Silver-Rich Hybrid Framework Iodide Based on [Ag8I6]2+ Clusters Displays Low-Temperature Dual Emission and Luminescence Thermochromism.

Cluster-based framework metal iodides have diverse structures and excellent luminescence properties, and show promising applications in sensing and solid-state lighting. However, the design and synthesis of these materials remain great challenges because excess I- ions introduced into the synthesis systems decrease the condensation degree of M-I units. In this work, a new strategy is developed to control the condensation behavior of Ag-I units, and a new silver-rich cluster-based framework iodide [DabcoAg8I6(SPh)2]n (1) (Dabco = 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane) has been synthesized under solvothermal conditions in the presence of silver thiophenolate (AgSPh)n. Compound 1 features a three-dimensional (3-D) cluster-based framework with a pillared layer structure composed of cationic [Ag8I6]2+ clusters bridged by SPh- and Dabco, and displays low-temperature dual emission and luminescence thermochromism.

Efficacy and safety of ebastine dose escalation in chronic urticaria: A prospective study.

The second-generation antihistamines at licensed doses are first-line treatment in urticaria and up-dosing is recommended as second-line treatment. To assess the efficacy and safety of escalated doses of ebastine in patients with chronic urticaria (CU), we designed this study. Recruited patients with CU were treated with increasing doses of ebstine. Treatment started at the daily dose of 10 mg. The symptom is assessed weekly, and if there is no significant improvement, the dose is increased from 10 mg to 20 mg, and if still no significant improvement, up to 40 mg. Pruritus, number, diameter, duration and frequency of wheals, and adverse reactions were assessed. One hundred and forty (76.50%) patients achieved marked effect with ebastine 10 mg/day, 27 (14.75%) patients with ebastine 20 mg/day and 13 (7.10%) patients with ebastine 40 mg/day, while 3(1.64%) patients did not get marked effect. There was no significant difference of effect between factitious urticaria, CSU, cholinergic urticaria and CSU with factitious urticaria in different dose (all p > 0.05). Common adverse reactions of ebstine treatment, included dry mouth, somnolence, tiredness and headache, were mild or moderate. There was no significant difference between the degree score of dry mouth with different doses of ebastine, and the same to somnolence, tiredness and headache (all p > 0.05). Doses escalation of ebastine should be effective in treatment of factitious urticaria, CSU and cholinergic urticaria with poorly treated by standard of double doses. Increasing ebastine dose did not increase the incidence of adverse reactions.

Efficacy of abrocitinib for atopic dermatitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Introduction: The efficacy of abrocitinib for atopic dermatitis remains controversial. Aim: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of abrocitinib versus placebo on the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Material and methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases up to June 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of abrocitinib versus placebo for patients with atopic dermatitis. This meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model. Results: Four RCTs involving 932 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with the control group for atopic dermatitis, abrocitinib has a remarkably positive impact on IGA response (OR = 6.60; 95% CI: 4.41-9.87; p < 0.00001), EASI-75 (OR = 9.19; 95% CI: 6.20-13.61; p < 0.00001), EASI-90 (OR = 10.50; 95% CI: 5.54-19.93; p < 0.0001), NRS response (OR = 6.99; 95% CI: 4.43-11.01; p < 0.00001) and adverse events (OR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.23-2.52; p = 0.002), but showed no obvious influence on serious adverse events (OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.20-1.44; p = 0.22). Conclusions: Abrocitinib exerts a favorable effect on the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Luminescent Thermochromic Silver Iodides as Wavelength-Dependent Thermometers.

Luminescent thermochromic materials with a dramatic shift of emission band under different temperatures are highly desirable in temperature sensing fields. However, the design of the synthesis of such compounds remains a great challenge. In this work, two new luminescent thermochromic silver iodides, (emIm)Ag3I4 (1) and (emIm)Ag2I3 (2) (emIm = 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazole), have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 features a [Ag3I4]- anionic layer, while compound 2 possesses an infinite [Ag2I3]- chain structure, both of which are charge balanced by emIm+ cations. Particularly, they display luminescent thermochromism with a significant wavelength shift of emission maximum with temperature change. They represent rare examples of infinite layered or chain silver iodides that show luminescent thermochromism. Furthermore, the results indicate that compounds 1 and 2 are promising wavelength-dependent luminescent thermometers.

