Direct measuring of single-heterogeneous bubble nucleation mediated by surface topology.

Heterogeneous bubble nucleation is one of the most fundamental interfacial processes ranging from nature to technology. There is excellent evidence that surface topology is important in directing heterogeneous nucleation; however, deep understanding of the energetics by which nanoscale architectures promote nucleation is still challenging. Herein, we report a direct and quantitative measurement of single-bubble nucleation on a single silica nanoparticle within a microsized droplet using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy. Local gas concentration at nucleation is determined from finite element simulation at the corresponding faradaic current of the peak-featured voltammogram. It is demonstrated that the criteria gas concentration for nucleation first drops and then rises with increasing nanoparticle radius. An optimum nanoparticle radius around 10 nm prominently expedites the nucleation by facilitating the special topological nanoconfinements that consequently catalyze the nucleation. Moreover, the experimental result is corroborated by our theoretical calculations of free energy change based on the classic nucleation theory. This study offers insights into the impact of surface topology on heterogenous nucleation that have not been previously observed.

Elucidating the Geometric Active Sites for Oxygen Evolution Reaction on Crystalline Iron-Substituted Cobalt Hydroxide Nanoplates.

Transition-metal (oxy)hydroxides are among the most active and studied catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline electrolytes. However, the geometric distribution of active sites is still elusive. Here, using the well-defined crystalline iron-substituted cobalt hydroxide as a model catalyst, we reported the scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) study of single-crystalline nanoplates, where the oxygen evolution reaction at individual nanoplates was isolated and evaluated independently. With integrated prior- and post-SECCM scanning electron microscopy of the catalyst morphology, correlated structure-activity information of individual electrocatalysts was obtained. Our result reveals that while the active sites are largely located at the edges of the pristine Co(OH)2 nanoplates, the Fe lattice incorporation significantly promotes the basal plane activities. Our approach of correlative imaging provides new insights into the effect of iron incorporation on active site distribution across nano-electrocatalysts.

The effectiveness of theory-based smoking cessation interventions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Smoking cessation can effectively reduce the risk of death, alleviate respiratory symptoms, and decrease the frequency of acute exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Effective smoking cessation strategies are crucial for the prevention and treatment of COPD. Currently, clinical interventions based on theoretical frameworks are being increasingly used to help patients quit smoking and have shown promising results. However, theory-guided smoking cessation interventions have not been systematically evaluated or meta-analyzed for their effectiveness in COPD patients. To improve smoking cessation rates, this study sought to examine the effects of theory-based smoking cessation interventions on COPD patients. METHODS: We adhered to the PRISMA guidelines for our systematic review and meta-analysis. The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Wanfang, CNKI, VIP Information Services Platform, and China Biomedical Literature Service System were searched from the establishment of the database to April 20, 2023. The study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk assessment tool for bias. The revman5.4 software was used for meta-analysis. The I2 test was used for the heterogeneity test, the random effect model and fixed effect model were used for meta-analysis, and sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding individual studies. RESULTS: A total of 11 RCTs involving 3,830 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Results showed that theory-based smoking cessation interventions improved smoking cessation rates, quality of life, and lung function in COPD patients compared to conventional nursing. However, these interventions did not significantly affect the level of nicotine dependence in patients. CONCLUSION: Theory-based smoking cessation intervention as a non-pharmacologically assisted smoking cessation strategy has a positive impact on motivating COPD patients to quit smoking and improving their lung function and quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration Number: CRD42023434357.

[Analysis of ZEB2 gene variation in two patients with Mowat-Wilson syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To identify pathogenic variants in two patients with suspected for Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS). METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the patients and his family members, and gene variants were analysis by Trio-whole exome sequences and copy number variation sequencing. RESULTS: Patient 1 was found to carried a de novo heterozygous c.2769C>A (p.Y923*) nonsense variant of ZEB2 gene. The variant was not found in his healthy parents and sister. Patient 2 carried a de novo heterozygous frameshift variant of the ZEB2 gene, namely c.315delC (p.A105Afs*3), which has not been previously reported. Both variants were predicted to be pathogenic and can lead to premature occurrence of stop codons. CONCLUSION: The heterozygous c.2769C>A (p.Y923*) and c.315delC (p.A105Afs*3) variants of the ZEB2 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis in the two patients. Gene testing has facilitated confirmation of the diagnosis and genetic counselling.

Effects of Betulinic Acid Derivative on Lung Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Induced by Particulate Matter 2.5.

BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is mainly induced by the increased content of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in the atmosphere. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of betulinic acid derivative on lung inflammation in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease induced by particulate matter 2.5. MATERIAL AND METHODS The mice were given a PM2.5 (25 µl) suspension for 7 days by the intranasal route to establish a COPD model. The content of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in the BALF samples was measured by commercially available ELISA kits. RESULTS The PM2.5-induced higher LDH and ACP levels were significantly alleviated in mouse lung tissues by treatment with betulinic acid derivative. Treatment with betulinic acid derivative also suppressed PM2.5-induced increase in AKP and ALB levels in mouse lung tissues. Betulinic acid derivative reversed PM2.5-mediated suppression of SOD activity and elevation of NOS level in mouse BALF. Moreover, the PM2.5-induced excessive NO and MDA levels in mouse BALF were significantly reduced (P.

A Switchable Helical Capsule for Encapsulation and Release of Potassium Ion.

A type of aromatic helical capsules was synthesized. The crystal structure proved an inner cavity that could perform switchable encapsulation and release of potassium ion through protonation/deprotonation-mediated extension and contraction of molecular motion.

Highly Selective Artificial Potassium Ion Channels Constructed from Pore-Containing Helical Oligomers.

Potassium ion channels specifically transport K+ ions over Na+ ions across a cell membrane. A queue of four binding sites in the K+ channel pore plays significant roles during highly selective conduction. A kind of aromatic helical oligomer was synthesized that can selectively bind K+ over Na+ . By aromatic stacking of helical oligomers, a type of artificial K+ channels with contiguous K+ binding sites was constructed. Such artificial channels exhibited exceptionally high K+ /Na+ selectivity ratios during transmembrane ion conduction.

CXCL16 upregulates RANKL expression in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts through the JAK2/STAT3 and p38/MAPK signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of chemokine, CXCL16, on the expression of the receptor activator nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS). METHODS: The expression of CXCL16/CXCR6 and RANKL in RA or osteoarthritis (OA) patient synovia was examined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The serum concentration of CXCL16 and RANKL was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RA-FLS were treated with recombinant CXCL16, and RANKL mRNA and protein were measured using PCR, Western blot and ELISA. RESULTS: The synovial expression of CXCL16, CXCR6, and RANKL was higher in RA patients than in patients with OA. The serum CXCL16 and RANKL levels were higher in RA patients compared with OA patients and healthy controls. CXCL16 correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein, disease activity, serum rheumatoid factor, and RANKL. RA-FLS treated with CXCL16 showed markedly increased expression of RANKL. When STAT3 or p38 activation was blocked by an inhibitor, CXCL16 failed to upregulate RANKL expression. In contrast, inhibiting the Akt or Erk pathway did not achieve the same effect. CONCLUSIONS: CXCL16 upregulates RANKL expression in RA-FLS and these effects are mainly mediated by the JAK2/STAT3 and p38/MAPK signaling pathways.

Biomimetic Transmembrane Channels with High Stability and Transporting Efficiency from Helically Folded Macromolecules.

Membrane channels span the cellular lipid bilayers to transport ions and molecules into cells with sophisticated properties including high efficiency and selectivity. It is of particular biological importance in developing biomimetic transmembrane channels with unique functions by means of chemically synthetic strategies. An artificial unimolecular transmembrane channel using pore-containing helical macromolecules is reported. The self-folding, shape-persistent, pore-containing helical macromolecules are able to span the lipid bilayer, and thus result in extraordinary channel stability and high transporting efficiency for protons and cations. The lifetime of this artificial unimolecular channel in the lipid bilayer membrane is impressively long, rivaling those of natural protein channels. Natural channel mimics designed by helically folded polymeric scaffolds will display robust and versatile transport-related properties at single-molecule level.

