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Vertical flow assay (VFA) is an effective point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tool for widespread application. Nevertheless, the lack of multi-target detection and multi-signal readout capability still remains a challenge. Herein, a brand new VFA scheme for multi-target saliva detection based on electronic tags was proposed, where AlGaN/GaN HEMT sensors modified with different bio-receptors as electronic tags endowed the VFA with multi-target detection capability. In addition, the use of electronic tags instead of optical tags allowed the VFA to simultaneously carry out direct multi-target readouts, which ensure effective POC diagnostics for saliva analysis. Moreover, by integrating a hydrophilically optimized micro-sieve, impurities like sticky filaments, epidermal cells and other large-scale charged particles in saliva were effectively screened, which enabled the direct detection of saliva using AlGaN/GaN HEMT sensors. Glucose, urea, and cortisol were selected to verify the feasibility of the multi-target e-VFA scheme, and the results showed that the limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 100 aM. The linear response was demonstrated in the dynamic range of 100 aM to 100 µM, and the specificity, long-term stability and validity of the actual saliva test were also verified. These results demonstrated that the as-proposed e-VFA has potential for application in saliva detection for simultaneous multi-target detection, and it is expected to achieve the real-time detection of more biological targets in saliva.
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Gálio , Hidrocortisona , Limite de Detecção , Saliva , Saliva/química , Gálio/química , Humanos , Hidrocortisona/análise , Glucose/análise , Ureia/análise , Ureia/química , Técnicas Biossensoriais/métodos , Técnicas Biossensoriais/instrumentação , Sistemas Automatizados de Assistência Junto ao Leito , Compostos de Alumínio/químicaRESUMO
Designing new compounds based on anion regulation has been widely favored due to the production of diverse crystal structures and excellent optical properties. Here, a new nitrate oxyfluoride, Hg16O12(NO3)6F2(H2O), has been obtained through a hydrothermal reaction. It crystallizes in the centric Ibca space group and shows a novel three-dimensional [(Hg16O12F2(H2O))6+]∞ cationic framework composed of interconnected HgO2F, HgO3, and HgO2(H2O) units, with isolated NO3- groups as balanced anions to build the whole structure. Notably, the HgO2F and HgO2(H2O) units are first presented here among mercury (Hg)-based compounds. Additionally, Hg16O12(NO3)6F2(H2O) exhibits a large birefringence of 0.17 at 546 nm. This work enriches the multiformity of Hg-based compounds and provides a route for developing promising birefringent materials.
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Anisotropy is crucial for birefringence (Δn) in optical materials, but optimizing it remains a formidable challenge (Δn >0.3). Supramolecular frameworks incorporating π-conjugated components are promising for achieving enhanced birefringence because of their structural diversity and inherent anisotropy. Herein, we first synthesized (C6H6NO2)+Cl- (NAC) and then constructed a halogen-bonded supramolecular framework I+(C6H4NO2)- (INA) by halogen aliovalent substitution of Cl- with I+. The organic moieties are protonated and deprotonated nicotinic acid (NA), respectively. The antiparallel arrangement of birefringent-active units in NAC and INA leads to significant differences in the bonding characteristics between the interlayer and intralayer domains. Moreover, the [Oâ â â I+â â â N] halogen bond in 1D [I+(C6H4NO2)-] chain exhibits stronger interactions and stricter directionality, resulting in a more pronounced in-plane anisotropy between the intrachain and interchain directions. Consequently, INA exhibits exceptional birefringent performance, with a value of 0.778 at 550â nm, twice that of NAC (0.363 at 550â nm). This value significantly exceeds those of commercial birefringent crystals, such as CaCO3 (0.172 at 546â nm), and is the highest reported value among ultraviolet birefringent crystals. This work presents a novel design strategy that employs halogen bonds as connection sites and modes for birefringent-active units, opening new avenues for developing high-performance birefringent crystals.
