Epitaxial Growth of Two-Dimensional Nonlayered AuCrS2 Materials via Au-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition.

Two-dimensional (2D) nonlayered transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) materials are emergent platforms for various applications from catalysis to quantum devices. However, their limited availability and nonstraightforward synthesis methods hinder our understanding of these materials. Here, we present a novel technique for synthesizing 2D nonlayered AuCrS2 via Au-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Our detailed structural analysis reveals the layer-by-layer growth of [AuCrS2] units atop an initial CrS2 monolayer, with Au binding to the adjacent monolayer of CrS2, which is in stark contrast with the well-known metal intercalation mechanism in the synthesis of many other 2D nonlayered materials. Theoretical calculations further back the crucial role of Cr in increasing the mobility of Au species and strengthening the adsorption energy of Au on CrS2, thereby aiding the growth throughout the CVD process. Additionally, the resulting free-standing nanoporous AuCrS2 (NP-AuCrS2) exhibits exceptional electrocatalytic properties for the hydrogen evolution reaction.

Anthropogenic disturbance exacerbates resilience loss in the Amazon rainforests.

Uncovering the mechanisms that lead to Amazon forest resilience variations is crucial to predict the impact of future climatic and anthropogenic disturbances. Here, we apply a previously used empirical resilience metrics, lag-1 month temporal autocorrelation (TAC), to vegetation optical depth data in C-band (a good proxy of the whole canopy water content) in order to explore how forest resilience variations are impacted by human disturbances and environmental drivers in the Brazilian Amazon. We found that human disturbances significantly increase the risk of critical transitions, and that the median TAC value is ~2.4 times higher in human-disturbed forests than that in intact forests, suggesting a much lower resilience in disturbed forests. Additionally, human-disturbed forests are less resilient to land surface heat stress and atmospheric water stress than intact forests. Among human-disturbed forests, forests with a more closed and thicker canopy structure, which is linked to a higher forest cover and a lower disturbance fraction, are comparably more resilient. These results further emphasize the urgent need to limit deforestation and degradation through policy intervention to maintain the resilience of the Amazon rainforests.

Dominant role of the non-forest woody vegetation in the post 2015/16 El Niño tropical carbon recovery.

The extreme dry and hot 2015/16 El Niño episode caused large losses in tropical live aboveground carbon (AGC) stocks. Followed by climatic conditions conducive to high vegetation productivity since 2016, tropical AGC are expected to recover from large losses during the El Niño episode; however, the recovery rate and its spatial distribution remain unknown. Here, we used low-frequency microwave satellite data to track AGC changes, and showed that tropical AGC stocks returned to pre-El Niño levels by the end of 2020, resulting in an AGC sink of 0.18 0.14 0.26 $$ {0.18}_{0.14}^{0.26} $$ Pg C year-1 during 2014-2020. This sink was dominated by strong AGC increases ( 0.61 0.49 0.84 $$ {0.61}_{0.49}^{0.84} $$ Pg C year-1) in non-forest woody vegetation during 2016-2020, compensating the forest AGC losses attributed to the El Niño event, forest loss, and degradation. Our findings highlight that non-forest woody vegetation is an increasingly important contributor to interannual to decadal variability in the global carbon cycle.

