Depolymerization of plastics by means of electrified spatiotemporal heating.

Depolymerization is a promising strategy for recycling waste plastic into constituent monomers for subsequent repolymerization1. However, many commodity plastics cannot be selectively depolymerized using conventional thermochemical approaches, as it is difficult to control the reaction progress and pathway. Although catalysts can improve the selectivity, they are susceptible to performance degradation2. Here we present a catalyst-free, far-from-equilibrium thermochemical depolymerization method that can generate monomers from commodity plastics (polypropylene (PP) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)) by means of pyrolysis. This selective depolymerization process is realized by two features: (1) a spatial temperature gradient and (2) a temporal heating profile. The spatial temperature gradient is achieved using a bilayer structure of porous carbon felt, in which the top electrically heated layer generates and conducts heat down to the underlying reactor layer and plastic. The resulting temperature gradient promotes continuous melting, wicking, vaporization and reaction of the plastic as it encounters the increasing temperature traversing the bilayer, enabling a high degree of depolymerization. Meanwhile, pulsing the electrical current through the top heater layer generates a temporal heating profile that features periodic high peak temperatures (for example, about 600 °C) to enable depolymerization, yet the transient heating duration (for example, 0.11 s) can suppress unwanted side reactions. Using this approach, we depolymerized PP and PET to their monomers with yields of about 36% and about 43%, respectively. Overall, this electrified spatiotemporal heating (STH) approach potentially offers a solution to the global plastic waste problem.

Deciphering Nucleic Acid Binding Proteome of Mouse Immune Organs Reveals Hub Proteins for Aging.

Profiling the nucleic acid-binding proteins (NABPs) during aging process is critical to elucidate its roles in biological systems as well as transcriptional and translational regulation. Here, we developed a comprehensive strategy to survey the NABPs of mouse immune organs by using single cell preparation and selective capture technology-based proteomics. Our approach provided a global view of tissue NABPs from different organs under normal physiological conditions with extraction specificity of 70 to 90%. Through quantitative proteomics analysis of mouse spleen and thymus at 1, 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 weeks, we investigated the molecular features of aging-related NABPs. A total of 2674 proteins were quantified in all six stages, demonstrating distinct and time-specific expression pattern of NABPs. Thymus and spleen exhibited unique aging signatures, and differential proteins and pathways were enriched across the mouse lifespan. Three core modules and 16 hub proteins associated with aging were revealed through weighted gene correlation network analysis. Significant candidates were screened for immunoassay verification, and six hub proteins were confirmed. The integrated strategy pertains the capability to decipher the dynamic functions of NABPs in aging physiology and benefit further mechanism research.

Artemisinin ameliorates cognitive decline by inhibiting hippocampal neuronal ferroptosis via Nrf2 activation in T2DM mice.

BACKGROUND: Neuronal ferroptosis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of cognitive deficits. The present study explored whether artemisinin protected type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice from cognitive impairments by attenuating neuronal ferroptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region. METHODS: STZ-induced T2DM mice were treated with artemisinin (40 mg/kg, i.p.), or cotreated with artemisinin and Nrf2 inhibitor MEL385 or ferroptosis inducer erastin for 4 weeks. Cognitive performance was determined by the Morris water maze and Y maze tests. Hippocampal ROS, MDA, GSH, and Fe2+ contents were detected by assay kits. Nrf2, p-Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 proteins in hippocampal CA1 were assessed by Western blotting. Hippocampal neuron injury and mitochondrial morphology were observed using H&E staining and a transmission electron microscope, respectively. RESULTS: Artemisinin reversed diabetic cognitive impairments, decreased the concentrations of ROS, MDA and Fe2+, and increased the levels of p-Nr2, HO-1, GPX4 and GSH. Moreover, artemisinin alleviated neuronal loss and ferroptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region. However, these neuroprotective effects of artemisinin were abolished by Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 and ferroptosis inducer erastin. CONCLUSION: Artemisinin effectively ameliorates neuropathological changes and learning and memory decline in T2DM mice; the underlying mechanism involves the activation of Nrf2 to inhibit neuronal ferroptosis in the hippocampus.

Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate.

BACKGROUND: It is known that heparinoid, a mucopolysaccharide polysulfate, is effective in improving rough skin and promoting blood circulation as medicines for diseased areas. However, heparinoid has a molecular weight of more than 5000 and cannot penetrate healthy stratum corneum. OBJECTIVE: We tested the efficacy of sulfated oligosaccharides with a molecular weight of less than 2000 on the human skin barrier function and moisturizing function. METHODS: We measured the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of a three-dimensional human epidermis model cultured for 3 days after topical application of sulfated oligosaccharides, then observed the effects on TEWL suppression. The mRNA levels of proteins involved in intercellular lipid transport and storage in the stratum corneum, and moisture retention were measured using RT-qPCR. RESULTS: An increase in the mRNA levels of the ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 12 (ABCA12), which transports lipids into stratum granulosum, was confirmed. Increases were also observed in the mRNA levels of filaggrin (FLG), which is involved in the generation of natural moisturizing factors, and of caspase-14, calpain-1 and bleomycin hydrolase, which are involved in the degradation of FLG. Antibody staining confirmed that the application of sodium trehalose sulfate to 3D model skin resulted in more ABCA12, ceramide, transglutaminase1, and FLG than those in controls. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, participants with low stratum corneum water content applied a lotion and emulsion containing sodium trehalose sulfate to their faces for 4 weeks. Sodium trehalose sulfate decreased the TEWL and increased the stratum corneum water content. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that cosmetics containing sodium trehalose sulfate act on the epidermis by increasing barrier factors and moisturizing factors, thereby ameliorating dry skin.

Comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of a new multi-component anti-aging topical eye cream.

BACKGROUND: The delicate periorbital region is susceptible to skin dehydration, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Thus, targeted and effective anti-aging interventions are necessary for the periorbital area. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new anti-aging eye cream formulated with the active complex (Yeast/rice fermentation filtrate, N-acetylneuraminic acid, palmityl tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7). METHODS: The cell viability and expressions of key extracellular matrix (ECM) components of the active complex were evaluated using a human skin fibroblast model. In the 12-week clinical trial, skin hydration, elasticity, facial photographs, and collagen density following eye cream application were assessed using Corneometer, Cutometer, VISIA, and ultrasound device, respectively. Dermatologists and participants evaluated clinical efficacy and safety at baseline, and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. RESULTS: PCR and immunofluorescent analyses revealed that the active complex significantly stimulated fibroblast proliferation (p < 0.05) and markedly promote the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Clinical findings exhibited a substantial enhancement in skin hydration (28.12%), elasticity (18.81%), and collagen production (54.99%) following 12 weeks of eye cream application. Dermatological evaluations and participants' assessments reported a significant improvement in skin moisture, roughness, elasticity, as well as fine lines and wrinkles by week 8. CONCLUSION: The new anti-aging eye cream, enriched with the active complex, demonstrates comprehensive rejuvenating effects, effectively addressing aging concerns in the periorbital area, coupled with a high safety profile.

Recalled age of myopia onset may predict risk of high adult myopia in Chinese adults.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between age of myopia onset and high myopia and to explore if age of onset mediated the associations of high myopia with parental myopia and time spent on electronics. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 1118 myopic patients aged 18 to 40. Information was obtained via a detailed questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression and linear regression models were utilized to assess age of onset in relation to high myopia and spherical equivalent refractive error, respectively. Structural equation models examined the mediated effect of onset age on the association between parental myopia, time spent on electronics and high myopia. RESULTS: An early age at myopia onset was negatively correlated with spherical equivalent refractive power. Subjects who developed myopia before the age of 12 were more likely to suffer from high myopia than those who developed myopia after the age of 15. Age of myopia onset was the strongest predictor of high myopia, with an area under the curve (AUC) in Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis of 0.80. Additionally, age of myopia onset served as a mediator in the relationships between parental myopia, electronic device usage duration, and the onset of high myopia in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: Age of myopia onset might be the single best predictor for high myopia, and age at onset appeared to mediate the associations of high myopia with parental myopia and time spent on electronics.