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In this paper, we present a real-time measurement technology for the free spectral range (FSR) of an ultrahigh-aspect-ratio silicon nitride (Si3N4) waveguide ring resonator (WRR). Two different correlated resonant modes were tracked by two optical single-sideband frequency-shifted lights to eliminate interference noise in the Pound-Drever-Hall error signals. A relative precision of 0.1474â ppm was achieved for a 35 mm WRR with FSR = 1,844,944.5 kHz and finesse (F) = 13.2. Furthermore, a cross-correlation of 0.913 between FSR-calculated and thermistor-measured temperatures indicated a high correlation between the real-time FSR and room temperature. We believe this technology is currently the best way to realize low-finesse (F < 50) real-time FSR measurements in the GHz range.
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Polycrystalline anatase titanium dioxide has drawn great interest, because of its potential applications in high-efficiency photovoltaics and photocatalysts. There has been speculation on the electronic properties of grain boundaries but little direct evidence, because grain boundaries in anatase are challenging to probe experimentally and to model. We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of anatase grain boundaries that have been fabricated by epitaxial growth on a bicrystalline substrate, allowing accurate atomic-scale models to be determined. The electronic structure in the vicinity of stoichiometric grain boundaries is relatively benign to device performance but segregation of oxygen vacancies introduces barriers to electron transport, because of the development of a space charge region. An intrinsically oxygen-deficient boundary exhibits charge trapping consistent with electron energy loss spectroscopy measurements. We discuss strategies for the synthesis of polycrystalline anatase in order to minimize the formation of such deleterious grain boundaries.
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Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a type of sterile inflammation of the pancreas, potentially leading to systemic inflammatory response syndrome or multiple organ failure. An emerging evidence that dysfunction of miRNA expression may alter pivotal physiological functions and lead to inflammation infiltration and complication of multiple diseases, including AP. Here, the AP model was successfully replicated using cerulein in vitro and in vivo. RT-qPCR was used to detect low expression of miR-148a in AP. This study verified that IL-6 was a direct target of miR-148a. Over-expression of miR-148a decreased the mRNA and protein levels of IL-6 by RT-qPCR and Elisa. Moreover, over-expression of miR-148a improved the pathological state of AP through H&E and MPO staining and transmission electron microscopy. After over-expressing miR-148a, Western blot and immunohistochemical method were used to confirm the reduction of autophagosomes and autolysosomes, blockade of the levels of p-STAT3, LC3-II, ATG7, ATG4c, Beclin1 and the increased p62 expression in AP. The expression of LAMP-2 was not significantly different. In addition, IL-6 and AG490, the IL-6/STAT3 signaling inhibitor, were used to verify the role of IL-6/STAT3 signaling in the regulation of miR-148a on autophagy in cerulein-induced AP in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, our findings indicate that miR-148a suppresses autophagy via regulating IL-6/STAT3 signaling in cerulein-induced AP in vitro and in vivo. The miR-148a appears to be a promising candidate for the gene therapy of AP.
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Autofagia/efeitos dos fármacos , Terapia Genética/métodos , Interleucina-6/biossíntese , MicroRNAs/uso terapêutico , Pancreatite/terapia , Fator de Transcrição STAT3/biossíntese , Transdução de Sinais/efeitos dos fármacos , Doença Aguda , Animais , Linhagem Celular , Ceruletídeo , Regulação para Baixo/efeitos dos fármacos , Regulação da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Vetores Genéticos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Pancreatite/induzido quimicamente , Pancreatite/patologia , Ratos , Fator de Transcrição STAT3/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
In this report, we have developed a high sensitivity zinc ion (Zn2+) detection method based on a Schiff base functionalized extended gate (EG)-AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility (HEMT) sensor. The complexation reaction between the Schiff base and the zinc ions would cause surface potential change on the extended gate, and achieve the purpose of zinc ion detection. Compared with conventional methods, the Schiff base functionalized EG-AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility sensor showed a rapid response (less than 10 seconds) and the limit of detection (LOD) was 1 fM. At the same time, the real-time detection of zinc ion concentration ranging from 1 fM to 1 µM showed good linearity (R2 = 0.9962). These results indicated that it provides a promising real-time detection method for trace-free zinc ion trace detection.
