Hyaluronic acid dissolving microneedle patch-assisted acupoint transdermal delivery of triptolide for effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Triptolide (TP), a major active component of the herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has been shown excellent pharmacological effects on rheumatoid arthritis. However, TP is prone to causing severe organ toxicity, which limits its clinical application. In recent years, microneedle technology has provided a new option for the treatment of arthritis due to its advantages of efficient local transdermal drug delivery. In this study, we constructed a microneedle platform to deliver TP locally to the joints, thereby enhancing TP penetration and reducing systemic toxicity. Additionally, we investigated whether acupoint drug delivery can produce a synergistic effect of needles and drugs. First, TP was loaded into microneedles using polyvinylpyrrolidone and hyaluronic acid as matrix materials. Next, we established a rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model to evaluate the therapeutic effect of TP-loaded microneedles. The experiments showed that TP-loaded microneedles alleviated the AIA rats' inflammatory response, joint swelling, and bone erosion. However, there was no significant difference in the therapeutic effect observed in the acupoint and non-acupoint administration groups. In conclusion, TP-loaded microneedles have the advantages of safety, convenience, and high efficacy over conventional administration routes, laying a foundation for the transdermal drug delivery system-based treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Dexmedetomidine ameliorates acute kidney injury by regulating mitochondrial dynamics via the α2-AR/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway activation in rats.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication of systemic infection with high morbidity and mortality in patients. However, no effective drugs are available for AKI treatment. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an alpha 2 adrenal receptor agonist with antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of DEX on sepsis-associated AKI and to elucidate the role of mitochondrial dynamics during this process. METHODS: A lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI rat model and an NRK-52E cell model were used in the study. This study investigated the effects of DEX on sepsis-associated AKI and the molecular mechanisms using histologic assessment, biochemical analyses, ultrastructural observation, western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, and si-mRNA transfection. RESULTS: In rats, the results showed that administration of DEX protected kidney structure and function from LPS-induced septic AKI. In addition, we found that DEX upregulated the α2-AR/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway, protected mitochondrial structure and function, and decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis compared to the LPS group. In NRK-52E cells, DEX regulated the mitochondrial dynamic balance by preventing intracellular Ca2+ overloading and activating CaMKII. CONCLUSIONS: DEX ameliorated septic AKI by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in addition to modulating mitochondrial dynamics via upregulation of the α2-AR/SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway. This is a confirmatory study about DEX pre-treatment to ameliorate septic AKI. Our research reveals a novel mechanistic molecular pathway by which DEX provides nephroprotection.

Exploring the predictive values of CRP and lymphocytes in coronary artery disease based on a machine learning and Mendelian randomization.

Purpose: To investigate the predictive value of leukocyte subsets and C-reactive protein (CRP) in coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: We conducted a Mendelian randomization analysis (MR) on leukocyte subsets, C-reactive protein (CRP) and CAD, incorporating data from 68,624 patients who underwent coronary angiography from 2010 to 2022. After initial screening, clinical data from 46,664 patients were analyzed. Techniques employed included propensity score matching (PSM), logistic regression, lasso regression, and random forest algorithms (RF). Risk factors were assessed, and the sensitivity and specificity of the models were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Additionally, survival analysis was conducted based on a 36-month follow-up period. Results: The inverse variance weight (IVW) analysis showed that basophil count (OR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84-1.00, P = 0.048), CRP levels (OR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.73-1.00, P = 0.040), and lymphocyte count (OR 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04-1.16, P = 0.001) are significant risk factors for CAD. Using LASSO regression, logistic regression, and RF analysis, both CRP and lymphocyte counts were consistently identified as risk factors for CAD, prior to and following PSM. The ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of lymphocyte and CRP levels after PSM achieves a higher diagnostic value (0.85). Survival analysis revealed that high lymphocyte counts and low CRP levels are associated with a decreased risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) (P < 0.001). Conversely, a higher CRP level combined with lymphocyte counts correlates with a poorer prognosis. Conclusion: There is a causal relationship between lymphocytes, CRP and CAD. The combined assessment of CRP and lymphocytes offers diagnostic value for CAD. Furthermore, high CRP levels coupled with low lymphocyte counts are associated with a poor prognosis.