Dynamic Phosphoproteomics of BRS3 Activation Reveals the Hippo Signaling Pathway for Cell Migration.

Bombesin receptor subtype-3 (BRS3) is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) that is involved in a variety of pathological and physiological processes, while its biological functions and underlying regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, a quantitative phosphoproteomics approach was employed to comprehensively decipher the signal transductions that occurred upon intracellular BRS3 activation. The lung cancer cell line H1299-BRS3 was treated with MK-5046, an agonist of BRS3, for different durations. Harvested cellular proteins were digested and phosphopeptides were enriched by immobilized titanium (IV) ion affinity chromatography (Ti4+-IMAC) for label-free quantification (LFQ) analysis. A total of 11,938 phosphopeptides were identified, corresponding to 3,430 phosphoproteins and 10,820 phosphosites. Data analysis revealed that 27 phosphopeptides corresponding to six proteins were involved in the Hippo signaling pathway, which was significantly regulated by BRS3 activation. Verification experiments demonstrated that downregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway caused by BRS3 activation could induce the dephosphorylation and nucleus localization of the Yes-associated protein (YAP), and its association with cell migration was further confirmed by kinase inhibition. Our data collectively demonstrate that BRS3 activation contributes to cell migration through downregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway.

Nonlinear optical switch based on coherent perfect absorption.

Coherent perfect absorption (CPA) or reflection (CPR) are methods to realize the extreme manipulation on an optical field. We propose a scheme to operate a bistable switch with convertible CPA and/or CPR. Generally, CPA and CPR occur with different input-field phases. For example, CPA is realized when two input probe beams are in phase; instead, CPR is achieved when they are out of phase. In this scheme, a CPA state can be converted to a CPR state by an incoherent field although two input fields are in phase. When we use the incoherent field as a switching field, the CPA (CPR) state is treated as the closed (open) state. As a result, the switching efficiency can theoretically reach a maximum value, i.e., η = 1. In addition, the switch can be operated in the linear regime with a weak input field, and in the nonlinear or bistable regime with a strong input field. Moreover, the efficiency of the bistable switch is sensitively dependent on the input-field intensity. It provides a potential application of this work on sensitive optical detecting.

Multifunctional Dendritic Au@SPP@DOX Nanoparticles Integrating Chemotherapy and Low-Dose Radiotherapy for Enhanced Anticancer Activity.

Combined chemoradiotherapy can improve antitumor efficiency and reduce the side effects of monotherapy. In this study, we aimed to construct dendritic peptide-based multifunctional nanoparticles (Au@SPP@DOX) for a prolonged circulation time, enhanced cellular uptake, and targeted cancer therapy. Amphiphilic micelle PEG-polylysine-SA (SPP) is composed of polylysine combined with hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydrophobic stearic acid (SA). Doxorubicin (DOX) is loaded via the hydrophilic-hydrophobic interaction of SPP, and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are loaded via the electrostatic interaction with SPP. Au@SPP@DOX showed good biocompatibility and could be successfully accumulated at tumor sites through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Then, lysosomes could be ruptured due to the proton sponge effect. DOX became protonated in response to tumor extracellular acidity and was then released from SPP. Under the action of low-dose radiation, Au@SPP@DOX could promote the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increase mitochondrial dysfunction, block cell division, and ultimately promote tumor cell apoptosis to achieve a better antitumor effect. This study highlighted the benefit of chemoradiotherapy and suggested that Au@SPP@DOX might serve as a high-efficiency codelivery system for cancer combination therapy in the future.