[Pregnancy outcome in 54 patients with antiphospholipid syndrome: a retrospective clinical study].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the maternal/fetal outcome of pregnancy in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) patients to evaluate the influence of treatment on the outcomes of pregnancy, and to investigate the possible clinical predictors of unsuccessful pregnancy. METHODS: The clinical characteristics, laboratory profiles and the outcomes of delivery of 54 APS patients from January 2000 to March 2013 were investigated retrospectively. RESULTS: (1) Maternal/fetal outcome: 17 pregnancies (31.4%) resulted in full term delivery, 7 (12.9%) in stillbirth, 16 (29.6%) in spontaneous abortion,10 (18.5%) in premature birth due to eclampsia or severe preeclampsia or signs of placental insufficiency, 4 (7.4%)received therapeutic termination of pregnancy due to eclampsia or severe preeclampsia. In 27 live birth cases, 8 (29.6%) were fetal growth restriction, 4 (14.8%) were low birth weight infants, and 3 (11.1%) were very low birth weight infants. (2) Influence of treatment on the pregnancy outcomes and complications: 24 APS patients were given the treatment of aspirin or aspirin combined with low molecular weight heparin, and 30 patients received no treatment. Compared with the untreated group, the treated group had lower rate of fetal loss, higher rate of full-term delivery, increased gestational age and birth weight, decreased incidence of preeclampsia / eclampsia and thrombocytopenia. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). (3)Possible risk factors of unsuccessful pregnancy: there were 17 successful pregnancies and 37 unsuccessful pregnancy. The rate of double APL positive and antibody titers ≥ three times the upper limit of normal were higher in the unsuccessful pregnancy group than the successful pregnancy group. Antibody negative rate before pregnancy proportion of patients received treatment and the level of complement 4 were lower in the unsuccessful pregnancy group. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women with APS are an extremely high risk group for adverse maternal /fetal outcome. Treatments can improve the pregnancy outcome of the APS patients. APL not turning negative before pregnancy double APL positive, antibody titers ≥ three times the upper limit of normal and complement 4 decrease may be the risk factors for pregnancy failure and treatment may be a protective factor for successful pregnancy.

Pulmonary endometriosis presenting as multiple nodules and pseudocavities.

Pulmonary endometriosis is a rare disease of uncertain pathogenesis which generally presents with the cyclic clinical symptoms and catamenial changes noticed on computer tomography during menstruation. We report a case of a 33-year-old woman with recurrent hemoptysis for 1 year. The patient did not exhibit a temporal relationship between her periods and the onset of hemoptysis. A chest computed tomography scan showed multiple pseudocavities in the lower lobe of the right lung and multiple nodules in both lower lobes of the lungs. The right lower lobe wedge resection was performed. Postoperative pathological examination showed pulmonary endometriosis which is a rare cause of hemoptysis.

The clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with SAPHO syndrome--a real-world cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome. METHODS: The clinical records of 64 patients with SAPHO syndrome were collected, and the treatment and outcomes of 27 patients were followed up. The patients were divided into three groups according to the site of bone lesions: only anterior chest wall (ACW) involvement, only spinal involvement, and bone lesion involvement at both sites. The clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared. The clinical characteristics of the patients with and without peripheral joint involvement were compared. RESULTS: Among all patients, 31.25% (20/64) had only ACW involvement, 15.63% (10/64) had only spinal involvement, and 53.12% (34/64) had both ACW and spinal involvement. Peripheral joint involvement was observed in 25.00% (16/64) of the patients. Patients with only spinal involvement were older than those with only ACW involvement (p = 0.006). Patients with both ACW and spinal involvement were older than those with only ACW involvement (p = 0.002) and had a longer diagnosis delay (p = 0.015). Patients with peripheral joint involvement were younger than those without peripheral joint involvement (p = 0.028). During follow-up, 88.89% (24/27) of patients had good outcomes. Twenty-two patients were treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs + Iguratimod (IGU), and the outcomes of 90.91% (20/22) improved. CONCLUSIONS: A relationship may exist between the sites of bone lesions and clinical characteristics of patients with SAPHO syndrome. The clinical outcomes of these patients may be good, and IGU may be effective in treating SAPHO syndrome. Key Points • This study is the first long-term follow-up on the effectiveness of iguratimod in treating patients with SAPHO. • This study revealed that patients with SAPHO and different bone lesion sites may present with different clinical characteristics.

Effects of miR-29c on proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of porcine bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells.

microRNAs (miRNAs), a subclass of noncoding short RNAs, direct cells fate decisions that are important for cell proliferation and cell lineage decisions. Adipogenic differentiation contributes greatly to the development of white adipose tissue, involving of highly organized regulation by miRNAs. In the present study, we screened and identified 78 differently expressed miRNAs of porcine BMSCs during adipogenic differentiation. Of which, the role of miR-29c in regulating the proliferation and adipogenic differentiation was proved and detailed. Specifically, over-expression miR-29c inhibits the proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs, which were reversed upon miR-29c inhibitor. Interference of IGF1 inhibits the proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Mechanistically, miR-29c regulates the proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs by targeting IGF1 and further regulating the MAPK pathway and the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway, respectively. In conclusion, we highlight the important role of miR-29c in regulating proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