Agreement of lymphocyte subsets detection permits reference intervals transference between flow cytometry systems: direct validation using established reference intervals.

OBJECTIVES: With the increasing demand and application of lymphocyte subsets detection in clinical laboratories, different single-platform flow cytometer (FCM) systems have been developed. There is an urgent need to establish the reference intervals (RIs) for different single-platform FCMs and transferring them from one FCM system to another provides a much more feasible and convenient approach. This study aimed to explore the transferability of RIs for lymphocyte subsets across different flow cytometry platforms. METHODS: We first conducted the pairwise method comparison across four FCM platforms, including NovoCyte, BriCyteE6, DxFLEX, and FACSCantoII systems. Next, the transferability of RIs of lymphocyte subsets was evaluated. Furthermore, we conducted the RIs transference based on the FACSCantoII system, BriCyteE6 system and DxFLEX system, except for NK cells. The transferred RIs were further verified by calculating the bias (CV) between the established ones. RESULTS: The results of lymphocyte subsets detection based on the NovoCyte, BriCyteE6, DxFLEX, and FACSCantoII systems were comparable and it was feasible to transfer the RIs of lymphocyte subsets detected by the four FCM systems. The RIs of lymphocyte subsets detection using FACSCantoII, DxFLEX, and BriCyteE6 systems were established. Upon transferring the RIs of lymphocyte subsets from the FACSCantoII system to the BriCyteE6 system, and DxFLEX system except for NK cells, the CV between the transferred RIs and the established ones was below 20 % for all parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The present study illustrated that the RIs of lymphocyte subsets could be transferred across different flow cytometry systems except for NK cells with different definition strategies.

Association between percutaneous absorption of benzophenone-3 and N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide among the general adult population.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have confirmed the mutual enhancement of percutaneous permeation of benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), which are effective ingredients in sunscreen products and insect repellents, respectively. However, the association between percutaneous absorption of BP-3 and DEET in a large general adult population remains to be elucidated. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included US adults who had available data on urinary BP-3 and two DEET metabolites, 3-(diethylcarbamoyl) benzoic acid (DCBA) and 3-(ethylcarbamoyl) benzoic acid (ECBA), from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted in 2015-2016. We conducted three weighted multivariable linear regression models to investigate the potential correlation between percutaneous absorption of BP-3 and DEET, along with trend tests, smooth curve fitting, and subgroup analysis to assess the robustness of the findings. RESULTS: Weighted multivariable linear logistic regression revealed a positive correlation between log10 BP-3 and log10 DCBA (ß = 0.1678, 95 % CI: 0.0970 to 0.2386) as well as log10 ECBA (ß = 0.1416, 95 % CI: 0.0707 to 0.2125), after adjusting for all covariates. After converting log10 BP-3 from a continuous variable to a categorical variable (quartiles), the trend tests showed that the results were stable (all P for trend < 0.05). Smoothed curve fitting demonstrated a linear positive correlation between log10 BP-3 and both log10 DCBA and log10 ECBA. In subgroup analyses, the positive correlation between BP-3 and DEET metabolites was more pronounced in participants who were male, middle-aged, non-Hispanic white, had a moderate PIR level and reported always or most of the time using sunscreen. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed a statistically significant linear and positive correlation between the percutaneous absorption of BP-3 and DEET in the general adult population.

The role of LncRNA TUG1 in DNA damage and malignant transformation induced by Helicobacter pylori and N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine on human esophageal epithelial cells.