Serum prolactin and gonadal hormones in hemodialysis women: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A meta-analysis followed by PRISMA 2020 statement was performed aiming to present a whole prolactin and sex hormone profile in hemodialysis women. METHODS: Literatures were searched in PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, and Web of science before March 11, 2023. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to test the conclusiveness of this meta-analysis. Egger's test and trim-and-fill analysis was used to test publication bias. We took standardized mean difference (SMD) as pool effect of hormones values including prolactin (PRL), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P). This study was registered in PROSPERO and the number was CRD42023394503. RESULTS: Twenty-two articles from 13 countries were analyzed. Combining the results of TSA and meta-analysis, we found that compared with healthy control, hemodialysis women had higher PRL, follicular FSH and LH values and lower P levels (PRL: I2 = 87%, SMD 1.24, 95% CI: 0.79-1.69, p < 0.00001; FSH: I2 = 0%, SMD 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13-0.55, p = 0.002; LH: I2 = 39%, SMD 0.64, 95% CI: 0.34-0.93, p < 0.00001; P: I2 = 30%, SMD - 1.62, 95% CI: -2.04 to -1.20, p < 0.00001). What's more, compared with women after renal transplantation, hemodialysis women had higher PRL levels (I2 = 0%, SMD 0.51, 95% CI: 0.25-0.78, p = 0.0001). There was not enough evidence to draw a conclusion on the comparison of hormones between regular and irregular menses hemodialysis women. Egger's test and trim-and-fill analysis didn't show significant publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodialysis women had higher serum PRL, follicular phase FSH, LH and lower serum P values compared with healthy control. PRL values of hemodialysis women were also higher than that of women after renal transplantation.

Comparison of intrathecal low-dose bupivacaine and morphine with intravenous patient control analgesia for postoperative analgesia for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Thoracoscopic surgical techniques continue to advance, yet the intensity of postoperative pain remains significant, impeding swift patient recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in postoperative pain and recuperation between patients receiving intrathecal morphine paired with low-dose bupivacaine and those administered general anesthesia exclusively. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 100 patients, who were allocated into three groups: Group M (5 µg/kg morphine intrathecal injection), Group B (5 µg/kg morphine combined with bupivacaine 3 mg intrathecal injection) and Group C (intrathecal sham injection). The primary outcome was the assessment of pain relief using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Additionally, intraoperative remifentanil consumption was quantified at the end of the surgery, and postoperative opioid use was determined by the number of patient-controlled analgesia (PCIA) compressions at 48 h post-surgery. Both the efficacy of the treatments and any complications were meticulously recorded. RESULTS: Postoperative NRS scores for both rest and exercise at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h were significantly lower in groups M and B than in group C (P<0.05). The intraoperative remifentanil dosage was significantly greater in groups M and C than in group B (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between groups M and C (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in intraoperative propofol dosage across all three groups (P>0.05). Postoperative dosages of both sufentanil and Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were significantly less in groups M and B compared to group C (P<0.05). The time of first analgesic request was later in both groups M and B than in group C (P<0.05). Specific and total scores were elevated at 2 days postoperative when compared to scores at 1 day for all groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, at 1 day and 2 days postoperatively, both specific scores and total scores were higher in groups M and B compared to group C (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Intrathecal administration of morphine combined with bupivacaine has been shown to effectively ameliorate acute pain in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: ChiCTR2200058544, registered 10/04/2022.

Co-exposure to particulate matter and humidity increases blood pressure in hypertensive mice via the TRPV4-cPLA2-COX2 pathway.