Mesoporous anion-cation-codoped Co9S8 nanorings for enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reactions.

Recently, the design and synthesis of Co9S8 micro/nanostructures have attracted attention as electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices due to their low cost and environmental friendliness. Herein, Co9S8 nanorings were synthesized via a one-step solvothermal method with the incorporation of Fe ions, subsequently, properly selenized to boost their electrocatalytic performance. The morphology and structure of the series of cation and anion regulated Co9S8 nanorings were characterized, the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) properties were assessed. It is worth noting that the as-prepared catalysts, especially the innovative Fe and Se ions double doped Co9S8 nanorings, denoted as Se/Fe-Co9S8-0.14, exhibited good electrocatalytic OER performance with low overpotential (298 mV) and high durability under alkaline conditions. This work provides a new perspective to develop non-noble metal Co9S8-based OER electrocatalysts with a superior electrocatalytic performance.

VxMn(4-x)Mo3Ce3/Ti catalysts for selective catalytic reduction of NO by NH3.

A series of vanadium based catalysts (VxMn(4-x)Mo3Ce3/Ti) with different vanadium (x wt.%) and manganese ((4-x) wt.%) contents have been prepared by the wet impregnation method and investigated for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx by NH3 in the presence of 8 vol.% H2O and 500 ppmV SO2. The physicochemical characteristics of the catalysts were thoroughly characterized. The SCR of NOx by NH3 (NH3-SCR) activity, especially the low-temperature activity, significantly increased with increasing V2O5 content in the catalyst until the V2O5 content reached 1.5 wt.%, which corresponds well with the redox properties of the catalyst. All of the metal oxides were well dispersed and strongly interacted with each other on the catalyst surface. V mainly exists in the V5+ state in the catalysts. The strong synergistic effect between the vanadium and cerium species led to formation of more Ce3+ species, and that between the vanadium and manganese species contributed to formation of more manganese species with low valences. All of the catalysts exhibited strong acidity, while the redox properties determined the NH3-SCR activity, especially the low-temperature activity. H2O and SO2 had severe inhibiting effects on the activity of V1.5Mn2.5Mo3Ce3/Ti. However, good H2O and SO2 resistance and high NOx conversion by V1.5Mn2.5Mo3Ce3/Ti could be achieved in the presence of SO2 and almost no decline was observed in a long-term test at 275°C for 168 hr in the presence of SO2 and H2O, which can be attributed to the sulfate species formed on the catalyst surface.

NEAT1/miR-23a-3p/KLF3: a novel regulatory axis in melanoma cancer progression.

BACKGROUND: Melanoma is an extremely aggressive malignant skin tumor with high mortality. Many types of long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs have been reported to be associated with the oncogenesis of melanoma. However, a novel lncRNA-NEAT has not been thoroughly investigated in melanoma cancer. The purposes of this study were to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism in a novel couple of lnc-NEAT1 and miR-23a-3p, as well as the function role of KLF3 in the regulation of melanoma cancer. METHODS: 28 groups of tumor tissues and normal tissues were obtained from melanoma cancer patients. We performed a series of experiments and analysis, including RT-qPCR, western blots, CCK-8 assay, and migration/invasion assay, to investigate the expressions of NEAT1, miR-23a-5p and KLF3, cell viabilities, and tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS: In this study, we observed that the expression of NEAT1 was significantly upregulated in melanoma tissues, which remarkedly promoted the cells' proliferation, cell migration, and invasion in melanoma cell lines. Besides, NEAT1 could directly bind to miR-23a-3p, which was found to reverse the effect caused by NEAT1. MiR-23a-3p was discovered to bind to 3'UTR of KLF3, which reduced KLF3 expression. In addition, the overexpression of KLF3 could lower the effects of miR-23a-3p caused on melanoma cancer cell development. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that NEAT1 could sponge miR-23a-3p and functions via the expression of KLF3. This axis of NEAT1/miR-23a-5p/KLF3 could together regulate melanoma cancer proliferation. This might provide a new therapeutic strategy for melanoma skin cancer.Trial registration HBTCM38574839, registered 12 October 2012.