N-Methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and Helicobacter pylori might synergistically promote the malignant transformation of human esophageal epithelial cells (HEECs) through inducing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and inhibition of PAXX protein expression. The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) TUG1 is associated with multiple cancers, and its overexpression can promote cancer by interfering with the functions of oncogenes. LncRNA TUG1 is also associated with DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and the epithelial signaling pathway of H. pylori infection. To explore the role of LncRNA TUG1 in the malignant transformation of HEECs induced by H.pylori + MNNG, a stable strain of HEECs with LncRNA TUG1 knockdown (LncRNA TUG1-KD) was constructed using RNA interference technology with lentivirus as a vector. Set up negative controls LncRNA TUG1-NC (null carrier lentivirus was selected to transfect HEECs) and block controls (normal HEECs without exposure). H. pylori + MNNG were added to the LncRNA TUG1-KD and LncRNA TUG1-NC groups for 6 h and then passaged until their malignant transformation. From each group, cells in the early, intermediate, and late stages of malignant transformation were used for the alkaline comet assay and determination of protein expression, including γ-H2AX and PAXX, by western blotting assay to assess DNA damage and repair processes. Clone formation assay in soft agar and nude mouse xenograft model was used to assess malignancy. This study suggests that H. pylori + MNNG promotes the malignant transformation of HEECs by inducing DNA DSBs and inhibiting PAXX expression, and this effect may be alleviated by LncRNA TUG1 knockdown. It elucidates the pathogenesis of EC from the perspective of the combined effect of epigenetic and environmental carcinogens, offering new insights for the comprehensive prevention and treatment of EC.

Developmental exposure to nonylphenol leads to depletion of the neural precursor cell pool in the hippocampal dentate gyrus.

Developmental exposure to nonylphenol (NP) results in irreversible impairments of the central nervous system (CNS). The neural precursor cell (NPC) pool located in the subgranular zone (SGZ), a substructure of the hippocampal dentate gyrus, is critical for the development of hippocampal circuits and some hippocampal functions such as learning and memory. However, the effects of developmental exposure to NP on this pool remain unclear. Thus, our aim was to clarify the impacts of developmental exposure to NP on this pool and to explore the potential mechanisms. Animal models of developmental exposure to NP were created by treating Wistar rats with NP during pregnancy and lactation. Our data showed that developmental exposure to NP decreased Sox2-and Ki67-positive cells in the SGZ of offspring. Inhibited activation of Shh signaling and decreased levels of its downstream mediators, E2F1 and cyclins, were also observed in pups developmentally exposed to NP. Moreover, we established the in vitro model in the NE-4C cells, a neural precursor cell line, to further investigate the effect of NP exposure on NPCs and the underlying mechanisms. Purmorphamine, a small purine-derived hedgehog agonist, was used to specifically modulate the Shh signaling. Consistent with the in vivo results, exposure to NP reduced cell proliferation by inhibiting the Shh signaling in NE-4C cells, and purmorphamine alleviated this reduction in cell proliferation by restoring this signaling. Altogether, our findings support the idea that developmental exposure to NP leads to inhibition of the NPC proliferation and the NPC pool depletion in the SGZ located in the dentate gyrus. Furthermore, we also provided the evidence that suppressed activation of Shh signaling may contribute to the effects of developmental exposure to NP on the NPC pool.

Pt(IV) Prodrug Photoactivation: A Promising Strategy for Cancer Therapy.

Platinum (II) drugs, including cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, have achieved significant clinical success in cancer treatment. However, their clinical application has been greatly hindered by various adverse factors, such as non-specific activation and drug resistance. Compared with Pt(II) drugs, the axial ligands within Pt(IV) compounds can improve the pharmacokinetic properties, selectivity, and biological activity, implementing alternative cytotoxic mechanisms beyond DNA cross-linking and partially overcoming drug resistance. The controlled conversion of Pt(IV) prodrugs into Pt(II) agents at the tumor site has been extensively explored internationally. In this review, Pt(IV) prodrug modification strategies are first summarized, and the development of the predominant external and internal photosensitizers is listed. Finally, three representative photoreduction mechanisms and strategies for developing corresponding Pt(IV) prodrugs are discussed. This work provides constructive instruction for the subsequent molecular design of Pt(IV) prodrugs.