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that particulate matter (PM) can induce or exacerbate hypertension. High relative humidity has been associated with elevated blood pressure in certain regions. However, the coupling effect of humidity and PM on elevated blood pressure and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Herein, we aimed to explore the effects of exposure to PM and/or high relative humidity on hypertension, as well as elucidate underlying mechanisms. Male C57/BL6 mice were intraperitoneally administered NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) to establish a hypertensive mouse model. The hypertensive mice were exposed to PM (0.15 mg/kg/day) and/or different relative humidities (45/90%) for eight weeks. Histopathological changes, systolic blood pressure (SBP), endothelial-derived contracting factors (thromboxane B2 [TXB2], Prostaglandin F2α [PGF2α], endothelin-1 [ET-1], and angiotensin II [Ang II]), and relaxing factors (prostaglandin I2 [PGI2] and nitric oxide [NO]) were measured to assess the effects of PM exposure and humidity on hypertension in mice. Levels of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) were measured to explore their potential mechanisms. Herein, exposure to 90% relative humidity or PM alone had a slight but insignificant effect on hypertension. However, pathological changes and elevated blood pressure were markedly exacerbated following exposure to PM and 90% relative humidity. Levels of PGF2α, TXB2, and ET-1 were significantly increased, whereas the PGI2 level was substantially decreased. HC-067047-mediated blockade of TRPV4 suppressed TRPV4, cPLA2, and COX2 expression and effectively alleviated the increased blood pressure induced by exposure to PM and 90% relative humidity. These results indicate that 90% relative humidity and PM can activate the TRPV4-cPLA2-COX2 ion channel in the aorta, altering the endothelial-derived contracting and relaxing factors and enhancing blood pressure in hypertensive mice.

VKECE-3D: Energy-Efficient Coverage Enhancement in Three-Dimensional Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks Based on 3D-Voronoi and K-Means Algorithm.

During these years, the 3D node coverage of heterogeneous wireless sensor networks that are closer to the actual application environment has become a strong focus of research. However, the direct application of traditional two-dimensional planar coverage methods to three-dimensional space suffers from high application complexity, a low coverage rate, and a short life cycle. Most methods ignore the network life cycle when considering coverage. The network coverage and life cycle determine the quality of service (QoS) in heterogeneous wireless sensor networks. Thus, energy-efficient coverage enhancement is a significantly pivotal and challenging task. To solve the above task, an energy-efficient coverage enhancement method, VKECE-3D, based on 3D-Voronoi partitioning and the K-means algorithm is proposed. The quantity of active nodes is kept to a minimum while guaranteeing coverage. Firstly, based on node deployment at random, the nodes are deployed twice using a highly destructive polynomial mutation strategy to improve the uniformity of the nodes. Secondly, the optimal perceptual radius is calculated using the K-means algorithm and 3D-Voronoi partitioning to enhance the network coverage quality. Finally, a multi-hop communication and polling working mechanism are proposed to lower the nodes' energy consumption and lengthen the network's lifetime. Its simulation findings demonstrate that compared to other energy-efficient coverage enhancement solutions, VKECE-3D improves network coverage and greatly lengthens the network's lifetime.

Fabrication of Cellulose-Graphite Foam via Ion Cross-linking and Ambient-Drying.

Conventional plastic foams are usually produced by fossil-fuel-derived polymers, which are difficult to degrade in nature. As an alternative, cellulose is a promising biodegradable polymer that can be used to fabricate greener foams, yet such a process typically relies on methods (e.g., freeze-drying and supercritical-drying) that are hardly scalable and time-consuming. Here, we develop a fast and scalable approach to prepare cellulose-graphite foams via rapidly cross-linking the cellulose fibrils in metal ions-containing solution followed by ambient drying. The prepared foams exhibit low density, high compressive strength, and excellent water stability. Moreover, the cross-linking of the cellulose fibrils can be triggered by various metal ions, indicating good universality. We further use density functional theory to reveal the cross-linking effect of different ions, which shows good agreement with our experimental observation. Our approach presents a sustainable route toward low-cost, environmentally friendly, and scalable foam production for a range of applications.

Solid-State Electrolytes for Rechargeable Magnesium-Ion Batteries: From Structure to Mechanism.