Complex genotype-phenotype correlation of MYH11: new insights from monozygotic twins with highly variable expressivity and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Thoracic aortic aneurysm/dissection (TAAD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are serious autosomal-dominant diseases affecting the cardiovascular system. They are mainly caused by variants in the MYH11 gene, which encodes the heavy chain of myosin 11. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotype-phenotype correlation of MYH11 from a distinctive perspective based on a pair of monozygotic twins. METHODS: The detailed phenotypic characteristics of the monozygotic twins from the early fetal stage to the infancy stage were traced and compared with each other and with those of previously documented cases. Whole-exome and Sanger sequencing techniques were used to identify and validate the candidate variants, facilitating the analysis of the genotype-phenotype correlation of MYH11. RESULTS: The monozygotic twins were premature and presented with PDA, pulmonary hypoplasia, and pulmonary hypertension. The proband developed heart and brain abnormalities during the fetal stage and died at 18 days after birth, whereas his sibling was discharged after being cured and developed normally post follow-up. A novel variant c.766 A > G p. (Ile256Val) in MYH11 (NM_002474.2) was identified in the monozygotic twins and classified as a likely pathogenic variant according to the American College of Medical Genetics/Association for Molecular Pathology guidelines. Reviewing the reported cases (n = 102) showed that the penetrance of MYH11 was 82.35%, and the most common feature was TAAD (41.18%), followed by PDA (22.55%), compound TAAD and PDA (9.80%), and other vascular abnormalities (8.82%). The constituent ratios of null variants among the cases with TAAD (8.60%), PDA (43.8%), or compound TAAD and PDA (28.6%) were significantly different (P = 0.01). Further pairwise comparison of the ratios among these groups showed that there were significant differences between the TAAD and PDA groups (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: This study expands the mutational spectrum of MYH11 and provides new insights into the genotype-phenotype correlation of MYH11 based on the monozygotic twins with variable clinical features and outcomes, indicating that cryptic modifiers and complex mechanisms beside the genetic variants may be involved in the condition.

AG490 inhibits NFATc1 expression and STAT3 activation during RANKL induced osteoclastogenesis.

Commonly, JAK/STAT relays cytokine signals for cell activation and proliferation, and recent studies have shown that the elevated expression of JAK/STAT is associated with the immune rejection of allografts and the inflammatory processes of autoimmune disease. However, the role which JAK2/STAT3 signaling plays in the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclastogenesis is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of AG490, specific JAK2 inhibitor, on osteoclast differentiation in vitro. AG490 significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis in murine osteoclast precursor cell line RAW264.7 induced by RANKL. AG490 suppressed cell proliferation and delayed the G1 to S cell cycle transition. Furthermore, AG490 also suppressed the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) c1 but not c-Fos in RAW264.7. Subsequently, we investigated various intracellular signaling components associated with osteoclastogenesis. AG490 had no effects on RANKL-induced activation of Akt, ERK1/2. Interestingly, AG490 partly inhibited RANKL-induced phosphorylation of Ser(727) in STAT3. Additionally, down-regulation of STAT3 using siRNA resulted in suppression of TRAP, RANK and NFATc1 expression. In conclusion, we demonstrated that AG490 inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by suppressing NFATc1 production and cell proliferation via the STAT3 pathway. These results suggest that inhibition of JAK2 may be useful for the treatment of bone diseases characterized by excessive osteoclastogenesis.

Evaluation of the coagulation properties of magnesium hydroxide for removal combined contamination of reactive dyes and microfibers.

Microfibers are a new type of pollutants that are widely distributed in water bodies. And the simultaneous removal of pollutants in water is popular research in the field of water treatment. In this study, magnesium hydroxide was used as coagulant to investigate the performance and mechanism of coagulation and removal of dyes (reactive orange) and microfibers (MFs). The presence of dyestuff in the composite system promoted the removal of microfibers, and the maximum removal efficiency of both could reach 95.55% and 95.35%. The coagulation mechanism was explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and zeta potential. The removal of reactive orange and microfibers relied on electrical neutralization, sweep flocculation, and adsorption mechanisms. Turbidity can enhance the removal efficiency of both. Boosting the rotational speed can increase the removal efficiency of microfibers. This study provides an important theoretical support for an in-depth understanding of the characteristics and mechanisms of coagulation for the removal of complex pollutants from printing and dyeing wastewater.