Melatonin Delays Arthritis Inflammation and Reduces Cartilage Matrix Degradation through the SIRT1-Mediated NF-κB/Nrf2/TGF-ß/BMPs Pathway.

Cartilage, a flexible and smooth connective tissue that envelops the surfaces of synovial joints, relies on chondrocytes for extracellular matrix (ECM) production and the maintenance of its structural and functional integrity. Melatonin (MT), renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, holds the potential to modulate cartilage regeneration and degradation. Therefore, the present study was devoted to elucidating the mechanism of MT on chondrocytes. The in vivo experiment consisted of three groups: Sham (only the skin tissue was incised), Model (using the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) method), and MT (30 mg/kg), with sample extraction following 12 weeks of administration. Pathological alterations in articular cartilage, synovium, and subchondral bone were evaluated using Safranin O-fast green staining. Immunohistochemistry (ICH) analysis was employed to assess the expression of matrix degradation-related markers. The levels of serum cytokines were quantified via Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assays. In in vitro experiments, primary chondrocytes were divided into Control, Model, MT, negative control, and inhibitor groups. Western blotting (WB) and Quantitative RT-PCR (q-PCR) were used to detect Silent information regulator transcript-1 (SIRT1)/Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)/Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß)/Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)-related indicators. Immunofluorescence (IF) analysis was employed to examine the status of type II collagen (COL2A1), SIRT1, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-p65), and phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (p-Smad2). In vivo results revealed that the MT group exhibited a relatively smooth cartilage surface, modest chondrocyte loss, mild synovial hyperplasia, and increased subchondral bone thickness. ICH results showed that MT downregulated the expression of components related to matrix degradation. ELISA results showed that MT reduced serum inflammatory cytokine levels. In vitro experiments confirmed that MT upregulated the expression of SIRT1/Nrf2/TGF-ß/BMPs while inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and matrix degradation-related components. The introduction of the SIRT1 inhibitor Selisistat (EX527) reversed the effects of MT. Together, these findings suggest that MT has the potential to ameliorate inflammation, inhibit the release of matrix-degrading enzymes, and improve the cartilage condition. This study provides a new theoretical basis for understanding the role of MT in decelerating cartilage degradation and promoting chondrocyte repair in in vivo and in vitro cultured chondrocytes.

Comparison of focusing property and radiation force between autofocusing Bessel beams and focused Gaussian beams.

As abruptly autofocusing beams, autofocusing Bessel beams (ABBs) have been proven to be a class solution for the Helmholtz equation [Opt. Express31, 33228 (2023)10.1364/OE.500383]. In this paper, we use the Fresnel number as the basic parameter and accurately compare the focusing property and radiation force of ABBs versus focused Gaussian beams (FGBs) under the same Fresnel number. Unlike FGBs, ABBs can achieve autofocusing without the need for an initial focusing phase. Our analysis of the beam width defined by power in the bucket, revealed that FGBs exhibit uniform focusing along the straight line, whereas ABBs demonstrate accelerated focusing along the elliptic curve. At the same Fresnel number, FGBs exhibit a higher peak intensity in the focal plane, yet ABBs excel in gradient force on particles. In comparison to FGBs, ABBs exhibit smaller potential well widths, allowing for stable and precise trapping of high refractive index particles at the focal point. While FGBs are considered suitable for laser processing and ablation due to their high peak power density, ABBs possess significant advantages in optical manipulation due to their great gradient force. Furthermore, we conduct a comparative analysis between ABBs and circular Airy beams (CABs). The peak intensity and gradient force exhibited by CABs are slightly lesser than those of ABBs. CABs are appropriate for multi-point trapping along the axis, whereas ABBs are more suited for precise single-point trapping.

Enhancing malignancy prediction in thyroid nodules: A multimodal ultrasound radiomics approach in TI-RADS category 4 lesions.