Relationship Between Microstructural Alterations and Cognitive Decline After Whole-Brain Radiation Therapy for Brain Metastases: An Exploratory Whole-Brain MR Analysis Based on Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment frequently occurs in patients with brain metastases (BM) after whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT). It is crucial to explore the underlying mechanisms of cognitive impairment in BM patients receiving WBRT. PURPOSE: To detect brain microstructural alterations in patients after WBRT by neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), and evaluate the performance of microstructural alterations in predicting cognitive impairment. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. POPULATION: Twenty-six patients (seven female; mean age, 60.9 years). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3-T, multi-shell diffusion-weighted single-shot echo-planar sequence. Three-dimensional magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition with gradient echo sequence. ASSESSMENT: Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) evaluations were conducted prior to, following, 1 and 3 months after WBRT. The diffusion data were collected twice, 1 week before and 1 week after WBRT. NODDI analysis was conducted to assess microstructural alterations in whole brain (orientation dispersion index, neurite density index, volume fraction of isotropic water molecules). Reliable change indices (RCI) of MMSE were used to measure cognitive decline. The performance of support vector machine models based on NODDI parameters and clinical features (prednisone usage, tumor volume, etc.) in predicting MMSE-RCI was evaluated. STATISTICAL TESTS: Paired t-test to assess alterations of NODDI measures and MMSE during follow-up. Statistical significance level of P-value <0.05. RESULTS: Significantly decreased MMSE score was found at 3 months after WBRT. After WBRT, corpus callosum, medial prefrontal cortex, limbic lobe, occipital lobe, parietal lobe, putamen, globus pallidus lentiform, and thalamus demonstrated damage in NODDI parameters. The predicted MMSE-RCI based on NODDI features was significantly associated with the measured MMSE-RCI at 1 month (R = 0.573; P = 0.003) and 3 months (R = 0.687; P < 0.0001) after WBRT. DATA CONCLUSION: Microstructural alterations in several brain regions including the middle prefrontal and limbic cortexes were observed in patients with BM following WBRT, which may contribute to subsequent cognitive decline. EVIDENCE LEVEL: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

CgSHIP2 negatively regulates the mRNA expressions of CgIL-17s in response to Vibrio splendidus stimulation in Crassostrea gigas.

SH2 domain containing inositol polyphosphate5-phosphatase-2 (SHIP2) is a member of the 5-phosphatase family, acting as a vital negative regulator of immune response in vertebrates. In the present study, a SHIP2 homologue (designed as CgSHIP2) was identified from Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas. There was a SH2 domain, an IPPc domain and a SAM domain in CgSHIP2. The mRNA transcripts of CgSHIP2 were widely expressed in all the tested tissues with the highest expression in haemolymph. The mRNA expressions of CgSHIP2 in haemocytes increased significantly at 6, 12, 48 and 72 h after Vibrio splendidus stimulation. The positive green signals of CgSHIP2 protein were mainly located in cytoplasm of haemocytes. After the expression of CgSHIP2 was inhibited by RNA interference, the mRNA transcripts of interleukin 17s (CgIL-17-1, CgIL-17-2, CgIL-17-3 and CgIL-17-6) in the haemocytes increased significantly at 24 h after V. splendidus stimulation, which were 8.15-fold (p < 0.001), 3.44-fold (p < 0.05), 2.15-fold (p < 0.01) and 4.63-fold (p < 0.05) compared with that in NC-RNAi group, respectively. Obvious branchial swelling and cilium shedding in gills were observed in CgSHIP2-RNAi group at 24 h after V. splendidus stimulation. The results suggested that CgSHIP2 played an important role in controlling inflammatory response induced by bacteria in oysters.

LY333531 attenuates contraction of tumor necrosis factor-α-sensitized human airway smooth muscle cells.

OBJECTIVE: Protein kinase C (PKC) has been implicated in the increased contraction of human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) in asthma. Using the three-dimensional collagen gel contraction system, the study aimed to determine the effects of LY333531, a specific inhibitor of the PKC-ß isoform, on the contraction of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-sensitized HASMCs. METHODS: Cultured HASMCs were divided into five groups: the control group received no treatment, and the cells in the TNF-α group were sensitized with 10 ng/mL TNF-α for 48 h, while TNF-α was administered to sensitize HASMCs in the presence of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 µM LY333531 for 48 h in the 0.1LY, 0.2LY, and 0.5LY groups, respectively. Following this, HASMCs contraction was stimulated with 1 mM acetylcholine (ACh) for up to 24 h in each group and assessed using a three-dimensional collagen gel contraction assay. Furthermore, western blot and immunofluorescence analysis were performed. RESULTS: The collagen gel contraction assay revealed that TNF-α increased the protein expression of phosphorylated PKC-ß2, CPI-17, and MLC while exacerbating ACh-induced HASMCs contraction. LY333531 significantly attenuated HASMCs contraction and downregulated the protein expression of both p-CPI-17 and p-MLC. CONCLUSIONS: At least in part by regulating CPI-17 and MLC phosphorylation, LY333531 attenuates augmented contraction of TNF-α-sensitized HASMCs in a collagen gel contraction system.