CuO modified vanadium-based SCR catalysts for Hg0 oxidation and NO reduction.

The catalytic performance of Hg0 oxidation over vanadium-based SCR catalysts modified by different addition amounts of CuO was investigated. All catalysts were prepared by impregnation method and characterized. The 7% Cu/VWTi exhibited high Hg0 oxidation as well as a desired NO removal efficiency at 280-360 °C. The characterization revealed the enhancement of redox properties and well-dispersed active species results in the high catalytic performance after modification. The incorporation model showed that CuO in 7% Cu/VWTi was present in the monolayer dispersion, leading to the highest performance. Moreover, the effects of O2, NO, SO2, NH3 and HCl were explored. It showed all flue gas except NH3 could promote Hg0 oxidation. Fortunately, the inhibiting effect of NH3 could be scavenged if the catalyst is installed at the downstream of the SCR reactor. In addition, the mechanism of Hg0 oxidation over Cu/VWTi was discussed.

Unusual Flexibility of Microporous Sulfides during Ion Exchange.

Open-framework chalcogenides with ion-exchange capacity are promising materials for removing hazardous heavy-metal ions and for capturing radioactive Cs+. However, research on the exchange mechanism is limited, especially for the framework chalcogenides that have multiple bridging anions. Generally, open-framework chalcogenides that have multiple bridging anions at the window or wall of the channels are rigid during the ion-exchange process. We show here that microporous sulfides with µ3-S2- (where µ3 = triple bridging mode) at the windows exhibit framework flexibility upon ion exchange. Three new microporous sulfides Na4Cu8Ge3S12·2H2O (1), Na3(Hen)Cu8Sn3S12 (where en = ethylenediamine) (2) and (dap)2(Hdap)4Cu8Ge3S18 (where dap = 1,2-diaminopropane) (3) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Compounds 1 and 2 contain a copper-rich framework composed of icosahedral [Cu8S12]16- units linked via monomeric GeS44- or SnS44- tetrahedral units, whereas compound 3 features an expanded framework composed of icosahedral [Cu8S12]16- units interconnected with dimeric Ge2S64- units. These compounds exhibit unusual ion-exchange properties. Specifically, the frameworks of 1 and 2 (with µ3-S at the small windows) show "breathing action" upon ion exchange of K+ or Rb+, which have relative large sizes, and compound 3 exhibits framework flexibility upon Cs+ ion exchange with both space group and channels changed.

Investigation and analysis of the characteristics and drug sensitivity of bacteria in skin ulcer infections.

PURPOSE: Skin ulcer is a common type of disease affecting patients' health and quality of life, and bacterial infection increases the difficulty of its management. METHODS: The present study collected the results of bacterial culture sampled from the surface of 110 cases of skin ulcers at our hospital from January 2011 to December 2012. We analyzed the constituent ratios of ulcer surface bacteria, the change in the main infectious bacteria and the results of drug-sensitivity testing for common bacteria. In addition, the characteristics of bacterial infection of skin ulcers were summarized. RESULT: Of the 110 samples, 90 isolated bacteria were cultured. Sixty-one were Gram-negative bacteria, mainly comprising Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae and Escherichia coli. In addition, 23 isolates were Gram-positive bacteria, mainly comprising Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. The probability of a negative bacterial culture in 2012 was significantly lower than that in 2011 (16.7% vs. 40.0%, p < 0.01). Moreover, the probability of P. aeruginosa infection in 2012 was significantly higher than that in 2011 (31.7% vs. 14.0%, p < 0.01). P. aeruginosa was resistant to seven commonly used antibiotics. Both K. pneumoniae and E. coli had higher resistance to ampicillin. E. cloacae were not sensitive to piperacillin/tazobactam. Acinetobacter baumannii was resistant to all the tested drugs. S. aureus, E. faecalis and Staphylococcus epidermidis had high resistance to clindamycin. There was other drug resistance to reflect the higher rate of skin bacterial resistance. CONCLUSION: Skin bacterial resistance rate is high. Gram-negative bacteria gradually account for the majority, and P. aeruginosa becomes the most important skin infection pathogen. These characteristics of bacterial infections of skin ulcers provide a significant reference for guiding the selection of antibiotics, better controlling infections of skin ulcers and accelerating the healing of skin ulcers.

