Adsorption of typical NDMA precursors by superfine powdered activated carbon: Critical role of particle size reduction.

Control of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in drinking water could be achieved by removing its precursors as one practical way. Herein, superfine powdered activated carbons with a diameter of about 1 µm (SPACs) were successfully prepared by grinding powdered activated carbon (PAC, D50=24.3 µm) and applied to remove model NDMA precursors, i.e. ranitidine (RAN) and nizatidine (NIZ). Results from grain diameter experiments demonstrated that the absorption velocity increased dramatically with decreasing particle size, and the maximum increase in k2 was 26.8-folds for RAN and 33.4-folds for NIZ. Moreover, kinetic experiments explained that rapid absorption could be attributed to the acceleration of intraparticle diffusion due to the shortening of the diffusion path. Furthermore, performance comparison experiments suggested that the removal of RAN and NIZ (C0=0.5 mg/L) could reach 61.3% and 60%, respectively, within 5 min, when the dosage of SAPC-1.1 (D50=1.1 µm) was merely 5 mg/L, while PAC-24.3 could only eliminate 17.5% and 18.6%. The adsorption isotherm was well defined by Langmuir isotherm model, indicating that the adsorption of RAN/NIZ was a monolayer coverage process. The adsorption of RAN or NIZ by SAPC-1.1 and PAC-24.3 was strongly pH dependent, and high adsorption capacity could be observed under the condition of pH > pka+1. The coexistence of humic acid (HA) had no significant effect on the adsorption performance because RAN/NIZ may be coupled with HA and removed simultaneously. The coexistence of anions had little effect on the adsorption also. This study is expected to provide an alternative strategy for drinking water safety triggered by NDMA.

Exploring near-infrared autofluorescence properties in parathyroid tissue: an analysis of fresh and paraffin-embedded thyroidectomy specimens.

Significance: Near-infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) utilizes the natural autofluorescence of parathyroid glands (PGs) to improve their identification during thyroid surgeries, reducing the risk of inadvertent removal and subsequent complications such as hypoparathyroidism. This study evaluates NIRAF's effectiveness in real-world surgical settings, highlighting its potential to enhance surgical outcomes and patient safety. Aim: We evaluate the effectiveness of NIRAF in detecting PGs during thyroidectomy and central neck dissection and investigate autofluorescence characteristics in both fresh and paraffin-embedded tissues. Approach: We included 101 patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer who underwent surgeries in 2022 and 2023. We assessed NIRAF's ability to locate PGs, confirmed via parathyroid hormone assays, and involved both junior and senior surgeons. We measured the accuracy, speed, and agreement levels of each method and analyzed autofluorescence persistence and variation over 10 years, alongside the expression of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and vitamin D. Results: NIRAF demonstrated a sensitivity of 89.5% and a negative predictive value of 89.1%. However, its specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) were 61.2% and 62.3%, respectively, which are considered lower. The kappa statistic indicated moderate to substantial agreement (kappa = 0.478; P < 0.001 ). Senior surgeons achieved high specificity (86.2%) and PPV (85.3%), with substantial agreement (kappa = 0.847; P < 0.001 ). In contrast, junior surgeons displayed the lowest kappa statistic among the groups, indicating minimal agreement (kappa = 0.381; P < 0.001 ). Common errors in NIRAF included interference from brown fat and eschar. In addition, paraffin-embedded samples retained stable autofluorescence over 10 years, showing no significant correlation with CaSR and vitamin D levels. Conclusions: NIRAF is useful for PG identification in thyroid and neck surgeries, enhancing efficiency and reducing inadvertent PG removals. The stability of autofluorescence in paraffin samples suggests its long-term viability, with false positives providing insights for further improvements in NIRAF technology.