Research on Pedestrian Crossing Decision Models and Predictions Based on Machine Learning.

Systematically and comprehensively enhancing road traffic safety using artificial intelligence (AI) is of paramount importance, and it is gradually becoming a crucial framework in smart cities. Within this context of heightened attention, we propose to utilize machine learning (ML) to optimize and ameliorate pedestrian crossing predictions in intelligent transportation systems, where the crossing process is vital to pedestrian crossing behavior. Compared with traditional analytical models, the application of OpenCV image recognition and machine learning methods can analyze the mechanisms of pedestrian crossing behaviors with greater accuracy, thereby more precisely judging and simulating pedestrian violations in crossing. Authentic pedestrian crossing behavior data were extracted from signalized intersection scenarios in Chinese cities, and several machine learning models, including decision trees, multilayer perceptrons, Bayesian algorithms, and support vector machines, were trained and tested. In comparing the various models, the results indicate that the support vector machine (SVM) model exhibited optimal accuracy in predicting pedestrian crossing probabilities and speeds, and it can be applied in pedestrian crossing prediction and traffic simulation systems in intelligent transportation.

The experiences of children and adolescents with cancer returning to school: A qualitative meta-synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Returning to school can be challenging for children and adolescents with cancer who have been absent for a long time. As there is little known about the return to school experience of children and adolescents with cancer, this meta-synthesis aimed to describe the experiences of children and adolescent cancer patients as they return to school. METHODS: Seven English databases and three Chinese databases were searched from inception to March 14, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-QARI) was used to appraise study quality. Data were synthesized using the Thomas and Harden thematic and content analysis method. RESULTS: Twelve qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed into meta-synthesis. Data synthesis led to constructing four analytical themes and twelve sub-themes. The four major themes constructed were:benefits to school re-entry, barriers to school re-entry, motivators to school re-entry and the adaptation process after returning to school. CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents with cancer were willing to return to education and can adapt to school life over time. But they were faced with challenges, including physical, psychological, and social barriers. Appropriate measures need to be taken to reduce those barriers. IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: Findings can be used to inform future research and interventions to support a successful return to education for children and adolescents with cancer. Healthcare providers should address the needs of children and adolescents at different stages and actively work with schools, hospitals and families to help childhood cancer survivors successfully return to school.

Scalable-doped Nanoporous 1T″ ReSe2 via a General Surface Co-Alloy Strategy.

Reliable and controllable doping of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides is an efficient approach to tailor their physicochemical properties and expand their functional applications. However, precise control over dopant distribution and scalability of the process remains a challenge. Here, we report a general method to achieve scalable in situ doping of centimeter-sized bicontinuous nanoporous ReSe2 films with transition metal atoms via surface coalloy growth. The distinct strains induced by the bending curvature of nanoporous structures and uniform dopants result in a local 1T' to 1T″ structure phase transition over nanoporous ReSe2 films. The as-prepared nanoporous Ru-ReSe2 with high 1T″ phase exhibits preferable electrochemical activity in hydrogen evolution reaction. The work demonstrates a unique and general approach to synthesize uniformly-doped transition metal dichalcogenides with 3D bicontinuous nanoporous structure, which can be scaled up to batch production for various applications.

Transcriptome analysis of the response to low temperature acclimation in Calliptamus italicus eggs.

