Central nervous system anomalies in 41 Chinese children incontinentia pigmenti.

INTRODUCTION: Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare neuroectodermal dysplasia caused by a defect in the IKBKG gene. The pathogenesis of central nervous system injury is believed to be related to microvascular ischemia. Currently, few treatment strategies are available for the inflammatory phase. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective descriptive analysis included the clinical data of 41 children with IP collected from 2007 to 2021 in Xi'an, China, comprising clinical characteristics, imaging findings, blood cell analysis, skin histopathology, and genetic data. RESULTS: Fourteen children (34%) aged 4 days to 5 months exhibited clinical signs and symptoms, including convulsions, delayed psychomotor development following neurological damage, and revealed significant MRI abnormalities, including ischemia, hypoxia, cerebral hypoperfusion, hemorrhage, encephalomalacia, and cerebral atrophy. Eight of the 24 patients (33%) presented with retinal vascular tortuosity and telangiectasis, accompanied by neovascularization and hemorrhage. Thirty-eight children (93%) had elevated eosinophils (mean: 3.63 ± 4.46 × 109), and 28 children (68%) had significantly elevated platelets (mean: 420.16 ± 179.43 × 109). Histopathology of skin revealed microvascular extravasation and vasodilation with perivascular and intravascular eosinophilic infiltration. CONCLUSION: Brain injury in IP occurs during infancy until 5 months of age, which is also the acute dermatitis phase accompanied by eosinophilia and an increased platelet count. This study provides evidence of microvascular damage to the skin and fundus during the inflammatory phase. The mechanism of microvascular damage may be similar to that in the brain.

Precursor-Directed Biosynthesis of Neoantimycin Derivatives with Selective Cytotoxicity.

A precursor-directed biosynthesis approach led to the accumulation of seven new neoantimycin derivatives (1-7) from Streptomyces conglobatus RJ2. Structure elucidation was conducted using NMR and HRESIMS analysis, and the absolute configuration was determined by advanced Marfey's method, Mosher's analysis, and ECD analysis. The obtained compounds revealed selective and significant cytotoxicity, specifically against colorectal cancer cells bearing the K-ras mutation, with IC50 values ranging from 40 nM to 3.5 µM.

18-Residue Peptaibols Produced by the Sponge-Derived Trichoderma sp. GXIMD 01001.

Seven new 18-residue peptaibols, trichorzins A-G (1-7), were isolated from the sponge-derived fungus Trichoderma sp. GXIMD 01001. Their structures and configurations were characterized by a comprehensive interpretation of the NMR spectroscopic data, MS/MS fragmentation, Marfey's method, and ECD analysis. The general sequences of trichorzins A-G are as follows: Ac-Aib1-Ala/Ser2-Ala3-Aib/Iva4-Iva5-Gln6-Aib/Iva7-Val/allo-Ile8-Aib9-Gly10-Leu11-Aib12-Pro13-Leu14-Aib15-Aib16-Gln17-Trpol/Pheol18. The obtained compounds were assessed for their potential antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities. All obtained compounds did not show potent antibacterial activity but exhibited significant cytotoxicity, with the lowest IC50 values at 0.46-4.7 µM against four human carcinoma cell lines.