[Multivariate analysis of influencing functional recovery after ankle fracture of typeâ ¡and above supination-external rotation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore influencing factors of functional recovery after ankle fracture of typeⅡdegree and above supination-external rotation. METHODS: Clinical data of 120 patients with ankle fractures of typeⅡdegree and above supination-external rotation admitted from February 2019 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), patients were divided into excellent group with 73 patients (90 to 100 points), good group with 35 patients (75 to 89 points), and fair group with 12 patients(<50 points). The differences of ankle active range of motion (ROM) and AOFAS score were compared among three groups at the latest follow-up. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the factors related to functional recovery after ankle fracture of supination-external rotation. RESULTS: There were significant differences in postoperative ROM (dorsoextension, plantar flexion, varus and valgus) and complications between excellent group and good and acceptable group (P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed there were differences in age above 50 years old, Ⅳ degree of supination-external rotation fracture, lower tibiofibular ligament injury, posterior ankle fracture, no drainage tube placed, infection, antibiotic use time above 7 days (P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed age above 50 years old[OR=2.829, 95%CI(1.049, 7.628), P=0.040], Ⅳ degree fracture of supination-external rotation[OR=6.13, 95%CI(1.153, 32.593), P=0.033], lower tibiofibular ligament injury[OR=10.785, 95%CI(3.338, 34.894), P=0.000], and posterior ankle fracture[OR=6.349, 95%CI(1.869, 21.560), P=0.003] were independent risk factors for functional recovery after ankle fracture of supination-external rotation (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The postoperative excellent outcome of ankle fracture was good, and the recovery of joint motion was better. The older age of patient, Ⅳ degree of supination-external rotation fracture, the lower tibiofibular ligament injury, and posterior ankle fracture are all adverse factors affecting functional recovery after supination-external rotation ankle fracture. In clinical, effective measures should be taken to deal with these influencing factors, and strive to improve the functional recovery after the operation of this type of fracture and reduce the occurrence of related complications.

A Study on the Relationship between the Thermoelectric Properties and Infrared Emission Performance of ZnO/SrTiO3 Composite Materials.

The thermoelectric properties and infrared emissivity of materials may seem unrelated, but both are influenced by electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity. The photothermal effect of SrTiO3 can establish a connection between the Seebeck coefficient and infrared absorption in the 8-14 µm range. However, there is currently limited research on the relationship between thermoelectric performance and infrared emissivity. In this study, ZnO/SrTiO3 composites were prepared using a hydrothermal method combined with spark plasma sintering. The intrinsic relationship between the thermoelectric and infrared emission performance of the composites was investigated by varying the ZnO content. As the ZnO content increased, the grain boundary barrier of the samples changed, affecting both electrical and thermal conductivities. The infrared emissivity initially decreased and then increased with increasing ZnO content, which contrasted with the trend observed in electrical conductivity, in accordance with the Hagen-Rubens relationship. The ZT value and infrared emissivity exhibited opposite trends, with the ZnO-5 sample having the highest thermoelectric performance and the lowest infrared emissivity, making it the most representative sample. The relationship between the thermoelectric performance and infrared emissivity of SrTiO3 is of significant importance for developing multifunctional materials with both thermoelectric and infrared properties.

Excitation-dependent emission and highly efficient near-infrared luminescence in Cs2NaScCl6 double perovskite via Sb3+-Yb3+ alloying for multifunctional photoelectric applications.

A novel Sb3+-Yb3+ co-doped Cs2NaScCl6 double perovskite with multimode luminescence and efficient excitation-dependent emission is proposed. Upon Sb3+-Yb3+ co-substitution in Cs2NaScCl6, NIR emission at 995 nm is greatly enhanced. A new STE emission peaking at 570 nm appears. Its great potential in anti-counterfeiting, LEDs and night vision is successfully demonstrated.

Industry Perspective on First-in-Human and Clinical Pharmacology Strategies to Support Clinical Development of T-Cell Engaging Bispecific Antibodies for Cancer Therapy.