Coordination-Induced Syntheses of Two Hybrid Framework Iodides: A Thermochromic Luminescent Thermometer.

Two new 3D hybrid framework iodides, Hmta[(Hmta)Ag4I4] (1; Hmta = hexamethylenetetramine) and [(Hmta)2Ag8I6]I2 (2), have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 consists of a neutral 3D framework built up from alternation of the tetrahedral Ag4I4 unit and Hmta with dia-b topology. Compound 2 features a 3D cationic framework with flu topology, constructed by cationic [Ag8I6](2+) units linked with Hmta. Tetrahedral Hmta plays crucial structure-directing roles in the formation of these 3D frameworks with high symmetry. The temperature-dependent photoluminescent measurement reveals luminescent thermochromism of the compounds, the emission maximum of which shows a gradual blue shift with increasing temperature. The results indicate that 1 is a promising wavelength- and intensity-dependent luminescent thermometer applicable in two different temperature ranges.

Syntheses and Characterization of Chiral Zeolitic Silver Halides Based on 3-Rings.

The synthesis of chiral zeolites remains a significant challenge because the primary tetrahedral building units are achiral and weak interactions exist between the guest and host frameworks. Here, we present the syntheses and characterization of three new chiral zeolitic halides, [H3(Dabco)2]Ag3X6 (X = Br (1) or I (2), Dabco = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) and [H2(Dabco)][(Dabco)Ag4I6] (3). Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural, containing a 4-connected zeolitic framework built up from 3-ring units, with high-charge [H3(Dabco)2]3+ located in chiral cages. Compound 3 contains a similar zeolitic [Ag3I6]3- framework to that of 2, but a [Ag(Dabco)]+ unit is incorporated in each 3-ring, with [H2(Dabco)]2+ located in channels. These frameworks are chiral, representing the first examples of chiral zeolitic halides. The chirality transference of the frameworks for 1 and 2 was attributed to the template effect of the chiral [H3(Dabco)2]3+ through strong electrostatic interactions and multiple hydrogen-bond interactions. For compound 3, direct coordination interactions play important roles in the chirality transference from the chiral Dabco ligand to the framework.

Optimizing skin disease diagnosis: harnessing online community data with contrastive learning and clustering techniques.

Skin diseases pose significant challenges in China. Internet health forums offer a platform for millions of users to discuss skin diseases and share images for early intervention, leaving large amount of valuable dermatology images. However, data quality and annotation challenges limit the potential of these resources for developing diagnostic models. In this study, we proposed a deep-learning model that utilized unannotated dermatology images from diverse online sources. We adopted a contrastive learning approach to learn general representations from unlabeled images and fine-tuned the model on coarsely annotated images from Internet forums. Our model classified 22 common skin diseases. To improve annotation quality, we used a clustering method with a small set of standardized validation images. We tested the model on images collected by 33 experienced dermatologists from 15 tertiary hospitals and achieved a 45.05% top-1 accuracy, outperforming the published baseline model by 3%. Accuracy increased with additional validation images, reaching 49.64% with 50 images per category. Our model also demonstrated transferability to new tasks, such as detecting monkeypox, with a 61.76% top-1 accuracy using only 50 additional images in the training process. We also tested our model on benchmark datasets to show the generalization ability. Our findings highlight the potential of unannotated images from online forums for future dermatology applications and demonstrate the effectiveness of our model for early diagnosis and potential outbreak mitigation.