An Investigation Into Whether the Facial Nerve and Auditory Nerve can be Protected by Removal of the Posterior Wall of the Internal Auditory Canal Under 30° Neuroendoscopy During Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical technique of microresection of vestibular schwannoma by removing the posterior wall of the internal auditory canal (IAC) under neuroelectrophysiological monitoring and 30° neuroendoscopy, with respect to the protection of facial and auditory nerve function. Forty-five cases of microscopic resection of auditory neuromas were performed through a posterior approach to the inferior occipital sigmoid sinus using a 30° neuroendoscope to assist in the removal of the posterior wall of the IAC during surgery. Patients underwent cranial enhancement magnetic resonance imaging examination and functional assessment of the facial and auditory nerves before and after surgery, and clinical data were collected for retrospective analysis. All tumors were removed in 41 patients, and most of the tumors were removed in 4 patients. The facial nerve was anatomically preserved in 43 patients (95.6%), and the percentage of facial nerve function preservation (House-Brackmann grade I-II) was 84.4%. Forty patients (88.9%) had anatomical preservation of the auditory nerve, with a 66.7% functional preservation rate. At 3 to 39 months of follow-up, 45 patients were reviewed with 3.0 T-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, and no tumor recurrence was observed in any of the patients. Microscopic resection of auditory neuroma through the posterior approach of the inferior occipital sigmoid sinus with intraoperative use of 30° neuroendoscopic assistance to abrade the posterior wall of the IAC can eliminate dead space in certain anatomical areas during surgery and minimize surgical damage to the facial and auditory nerves, which is the basis for preservation of facial and auditory nerve function.

Design of an ultra-broadband optical filter based on a local micro-structured long period fiber grating near PMTP.

This paper presents a local micro-structured long period fiber grating (LMS-LPFG) ultra-broadband optical filter based on the wide bandwidth near the phase-matching turning point (PMTP). The structure of LMS-LPFG is obtained by dividing a LPFG into two parts of equal length and reducing the cladding radius of the second LPFG. At this time, the LMS-LPFG can be regarded as a cascade of two equal-length LPFGs with different resonance wavelengths. The cladding mode and grating period are determined to make the first LPFG work in the double-peak resonance state, and the second LPFG operates near PMTP. It is found that the transmission spectra of the two LPFGs can be superimposed to form a wide loss bandwidth. Then the cladding radii of the second LPFG and grating structure parameters are designed based on coupled-mode theory. First, the grating period corresponding to the operating wavelength is determined from the phase-matching curve of LMS-LPFG. Then, the radius of the second LPFG with a designated grating period is selected to make LPFG 2 work in PMTP by reducing its cladding radius. In addition, the grating lengths of the two LPFGs are determined by maximizing the loss of the LMS-LPFG's transmission spectrum. Finally, the two LPFGs are cascaded into a LMS-LPFG, and the optical transmission spectrum of the LMS-LPFG is calculated by the transfer matrix method. Simulation results show that the bandwidth of the transmission spectrum can reach 380 nm. In addition, the flexibility of design for the operating wave band is discussed and confirmed, and can meet different actual requirements of optical communication.

Production of 3-desmethyl protostreptovaricin I from the genetically engineered Streptomyces spectabilis CCTCC M2017417.

A new streptovaricin analogue, namely 3-desmethyl protostreptovaricin I (1), was isolated from the culture of the genetically engineered strain ΔstvM2 derived from Streptomyces spectabilis CCTCC M2017417. Its structure was elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D and 2D NMR tests, and high resolution mass spectrometry analysis. Compound 1 is the first example of 3-desmethyl streptovaricin analogues reported so far, however, it showed no antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213.

Ansavaricin J, a New Heterocyclic Ring-Fused Streptovaricin from Gene stvP5-Deleted Mutant of Streptomyces spectabilis CCTCC M2017417.

A new ring-fused streptovaricin analogue, named ansavaricin J, was unprecedently isolated from the culture of the genetically modified strains ΔstvP5 which derived from Streptomyces spectabilis CCTCC M2017417. Its structure was elucidated via comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including 1D- and 2D-NMR tests, and HR-ESI-MS data analysis. Notably, ansavaricin J and E represent the only two reported examples of heterocyclic ring-fused streptovaricins thus far, however, it only showed insignificant antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus.

Mouse CD8+NKT-like cells exert dual cytotoxicity against mouse tumor cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells.