PURPOSE: To explore the diagnostic value of intralesional and perilesional radiomics based on multimodal ultrasound (US) images in predicting the malignant ACR TIRADS 4 thyroid nodules (TNs). METHODS: A total of 297 cases of TNs in patients who underwent preoperative thyroid grayscale US and shear wave elastography (STE) were enrolled (training cohort: n = 150, internal validation cohort: n = 77, external validation cohort: n = 70). Regions of interests (ROIs) were delineated on grayscale US images and STE images, and then an isotropic expansion of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 mm was applied. Predictive models were established using recursive feature elimination-support vector machines (RFE-SVM) based on radiomics features calculated by random forest. RESULTS: The perilesional ROI1.5mm expansion achieved the highest area under curve (AUC) (AUC: 0.753 for grayscale US, 0.728 for STE; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.664-0.743, 0.684-0.739, respectively). The joint model had the highest AUC values of 0.936 in the training dataset, 0.926 in internal dataset, and 0.893 in external dataset. The calibration curve showed good consistency and the decision curve indicated a greater clinical net benefit of the joint model. CONCLUSION: Joint model containing perilesional radiomics (1.5 mm) had significant value in predicting the malignant ACR TIRADS 4 TNs.

Identification of freshwater snail species and survey of their trematode infections in Ordos, China.

In order to investigate and study the species and distribution of freshwater snails in Ordos area of Inner Mongolia, as well as the trematode infection in different periods, and to provide a scientific basis for the effective prevention and control of livestock trematodiasis. In this paper, freshwater snails distributed in Ordos were widely collected for morphological identification, and PCR amplification of freshwater snails COI gene and ITS2 gene was carried out with the help of molecular biology. At the same time, microscopic examination was used to observe the trematode infection of freshwater snails in two different periods from May to July and July to September, and the molecular biology of the trematodes was identified. The results showed that the 1796 freshwater snails collected belonged to two orders, three families and four genera, i.e. Bellamya, Radix, Galba, and Gyraulus. Microscopic examination of snails showed that the infection rate of trematode larvae from July to September was significantly higher than that from May to July. The collected trematodes were identified as five species, namely Cotylurus marcogliesei, Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola gigantica, Paramphistomum cervi, and Parastrigea robusta. The combination of freshwater snail species in Ordos and the infection of trematode in snails showed that a large number of freshwater snails were infected with trematodes, especially from July to September, when there is more rain and suitable climate, which causes serious harm to local livestock.

Bredigite-Based Bioactive Nerve Guidance Conduit for Pro-Healing Macrophage Polarization and Peripheral Nerve Regeneration.

Structural and functional healing of peripheral nerves damaged by trauma or chronic disease remain major clinical challenges, requiring the development of an effective nerve guidance conduit (NGC). The present study investigates a NGC fabrication strategy based on bredigite (BRT, Ca7MgSi4O16) bioceramic for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury. Here, BRT bioceramic shows good biocompatibility and sustainable release of Ca2+, Mg2+, and Si4+ ions. Both BRT extracts and BRT-incorporating electrospun membranes promote the proliferation and myelination potential of RSC96 cells, as well as accelerate vascular formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Notably, BRT facilitates RAW 264.7 cell polarization to the pro-healing phenotype under LPS-induced inflammatory stimulation. More importantly, the macrophages activated by BRT in turn promote RSC96 cell migration and remyelination. In a rat sciatic nerve defect model, improved electrophysiological performance and alleviated gastrocnemius muscle atrophy are observed at 12 weeks post-implantation. Further experiments verify that BRT-loaded NGC facilitates axonal regrowth and revascularization with high M2-like macrophage infiltration. These findings support the beneficial effects of BRT for creating a pro-healing immune microenvironment and orchestrating multicellular processes associated with functional nerve regeneration, indicating the potential of rationally engineered bioceramics as safe, effective, and economical materials for peripheral nerve repair.

