Predictive Value of Preoperative Fibrinogen and Albumin Score (FA Score) for Prognosis and Chemotherapeutic Efficacy in Resected Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Limited research elucidated the role of preoperative fibrinogen and albumin (FA) score in colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to clarify the predictive value of FA score for prognosis and chemotherapeutic efficacy in CRC patients who underwent curative resection. Materials and Methods: Patients' clinicopathological parameters of 735 cases of resected CRC were recruited retrospectively. Optimal cut-off values of the preoperative plasma fibrinogen (F) and albumin (A) were confirmed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Patients were categorized into three groups based on the FA score, and were further divided into a chemotherapy group and a non-chemotherapy group. Correlations between FA score and clinicopathological features, as well as overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed with Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival method, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, and subgroup analyses. Results: The Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that higher FA score could predict poorer OS and CSS (P<0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed that FA score was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P=0.037). In addition, subgroup analyses based on the histological feature and primary tumor location showed that elevated FA score was significantly associated with worse OS, CSS and DFS (all, P<0.05) in patients with non-mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma and rectal cancer (RECC). Subgroup analyses based on the TNM stage showed that elevated FA score was significantly associated with worse OS, CSS (all, P<0.05) in patients with TNM stage II tumors. Furthermore, chemotherapy could benefit the OS and CSS in TNM stage III CRC patients with FA score 1 and 2 (all, P<0.05). Conclusion: The preoperative FA score is an independent prognostic factor for CRC patients who underwent curative resection and may help predict the responses to chemotherapy in clinical practice. FA score may serve as a complementary to the TNM staging system to identify high-risk patients.

Associations of the cardiometabolic index with insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes in U.S. adults: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The cardiometabolic index (CMI) is a novel metric for assessing cardiometabolic health and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), yet its relationship with insulin resistance (IR) and prediabetes (preDM) is not well-studied. There is also a gap in understanding the nonlinear associations between CMI and these conditions. Our study aimed to elucidate these associations. METHODS: We included 13,142 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2020. CMI was calculated by multiplying the triglyceride-to-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) by waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Using weighted multivariable linear and logistic regression explored the relationships of CMI with glucose metabolism markers, IR, preDM, and DM. Nonlinear associations were assessed using generalized additive models (GAM), smooth curve fittings, and two-piecewise logistic regression. RESULTS: Multivariate regression revealed positive correlations between CMI and glucose metabolic biomarkers, including FBG (ß = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.06-0.10), HbA1c (ß = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.22-0.31), FSI (ß = 4.88, 95% CI: 4.23-5.54), and HOMA-IR (ß = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.56-2.14). There were also significant correlations between CMI and increased risk of IR (OR = 3.51, 95% CI: 2.94-4.20), preDM (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.29-1.71), and DM (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 2.00-2.47). Inverse nonlinear L-shaped associations were found between CMI and IR, preDM, and DM, with saturation inflection points at 1.1, 1.45, and 1.6, respectively. Below these thresholds, increments in CMI significantly correlated with heightened risks of IR, preDM, and DM. CONCLUSIONS: CMI exhibited inverse L-shaped nonlinear relationships with IR, preDM, and DM, suggesting that reducing CMI to a certain level might significantly prevent these conditions.

Butterfly wing-inspired superhydrophobic photonic cellulose nanocrystal films for vapor sensors and asymmetric actuators.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)-based stimuli responsive photonic materials demonstrate great application potential in mechanical and chemical sensors. However, due to the hydrophilic property of cellulose molecular, a significant challenge is to build a water-resistant photonic CNCs material. Here, inspired by butterfly wings with vivid structural color and superhydrophobic property, we have designed a CNCs based superhydrophobic iridescent film with hierarchical structures. The iridescent colored layer is ascribed to the chiral nematic alignment of CNCs, the superhydrophobic layer is ascribed to the micro-nano structures of polymer microspheres. Specially, superhydrophobic iridescent CNCs film could be used as an efficient colorimetric humidity sensor due to the existence of 'stomates' on superhydrophobic layer, which allowed the humid gas to enter into and out from the humidity responsive chiral nematic layers. Meanwhile, superhydrophobic iridescent films show out-standing self-cleaning and anti-fouling performance. Moreover, when the one side of the CNCs film was covered with superhydrophobic layer, the Janus film displays asymmetric expansion and bending behaviors as well as responsive structural colors in hydrous ethanol. This CNCs based hierarchical photonic materials have promising applications including photonic sensors suitable for extreme environment and smart photonic actuators.