T-cell-engaging bispecific antibodies (TCEs) that target tumor antigens and T cells have shown great promise in treating cancer, particularly in hematological indications. The clinical development of TCEs often involves a lengthy first-in-human (FIH) trial with many dose-escalation cohorts leading up to an early proof of concept (POC), enabling either a no-go decision or dose selection for further clinical development. Multiple factors related to the target, product, disease, and patient population influence the efficacy and safety of TCEs. The intricate mechanism of action limits the translatability of preclinical models to the clinic, thereby posing challenges to streamline clinical development. In addition, unlike traditional chemotherapy, the top dose and recommended phase II doses (RP2Ds) for TCEs in the clinic are often not guided by the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), but rather based on the integrated dose-response assessment of the benefit/risk profile. These uncertainties pose complex challenges for translational and clinical pharmacologists (PK/PD scientists), as well as clinicians, to design an efficient clinical study that guides development. To that end, experts in the field, under the umbrella of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, have reviewed learnings from published literature and currently marketed products to share perspectives on the FIH and clinical pharmacology strategies to support early clinical development of TCEs.

Experiences in providing a community educational resource for the All of Us Researcher Workbench.

OBJECTIVE: Educational offerings to fill the bioinformatics knowledge gap are a key component to enhancing access and use of health data from the All of Us Research Program. We developed a Train the Trainer-based, innovative training series including project-based learning, modular on-demand demonstrations, and unstructured tutorial time as a model for educational engagement in the All of Us community. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We highlight our training modules and content, with training survey data informing cycles of development in the creation of a 6-module training series with modular demonstrations. RESULTS: We have conducted 2 public iterations of the Train the Trainer (Tx3) Series based on survey feedback while training over 300 registered researchers to access and analyze data on the All of Us Researcher Workbench. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Future directions of the Tx3 Series include enhanced focus on project-based learning and learner requests for modularity and asynchronous materials access.

Blockade of CD73 potentiates radiotherapy antitumor immunity and abscopal effects via STING pathway.

Radiotherapy (RT) is a crucial treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, but it often fails to induce systemic antitumor immunity. CD73, an immunomodulatory factor, is upregulated after RT and associated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms driving RT-induced CD73 upregulation in CRC and investigate how combining RT with CD73 blockade stimulates immune responses and induces abscopal effects. Findings revealed that RT-induced CD73 upregulation is mediated by the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) pathway and correlated with RT tolerance, as demonstrated through flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and Western Blotting. Using flow cytometry and multicolor immunofluorescence, experiments demonstrated that in CRC subcutaneous tumor models, combination therapy reduces the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs) while increasing dendritic cells (DCs) and CD8 + T cells, resulting in superior antitumor responses. Additionally, results from flow cytometry, Western Blot, and RNA sequencing demonstrated that combination therapy enhances the antigen-presenting ability of DCs and activates tumor antigen-specific CD8 + T cells, improving their function and delaying their depletion. The activation of the cGAS-STING and IFN-I pathways is crucial for this effect. In summary, the integration of RT with CD73 blockade effectively reverses the immunosuppressive TME and invigorates CD8 + T cell-driven, specific antitumor immune responses. These insights shed fresh light on the mechanisms governing the synergistic modulation of immunity by RT and CD73 blockade in CRC, offering promising avenues for the advancement of therapeutic strategies against CRC.

Reduced-dose chemotherapy and blinatumomab as induction treatment for newly diagnosed Ph-negative B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a phase 2 trial.