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BACKGROUND: Kidneys from deceased donors are being used to meet the growing need for grafts. However, delayed graft function (DGF) and acute rejection incidences are high, leading to adverse effects on graft outcomes. Optimal induction intervention should include both renal structure injury repair and immune response suppression. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with potent anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and immune-modulatory properties are considered a candidate to prevent DGF and acute rejection in renal transplantation. Thus, this prospective multicenter paired study aimed to assess the clinical value of allogeneic MSCs as induction therapy to prevent both DGF and acute rejection in deceased donor renal transplantation. METHODS: Forty-two renal allograft recipients were recruited and divided into trial and control groups. The trial group (21 cases) received 2 × 106/kg human umbilical-cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) via the peripheral vein before renal transplantation, and 5 × 106 cells via the renal artery during the surgical procedure. All recipients received standard induction therapy. Incidences of DGF and biopsy-proven acute rejection were recorded postoperatively and severe postoperative complications were assessed. Graft and recipient survivals were also evaluated. RESULTS: Treatment with UC-MSCs achieved comparable graft and recipient survivals with non-MSC treatment (P = 0.97 and 0.15, respectively). No increase in postoperative complications, including DGF and acute rejection, were observed (incidence of DGF: 9.5% in the MSC group versus 33.3% in the non-MSC group, P = 0.13; Incidence of acute rejection: 14.3% versus 4.8%, P = 0.61). Equal postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rates were found between the two groups (P = 0.88). All patients tolerated the MSCs infusion without adverse clinical effects. Additionally, a multiprobe fluorescence in situ hybridization assay revealed that UC-MSCs administered via the renal artery were absent from the recipient's biopsy sample. CONCLUSIONS: Umbilical-cord-derived MSCs can be used as clinically feasible and safe induction therapy. Adequate timing and frequency of UC-MSCs administration may have a significant effect on graft and recipient outcomes. Trial registration NCT02490020 . Registered on June 29 2015.
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Transplante de Rim , Transplante de Células-Tronco Mesenquimais , Células-Tronco Mesenquimais/citologia , Adulto , Estudos de Viabilidade , Feminino , Seguimentos , Taxa de Filtração Glomerular , Humanos , Estimativa de Kaplan-Meier , Masculino , Projetos Piloto , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/etiologia , Doadores de Tecidos , Transplante Homólogo , Resultado do Tratamento , Cordão Umbilical/citologiaRESUMO
A molecular gated-AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor has been developed for pH detection. The sensing surface of the sensor was modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane to provide amphoteric amine groups, which would play the role of receptors for pH detection. On modification with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, the transistor exhibits good chemical stability in hydrochloric acid solution and is sensitive for pH detection. Thus, our molecular gated-AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor acheived good electrical performances such as chemical stability (remained stable in hydrochloric acid solution), good sensitivity (37.17 µA/pH) and low hysteresis. The results indicate a promising future for high-quality sensors for pH detection.
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BACKGROUND: In addition to the airway-relaxing effects, ß2 adrenergic receptor (ß2AR) agonists are also found to have broad anti-inflammatory effects. The current study was conducted to define the role of ß2AR agonists in limiting myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). MethodsâandâResults: Adult male wild-type (WT) and interleukin (IL)-10 knockout (KO) mice underwent a 40-min left coronary artery ligation and 60-min reperfusion. A selective ß2AR agonist, Clenbuterol, at doses of 0.1 µg or 1 µg/g weight i.v. 5 min before reperfusion, significantly reduced myocardial infarct size (IS) by 28% and 39% (vs. control, P<0.05) in WT mice respectively, but had no protective effect in IL-10 KO mice. Inhalational therapy with nebulized Clenbuterol, Albuterol, Salmeterol or Arformoterol immediately before ischemia significantly reduced IS (P<0.05) in WT mice. Splenectomy similarly reduced IS as Clenbuterol-treated mice, but intravenous Clenbuterol did not further reduce IS in splenectomized mice. In splenectomized WT mice, acute transfer of isolated splenocytes, not the Clenbuterol-pretreated splenocytes, restored the myocardial IS to the level of intact mice. Intravenous Clenbuterol significantly increased splenic protein levels of ß2AR, phosphorylated Akt and IL-10 and plasma IL-10, and inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory mRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: Both intravenous and inhalational ß2AR agonists exert a cardioprotective effect against IRI by activating the anti-inflammatory ß2AR-IL-10 pathway.