Our previous work has demonstrated the high efficiency of CD8+ natural killer T (NKT)-like cells in killing antigen-bearing dendritic cells. To evaluate their role in the tumor microenvironment, we performed in vitro and in vivo antitumor experiments to investigate whether CD8+NKT-like cells could kill Yac-1 and B16 cells like NK cells and kill EL4-OVA8 cells in an antigen-specific manner like cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Unlike NK1.1-CTLs, CD8+NKT-like cells also exhibit the capability to kill myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in an antigen-specific manner, indicative of their potential role in clearing tumor antigen-bearing MDSCs to improve the antitumor microenvironment. In vitro blocking experiments showed that granzyme B inhibitor efficiently suppressed the cytotoxicity of CD8+NKT-like cells against tumor cells and MDSCs, while Fas ligand (FasL) or tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) inhibition failed to produce similar effects. Transcriptomic and phenotypic analyses of CD8+NKT-like cells, NK cells, and NK1.1-CTLs indicated that CD8+NKT-like cells expressed both T-cell activation markers and NK cell markers, thus bearing features of both the activated T cells and NK cells. Taken together, CD8+NKT-like cells could exert NK- and CTL-like antitumor effects through the elimination of both tumor cells and MDSCs in a granzyme B-dependent manner.

Multistimuli-responsive supramolecular gels: design rationale, recent advances, and perspectives.

This manuscript presents a brief overview of recent advances in multistimuli-responsive supramolecular gels (MRSGs). The synthesis of MRSGs with faster and smarter responsive abilities to a variety of external stimuli, such as redox reagents, pH changes, ligands, and coupling reagents, is one key issue for the upgrade of current molecular motors, signal sensors, shape memory devices, drug delivery systems, display devices, and other devices. However, the design rules of MRSGs are still not well understood. The lack of information about the relationship between the spatial structure and gelation behavior of existing gelators means that the knowledge required to design new gelators by the addition of functional moieties to well-known gelators is lacking. Insights into the gelation pathway of known gelators may bring inspiration to researchers who want to exploit elegant designs and specific building blocks to obtain their own MRSGs with predictable stimuli-responsive abilities.

Robust Transparent Photothermal Omniphobic Coating for Efficient Anti/Deicing and Antifogging.

Icing and fogging on optical material surfaces bring various problems in daily life. Recently, some photothermal coatings have been reported to prevent the condensation or freeze of water droplets by increasing the surface temperature. However, it is a great challenge to apply them in practical conditions due to their opaqueness and poor mechanical wear-resistant property. In this work, we constructed a robust transparent photothermal omniphobic coating with a simple dip-coating technique. In the coating system, photothermal polypyrrole nanoparticles are introduced into inorganic silica networks, and then polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brushes were grafted on the inorganic silica layer to endow the surface with omniphobicity and stain resistance. The transparency and photothermal capacity of the coating can be regulated by the deposition times of the coating. In addition, the coating has an excellent anti/deicing property and reduces ice adhesion obviously due to the existence of "liquid-like" PDMS brushes. More importantly, the coating presents outstanding mechanical wear-resistant and self-lubricating properties that can endure several thousand friction cycles without performance loss. The mechanically robust photothermal omniphobic coating gives a feasible approach to anti-icing and antifogging of transparent substrates under sunlight irradiation.

Cooperative Copper Single-Atom Catalyst in 2D Carbon Nitride for Enhanced CO2 Electrolysis to Methane.

Renewable-electricity-powered carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction (eCO2R) to high-value fuels like methane (CH4) holds the potential to close the carbon cycle at meaningful scales. However, this kinetically staggered 8-electron multistep reduction suffers from inadequate catalytic efficiency and current density. Atomic Cu-structures can boost eCO2R-to-CH4 selectivity due to enhanced intermediate binding energies (BEs) resulting from favorably shifted d-band centers. In this work, 2D carbon nitride (CN) matrices, viz. Na-polyheptazine (PHI) and Li-polytriazine imides (PTI), are exploited to host Cu-N2 type single-atom sites with high density (≈1.5 at%), via a facile metal-ion exchange process. Optimized Cu loading in nanocrystalline Cu-PTI maximizes eCO2R-to-CH4 performance with Faradaic efficiency (FECH4) of ≈68% and a high partial current density of 348 mA cm-2 at -0.84 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), surpassing the state-of-the-art catalysts. Multi-Cu substituted N-appended nanopores in the CN frameworks yield thermodynamically stable quasi-dual/triple sites with large interatomic distances dictated by the pore dimensions. First-principles calculations elucidate the relative Cu-CN cooperative effects between the matrices and how the Cu local environment dictates the adsorbate BEs, density of states, and CO2-to-CH4 energy profile landscape. The 9N pores in Cu-PTI yield cooperative Cu-Cu sites that synergistically enhance the kinetics of the rate-limiting steps in the eCO2R-to-CH4 pathway.