Rechargeable magnesium (Mg)-ion batteries have received growing attention as a next-generation battery system owing to their advantages of sufficient reserves, lower cost, better safety, and higher volumetric energy density than lithium-ion batteries. However, Mg as an anode can be easily passivated during charging/discharging by most common solvents, which are inconducive for magnesium deposition/stripping. Based on this, the development of Mg-ion solid-state electrolytes in the last decades led to the formulization of several concepts beyond previously reported designs. These exciting studies have once again sparked an interest in all-solid-state magnesium-ion batteries. In this review, Mg solid-state electrolytes, including inorganic (oxides, hydrides, and chalcogenides) and organic (metal-organic frameworks and polymers) materials are classified and summarized in detail. Moreover, the structural characteristics and the migration mechanism of Mg2+ ions are also discussed with a focus on pending questions and future prospects.

Proteomics and phosphoproteomics analysis of tissues for the reoccurrence prediction of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Many stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients may relapse after routine treatments. Aberrant phosphorylation can regulate pathophysiological processes of tumors, and finding characteristic protein phosphorylation is an efficient approach for the prediction of CRC relapse. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We compared the tissue proteome and phosphoproteome of stage II/III CRC patients between the relapsed group (n = 5) and the non-relapsed group (n = 5). Phosphopeptides were enriched with Ti4+-IMAC material. We utilized label-free quantification-based proteomics to screen differentially expressed proteins and phosphopeptides between the two groups. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were used for bioinformatics analysis. RESULTS: The immune response of the relapsed group (Z-score -2.229) was relatively poorer than that of the non-relapsed group (Z-score 1.982), while viability of tumor was more activated (Z-score 2.895) in the relapsed group, which might cause increased relapse risk. The phosphorylation degrees of three phosphosites (phosphosite 1362 of TP53BP1, phosphosite 809 of VCL and phosphosite 438 of STK10) might be reliable prognostic biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS: Some promising proteins and phosphopeptides were discovered to predict the relapse risk in postoperative follow-ups.

Valorisation of algal biomass to value-added metabolites: emerging trends and opportunities.

Algal biomass is a promising feedstock for sustainable production of a range of value-added compounds and products including food, feed, fuel. To further augment the commercial value of algal metabolites, efficient valorization methods and biorefining channels are essential. Algal extracts are ideal sources of biotechnologically viable compounds loaded with anti-microbial, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous and several therapeutic and restorative properties. Emerging technologies in biomass valorisation tend to reduce the significant cost burden in large scale operations precisely associated with the pre-treatment, downstream processing and waste management processes. In order to enhance the economic feasibility of algal products in the global market, comprehensive extraction of multi-algal product biorefinery is envisaged as an assuring strategy. Algal biorefinery has inspired the technologists with novel prospectives especially in waste recovery, carbon concentration/sequestration and complete utilisation of the value-added products in a sustainable closed-loop methodology. This review critically examines the latest trends in the algal biomass valorisation and the expansive feedstock potentials in a biorefinery perspective. The recent scope dynamics of algal biomass utilisation such as bio-surfactants, oleochemicals, bio-stimulants and carbon mitigation have also been discussed. The existing challenges in algal biomass valorisation, current knowledge gaps and bottlenecks towards commercialisation of algal technologies are discussed. This review is a comprehensive presentation of the road map of algal biomass valorisation techniques towards biorefinery technology. The global market view of the algal products, future research directions and emerging opportunities are reviewed.