Nanoarchitectonics of Fe-Doped Ni3S2 Arrays on Ni Foam from MOF Precursors for Promoted Oxygen Evolution Reaction Activity.

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a critical half-reaction in electrochemical overall water splitting and metal-air battery fields; however, the exploitation of the high activity of non-noble metal electrocatalysts to promote the intrinsic slow kinetics of OER is a vital and urgent research topic. Herein, Fe-doped Ni3S2 arrays were derived from MOF precursors and directly grown on nickel foam via the traditional solvothermal way. The arrays integrated into nickel foam can be used as self-supported electrodes directly without any adhesive. Due to the synergistic effect of Fe and Ni elements in the Ni3S2 structure, the optimized Fe2.3%-Ni3S2/NF electrode delivers excellent OER activity in an alkaline medium. The optimized electrode only requires a small overpotential of 233 mV to reach the current density of 10 mA cm-2, and the catalytic activity of the electrode can surpass several related electrodes reported in the literature. In addition, the long-term stability of the Fe2.3%-Ni3S2/NF electrode showed no significant attenuation after 12 h of testing at a current density of 50 mA cm-2. The introduction of Fe ions could modulate the electrical conductivity and morphology of the Ni3S2 structure and thus provide a high electrochemically active area, fast reaction sites, and charge transfer rate for OER activity.

Advancements in acne detection: application of the CenterNet network in smart dermatology.

Introduction: Acne detection is critical in dermatology, focusing on quality control of acne imagery, precise segmentation, and grading. Traditional research has been limited, typically concentrating on singular aspects of acne detection. Methods: We propose a multi-task acne detection method, employing a CenterNet-based training paradigm to develop an advanced detection system. This system collects acne images via smartphones and features multi-task capabilities for detecting image quality and identifying various acne types. It differentiates between noninflammatory acne, papules, pustules, nodules, and provides detailed delineation for cysts and post-acne scars. Results: The implementation of this multi-task learning-based framework in clinical diagnostics demonstrated an 83% accuracy in lesion categorization, surpassing ResNet18 models by 12%. Furthermore, it achieved a 76% precision in lesion stratification, outperforming dermatologists by 16%. Discussion: Our framework represents a advancement in acne detection, offering a comprehensive tool for classification, localization, counting, and precise segmentation. It not only enhances the accuracy of remote acne lesion identification by doctors but also clarifies grading logic and criteria, facilitating easier grading judgments.

Comparative effectiveness and safety of drug therapy for chronic urticaria: a network meta-analysis and risk-benefit assessment.

BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria (CU) is a prevalent chronic skin condition characterized by recurrent wheals. Clinical guidelines recommend multiple drugs for CU treatment. Our study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of drug therapy for CU. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real-world studies (RWSs) in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to assess the response rate, decline in Urticaria Activity Score over 7 Days (UAS7), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and adverse event rates of standard-dose and high-dose H1 antihistamine (H1AH), omalizumab (OMA) 75, 150, and 300 mg, cyclosporine and placebo. The risk-benefit assessment was conducted by probabilistic simulation and stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis (SMAA). RESULTS: A total of 39 studies were identified, including 37 RCTs and 2 RWSs. OMA 300 mg and 150 mg both had significantly higher response rate than standard-dose H1AH (p < 0.05, respectively). OMA 300 mg and 150 mg both consistently led to a huge drop in UAS7 and DLQI compared to standard-dose H1AH and high-dose H1AH (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Regarding risk-benefit assessment, OMA 300 mg emerges as the optimal pharmacological intervention for CU, while OMA 150 mg stands as a secondary alternative compared to H1 antihistamines and cyclosporine.