Preparation of Coir Cellulose Nanofibers by Peroxyformic Acid Method and Their Application in Reinforced PVA Composite Films.

To increase the value of waste coconut shells and further broaden their use by biorefining, a milder and greener method to prepare cellulose nanofibers (CCNFs) was developed. The CCNFs were separated from coir fibers by using peroxyformic acid and alkali treatment in combination with high-power ultrasonication. The basic properties of the CCNFs were comprehensively evaluated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, spectroscopy, diffraction, and thermogravimetric techniques. The results revealed that the developed preparation method provided CCNFs with typical nanocellulose sizes, structures, and properties. Nanocellulose-reinforced poly(vinyl acetate) (PVA) composite films were prepared using the CCNFs, and their mechanical properties, transmittance, crystallinity, and thermal stability were investigated. The elongation at break of the film with 8% CCNFs was 612%. The tensile strength of the films with 4 and 12% CCNFs was 41.3 MPa, which was higher than that of a PVA film (36 MPa). The transmittance and thermal stability of the PVA composite films were not appreciably affected by the CCNFs. The CCNFs show promise as a nanofiller for PVA-based composite films with favorable mechanical properties, crystallinity, and high transparency.

Radical Isomerization Homopolymerization of Linear α-Olefins to Access C5, C6 or C7 Polymers.

Non-activated linear α-olefins are valuable building blocks for organic transformation or olefin (co)polymerization, but they are recognized as textbook knowledge for non-homopolymerizable monomers under radical conditions. In this article, we disclose our effort to achieve an unprecedented library of all carbon-bonded sequence-regulated polymers via radical isomerization homopolymerization of α-olefin derivatives. The success of this distinctive polymerization is attributed to the remarkable efficiency and selectivity exhibited during the cyano group migration or hydrogen atom transfer, which is greatly enhanced by the precise engineering of their monomer structures. This polymerization process enables the elongation of polymer chains by five, six, or seven carbon atoms at each propagation step. These polymers, obtained through the cyano group migration or hydrogen atom transfer involved radical isomerization polymerization processes, emerge as promising candidates resembling polyethylene or polyacrylonitrile copolymers.

Global prevalence and disability-adjusted life years of hypertensive heart disease: A trend analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

Background: As hypertensive heart disease (HHD) presents a significant public health challenge globally, we analysed its global, regional, and national burdens and trends from 1990 to 2019. Methods: We used data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study, focussing on the age-standardised prevalence rates (ASPRs) of HHD prevalence, age-standardised disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates, average annual percentage change (AAPC), and risk factor attributions. We compared the HHD burden across sociodemographic index (SDI) strata, gender, age groups, and 204 countries and territories. Results: In 2019, the global prevalence of HHD was estimated at 18 598 thousand cases, with DALYs reaching 21 508 thousand. From 1990 to 2019, the ASPRs increased (AAPC = 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.17, 0.24), while the age-standardised DALY rates decreased (AAPC = -0.45; 95% CI = -1.23, -0.93). We observed the highest increase in ASPRs in high-middle SDI quantile countries, and an overall negative correlation between age-standardised DALY rates and SDI. Individuals above 70 years of age were the most affected, particularly elderly women. There has been a significant increase in HHD burden attributed to high body mass index (BMI) since 1990. The burden of HHD is concentrated in the middle SDI quintile, with population ageing and growth being major drivers for the increase in DALYs. We identified opportunities for reducing age-standardised DALY rates in the middle SDI quintile or lower. Conclusion: Despite a declining trend in the age-standardised DALY rates, the ASPRs of HHD continue to rise, especially in high-middle SDI regions. Meanwhile, countries in middle and lower SDI quintiles face a higher burden of age-standardised DALY rates. Targeted attention towards elderly women and controlling high BMI, alongside enhancing hypertension and HHD management awareness, is crucial for reducing the global burden of HHD.

Metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease among adult cancer patients: results from NHANES 2007-2018.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and CVD is a major challenge for cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and association of MetS and CVD among adult cancer patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included cancer patients aged > 18 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2018. The prevalence of MetS and CVD was calculated using weighted analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between MetS and CVD. RESULTS: The study included 2658 adult cancer patients, of whom 1260 exhibited MetS and 636 had CVD. The weighted prevalence of MetS and CVD in cancer patients was 45.44%, and 19.23%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression showed a 79% increased risk in higher CVD prevalence in cancer patients with MetS, with the OR (95% CI) of 1.79 (1.31, 2.44). Notably, obesity, elevated blood pressure (BP), high glucose, and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the MetS components were significantly associated with higher CVD prevalence after adjusting for covariates. Moreover, the risk of CVD prevalence in cancer patients increased with more MetS components. Notably, MetS was more strongly linked to CVD in patients aged < 65 and women. CONCLUSIONS: Among adult cancer patients, over two-fifths (45.44%) were estimated to have MetS, while about one-fifth (19.23%) were considered to have CVD. Notably, obesity, elevated BP, high glucose, low HDL-C, and higher number of MetS components were found to be significantly associated with higher CVD prevalence among cancer adults. Cancer patients under 65 and women with MetS may be at increased risk of CVD.

Efficacy comparison between Mathieu combined urethral plate incision and onlay island flap urethroplasty for distal hypospadias in patients with urethral plate stenosis.

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of Mathieu combined urethral plate incision (Mathieu-IP) versus onlay island flap urethroplasty in patients with distal hypospadias complicated by urethral stenosis. The clinical data of 70 patients with distal hypospadias complicated by urethral plate stenosis treated in the Department of Urology, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital (Hefei, China), from May 2019 to May 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-eight patients underwent Mathieu-IP (Mathieu-IP group) and 32 underwent onlay island flap urethroplasty (Onlay group). Follow-ups at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively assessed operative time, complications, urethral meatus morphology, and family satisfaction. The Mathieu-IP group had significantly shorter operative time (mean ± standard deviation [s.d.]: 81.58 ± 5.18 min) versus the Onlay group (mean ± s.d.: 110.75 ± 6.05 min; P < 0.05). Surgical success rates were 78.9% (Mathieu-IP group) and 75.0% (Onlay group), with no significant difference ( P > 0.05). Complications were comparable between the groups. The Mathieu-IP group resulted in a vertical slit-shaped urethral meatus in 89.5% versus 13.8% in the Onlay group ( P < 0.05). Family satisfaction with general penile appearance and skin shape showed no significant differences, but the Mathieu-IP group had higher satisfaction with meatal position ( P < 0.05). Mathieu-IP offers simplicity, safety, and shorter operative time compared to Onlay. Both the techniques effectively treat urethral plate stenosis in distal hypospadias, with reduced postoperative complications compared to tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. Mathieu-IP results in a vertical slit-shaped urethral meatus which enhances urinary stream, indicating its potential for broader adoption.

Identification of Novel Hb Guiyang [HBA2: c.151C > A α2 50 (CE8) His- Asn] and Phenotype- Genotype Correlation of Abnormal Hemoglobins in Guizhou, Southwest China.

Purpose: To analyze the composition of abnormal hemoglobin and the relationship between genotype and phenotype by screening abnormal hemoglobin in a subpopulation of Guizhou, China. Patients and Methods: Routine blood evaluation, capillary electrophoresis of hemoglobin, and mutation of α - and ß - thalassemia genes were evaluated in 19,976 individuals for thalassemia screening in Guizhou. Sanger sequencing of HBA1, HBA2 and HBB genes was performed in samples with abnormal bands or unexplained increases of normal bands. The types of abnormal hemoglobin were obtained by sequence analysis. Results: Abnormal hemoglobin was detected in 84 individuals (detection rate, 0.42%). Ten types each of α and ß globin chain variants were detected, including most commonly Hb E, Hb New York and Hb Port Phillip. In this study, the abnormal Hb Mizuho was identified for the first time in a Chinese population, and a novel abnormal hemoglobin Hb Guiyang (HBA2: c.151C > A) was detected for the first time. Except for Hb Mizuho, other abnormal hemoglobin heterozygotes without thalassemia or iron deficiency had no significant hematological changes. Conclusion: This study enriched the molecular epidemiological data of abnormal hemoglobin in Guizhou, China and provided reference data for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis of abnormal hemoglobin.