BACKGROUND: Calliptamus italicus is a dominant species in the desert and semi-desert grassland. It is widely distributed throughout many regions such as Asia, Europe, North Africa and the Mediterranean, and has enormous destructive potential for agriculture and animal husbandry. The C. italicus overwintering as eggs in the soil through diapause, and the cold tolerance of locust eggs is the key to their ability to survive the winter smoothly to maintain the population. RESULTS: Transcriptome analysis of C. italicus eggs was carried out in this paper in constant low temperature acclimation, natural low temperature acclimation and room temperature. The differentially expressed genes related to cold tolerance were screened out, the differences in expression patterns under different low temperature acclimation were analyzed, and the genes in the significantly up-regulated pathways may play an important role in cold tolerance. The results show that different domestication modes can induce C. italicus eggs to express a large number of genes to alleviate low temperature damage, but C. italicus eggs are more sensitive to changes in temperature. Compared with the control, there are 8689 DEGs at constant low temperature and 14,994 DEGs at natural low temperature. KEGG analysis showed that DEGs were mainly enriched in pathways related to metabolism and biological systems under constant low temperature, and were mainly enriched in pathways related to biological systems and environmental information processing under natural low temperature. In addition, RNAi technology was used to further verify the regulation of genes in the significantly enriched up-regulated pathways on C. italicus eggs, and it was confirmed that the hatching rate of C. italicus eggs at low temperature was significantly reduced after interference. CONCLUSIONS: Transcriptome analysis of C. italicus eggs treated at different temperatures provided a theoretical basis for further understanding the adaptation mechanism of C. italicus eggs to low temperature. In addition, four potential RNAi target genes were verified in the eggs of C. italicus for the first time, providing new ideas for effective control of this species.

Plasmonic Helical Nanoantenna As a Converter between Longitudinal Fields and Circularly Polarized Waves.

A wide variety of optical applications and techniques require control of light polarization. So far, the manipulation of light polarization relies on components capable of interchanging two polarization states of the transverse field of a propagating wave (e.g., linear to circular polarizations, and vice versa). Here, we demonstrate that an individual helical nanoantenna is capable of locally converting longitudinally oriented confined near-fields into a circularly polarized freely propagating wave, and vice versa. To this end, the nanoantenna is coupled to cylindrical surface plasmons bound to the top interface of a thin gold layer. Helices of constant and varying pitch lengths are experimentally investigated. The reciprocal conversion of an incoming circularly wave into diverging cylindrical surface plasmons is demonstrated as well. Interconnecting circularly polarized optical waves (carrying spin angular momentum) and longitudinal near-fields provides a new degree of freedom in light polarization control.

Highly efficient second harmonic generation of thin film lithium niobate nanograting near bound states in the continuum.

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) are ubiquitous physical phenomena where such states occur due to strong coupling between leaky modes in side lossy systems. BICs in meta-optics and nanophotonics enable optical mode confinement to strengthen local field enhancement in nonlinear optics. In this study, we numerically investigate second-harmonic generation (SHG) in the vicinity of BICs with a photonic structure comprising one-dimensional nanogratings and a slab waveguide made of lithium niobate (LiNbO3, LN). By breaking the symmetry of LN nanogratings, BICs transition to quasi-BICs, which enable strong local field confinement inside LN slab waveguide to be supported, thereby resulting in improving SHG conversion with lower pump power of fundamental frequency (FW). With a peak intensity of 1.33 GW cm-2at the FW, our structure features a second-harmonic conversion efficiency up to 8.13 × 10-5at quasi-BICs. We believe that our results will facilitate the application of LN in integrated nonlinear nanophotonic.

Mechanical Stress Affects Circadian Rhythm in Skeletal Muscle (C2C12 Myoblasts) by Reducing Per/Cry Gene Expression and Increasing Bmal1 Gene Expression.

BACKGROUND Circadian rhythm can modulate normal activity of humans in adapting to daily environment changes. Mechanical stress loading affects skeletal muscle development and bio-functions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of mechanical stress loading on circadian rhythm in skeletal muscle (C2C12 cells) and to explore the associated mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS C2C12 myoblasts were cultured and treated with mechanical stress loading. After mechanical stress loading for 6 h,12 h, and 24 h, we observed the C2C12 myoblasts and determined gene transcription and protein expression of Clock genes, including Clock, Bmal1, Per, and Cry using RT-PCR and western blot assay. RESULTS Mechanical stress loading triggered C2C12 cells growing by force direction and enhanced the cell proliferation at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. Gene transcription and protein expression of the core Clock-associated molecules, Clock and Bmal1, increased from start of loading to 12 h, and decreased from 12 h to 24 h. Gene transcription and protein expression of core Clock-associated molecules, Cry and Per, decreased in the first 12 h (from 6 h to 12 h) and increased in the last 12 h (from 12 h to 24 h). CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that mechanical stress loading affected circadian rhythm in skeletal muscle (C2C12 myoblasts) through reducing Per/Cry and enhancing Clock/Bmal1 gene expression. This study provides insights for investigating circadian rhythm and associated bio-functions of humans.