The abscopal effect of anti-CD95 and radiotherapy in melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy (RT) is frequently adopted to control cancer cell proliferation, which is achieved by altering the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immunogenicity. Apoptosis of cancer cells is the major effect of radiation on tumor tissues. Fas/APO-1(CD95) receptors on the cell membrane are death receptors that can be activated by diverse factors, including radiation and integration with CD95L on CD8+ T cells. The abscopal effect is defined as tumor regression out of the local RT field, and it is produced through anti-tumor immunity. The immune response against the radiated tumor is characterized by the cross-presentation between antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which includes cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) and dendritic cells (DCs). METHODS: The effect of activation and radiation of CD95 receptors on melanoma cell lines was examined in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, bilateral lower limbs were given a subcutaneous injection of a dual-tumor. Tumors in the right limb were radiated with a single dose of 10 Gy (primary tumor), while tumors in the left limb (secondary tumor) were spared. RESULTS: The anti-CD95 treatment plus radiation (combination treatment) reduced growth rates of both primary and secondary tumors relative to the control or radiation groups. In addition, higher degrees of infiltrating CTLs and DCs were detected in the combination treatment compared to the other groups, but the immune response responsible for secondary tumor rejection was not proven to be tumor specific. In vitro, combination treatment combined with radiation resulted in further apoptosis of melanoma cells relative to controls or cells treated with radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Targeting CD95 on cancer cells will induce tumor control and the abscopal effect.

Investigation of in situ sulfide/nitride/phosphide treatments of hematite photoanodes for improved solar water oxidation.

Surface catalyst engineering can effectively improve the photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC-WS) performance of semiconductor photoelectrodes. In situ surface functional treatments can effectively reduce interface defects and improve photogenerated carrier transport. In this study, FTO/Sn@α-Fe2O3/FeOOH photoanodes were modified with in situ sulfide/nitride/phosphide treatments to improve their PEC-WS performance. Compared with the pure α-Fe2O3 photoanode, the photocurrent densities of FTO/Sn@α-Fe2O3/FeOOH photoanodes after sulfide/nitride/phosphide treatments increased from 0.88 to 3.38 mA cm-2 at 1.23 VRHE. The onset potential showed a cathode shift of 0.1 V. Photoelectrochemical analyses and theoretical calculation demonstrated that the surface engineering by sulfide/nitride/phosphide treatments can significantly reduce surface defects, enhance electrical conductivity and promote photogenerated carrier separation and transfer efficiency by regulating interface charge transfer, binding energy and internal electric field. The formation of an FeSx catalyst and N/P coordination complexes in the sulfide/nitride/phosphide processes on the surface of α-Fe2O3 photoanodes can effectively reduce photogenerated carrier recombination. This work provides experimental and theoretical support for surface structure design and improved photoelectric conversion performance of semiconductor photoelectrode materials.

Adjusting zinc deposition behaviors by a modified separator to acquire zinc anodes for aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries.

Aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries (ARZIBs) are ideal for massive and longstanding energy storage applications because of their excellent security and low operation cost. Nevertheless, ARZIBs are subject to the severe corrosion reaction of zinc metal anodes that is derived from the thermodynamic unsteadiness of the zinc anodes in aqueous solution, as well as zinc dendrite growth originating from uncontrolled zinc deposition. Herein, we created a separator by coating a thin piece of polypropylene (PP) with a compound consisting of zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate [Zn(OTf)2] and poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP). Consequently, the severe corrosion reaction of the zinc metal anodes and the profuse formation of zinc dendrites were effectively mitigated by the novel PP separator, which prolonged the lifetime of the zinc metal anodes. When a zinc metal plating layer was used with preferential (002) crystallographic orientation, the cyclic performance over 1100 h of the symmetrical Zn∥Zn battery based on the novel separator was steady. Additionally, the Zn∥MnO2 batteries exhibited an impressive specific capacity and competitive long durability of 75.5% over 500 cycles at a current density of 0.1 A g-1. With this work, we intend to set the standard for designing novel separators in the construction of advanced zinc anodes for high-performance ARZIBs.