Blinatumomab has emerged as a promising component of first-line therapy for acute B-cell precursor lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL), bolstering treatment efficacy. To mitigate CD19 selection pressure and reduce the incidence of blinatumomab-associated toxicities, pre-treatment chemotherapy is recommended before administering blinatumomab. From September 2022 to December 2023, we conducted a single-arm, multicenter, phase 2 trial (NCT05557110) in newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-negative BCP-ALL (Ph-negative BCP-ALL) patients. Participants received induction treatment with reduced-dose chemotherapy (RDC), comprising idarubicin, vindesine, and dexamethasone over 7 days, followed by 2 weeks of blinatumomab. Those failing to achieve composite complete remission (CRc) received an additional 2 weeks of blinatumomab. The primary endpoint was the CRc rate post initial induction treatment. Of the 35 enrolled patients, 33 (94%) achieved CRc after 2 weeks of blinatumomab, with 30 (86%) achieving measurable residual disease (MRD) negativity. Two patients extended blinatumomab to 4 weeks. With either 2 or 4 weeks of blinatumomab treatment, all patients achieved CR (35/35) and 89% (31/35) were MRD negativity. The median time to CR was 22 days. Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome was limited (14%, all grade 1). Non-hematological adverse events of grade 3 or higher included pneumonia (17%), sepsis (6%), and cytokine release syndrome (9%). With a median follow-up of 11.5 months, estimated 1-year overall survival and 1-year progression-free survival rates were 97.1% and 82.2%, respectively. These findings affirm that RDC followed by blinatumomab is an effective and well-tolerated induction regimen for newly diagnosed Ph-negative BCP-ALL, supporting a shift towards less intensive and more targeted therapeutic approaches. Trial registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.Gov . Identifier NCT05557110.

Increased peripheral leukocyte aggravates brain injury and leads to poor outcome in stroke patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis: A study based on clinical evidence.

Whether the dynamic development of peripheral inflammation aggravates brain injury and leads to poor outcome in stroke patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), remains unclear and warrants further study. In this study, total of 1034 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent IVT were enrolled. Serum leukocyte variation (whether increase from baseline to 24 h after IVT), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), infarct volume, early neurologic deterioration (END), the unfavorable outcome at 3-month (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≥3) and mortality were recorded. Serum brain injury biomarkers, including Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin c-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), S100ß, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), were measured to reflect the extent of brain injury. We found that patients with increased serum leukocytes had elevated brain injury biomarkers (GFAP, UCH-L1, and S100ß), larger infarct volume, higher 24 h NIHSS, higher proportion of END, unfavorable outcome and mortality. Furthermore, an increase in serum leukocytes was independently associated with infarct volume, 24 h NIHSS, END, and unfavorable outcome at 3 months, and serum UCH-L1, S100ß, and NSE levels. These results suggest that an increase in serum leukocytes indicates severe brain injury and may be used to predict the outcome of patients with ischemic stroke who undergo IVT.

Safety and Tolerability of Microbial Inulinase Supplementation in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background and Aims: Dietary fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) contribute to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in individuals with FODMAP sensitivity and irritable bowel syndrome. Oral enzyme supplementation is a strategy to reduce dietary FODMAP exposure and limit FODMAP-associated GI distress. This clinical trial investigated the safety of dietary supplementation with a food-grade, microbial inulinase known to hydrolyze fructan-type or inulin-type FODMAPs and related fructo-oligosaccharides in vitro. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design trial was conducted in 60 healthy adult participants of both sexes. Following a 2-week run-in placebo phase, participants were randomized to consume inulinase or placebo capsules twice daily with meals for 4 weeks. The total daily dose of inulinase was 2000 inulinase activity units. Safety measures included blood clinical chemistry, hematology, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, insulin, lactate, and uric acid. GI symptoms were recorded weekly using the 15-item Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Results: Fifty-eight participants completed the study. There were no clinically meaningful between-group differences in blood biomarkers. During the 4-week intervention period, 5 (16.7%) of 30 participants reported 5 adverse events in the inulinase group, and 8 (26.7%) of 30 participants reported 13 adverse events in the placebo group. No statistically significant between-group differences were observed in the change from baseline to 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks of supplementation with respect to the 15-item Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale overall or domain scores. Conclusion: Microbial inulinase supplementation demonstrated a favorable safety profile in healthy adults. Further investigation in a dose-ranging study in individuals with dietary FODMAP, fructan, or inulin sensitivity or irritable bowel syndrome is warranted. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05744700.

Crucial amino acids identified in Δ12 fatty acid desaturases related to linoleic acid production in Perilla frutescens.