Ferrocenoyl phenylalanine: a new strategy toward supramolecular hydrogels with multistimuli responsive properties.

In this paper we present a new paradigm for designing hydrogelators that exhibit sharp phase transitions in response to a series of disparate stimuli, including oxidation-reduction reactions (redox), guest-host interactions, and pH changes. We have serendipitously discovered that ferrocenoyl phenylalanine (Fc-F) monomers aggregate in water via a rapid self-assembly mechanism to form stable, multistimuli hydrogels. In comparison to other known mono- and multiresponsive gelators, Fc-F is unique because of its small size, economy of gel-forming components, and exceptionally simple molecular structure. Density functional theory (DFT) ab initio calculations suggest gel formation initially involves an antiparallel, noncovalent dimerization step wherein the ferrocenoyl moiety of one axe-like monomer conjoins with the phenyl group of the second monomer via a π-π stacking interaction to form brick-like dimers. This stacking creates a cavity in which the carboxylic acid groups of each monomer mutually interact via hydrogen bond formation, which affords additional stability to the dimer. On the basis of structural analysis via optical and electrical measurements and additional DFT calculations, we propose a possible stepwise hierachical assembly mechanism for fibril formation. Insights into the self-assembly pathway of Fc-F should prove useful for understanding gelation processes of more complex systems. We expect that Fc-F will serve as a helpful archetypical template for others to use when designing new, stimuli specific hydrogelation agents.

Combination of AS101 and Mefloquine Inhibits Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro and in vivo.

Background: In recent years, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) has spread around the world, leading to a high mortality and close attention of medical community. In this study, we aim to find a new strategy of treatment for CRPA infections. Methods: Eight strains of CRPA were collected, and PCR detected the multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). The antimicrobial susceptibility test was conducted using the VITEK@2 compact system. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for AS101 and mefloquine was determined using the broth dilution method. Antibacterial activity was tested in vitro and in vivo through the chessboard assay, time killing assay, and a mouse model. The mechanism of AS101 combined with mefloquine against CRPA was assessed through the biofilm formation inhibition assay, electron microscopy, and detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Results: The results demonstrated that all tested CRPA strains exhibited multidrug resistance. Moreover, our investigation revealed a substantial synergistic antibacterial effect of AS101-mefloquine in vitro. The assay for inhibiting biofilm formation indicated that AS101-mefloquine effectively suppressed the biofilm formation of CRPA-5 and CRPA-6. Furthermore, AS101-mefloquine were observed to disrupt the bacterial cell wall and enhance the permeability of the cell membrane. This effect was achieved by stimulating the production of ROS, which in turn hindered the growth of CRPA-3. To evaluate the therapeutic potential, a murine model of CRPA-3 peritoneal infection was established. Notably, AS101-mefloquine administration resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial load within the liver, kidney, and spleen of mice after 72 hours of treatment. Conclusion: The present study showed that the combination of AS101 and mefloquine yielded a notable synergistic bacteriostatic effect both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a potential clinical application of this combination in the treatment of CRPA.

Impact of Cluster Nursing on Nursing on VAS Score and Urinary Function of Patients after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy with Pneumatic Lithotripsy (PCNL).