TRPC6 Knockout Alleviates Renal Fibrosis through PI3K/AKT/GSK3B Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Renal fibrosis is the ultimate pathway of various forms of acute and chronic kidney damage. Notably, the knockout of transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPC6) has shown promise in alleviating renal fibrosis. However, the regulatory impact of TRPC6 on renal fibrosis remains unclear. METHODS: In vivo, TRPC6 knockout (TRPC6-/-) mice and age-matched 129 SvEv (WT) mice underwent unilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion (uIR) injury surgery on the left renal pedicle or sham operation. Kidneys and serum were collected on days 7, 14, 21, and 28 after euthanasia. In vitro, primary tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) were isolated from TRPC6-/- and WT mice, followed by treatment with transforming growth factor ß1 (TGFß1) for 72 h. The anti-fibrotic effect of TRPC6-/- and the underlying mechanisms were assessed through hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, immunostaining, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. RESULTS: Increased TRPC6 expression was observed in uIR mice and PTECs treated with TGFß1. TRPC6-/- alleviated renal fibrosis by reducing the expression of fibrotic markers (Col-1, α-SMA, and vimentin), as well as decreasing the apoptosis and inflammation of PTECs during fibrotic progression both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, we found that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3ß) signaling pathway, a pivotal player in renal fibrosis, was down-regulated following TRPC6 deletion. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the ablation of TRPC6 may mitigate renal fibrosis by inhibiting the apoptosis and inflammation of PTECs through down-regulation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3ß pathway. Targeting TRPC6 could be a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing chronic kidney disease.

Radical Homopolymerization of Linear α-Olefins Enabled by 1,4-Cyano Group Migration.

α-Olefins are valued and abundant building blocks from fossil resources. They are widely used to provide small-molecule or polymeric products. Despite numerous advantages of radical polymerization, it has been well-documented as textbook knowledge that α-olefins and their functionalized derivatives cannot be radically homopolymerized because of the degradative chain transfer side reactions. Herein, we report our studies on the homopolymerization of thiocyanate functionalized α-olefins enabled by 1,4-cyano group migration under radical conditions. By this approach, a library of ABC sequence-controlled polymers with high molecular weights can be prepared. We can also extend this strategy to the homopolymerization of α-substituted styrenic and acylate monomers which are known to be challenging to achieve. Overall, the demonstrated functional group migration radical polymerization could provide new possibilities to synthesize polymers with unprecedented main chain sequences and structures. These polymers are promising candidates for novel polymeric materials.

CgCFEM1 Is Required for the Full Virulence of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is widely distributed and causes anthracnose on many crops, resulting in serious economic losses. Common fungal extracellular membrane (CFEM) domain proteins have been implicated in virulence and their interaction with the host plant, but their roles in C. gloeosporioides are still unknown. In this study, a CFEM-containing protein of C. gloeosporioides was identified and named as CgCFEM1. The expression levels of CgCFEM1 were found to be markedly higher in appressoria, and this elevated expression was particularly pronounced during the initial stages of infection in the rubber tree. Absence of CgCFEM1 resulted in impaired pathogenicity, accompanied by notable perturbations in spore morphogenesis, conidiation, appressorium development and primary invasion. During the process of appressorium development, the absence of CgCFEM1 enhanced the mitotic activity in both conidia and germ tubes, as well as compromised conidia autophagy. Rapamycin was found to basically restore the appressorium formation, and the activity of target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase was significantly induced in the CgCFEM1 knockout mutant (∆CgCFEM1). Furthermore, CgCFEM1 was proved to suppress chitin-triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and change the expression patterns of defense-related genes. Collectively, we identified a fungal effector CgCFEM1 that contributed to pathogenicity by regulating TOR-mediated conidia and appressorium morphogenesis of C. gloeosporioides and inhibiting the defense responses of the rubber tree.