Perilla oil from the medicinal crop Perilla frutescens possess a wide range of biological activities and is generally used as an edible oil in many countries. The molecular basis for its formation is of particular relevance to perilla and its breeders. Here in the present study, four PfFAD2 genes were identified in different perilla cultivars, PF40 and PF70, with distinct oil content levels, respectively. Their function was characterized in engineered yeast strain, and among them, PfFAD2-1PF40, PfFAD2-1PF70 had no LA biosynthesis ability, while PfFAD2-2PF40 in cultivar with high oil content levels possessed higher catalytic activity than PfFAD2-2PF70. Key amino acid residues responsible for the enhanced catalytic activity of PfFAD2-2PF40 was identified as residue R221 through sequence alignment, molecular docking, and site-directed mutation studies. Moreover, another four amino acid residues influencing PfFAD2 catalytic activity were discovered through random mutation analysis. This study lays a theoretical foundation for the genetic improvement of high-oil-content perilla cultivars and the biosynthesis of LA and its derivatives.

Enhancement of hybrid organohydrogels by interpenetrating crosslinking strategies for multi-source signal recognition over a wide temperature range.

With substantial temperature differentials between summer and winter in polar regions, there exists a pressing necessity for flexible sensors capable of functioning across a broad temperature spectrum to facilitate the construction of a more intelligent human-machine interface. Nevertheless, developing flexible sensors resilient to extremely low temperatures remains a significant challenge. In this study, we present an organohydrogel capable of functioning ranging from ambient to -78 °C, enabling real-time monitoring of multi-source signals, including motion, physiology, speech, and pressure. We synthesize organohydrogel employing a singular methodology: interpenetrating network structures as matrix frameworks, dynamic hydrophobic linkages as the physical cross-linking points, and incorporating a bionic binder. H-Bonding and chain entanglement synergistic supramolecular interactions build the organohydrogel matrix with microphase-separated domains, which, together with the combination of binary solvents and inorganic salts, allows it to exhibit excellent properties, including large stretchability (≈1700%), high ionic conductivity (1.57 S m-1), admirable sensing sensitivity performance (gauge factor: GF = 6.47, S = 0.32 kPa-1), an exceptionally low-pressure detection threshold (≈1 Pa), enables wireless transmission of distress signals through human-machine interaction even at -78 °C, which makes it possible to use it in polar exploration and to give robots a "sense of touch" for a variety of deep-diving tasks.

The Association Between the Non-essential Metal Mixture and Handgrip Strength in Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

There is limited research on the effects of non-essential metal (NEM) mixture on handgrip strength in the elderly. This study aimed to assess the associations of single NEMs and their mixture with handgrip strength in Chinese community-dwelling older adults. A total of 3807 elderly people aged 60 years or above were included in this study. Measurement of urinary aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), and gallium (Ga) concentrations was conducted by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Handgrip strength was measured using a hand dynamometer. Four statistical models, including general linear regression and generalized additive models (GAMs), as well as Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile-based computation regression (QGC) models, were used to assess the individual and joint effects of urine NEMs with handgrip strength, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, Ga (ß = - 0.27; 95% CI, - 0.54 ~ - 0.01) and As ( ß  = - 0.34; 95% CI, - 0.61 ~ - 0.07) were negatively associated with handgrip strength. The GAMs and BKMR further suggested that the negative associations of Ga and As with handgrip strength were linear and inverted U-shaped, respectively. The BKMR and QGC models showed that the NEM mixture was negatively related to handgrip strength, with Ga and As contributing the most within the mixture. Moreover, we also observed an interaction between As and Ga on handgrip strength. Longitudinal studies are needed to verify these findings.

