalyst delivers a high current density of 1.67 A cm-2 at 0.7 V and retains 80% of the current density after extended 90,000 cycles, which exceeds the United States Department of Energy performance metrics and represents among the best cathodic electrocatalysts for practical proton-exchange membrane fuel cells.

FeNO, a potential biomarker for evaluating glucocorticoids treatment and prognosis in ABPA.

BACKGROUND: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is characterized by enhanced Th2 inflammatory response. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement has been utilized as a valuable tool in predicting the development and management of asthma, another typical Th2 inflammation. However, the clinical significance of FeNO in ABPA remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between FeNO and the prognosis of ABPA patients, so as to provide a basis for the use of FeNO in evaluating the efficacy of glucocorticoids in ABPA treatment. METHODS: This study consists of two parts. 58 patients were enrolled in the retrospective study. Clinical indexes between patients with different prognoses were compared and ROC curve analysis were employed to determine the threshold value. The prospective observational study involved 61 patients who were regularly followed up at 4-6 weeks and 6 months since the initial treatment. Patients were grouped based on baseline FeNO values, correlation analysis were performed between clinical data. RESULTS: Different prognoses were observed between patients with High- and Low- baseline FeNO values, with a threshold value of 57 ppb. The percentage of A. fumigatus-specific IgE, percentage of positive A. fumigatus-specific IgG, and relapse/exacerbation rate differed significantly between the H/L-FeNO groups. Patients with higher FeNO needed longer treatment duration and showed shorter interval between glucocorticoid withdrawal and the next relapse/exacerbation. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the level of FeNO is associated with the prognosis of ABPA. It can serve as an independent and valuable biomarker for evaluating the effectiveness of glucocorticoid treatment.

The Barthel Index predicts surgical textbook outcomes following hepatectomy for elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The burgeoning demand for hepatectomy in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) necessitates improved perioperative care. Geriatric populations frequently experience functional decline and frailty, predisposing them to adverse postoperative outcomes. The Barthel Index serves as a reliable measure for assessing functional capacity, and this study evaluates its impact on surgical textbook outcomes (TOs) in elderly HCC patients. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study analyzed elderly patients (≥70 years) following hepatectomy for HCC between 2013 and 2021. Utilizing a Barthel Index cut-off value of 85, patients were divided into two groups: with and without preoperative functional decline and frailty. The primary outcome was the rate of TO, encompassing seven criteria. TO rates were compared between groups, and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent risks for achieving TOs. RESULTS: Of 497 elderly patients, 157 (31.6 â€‹%) exhibited preoperative functional decline and frailty (Barthel Index score <85). The overall TO rate was 58.6 â€‹%. Patients with preoperative Barthel Index score <85 had significantly lower TO rates compared to patients with score ≥85 (29.3 â€‹% vs. 72.1 â€‹%, P â€‹< â€‹0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed preoperative Barthel Index score <85 as an independent risk for achieving TO (odds ratio 3.413, 95 â€‹% confidence interval 1.879-6.198, P â€‹< â€‹0.001). Comparable results were observed in the subgroups of patients undergoing open and laparoscopic hepatectomy. CONCLUSION: Preoperative Barthel Index-based assessment of functional decline and frailty significantly predicts TOs following hepatectomy in elderly HCC patients, enabling identification of high-risk patients and informing preoperative management and postoperative care within geriatric oncology.

Improvement of Thermal Stability and Photoelectric Performance of Cs2PbI2Cl2/CsPbI2.5Br0.5 Perovskite Solar Cells by Triple-Layer Inorganic Hole Transport Materials.

Conventional hole transport layer (HTL) Spiro-OMeTAD requires the addition of hygroscopic dopants due to its low conductivity and hole mobility, resulting in a high preparation cost and poor device stability. Cuprous thiocyanate (CuSCN) is a cost-effective alternative with a suitable energy structure and high hole mobility. However, CuSCN-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are affected by environmental factors, and the solvents of an HTL can potentially corrode the perovskite layer. In this study, a Co3O4/CuSCN/Co3O4 sandwich structure was proposed as an HTL for inorganic Cs2PbI2Cl2/CsPbI2.5Br0.5 PSCs to address these issues. The Co3O4 layers can serve as buffer and encapsulation layers, protecting the perovskite layer from solvent-induced corrosion and enhancing hole mobility at the interface. Based on this sandwich structure, the photovoltaic performances of the Cs2PbI2Cl2/CsPbI2.5Br0.5 PSCs are significantly improved, with the power conversion efficiency (PCE) increasing from 9.87% (without Co3O4) to 11.06%. Furthermore, the thermal stability of the devices is also significantly enhanced, retaining 80% of its initial PCE after 40 h of continuous aging at 60 °C. These results indicate that the Co3O4/CuSCN/Co3O4 sandwich structure can effectively mitigate the corrosion of the perovskite layer by solvents of an HTL and significantly improves the photovoltaic performance and thermal stability of devices.