Objective: To explore the effects of cluster nursing on VAS score and urinary system function of patients after percutaneous nephrolithotomy with pneumatic lithotripsy (PCNL). Methods: November 2019-January 2019, 114 patients with PCNL who received treatment in our hospital were selected and randomly divided into two groups: the control group and the study group. The study group received cluster nursing, and the control group received routine nursing. Compare the Barthel index (BI), between two groups, SAS score, complications rate, surgical outcomes, pain scores, quality of life scores, knowledge awareness rate, and satisfaction rate were compared. Results: There were no significant variations in Bi and SAS scores before the nursing (P > 0.05). The BI ratings were clearly higher after nursing, whereas the SAS and pain levels were considerably lower, however, the research group altered more dramatically (P0.05). The study group's incidence of complications was lower (P0.05) than the control group's; the study group's hospitalization cost was lower, and the hospitalization and lower bed activity were shorter (P0.05); after the nursing, the organised quality score was significantly higher in both groups, but the research group changed more dramatically (P0.05). Compared with the control group, the knowledge of the research team was higher (P < 0.05); after the nursing, both group satisfaction scores were obviously high, but the study group changes more significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusion: After PCNL treatment, the patient receives cluster therapy, improving the patient's anxiety, reducing the degree of pain, and improving the quality of life in patients, and the patient satisfaction is high. Therefore, cluster nursing is worthy of extensive application in the postoperative care of patients with PCNL.

Multi-Objective Optimization of Sugarcane Milling System Operations Based on a Deep Data-Driven Model.

The extraction of sugarcane juice is the first step of sugar production. The optimal values of process indicators and the set values of operating parameters in this process are still determined by workers' experience, preventing adaptive adjustment of the production process. To address this issue, a multi-objective optimization framework based on a deep data-driven model is proposed to optimize the operation of sugarcane milling systems. First, the sugarcane milling process is abstracted as the interaction of material flow, energy flow, and information flow (MF-EF-IF) by introducing synergetic theory, and each flow's order parameters and state parameters are obtained. Subsequently, the state parameters of the subsystems are taken as inputs, and the order parameters-including the grinding capacity, electric consumption per ton of sugarcane, and sucrose extraction-are produced as outputs. A collaborative optimization model of the MF-EF-IF of the milling system is established by using a deep kernel extreme learning machine (DK-ELM). The established milling system model is applied for an improved multi-objective chicken swarm optimization (IMOCSO) algorithm to obtain the optimal values of the order parameters. Finally, the milling process is described as a Markov decision process (MDP) with the optimal values of the order parameters as the control objectives, and an improved deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm is employed to achieve the adaptive optimization of the operating parameters under different working conditions of the milling system. Computational experiments indicate that enhanced performance is achieved, with an increase of 3.2 t per hour in grinding capacity, a reduction of 660 W per ton in sugarcane electric consumption, and an increase of 0.03% in the sucrose extraction.

Grain Boundary-Derived Cu+ /Cu0 Interfaces in CuO Nanosheets for Low Overpotential Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction to Ethylene.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction can be used to produce value-added hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals by coupling with clean electrical energy. However, highly active, selective, and energy-efficient CO2 conversion to multicarbon hydrocarbons, such as C2 H4 , remains challenging because of the lack of efficient catalysts. Herein, an ultrasonication-assisted electrodeposition strategy to synthesize CuO nanosheets for low-overpotential CO2 electroreduction to C2 H4 is reported. A high C2 H4 Faradaic efficiency of 62.5% is achieved over the CuO nanosheets at a small potential of -0.52 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode, corresponding to a record high half-cell cathodic energy efficiency of 41%. The selectivity toward C2 H4 is maintained for over 60 h of continuous operation. The CuO nanosheets are prone to in situ restructuring during CO2 reduction, forming abundant grain boundaries (GBs). Stable Cu+ /Cu0 interfaces are derived from the low-coordinated Cu atoms in the reconstructed GB regions and act as highly active sites for CO2 reduction at low overpotentials. In situ Raman spectroscopic analysis and density functional theory computation reveal that the Cu+ /Cu0 interfaces offer high *CO surface coverage and lower the activation energy barrier for *CO dimerization, which, in synergy, facilitates CO2 reduction to C2 H4 at low overpotentials.