Effects of high frequency rTMS of contralesional dorsal premotor cortex in severe subcortical chronic stroke: protocol of a randomized controlled trial with multimodal neuroimaging assessments.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have revealed that low frequency repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the contralesional primary motor cortex (cM1) is less effective in severe stroke patients with poor neural structural reserve than in patients with highly reserved descending motor pathway. This may be attributed to the fact that secondary motor cortex, especially contralesional dorsal premotor cortex (cPMd), might play an important compensatory role in the motor function recovery of severely affected upper extremity. The main purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of low frequency rTMS on cM1 and high frequency rTMS on cPMd in subcortical chronic stroke patients with severe hemiplegia. By longitudinal analysis of multimodal neuroimaging data, we hope to elucidate the possible mechanism of brain reorganization following different treatment regimens of rTMS therapy, and to determine the cut-off of stimulation strategy selection based on the degree of neural structural reserve. METHODS/DESIGN: The study will be a single-blinded randomized controlled trial involving a total of 60 subcortical chronic stroke patients with severe upper limb motor impairments. All patients will receive 3 weeks of conventional rehabilitation treatment, while they will be divided into three groups and receive different rTMS treatments: cM1 low frequency rTMS (n = 20), cPMd high frequency rTMS (n = 20), and sham stimulation group (n = 20). Clinical functional assessment, multimodal functional MRI (fMRI) scanning, and electrophysiological measurement will be performed before intervention, 3 weeks after intervention, and 4 weeks after the treatment, respectively. DISCUSSION: This will be the first study to compare the effects of low-frequency rTMS of cM1 and high-frequency rTMS of cPMd. The outcome of this study will provide a theoretical basis for clarifying the bimodal balance-recovery model of stroke, and provide a strategy for individualized rTMS treatment for stroke in future studies and clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900027399. Registered on 12 Nov 2019, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=43686 .

Titanium(IV) immobilized affinity chromatography facilitated phosphoproteomics analysis of salivary extracellular vesicles for lung cancer.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play critical roles in intercellular communications, which contain valuable biomarkers for the detection of cancers. Phosphoproteomics analysis of human saliva EVs (sEVs) can help to discover lung cancer-related candidates. Due to the low abundance of phosphoproteins in sEVs, an efficient, reproducible, and cost-effective strategy is required for their enrichment. Here, we compared the latest phosphopeptide techniques, including TiO2, ZrO2, CaTiO3, and Ti4+-IMAC (immobilized metal affinity chromatography) methods, for phosphopeptide isolation. Our data demonstrated that Ti4+-IMAC was the superior one. By using the optimized Ti4+-IMAC approach, we identified more than 500 sEV phosphopeptides. Quantitative proteomics was employed to comprehensively decipher the sEV phosphoproteome of the normal group (n = 6) and lung cancer group (n = 6). Accordingly, 524 and 333 phosphopeptides were enriched, respectively, which corresponded to 439 and 282 phosphoproteins. In total, 857 unique sEV phosphopeptides corresponding to 721 phosphoproteins were revealed. Among 493 identified phosphosites, 37 were upregulated (> 1.5) and 217 were downregulated (< 0.66) in the cancer group. Our data collectively demonstrated that Ti4+-IMAC is an efficient and reproducible technology for comprehensive analysis of sEV phosphoproteome. Differentially expressed sEV phosphoproteins and phosphosites might be used for the detection of lung cancer non-invasively.

Relative Humidity Measurement of Air in Low-Temperature Ranges Using Low-Frequency Acoustic Waves and Correlation Signal Processing Techniques.

Air relative humidity (RH) is an important control parameter in many industrial processes. The acoustic method is a novel technique to measure air humidity non-intrusively. Relevant research is limited. Existing methods use ultrasonic waves as a sound source and air humidity is measured by measuring the sound attenuation. In this paper, a novel air humidity measurement system using low-frequency sound waves as a sound source and two acoustic sensors is proposed. Air humidity is acquired by measuring sound speed in the air. Sound speed mainly depends on air temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and air composition. The influence of air temperature, atmospheric pressure, and air constituent concentrations on the RH measurement is analyzed theoretically. A 0.1 s linear chirp signal in the frequency range of 200-500 Hz is selected as the sound source. Sound travel time is calculated by cross-correlating the sound signals received by the two acoustic sensors. To improve the accuracy of the sound speed measurement, sound speed under different RH points is obtained through reference RH experiments and substituted into the calibration equation. Then, equivalent sound path length and systematic delay are estimated using the least squares method. After obtaining these two parameter values, the sound speed measured by the system is closer to the theoretical value at the same RH point. In validation experiments using RH measured by a thermo-hygrometer as a comparison, the relative errors of the acoustically measured RH are within 9.9% in the RH range of 40.7-87.1%, and the standard deviation is within 4.8%.