Transcriptome and exosome proteome analyses provide insights into the mantle exosome involved in nacre color formation of pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii.

Color polymorphisms in molluscan shells play an important economic in the aquaculture industry. Among bivalves, shell color diversity can reflect properties such as growth rate and tolerance. In pearl oysters, the nacre color of the donor is closely related to the pearl color. Numerous genes and proteins involved in nacre color formation have been identified within the exosomes of the mantle. In this study, we analyzed the carotenoids present in the mantle of gold- and silver-lipped pearl oysters, identifying capsanthin and xanthophyll as crucial pigments contributing to coloration. Transcriptome analysis of the mantle revealed several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in color formation, including ferric-chelate reductase, mantle genes, and larval shell matrix proteins. We also isolated and identified exosomes from the mantles of both gold- and silver-lipped strains of the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii, revealing the extracellular transition mechanism of coloration-related proteins. From these exosomes, we obtained a total of 1223 proteins, with 126 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) identified. These proteins include those associated with carotenoid metabolism and Fe(III) metabolism, such as apolipoproteins, scavenger receptor proteins, ß,ß-carotene-15,15'-dioxygenase, ferritin, and ferritin heavy chains. This study may provide a new perspective on the nacre color formation process and the pathways involved in deposition within the pearl oyster P. f. martensii.

Discrimination rancidity degree of infant formula rice flour based on Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction combined with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry as an alternative to sensory evaluation.

To mitigating the serious threat of harmful volatile substances to the health of infants, an alternative method of odor evaluation were proposed based on Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) combined with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to discriminate the degree of rancidity of infant formula rice flour (IFRF). Inspectors can simply calculate the rancidity degree of infant formula rice flour according to the regression equation based on the concentration of rancidity markers. The results showed that the joint application of OPLS-DA, molecular sensory experiments, and unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) degradation experiments could successfully recognize the rancidity markers without collinearity in multiple linear regression analysis. The rancidity markers curve fitting was helpful for the establishment of multivariate regression model of rancidity grading. The model had an accuracy of more than 92.90% by the verification of odor evaluation. The application of the model to investigate the market IFRF samples showed that about 3% of the samples collected in the experiment were unsuitable for infant feeding. Therefore, the established model was considered to be a robust and less workload method to replace the olfactory evaluation method for discriminating the rancidity degree of IFRF.

Exposure to nonylphenol in early life causes behavioural deficits related with autism spectrum disorders in rats.

Early-life exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs) is a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Exposure to nonylphenol (NP), a typical EDC, is known to cause some long-term behavioural abnormalities. Moreover, these abnormal behaviours are the most frequent psychiatric co-morbidities in ASD. However, the direct evidence for the link between NP exposure in early life and ASD-like behavioural phenotypes is still missing. In the present study, typical ASD-like behaviours induced by valproic acid treatment were considered as a positive behavioural control. We investigated impacts on social behaviours following early-life exposure to NP, and explored effects of this exposure on neuronal dendritic spines, mitochondria function, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Furthermore, primary cultured rat neurons were employed as in vitro model to evaluate changes in dendritic spine caused by exposure to NP, and oxidative stress and ER stress were specifically modulated to further explore their roles in these changes. Our results indicated rats exposed to NP in early life showed mild ASD-like behaviours. Moreover, we also found the activation of ER stress triggered by oxidative stress may contribute to dendritic spine decrease and synaptic dysfunction, which may underlie neurobehavioural abnormalities induced by early-life exposure to NP.

Focusing property of autofocusing Bessel beams.

We introduce what we believe to be a new family of abruptly autofocusing waves named autofocusing Bessel beams (ABBs). Since the beams only strongly influence the area near the focus, it holds promise for medical laser treatment and optical tweezers. By the angular spectrum method, ABBs are proved to be a class solution for the Helmholtz equation. The focal length is well-defined and easily tuned in our mathematical description. Under the finite energy limitation, the abruptly autofocusing and vortex characteristics of Gaussian-modulated ABBs are studied. Interestingly, we found a kind of abruptly autofocusing waves focusing twice on the propagation axis, which is formed by an ABB passing through a focusing lens. Dual-focus ABBs make it possible for a single laser to manipulate two particles on the propagation axis simultaneously. In the experiment, the autofocusing of ABBs and the dual focus of ABBs passing through a focusing lens are observed. This article provides a theoretical model and experimental protocol for studying abruptly autofocusing waves.