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Agonistas de Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2/farmacologia , Interleucina-10/metabolismo , Traumatismo por Reperfusão Miocárdica/metabolismo , Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2/metabolismo , Baço/metabolismo , Animais , Inflamação/tratamento farmacológico , Inflamação/genética , Inflamação/metabolismo , Inflamação/patologia , Interleucina-10/genética , Camundongos , Camundongos Knockout , Traumatismo por Reperfusão Miocárdica/tratamento farmacológico , Traumatismo por Reperfusão Miocárdica/genética , Traumatismo por Reperfusão Miocárdica/patologia , Receptores Adrenérgicos beta 2/genética , Baço/patologiaRESUMO
PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between the APACHE II score and the immunity of patients with severe acute pancreatitis. METHODS: Clinical data were collected from 88 patients with acute pancreatitis, divided into four groups according to the severity of the disease. C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, interleukin-4 and endotoxin (ET) in serum were measured on admission and then on days 3, 5, and 7. RESULTS: The incidence of local complications and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome increased with a higher APACHE II score. The CRP levels were increased significantly on day 3 in all four groups, but remained high only in the extremely severe group. In the mild and moderate groups, the pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines peaked on day 3 and then decreased slowly. In the severe and extremely severe groups, the proinflammatory cytokines levels peaked on days 3 and 5, and then decreased rapidly. The antiinflammatory cytokines increased progressively on days 3, 5 and 7. The ET levels peaked significantly and then decreased slowly in the mild, moderate and severe groups, but remained high in the extremely severe group. CONCLUSIONS: An APACHE II score of 16 or higher is predictive of more local and systemic complications, excessive immune response, and premature immunosuppression.
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Pancreatite/imunologia , APACHE , Doença Aguda , Adulto , Idoso , Biomarcadores/sangue , Proteína C-Reativa/análise , Endotoxinas/sangue , Feminino , Humanos , Hospedeiro Imunocomprometido , Mediadores da Inflamação/sangue , Interleucina-10/sangue , Interleucina-4/sangue , Interleucina-6/sangue , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Índice de Gravidade de Doença , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/sangueRESUMO
Herein, the first F-containing iodate-phosphate, namely Ba2Ga2F6(IO3)(PO4), was prepared via a hydrothermal reaction, in which HPF6 (70 wt% solution in water) was used as the source of both fluoride and phosphate anions for the first time. Ba2Ga2F6(IO3)(PO4) features an unprecedented 1D [Ga2F6(IO3)(PO4)]4- helix chain, composed of a 1D Ga(1)(IO3)O4F chain via the bridging of 0D Ga(2)(PO4)F5. The UV-Vis spectrum shows that Ba2Ga2F6(IO3)(PO4) has a wide bandgap with a short-UV absorption edge (4.35 eV; 253 nm). Birefringence measurement under a polarizing microscope shows that Ba2Ga2F6(IO3)(PO4) displays a moderate birefringence of 0.072@550 nm, which is consistent with the value (0.070@550 nm) obtained by DFT calculations, indicating that Ba2Ga2F6(IO3)(PO4) has potential applications as a short-UV birefringent material. This study highlights the crucial role played by the incorporation of specific functional groups into compounds, shedding light on their contribution to promising inorganic functional materials.