EGCG suppressed activation of hepatic stellate cells by regulating the PLCE1/IP3/Ca2+ pathway.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), one of the green tea catechins, exhibits significant antioxidant properties that play an essential role in various diseases. However, the functional role and underlying mechanism of EGCG in stimulating of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) remain unexplored in transcriptomics sequencing studies. The present study suggests that oral administration of EGCG at a dosage of 200 mg/kg/day for a duration of four weeks exhibits significant therapeutic potential in a murine model of liver fibrosis induced by CCl4. The activation of HSCs in vitro was dose-dependently inhibited by EGCG. The sequencing analysis data reveled that EGCG exerted a regulatory effect on the calcium signal in mouse HSCs, resulting in a decrease in calcium ion concentration. Further analysis revealed that EGCG inhibited the expression of phospholipase C epsilon-1 (PLCE1) and inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3) in activated mouse HSCs. Additionally, EGCG contributes to the reduction the concentration of calcium ions by regulating PLCE1. After the knockdown of PLCE1, free calcium ion concentrations decreased, resulting in the inhibition of both cell proliferation and migration. Interestingly, the expression of PLCE1 and cytosolic calcium levels were regulated by reactive oxygen species(ROS). Furthermore, our findings suggest that ROS might inhibit the expression of PLCE1 by inhibiting TFEB, a transcription activator involved in the nuclear translocation process. Our study provided novel evidence regarding the regulatory effects of EGCG on activated HSCs (aHSCs) in mice by the calcium signaling pathway, emphasizing the crucial role of PLCE1 within the calcium signaling network of HSCs. The proposition was also made that PLCE1 holds promise as a novel therapeutic target for murine liver fibrosis.

Immune system adaptation during gender-affirming testosterone treatment.

Infectious, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions present differently in males and females. SARS-CoV-2 infection in naive males is associated with increased risk of death, whereas females are at increased risk of long COVID1, similar to observations in other infections2. Females respond more strongly to vaccines, and adverse reactions are more frequent3, like most autoimmune diseases4. Immunological sex differences stem from genetic, hormonal and behavioural factors5 but their relative importance is only partially understood6-8. In individuals assigned female sex at birth and undergoing gender-affirming testosterone therapy (trans men), hormone concentrations change markedly but the immunological consequences are poorly understood. Here we performed longitudinal systems-level analyses in 23 trans men and found that testosterone modulates a cross-regulated axis between type-I interferon and tumour necrosis factor. This is mediated by functional attenuation of type-I interferon responses in both plasmacytoid dendritic cells and monocytes. Conversely, testosterone potentiates monocyte responses leading to increased tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-6 and interleukin-15 production and downstream activation of nuclear factor kappa B-regulated genes and potentiation of interferon-γ responses, primarily in natural killer cells. These findings in trans men are corroborated by sex-divergent responses in public datasets and illustrate the dynamic regulation of human immunity by sex hormones, with implications for the health of individuals undergoing hormone therapy and our understanding of sex-divergent immune responses in cisgender individuals.

Polymer functionalized antimony sulfide quantum dots for broadband optical limiting.

The rapid development of zero-dimensional quantum dots-based nanotechnology has motivated the design and synthesis of novel nano-functional materials for optoelectronic and photonic devices in recent years. Antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) quantum dots (SQDs), with an average diameter of 3.22 nm, were prepared via a top-down liquid ultrasonication exfoliation technique. Highly soluble poly(N-vinylcarbazole)-covalently functionalized SQDs (SQDs-PVK) were synthesized in situ by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, and embedded into a non-optically active poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) matrix giving the SQDs-PVK/PMMA film. The annealed SQDs-PVK/PMMA film showed exceptional nonlinear optical performance, with large nonlinear absorption coefficients of 713.71 cm GW-1 at 532 nm and 913.60 cm GW-1 at 1064 nm, and small limiting thresholds of 1.44 J cm-2 at 532 nm and 1.08 J cm-2 at 1064 nm. These advantages make SQDs-PVK one of the promising candidates for a broadband optical limiter in both the near-infrared and visible ranges.

Preparation of accelerated-wound-healing lignin/dopamine-based nano-Fe3O4 hydrogels in sensing.