Amine-Functionalized Carbon Nanodot Electrocatalysts Converting Carbon Dioxide to Methane.

The electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) to methane (CH4 ), which can be used not only as fuel but also as a hydrogen carrier, has drawn great attention for use in supporting carbon capture and utilization. The design of active and selective electrocatalysts with exceptional CO2 -to-CH4 conversion efficiency is highly desirable; however, it remains a challenge. Here a molecular tuning strategy-in situ amine functionalization of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for highly efficient CO2 -to-CH4 conversion is presented. Amine functionalized nitrogen-doped GQDs achieve a CH4 Faradic efficiency (FE) of 63% and 46%, respectively, at CH4 partial current densities of 170 and 258 mA cm-2 , approximating to or even outperforming state-of-the-art Cu-based electrocatalysts. These GQDs also convert CO2 to C2 products mainly including C2 H4 and C2 H5 OH with a maximum FE of ≈10%. A systematic analysis reveals that the CH4 yield varies linearly with amine group content, whereas the C2 production rate is positively dependent on pyridinic N dopant content. This work provides insight into the rational design of carbon catalysts with CO2 -to-CH4 conversion efficiency at the industrially relevant level.

Fabrication of fluoroalkylsilane modified ZnO nanorod films for electrode protection of electrophoretic displays.

The electrode protection has gained importance because of its positive robust role for the long term display quality of electrophoretic displays. A simple method of zinc oxide nanorod films prepared by electrochemical deposition and coupling with fluoroalkylsilane (FAS) is introduced to fabricate electrode protection films for Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) electrodes. The surface microstructures of zinc oxide films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, showing a regular nanorods array. After treated by FAS the surface showed extremely low surface free energy with a water contact angle of 148.0 +/- 2.0 degrees. The settlement of pigments was considerably reduced according to the reflectance measurement by ultraviolet spectrophotometer. A weight experiment further confirmed that 90% of the pigment conglutination was prevented by the surface modification. This research can provide an economical approach to improve reliability and long-term image quality of the electrophoretic displays.

High-Temperature Oxidation Properties and Microstructural Evolution of Nanostructure Fe-Cr-Al ODS Alloys.

The oxidation behavior and microstructural evolution of the nanostructure of Fe-Cr-Al oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys prepared by spark plasma sintering were investigated by high-temperature oxidation experiments in air at 1200 °C for 100 h. The formation of Al2O3 scale was observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) line scans. The oxidation rate of Fe-Cr-Al ODS alloys is lower than that of conventional Fe-Cr-Al alloys, and the oxide layer formed on the Fe-Cr-Al alloy appeared loose and cracked, whereas the oxide layer formed on the Fe-Cr-Al ODS alloys was adherent and flat. This is due to the high density of dispersed nano-oxides hindering the diffusion of Al element and the formation of vacancies caused by them. In addition, the nano-oxides could also adhere to the oxide layer. Besides, the microstructure of the Fe-Cr-Al ODS alloy had excellent stability during high-temperature oxidation.

Reconstructing two-dimensional defects in CuO nanowires for efficient CO2 electroreduction to ethylene.

Here we report that in situ reconstructed Cu two-dimensional (2D) defects in CuO nanowires during CO2RR lead to significantly enhanced activity and selectivity of C2H4 compared to the CuO nanoplatelets. Specifically, the CuO nanowires achieve high faradaic efficiency of 62% for C2H4 and a partial current density of 324 mA cm-2 yet at a low potential of -0.56 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode. Structural evolution characterization and in situ Raman spectra reveal that the high yield of C2H4 on CuO nanowires is attributed to the in situ reduction of CuO to Cu followed by structural reconstruction to form 2D defects, e.g., stacking faults and twin boundaries, which improve the CO production rate and *CO adsorption strength. This finding may provide a paradigm for the rational design of nanostructured catalysts for efficient CO2 electroreduction to C2H4.