Lithium-Ion Conductive Coatings for Nickel-Rich Cathodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Nickel (Ni)-rich cathodes are among the most promising cathode materials of lithium batteries, ascribed to their high-power density, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness, having extensive applications from portable electronics to electric vehicles and national grids. They can boost the wide implementation of renewable energies and thereby contribute to carbon neutrality and achieving sustainable prosperity in the modern society. Nevertheless, these cathodes suffer from significant technical challenges, leading to poor cycling performance and safety risks. The underlying mechanisms are residual lithium compounds, uncontrolled lithium/nickel cation mixing, severe interface reactions, irreversible phase transition, anisotropic internal stress, and microcracking. Notably, they have become more serious with increasing Ni content and have been impeding the widespread commercial applications of Ni-rich cathodes. Various strategies have been developed to tackle these issues, such as elemental doping, adding electrolyte additives, and surface coating. Surface coating has been a facile and effective route and has been investigated widely among them. Of numerous surface coating materials, have recently emerged as highly attractive options due to their high lithium-ion conductivity. In this review, a thorough and comprehensive review of lithium-ion conductive coatings (LCCs) are made, aimed at probing their underlying mechanisms for improved cell performance and stimulating new research efforts.

Semi-rational design of nitroarene dioxygenase for catalytic ability toward 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene.

Rieske non-heme dioxygenase family enzymes play an important role in the aerobic biodegradation of nitroaromatic pollutants, but no active dioxygenases are available in nature for initial reactions in the degradation of many refractory pollutants like 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene (24DCNB). Here, we report the engineering of hotspots in 2,3-dichloronitrobenzene dioxygenase from Diaphorobacter sp. strain JS3051, achieved through molecular dynamic simulation analysis and site-directed mutagenesis, with the aim of enhancing its catalytic activity toward 24DCNB. The computationally predicted activity scores were largely consistent with the detected activities in wet experiments. Among them, the two most beneficial mutations (E204M and M248I) were obtained, and the combined mutant reached up to a 62-fold increase in activity toward 24DCNB, generating a single product, 3,5-dichlorocatechol, which is a naturally occurring compound. In silico analysis confirmed that residue 204 affected the substrate preference for meta-substituted nitroarenes, while residue 248 may influence substrate preference by interaction with residue 295. Overall, this study provides a framework for manipulating nitroarene dioxygenases using computational methods to address various nitroarene contamination problems.IMPORTANCEAs a result of human activities, various nitroaromatic pollutants continue to enter the biosphere with poor degradability, and dioxygenation is an important kickoff step to remove toxic nitro-groups and convert them into degradable products. The biodegradation of many nitroarenes has been reported over the decades; however, many others still lack corresponding enzymes to initiate their degradation. Although rieske non-heme dioxygenase family enzymes play extraordinarily important roles in the aerobic biodegradation of various nitroaromatic pollutants, prediction of their substrate specificity is difficult. This work greatly improved the catalytic activity of dioxygenase against 2,4-dichloronitrobenzene by computer-aided semi-rational design, paving a new way for the evolution strategy of nitroarene dioxygenase. This study highlights the potential for using enzyme structure-function information with computational pre-screening methods to rapidly tailor the catalytic functions of enzymes toward poorly biodegradable contaminants.

Measuring Human Auditory Evoked Fields with a Flexible Multi-Channel OPM-Based MEG System.

BACKGROUND: Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a non-invasive imaging technique for directly measuring the external magnetic field generated from synchronously activated pyramidal neurons in the brain. The optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) is known for its less expensive, non-cryogenic, movable and user-friendly custom-design provides the potential for a change in functional neuroimaging based on MEG. METHODS: An array of OPMs covering the opposite sides of a subject's head is placed inside a magnetically shielded room (MSR) and responses evoked from the auditory cortices are measured. RESULTS: High signal-to-noise ratio auditory evoked response fields (AEFs) were detected by a wearable OPM-MEG system in a MSR, for which a flexible helmet was specially designed to minimize the sensor-to-head distance, along with a set of bi-planar coils developed for background field and gradient nulling. Neuronal current sources activated in AEF experiments were localized and the auditory cortices showed the highest activities. Performance of the hybrid optically pumped magnetometer-magnetoencephalography/electroencephalography (OPM-MEG/EEG) system was also assessed. CONCLUSIONS: The multi-channel OPM-MEG system performs well in a custom built MSR equipped with bi-planar coils and detects human AEFs with a flexible helmet. Moreover, the similarities and differences of auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) and AEFs are discussed, while the operation of OPM-MEG sensors in conjunction with EEG electrodes provides an encouraging combination for the exploration of hybrid OPM-MEG/EEG systems.

An oral gel suitable for swallowing: The effect of micronization on the gel properties and microstructure of κ-carrageenan.

κ-Carrageenan (κ-Car) is an important material for preparing food gels and hydrogels. However, κ-Car gel has issues with high hardness and low water-holding capacity. Modification strategy of micronization is proposed for the first time to explore its influence on texture properties and gelling process of κ-Car gel, and to investigate the feasibility of κ-Car as a food matrix with low strength. κ-Car undergoing 60 min of micronization, the d(0.9) decreased by 79.33 %, SBET and Vtotal increased by 89.23 % and 95.27 %. The swelling rate and degree of gelling process increased significantly, and the microstructure changed from loose large pores to dense small pores resembling a "honeycomb". Importantly, the hardness of gel-60, Milk-60 and PNS-60 decreased by 72.52 %, 49.25 % and 81.37 %. In addition, WHC of gel-60, Milk-60 and PNS-60 was improved. IDDSI tests showed that κ-Car gels, milk gels and PNS gels can be categorized as level 6 (soft and bite-sized), except for PNS-60, which belongs to level 5 (crumbly and moist). Furthermore, the texture and bitter masking effect of milk gels and PNS gels were improved. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that micronization can be a novel approach to improve the gel properties of κ-Car, laying the groundwork for developing dysphagia foods.