Analysis of the Infection Status of Healthcare Workers in Wuhan During the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) at the frontline are facing a substantial risk of infection during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. METHODS: We acquired information and data on general information on and infection and death status of HCWs in Wuhan during the COVID-19 outbreak and completed statistical analyses. RESULTS: We obtained the data on 2457 infected cases among HCWs in Wuhan, China. More than half of the infected individuals were nurses (52.06%), whereas 33.62% of infected cases were doctors and 14.33% of cases were medical staff. In particular, the case infection rate of nurses (2.22%) was remarkably higher than that of doctors (1.92%). Most infected cases among HCWs were female (72.28%). A majority of the infected HCWs (89.26%) came from general hospitals, followed by specialized hospitals (5.70%) and community hospitals (5.05%). The case infection rate of HCWs (2.10%) was dramatically higher than that of non-HCWs (0.43%). The case fatality rate of HCWs (0.69%) was significantly lower than that of non-HCWs (5.30%). CONCLUSIONS: The infection risk of HCWs is clearly higher than that of non-HCWs. HCWs play an essential role in fighting the pandemic. The analysis of the infection status of HCWs is essential to attract enough attention from the public, provide effective suggestions for government agencies, and improve protective measures for HCWs.

Cladodionen Is a Potential Quorum Sensing Inhibitor Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen using virulence factors and biofilm regulated by quorum sensing (QS) systems to infect patients and protect itself from environmental stress and antibiotics. Interfering with QS systems is a novel approach to combat P. aeruginosa infections without killing the bacteria, meaning that it is much harder for bacteria to develop drug resistance. A marine fungus Cladosporium sp. Z148 with anti-QS activity was obtained from Jiaozhou Bay, China. Cladodionen, a novel QS inhibitor, was isolated from the extracts of this fungus. Cladodionen had a better inhibitory effect than pyocyanin on the production of elastase and rhamnolipid. It also inhibited biofilm formation and motilities. The mRNA expressions of QS-related genes, including receptor proteins (lasR, rhlR and pqsR), autoinducer synthases (lasI, rhlI and pqsA) and virulence factors (lasB and rhlA) were down-regulated by cladodionen. Molecular docking analysis showed that cladodionen had better binding affinity to LasR and PqsR than natural ligands. Moreover, the binding affinity of cladodionen to LasR was higher than to PqsR. Cladodionen exhibits potential as a QS inhibitor against P. aeruginosa, and its structure-activity relationships should be further studied to illustrate the mode of action, optimize its structure and improve anti-QS activity.

Relationship between resilience and insomnia among the middle-aged and elderly: mediating role of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies.

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies, resilience, and insomnia and the underlying mechanism that explains the relationships. Six hundred and fifty-three middle-aged and old people recruited from community service centers in Henan province completed questionnaires related to CER strategies, resilience, and insomnia. Results showed refocus on planning and positive reappraisal negatively predicted insomnia, and catastrophising, rumination and self-blame positively predicted insomnia. Moreover, maladaptive emotion regulation strategies (especially catastrophising) mediated the relationship between resilience and insomnia. The findings suggest the middle-aged and elderly with insomnia tended to employ maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and had lower resilience. Maladaptive emotion regulation strategies buffered the positive effect of resilience on sleep.

Chiroptical transmission through a plasmonic helical traveling-wave nanoantenna, towards on-tip chiroptical probes.

Resonant plasmonic helices have been widely utilized for locally enhancing and tailoring optical chirality. Here we investigate their nonresonant operation through the recently introduced concept of a plasmonic helical "traveling-wave" nanoantenna. Relying on the coupling of a nonresonant plasmonic helix and a nano-aperture, the helical traveling-wave nanoantenna transmits circularly polarized light with the same handedness as the helix and blocks the other, with a measured dissymmetry factor larger than 1.92 (maximum value of 2). This chiroptical transmission is spatially localized, spectrally broadband, and background-free. Finally, we demonstrate the possibility to engineer such a plasmonic helical nanoantenna at the apex of a sharp tip typically used in scanning near-field microscopies, thus opening the route for moveable, broadband, and background-free chiroptical probes.