Effect of comprehensive nursing on patients with chalazion undergoing intense pulsed light and its influence on postoperative recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of comprehensive nursing on patients with chalazion undergoing intense pulsed light (IPL) and its influence on postoperative recurrence. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the medical records of 72 patients who received IPL treatment for chalazion from October 2021 to February 2023 were analyzed. Among them, 33 patients treated with comprehensive nursing were included in the research group (RG) and 39 patients treated with routine nursing were included in the control group (CG). The treatment effect, complications and recurrence were compared between the two groups. The psychological state of patients and their satisfaction about the nursing were recorded and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After nursing, the severity of unhealthy emotion in the RG was obviously better than that in the CG (P=0.033); The overall response rate in the RG was obviously higher than that in the CG (P=0.035). The nursing satisfaction in RG was significantly higher than that in the CG (P=0.035). The incidence of complications in RG was obviously lower than that in the CG (P=0.045). CONCLUSION: Comprehensive nursing is effective in improving the therapeutic effect and reducing the postoperative recurrence rate for patients with chalazion.

The Association Between Cataract and Cognitive Functions in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The association between cataracts and cognitive functions has been reported in several studies. However, the dynamic trajectories of cognitive changes in patients with cataracts remain unelucidated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the dynamic trajectories of cognitive changes in patients with cataracts. METHODS: This observational cohort study recruited 1,146 patients with age-related cataracts (ARC) from the Department of Ophthalmology, Daping Hospital, from September 2020 to November 2021. The cognitive functions of the patients were assessed using a Chinese version of the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status-40 (TICS-40) test at baseline and 6 months of follow-up. The trajectories and the associated risk factors for the longitudinal cognitive decline during the 6-month follow-up were investigated. RESULTS: Patients with severe ARC [median (IQR): 0 month, 24 (22, 25); 6 months, 23 (21,25)] had lower TICS-40 scores than those with non-severe ARC [0 month, 31 (24, 33), p < 0.001; 6 months, 31 (23,33), p < 0.001] and controls [0 month, 32 (28, 35), p < 0.001; 6 months, 32 (28, 35), p < 0.001] at both baseline and 6 months of follow-up. Age (OR: 1.311, 95% CI: 1.229 to 1.398) and cataract grade (OR: 5.569, 95% CI: 2.337 to 13.273) were found to be the risk factors of cognitive decline as indicated by a decrease in the TICS-40 scores. CONCLUSION: ARC is associated with an increased risk of longitudinal cognitive decline; however, the reversibility of such declines needs to be investigated further.

A pH-sensitive intelligent packaging film harnessing Dioscorea zingiberensis starch and anthocyanin for meat freshness monitoring.

Abundant starch was isolated from Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H. Wright, a novel and underutilized industrial crop resource. In this study, an intelligent packaging film able to indicate food freshness was developed and characterized. D. zingiberensis starch (DZS) was bleached first, and its particle size, total starch content, amylose content, and gelatinization temperature were then measured. Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea Linn.) flowers were selected as the source of polyphenols, which rendered the prepared film intelligent and progressively blue-violet. SEM and FT-IR analyses showed the homogeneous dispersion of butterfly pea flower extract (BPE) in the film. The BPE-loaded film showed improved flexibility and resistance to UV and oxidation while maintaining sufficient mechanical strength and physical properties. Moreover, the film underwent a distinguishable color change from red to blue-violet and finally to green-yellow with increasing pH from 2 to 13. Similar color alteration also occurred when the film was exposed to ammonia. When the film was used to monitor the freshness of chicken stored at room temperature, it exhibited an obvious color change, implying its deterioration. Therefore, the newly developed BPE-DZS film, which was produced from readily accessible natural substances, can serve as an intelligent packaging material, indicating food freshness and prolonging shelf life.

Novel Method for Adulterated Identification of Saneen Goat Milk Based on Free Oligosaccharides α3'-Galactosyllactose and N-Acetylhexaminyllactose as Marker Molecules.

Methods for the detection of adulterated milk are essential for assessing the quality of goat milk products. We hypothesized that goat milk oligosaccharides could provide a basis for this purpose and compared the levels of α3'-galactosyllactose (α3'-GL) and N-acetylhexaminyllactose (NHL) between goat milk and bovine milk oligosaccharides using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The α3'-GL was detected to be three times more abundant in goat milk than in bovine milk, whereas NHL showed the opposite trend. Linear relationships were established between the relative proportions of α3'-GL and NHL levels for different ratios of bovine and goat milk, with a minimum detection limit of 2% bovine milk. The new method was validated by analyses of adulterants in eight commercially available goat dairy products. Overall, the degree of adulteration in goat milk products can be determined based on the relative proportions of α3'-GL and NHL.