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Splenic abscesses caused by Streptococcus bovis are rarely reported in the literature and are mainly seen in patients with endocarditis and associated colonic neoplasia/carcinoma. We report the first case of splenic abscess caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus (Streptococcus bovis biotype II/2) as presentation of a pancreatic cancer.
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Abscesso/diagnóstico , Esplenopatias/diagnóstico , Infecções Estreptocócicas/diagnóstico , Streptococcus/isolamento & purificação , Abscesso/microbiologia , Abscesso/patologia , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/diagnóstico , Radiografia Abdominal , Esplenopatias/microbiologia , Esplenopatias/patologia , Infecções Estreptocócicas/microbiologia , Infecções Estreptocócicas/patologia , Streptococcus/classificação , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios XRESUMO
The 6MF-30 pneumatic extinguisher is a widely utilized and efficient tool for combating wildland fires. However, using incorrect extinguishing angles can diminish its effectiveness. This study aimed to determine the optimal extinguishing angle for the 6MF-30 pneumatic extinguisher by conducting computational fluid dynamics simulations and experimental verification. The findings revealed that ground roughness did not significantly affect the optimal extinguishing angle or the attenuation of jet velocity near the fan outlet region. The study determined that an optimal extinguishing angle of 37° applies to lossless ground, natural grassland, grassland with artificial disturbance, and enclosed grassland. Furthermore, among the selected angles, the highest rate of jet velocity reduction was observed at 45°, whereas the slowest reduction occurred at 20° and 25°. These findings offer valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing the efficacy of wildland fire-fighting when employing the 6MF-30 pneumatic extinguisher.
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Incêndios , Procedimentos de Cirurgia Plástica , Incêndios Florestais , Hidrodinâmica , Resolução de ProblemasRESUMO
The unreasonable design of guide vanes in the axial fan could have negative effects. In order to enhance the performance, the relationship between the air volume flow rate of the selected axial fan and geometric parameters of guide vanes is firstly analysed by DOE and CFD, and optimal parameters are found by the Gaussian Process method. Results show that the number and total chord of guide vanes have a nonlinear effect on the air volume flow, and the total chord of vanes is the main factor in affecting calculation results. For the particular configuration studied here, the optimal design of guide vanes shows that lessening the chord of vanes by 38 mm and increasing the number of the vanes to 18 could produce more airflow under the same rotation speed.
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In this study, the effect of microstructure under various dose rates of plasma immersion ion implantation on 8Cr4Mo4V steel has been investigated for crystallite size, lattice strain and dislocation density. The phase composition and structure parameters including crystallite size, dislocation density and lattice strain have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements and determined from Scherrer's equation and three different Williamson-Hall (W-H) methods. The obtained results reveal that a refined crystallite size, enlarged microstrain and increased dislocation density can be obtained for the 8Cr4Mo4V steel treated by different dose rates of ion implantation. Compared to the crystallite size (15.95 nm), microstrain (5.69 × 10-3) and dislocation density (8.48 × 1015) of the dose rate of 2.60 × 1017 ions/cm2·h, the finest grain size, the largest microstrain and the highest dislocation density of implanted samples can be achieved when the dose rate rises to 5.18 × 1017 ions/cm2·h, the effect of refining is 26.13%, and the increment of microstrain and dislocation density are 26.3% and 45.6%, respectively. Moreover, the Williamson-Hall plots are fitted linearly by taking ßcosθ along the y-axis and 4sinθ or 4sinθ/Yhkl or 4sinθ(2/Yhkl)1/2 along the x-axis. In all of the W-H graphs, it can be observed that some of the implanted samples present a negative and a positive slope; a negative and a positive slope in the plot indicate the presence of compressive and tensile strain in the material.