Equisetin as potential quorum sensing inhibitor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

OBJECTIVE: To screen for the quorum-sensing (QS) inhibitors from marine-derived fungi and evaluate their anti-QS properties in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RESULTS: QS inhibitory activity was found in secondary metabolites of a marine fungus Fusarium sp. Z10 using P. aeruginosa QSIS-lasI biosensor. The major active compound of this fungus was isolated by HPLC and identified as equisetin. Subinhibitory concentration of equisetin could inhibit the formation of biofilm, swarming motility, and the production of virulence factors in P. aeruginosa. The inhibition of las, PQS, and rhl system by equisetin were determined using Escherichia coli MG4/pKDT17, E.coli pEAL08-2, and E.coli pDSY, respectively. Real-time RT-PCR assays showed that equisetin could downregulate the mRNA expression of QS-related genes. CONCLUSIONS: Equisetin proved its potential as an inhibitor against P. aeruginosa QS system and might also serve as precursor compound in development of novel therapeutics for infectious diseases by optimal design of structures.

A novel pressed porous silicon-polycaprolactone composite as a dual-purpose implant for the delivery of cells and drugs to the eye.

Dysfunction of corneal epithelial stem cells can result in painful and blinding disease of the ocular surface. In such cases, treatment may involve transfer of growth factor and normal adult stem cells to the ocular surface. Our purpose was to develop an implantable scaffold for the delivery of drugs and cells to the ocular surface. We examined the potential of novel composite biomaterials fabricated from electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibres into which nanostructured porous silicon (pSi) microparticles of varying sizes (150-250 µm or <40 µm) had been pressed. The PCL fabric provided a flexible support for mammalian cells, whereas the embedded pSi provided a substantial surface area for efficient delivery of adsorbed drugs and growth factors. Measurements of tensile strength of these composites revealed that the pSi did not strongly influence the mechanical properties of the polymer microfiber component for the Si loadings evaluated. Human lens epithelial cells (SRA01/04) attached to the composite materials, and exhibited enhanced attachment and growth when the materials were coated with foetal bovine serum. To examine the ability of the materials to deliver a small-drug payload, pSi microparticles were loaded with fluorescein diacetate prior to cell attachment. After 6 hours (h), cells exhibited intracellular fluorescence, indicative of transfer of the fluorescein diacetate into viable cells and its subsequent enzymatic conversion to fluorescein. To investigate loading of large-molecule biologics, murine BALB/c 3T3 cells, responsive to epidermal growth factor, insulin and transferrin, were seeded on composite materials. The cells showed significantly more proliferation at 48 h when seeded on composites loaded with these biologics, than on unloaded composites. No cell proliferation was observed on PCL alone, indicating the biologics had loaded into the pSi microparticles. Drug release, measured by ELISA for insulin, indicated a burst followed by a slower, continuous release over six days. When implanted under the rat conjunctiva, the most promising composite material did not cause significant neovascularization but did elicit a macrophage and mild foreign body response. These novel pressed pSi-PCL materials have potential for delivery of both small and large drugs that can be released in active form, and can support the growth of mammalian cells.

Influence of Surface Chemistry on the Release of an Antibacterial Drug from Nanostructured Porous Silicon.

Nanostructured mesoporous silicon possesses important properties advantageous to drug loading and delivery. For controlled release of the antibacterial drug triclosan, and its associated activity versus Staphylococcus aureus, previous studies investigated the influence of porosity of the silicon matrix. In this work, we focus on the complementary issue of the influence of surface chemistry on such properties, with particular regard to drug loading and release kinetics that can be ideally adjusted by surface modification. Comparison between drug release from as-anodized, hydride-terminated hydrophobic porous silicon and the oxidized hydrophilic counterpart is complicated due to the rapid bioresorption of the former; hence, a hydrophobic interface with long-term biostability is desired, such as can be provided by a relatively long chain octyl moiety. To minimize possible thermal degradation of the surfaces or drug activity during loading of molten drug species, a solution loading method has been investigated. Such studies demonstrate that the ability of porous silicon to act as an effective carrier for sustained delivery of antibacterial agents can be sensitively altered by surface functionalization.