Flexible conductive hydrogels hold great promise for applications in motion and medical detection. It is difficult to produce conductive hydrogel epidermal sensors in wearable hydrogels with dependable adhesion, sensing, and wound-healing properties. Nano-Fe3O4 was used as physical cross-linking points in the polyacrylamide/polyvinyl alcohol double network (PP) to increase the strain capacity of the hydrogel. The conductive lignin-dopamine (LD) was immobilized on the surface of Fe3O4 particles, and the LD-coated Fe3O4 was then incorporated into the double network hydrogel to create the PP/LD/Fe3O4 hydrogel. This work was done to look into the possibility of using Fe3O4 hydrogels as flexible strain sensors. The addition of LD/Fe3O4 caused the composite hydrogel to strain up to 124 %, with a modulus of elasticity of 21,308 Pa and electrical conductivity as high as 2.3 S•m-1 following the introduction of LD/Fe3O4. Moreover, the PP/LD/Fe3O4 hydrogel's adhesive qualities offered adequate antimicrobial properties and promoted wound healing. These results indicate that the developed electricity-responsive and tissue-adhesive hydrogel dressing offers a candidate to serve as a tissue sealant for wound healing.

Excessive hydrogen sulfide-induced activation of NMDA receptors in the colon participates in anxiety- and compulsive-like behaviors in a rodent model of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation.

OBJECTIVE: Hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HSR) cause inflammatory responses in the gastrointestinal tract and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gasotransmitter with pleiotropic activity, exhibits anti-inflammatory benefits at physiological levels. However, deleterious effects are observed when its concentration increases. In this investigation, we employed a mouse model of HSR to examine the effects of an H2S scavenger on the gastrointestinal tract and brain, with emphasis on N-Methyl-d-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor function. METHODS: Mice were immediately administered dl-propargylglycine (PAG) intragastrically as an H2S scavenger after HSR exposure. The O-maze and buried beads tests were used to assess compulsive- and anxiety-like behaviors. Pathological changes in the intestine were evaluated at 24 and 30 days after HSR. Subsequently, at 30 days after HSR, we examined electrophysiological and pathological changes in the amygdala. RESULTS: Within 24 h of HSR exposure, animals treated with PAG showed significantly lower colonic injury. Additionally, compared to the HSR-treated mice 30 days after HSR, the PAG-treated mice displayed reduced buried beads, increased open-arm time, lower blood levels of Diamine Oxidase (DAO) and considerably improved ZO-1 intensity, a stronger association between the delta rhythm phase and beta activity amplitude, and lower neuroinflammatory response in the amygdala. MK-801, an NMDA receptor inhibitor, significantly reversed H2S-induced intestinal and cerebral injury. CONCLUSION: This experimental data suggests that H2S-induced excessive activation of NMDA receptors contributes to anxiety- and compulsive-like behaviors caused by HSR.

Stabilizing ultra-close Pt clusters on all-in-one CeO2/Al2O3 fibril-in-tubes against sintering.

Metal sintering poses significant challenges for developing reliable catalytic systems toward high-temperature reactions, particularly those based on metal clusters with sizes below 3 nm. In this work, electrospun dual-oxide fibril-in-tubes consisting of CeO2 and Al2O3 are rationally designed in an all-in-one manner, to stabilize 2.3 nm Pt clusters with a Tammann temperature (sintering onset temperature) lower than 250 °C. The abundant pores and channels effectively stabilize the Pt clusters physically, while the strong support, CeO2, with high adhesion, pins Pt clusters firmly, and the adjacent weak support, Al2O3, with low adhesion, provides energy barriers to prevent the clusters and emitted Pt atom(s) from moving across the support. Therefore, the ultra-close 2.3 nm Pt clusters, featuring an average nearest neighboring distance of only 2.1 nm, were carefully stabilized against sintering at temperatures exceeding 750 °C, even in oxidative and steam-containing environments. In addition, this catalytic system can efficiently and durably serve in diesel combustion, a high-temperature exothermic reaction, showing no activity decline after 5 cycles. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of sinter-resistant catalytic systems, and presents new insights for the development of advanced nanocatalysts.