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Transplant renal vein thrombosis is a rare complication after kidney transplantation, which can seriously threaten graft survival. Though the measures like thrombolytic therapy or operative intervention could be taken to deal with this complication, allograft loss is the most common outcome. Thus, early finding as well as decisive intervention is crucial to saving the graft. Here we present a 46-year-old male patient who underwent kidney transplantation from a cadaveric donor who developed a transplant renal venous thrombosis induced by acute diarrhea more than 1 year after renal transplantation with an initial symptom of sudden anuria and pain in the graft area. Subsequently, serum creatinine levels increased to 810.0 µmol/L. Pelvic CT showed increased vascular density of the transplanted kidney, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound confirmed venous thrombosis. The patient was treated with heparin sodium alone and diuresis gradually resumed. After more than 1 year of follow-up, serum creatinine returned to the baseline level prior to thrombosis. Our case indicates that quick ancillary examination and treatment without hesitation would be indispensable in rescuing allografts with renal vein thrombus. Unfractionated heparin can be recommended as an effective treatment for mid-long-term renal transplantation patients with renal vein thrombosis.
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This research presents a comprehensive analysis of deep neural network models (DNNs) for the precise prediction of Vickers hardness (HV) in nitrided and carburized M50NiL steel samples, with hardness values spanning from 400 to 1000 HV. By conducting rigorous experimentation and obtaining corresponding nanoindentation data, we evaluated the performance of four distinct neural network architectures: Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory network (LSTM), and Transformer. Our findings reveal that MLP and LSTM models excel in predictive accuracy and efficiency, with MLP showing exceptional iteration efficiency and predictive precision. The study validates models for broad application in various steel types and confirms nanoindentation as an effective direct measure for HV hardness in thin films and gradient-variable regions. This work contributes a validated and versatile approach to the hardness assessment of thin-film materials and those with intricate microstructures, enhancing material characterization and potential application in advanced material engineering.
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Piezoelectric micromechanical ultrasonic transducers (pMUTs) are new types of distance sensors with great potential for applications in automotive, unmanned aerial vehicle, robotics, and smart homes. However, previously reported pMUTs are limited by a short sensing distance due to lower output sound pressure. In this work, a pMUT with a special dual-ring structure based on scandium-doped aluminum nitride (ScAlN) is proposed. The combination of a dual-ring structure with pinned boundary conditions and a high piezoelectric performance ScAlN film allows the pMUT to achieve a large dynamic displacement of 2.87 µm/V and a high electromechanical coupling coefficient (kt2) of 8.92%. The results of ranging experiments show that a single pMUT achieves a distance sensing of 6 m at a resonant frequency of 91 kHz, the farthest distance sensing registered to date. This pMUT provides surprisingly fertile ground for various distance sensing applications.
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In this study, we identify a novel class of second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals, non-π-conjugated piperazine (H10C4N2, PIP) metal halides, represented by two centimeter-sized, noncentrosymmetric organic-inorganic metal halides (OIMHs), namely H12C4N2CdI4 (P212121) and H11C4N2CdI3 (Cc). H12C4N2CdI4 is the first to be prepared, and its structure contains a CdI4 tetrahedron, which led to a poor NLO performance, including a weak and non-phase-matchable second harmonic generation (SHG) response of 0.5 × KH2PO4 (KDP), a small birefringence of 0.047 @1064 nm and a narrow bandgap of 3.86 eV. Moreover, H12C4N2CdI4 is regarded as the model compound, and we further obtain H11C4N2CdI3via the replacement of CdI4 with a highly polarizable CdNI3 tetrahedron, which results in a sharp enhancement of SHG response and birefringence. H11C4N2CdI3 exhibits a promising NLO performance including 6 × KDP, 4.10 eV, Δn = 0.074 @1064 nm and phase matchability, indicating that it is the first OIMH to simultaneously exhibit strong SHG response (>5 × KDP) and a wide bandgap (>4.0 eV). Our work presents a novel direction for designing high-performance NLO crystals based on organic-inorganic halides and provides important insights into the role of the hybridized tetrahedron in enhancing the SHG response and birefringence.