Crystallizing Self-Standing Covalent Organic Framework Membranes for Ultrafast Proton Transport in Flow Batteries.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) display great potential to be assembled into proton conductive membranes for their uniform and controllable pore structure, yet constructing self-standing COF membrane with high crystallinity to fully exploit their ordered crystalline channels for efficient ionic conduction remains a great challenge. Here, a macromolecular-mediated crystallization strategy is designed to manipulate the crystallization of self-standing COF membrane, where the -SO3 H groups in introduced sulfonated macromolecule chains function as the sites to interact with the precursors of COF and thus offer long-range ordered template for membrane crystallization. The optimized self-standing COF membrane composed of highly-ordered nanopores exhibits high proton conductivity (75 mS cm-1 at 100 % relative humidity and 20 °C) and excellent flow battery performance, outperforming Nafion 212 and reported membranes. Meanwhile, the long-term run of membrane is achieved with the help of the anchoring effect of flexible macromolecule chains. Our work provides inspiration to design self-standing COF membranes with ordered channels for permselective application.

Mixed whey and pea protein based cold-set emulsion gels induced by calcium chloride: Fabrication and characterization.

The cold-set gels of oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by mixtures of whey protein isolate (WPI) and pea protein isolate (PPI) with mass ratios of 10:0, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, and 0:10 were investigated to evaluate the possibility of pea protein to replace milk protein. Particle size and surface charge of emulsions increased and decreased with raised PPI content, respectively. The redness and yellowness of emulsion gels were strengthened with elevated pea protein percentage and independent of calcium concentration applied. Considerable differences in water holding capacity were observed between samples with different mixed proteins and high percentage of pea protein gave better water retaining ability. Gradual decreases in hardness and chewiness of emulsion gels were observed at three calcium levels with the increased PPI proportion. FT-IR spectra indicated no new covalent bonds were generated between samples with different whey and pea protein mass ratios. As PPI concentration elevated, the network structure of emulsion gels gradually became loose and disordered. The established cold-set calcium-induced whey/pea protein composite gels may have the potential to be utilized as a new material to encapsulate and deliver environment sensitive bio-active substances.

Multimodal radiomics and nomogram-based prediction of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer: An analysis considering optimal peritumoral region.

PURPOSE: To explore the optimal peri-tumoral regions on ultrasound (US) images and investigate the performance of multimodal radiomics for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM). METHODS: This retrospective study included 326 patients (training cohort: n = 162, internal validation cohort: n = 74, external validation cohort: n = 90). Intra-tumoral region of interests (ROIs) were delineated on US and digital mammography (DM) images. Peri-tumoral ROI (PTR) on US images were gained by dilating actual 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 mm radius surrounding the tumor. Support vector machine (SVM) method was used to calculate the importance of radiomics features and to pick the 10 most important. Recursive feature elimination-SVM was used to evaluate the efficacy of models with different feature numbers used. RESULTS: The PTR0.5mm yielded a maximum AUC of 0.802 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.676-0.901) within the validation cohort using SVM classifier. The multimodal radiomics (intra-tumoral US and DM and US-based PTR0.5mm radiomics model) achieved the highest predictive ability (AUC = 0.888/0.844/0.835 and 95% CI = 0.829-0.936/0.741-0.929/0.752-0.896 for training/internal validation/external validation cohort, respectively). CONCLUSION: The PTR0.5mm could be the optimal area for predicting ALNM. A favorable predictive accuracy for predicting ALNM was achieved using multimodal radiomics and its based nomogram.