Roles of CgEde1 and CgMca in Development and Virulence of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Anthracnose, induced by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, poses a substantial economic threat to rubber tree yields and various other tropical crops. Ede1, an endocytic scaffolding protein, plays a crucial role in endocytic site initiation and maturation in yeast. Metacaspases, sharing structural similarities with caspase family proteases, are essential for maintaining cell fitness. To enhance our understanding of the growth and virulence of C. gloeosporioides, we identified a homologue of Ede1 (CgEde1) in C. gloeosporioides. The knockout of CgEde1 led to impairments in vegetative growth, conidiation, and pathogenicity. Furthermore, we characterized a weakly interacted partner of CgEde1 and CgMca (orthologue of metacaspase). Notably, both the single mutant ΔCgMca and the double mutant ΔCgEde1/ΔCgMca exhibited severe defects in conidiation and germination. Polarity establishment and pathogenicity were also disrupted in these mutants. Moreover, a significantly insoluble protein accumulation was observed in ΔCgMca and ΔCgEde1/ΔCgMca strains. These findings elucidate the mechanism by which CgEde1 and CgMca regulates the growth and pathogenicity of C. gloeosporioides. Their regulation involves influencing conidiation, polarity establishment, and maintaining cell fitness, providing valuable insights into the intricate interplay between CgEde1 and CgMca in C. gloeosporioides.

Late creation of vascular access increased post-hemodialysis mortality, hospitalization, and health-care expenditure: A population-based cohort study in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The optimal timing of vascular access (VA) creation for hemodialysis (HD) and whether this timing affects mortality and health-care utilization after HD initiation remain unclear. Thus, we conducted a population-based study to explore their association. METHODS: We used Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database to analyze health-care outcomes and utilization in a cohort initiating HD during 2003-2013. We stratified patients by the following VA creation time points: >180, 91-180, 31-90, and ≤30 days before and ≤30 days after HD initiation and examined all-cause mortality, ambulatory care utilization/costs, hospital admission/costs, and total expenditure within 2 years after HD. Cox regression, Poisson regression, and general linear regression were used to analyze mortality, health-care utilization, and costs respectively. RESULTS: We identified 77,205 patients who started HD during 2003-2013. Compared with the patients undergoing VA surgery >180 days before HD initiation, those undergoing VA surgery ≤30 days before HD initiation had the highest mortality-15.92 deaths per 100-person-years, crude hazard ratio (HR) 1.56, and adjusted HR 1.28, the highest hospital admissions rates- 2.72 admission per person-year, crude rate ratio (RR) 1.48 and adjusted RR 1.32, and thus the highest health-care costs- US$31,390 per person-year, 7% increase of costs and 6% increase with adjustment within the 2-year follow-up after HD initiation. CONCLUSION: Late VA creation for HD can increase all-cause mortality, hospitalization, and health-care costs within 2 years after HD initiation. Early preparation of VA has the potential to reduce post-HD mortality and healthcare expenses for the ESKD patients.

Integrated analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome provides insights into anthocyanin biosynthesis of cashew apple.

The cashew apple remains an underutilized agricultural product despite its abundance as a by-product of cashew nut production. Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments responsible for red, purple, and blue hues in plant tissues and have various health-promoting properties. To investigate the anthocyanin biosynthesis in cashew apples, fruits with varying peel colors from three cultivars were subjected to integrative analyses with metabolomics and transcriptomics. Through a UPLC-ESI-MS/MS-based targeted metabolomics analysis, a total of 26 distinct anthocyanin compounds were identified in the fruits of the three cashew cultivars. Subsequent quantification revealed that Pelargonidin-3-O-galactoside, Petunidin-3-O-arabinoside, and Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside were the primary contributors responsible for the red pigmentation in cashew apple peels. Following transcriptomic analysis showed that the expression levels of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes were predominantly higher in the red cashew apples as compared to the other two cultivars. Moreover, correlation analysis revealed that eight potential transcription factors implicated in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Among these, four transcription factors exhibited positive correlations with both anthocyanin contents and anthocyanin biosynthetic gene expression, while the remaining four transcription factors displayed negative correlations. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of anthocyanin biosynthesis in cashew apple peels.

Association of Chronic Kidney Disease with Cardiovascular Disease in Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Due to the cardiotoxicity of cancer treatment and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, cancer patients are at higher risk of developing CVD. However, limited research exists on the correlation between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CVD risk in cancer patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study selected cancer patients aged ≥20 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 2015 to 2020. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between CKD and CVD in cancer patients. Additionally, subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the association among different groups of cancer patients. RESULTS: We included 1,700 adult cancer patients (52.53% were females). After multivariable adjustment for covariates including traditional CVD factors, CKD was significantly associated with CVD, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) and p value of 1.61 (1.18, 2.19) and 0.004. Subgroup analyses after multivariable adjustment showed a significant correlation between CKD and increased CVD risk in the following cancer patients: age ≥60 years, males, white ethnicity, and individuals with or without traditional CVD factors (obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension). CONCLUSIONS: CKD remains a significant factor in the higher risk of CVD among adult cancer patients in the United States, even after adjustment for traditional CVD risk factors. Therefore, to reduce the risk of CVD in cancer patients, it is important to treat CKD as a non-traditional risk factor for CVD and actively manage it.

An ultra-thin and highly efficient electromagnetic interference shielding composite paper with hydrophobic and antibacterial properties.

Facing the increasing electromagnetic interference (EMI) pollution in the living environment, it is a new trend to explore an efficient EMI shielding material with facile fabrication and a wide range of application scenarios. A hydrophobic composite paper composed of silver nanowires (AgNWs) and kapok microfibers cellulose (MFC) was modified by methyl trimethoxy silane (MTMS) through a simple method. As a result, the composite paper has a good EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 61.7 dB with electrical conductivity of 695.41 S/cm. The modification of MTMS improved the thermal stability performance of composite paper, which also increased its water contact angle to 113°. The free silver ions (Ag+) released from AgNWs can kill surrounding microbial bacteria, endowing the composite paper with good antibacterial property. Water resistance and antibacterial property enable MTMS/AgNWs/MFC composite paper to cope with complex application environments.

Keystroke Biometrics as a Tool for the Early Diagnosis and Clinical Assessment of Parkinson's Disease.

(1) Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Early diagnosis and reliable clinical assessments are essential for appropriate therapy and improving patients' quality of life. Keystroke biometrics, which capture unique typing behavior, have shown potential for early PD diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate keystroke biometric parameters from two datasets to identify indicators that can effectively distinguish de novo PD patients from healthy controls. (2) Methods: Data from natural typing tasks in Physionet were analyzed to estimate keystroke biometric parameters. The parameters investigated included alternating-finger tapping (afTap) and standard deviations of interkey latencies (ILSD) and release latencies (RLSD). Sensitivity rates were calculated to assess the discriminatory ability of these parameters. (3) Results: Significant differences were observed in three parameters, namely afTap, ILSD, and RLSD, between de novo PD patients and healthy controls. The sensitivity rates were high, with values of 83%, 88%, and 96% for afTap, ILSD, and RLSD, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed a significantly negative correlation between typing speed and number of words typed with the standard motor assessment for PD, UPDRS-III, in patients with early PD. (4) Conclusions: Simple algorithms utilizing keystroke biometric parameters can serve as effective screening tests in distinguishing de novo PD patients from healthy controls. Moreover, typing speed and number of words typed were identified as reliable tools for assessing clinical statuses in PD patients. These findings underscore the potential of keystroke biometrics for early PD diagnosis and clinical severity assessment.

The Relationship Between Theta Power, Theta Asymmetry and the Effect of Escitalopram in the Treatment of Depression.

Objective: Only about one-third of depressed patients respond to initial antidepressant treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to find effective predictors of antidepressants. The purpose of our study was to learn the relationship between EEG theta power, theta asymmetry, and the efficacy of escitalopram. Methods: The study included 34 patients with depression. Before and after each patient's course of treatment, EEG data was gathered. Both the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) were evaluated simultaneously. The natural logarithm of right frontal theta power minus left frontal theta power was used to calculate inter-electrode theta asymmetry (AT). Results: First, our study found no statistically significant difference between intra-electrode theta power and inter-electrode AT before and after treatment (P ≥ 0.05). When we later looked at the data regarding treatment effects, the findings revealed that patients (n = 9) who did not respond to treatment had lower baseline theta power at C4 [6.190 (2.000, 12.990) vs 15.800 (7.255, 22.330), z = -2.166, P = 0.030]. The two groups had no difference in other electrodes (P ≥ 0.05). The AT of C3/C4 in non-responders (n = 9) was lower [0.012 (0.795) vs 0.733 (0.539), t = -3.224, P = 0.005]. However, there was no difference in inter-electrode AT between the two groups in F3/F4 and F7/F8 (P ≥ 0.05). We finally show that the theta power at C4 was negatively correlated with HAMD scores before treatment (r = -0.346, P = 0.045). Conclusion: Our findings determined that increased theta power and positive asymmetry in the right frontal-central area correlate with favourable escitalopram treatment, providing a basis for finding predictive markers for antidepressants.