The correlation between lung ultrasound scores and outcomes of high-flow nasal cannula therapy in infants with severe pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore the effectiveness of bedside lung ultrasound (LUS) combined with the PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio in evaluating the outcomes of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy in infants with severe pneumonia. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of 150 infants diagnosed with severe pneumonia and treated with HFNC therapy at our hospital from January 2021 to December 2021. These patients were divided into two groups based on their treatment outcomes: the HFNC success group (n = 112) and the HFNC failure group (n = 38). LUS was utilized to evaluate the patients' lung conditions, and blood gas results were recorded for both groups upon admission and after 12 h of HFNC therapy. RESULTS: At admission, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, gender, respiratory rate, partial pressure of oxygen, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide. However, the P/F ratios at admission and after 12 h of HFNC therapy were significantly lower in the HFNC failure group (193.08 ± 49.14, 228.63 ± 80.17, respectively) compared to the HFNC success group (248.51 ± 64.44, 288.93 ± 57.17, respectively) (p < 0.05). Likewise, LUS scores at admission and after 12 h were significantly higher in the failure group (18.42 ± 5.3, 18.03 ± 5.36, respectively) than in the success group (15.09 ± 4.66, 10.71 ± 3.78, respectively) (p < 0.05). Notably, in the success group, both P/F ratios and LUS scores showed significant improvement after 12 h of HFNC therapy, a trend not observed in the failure group. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that lower P/F ratios and higher LUS scores at admission and after 12 h were predictive of a greater risk of HFNC failure. ROC analysis demonstrated that an LUS score > 20.5 at admission predicted HFNC therapy failure with an AUC of 0.695, a sensitivity of 44.7%, and a specificity of 91.1%. A LUS score > 15.5 after 12 h of HFNC therapy had an AUC of 0.874, with 65.8% sensitivity and 89.3% specificity. An admission P/F ratio < 225.5 predicted HFNC therapy failure with an AUC of 0.739, 60.7% sensitivity, and 71.1% specificity, while a P/F ratio < 256.5 after 12 h of HFNC therapy had an AUC of 0.811, 74.1% sensitivity, and 73.7% specificity. CONCLUSION: Decreased LUS scores and increased P/F ratio demonstrate a strong correlation with successful HFNC treatment outcomes in infants with severe pneumonia. These findings may provide valuable support for clinicians in managing such cases.

Exoskeleton-Assisted Anthropomorphic Movement Training for the Upper Limb After Stroke: The EAMT Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted arm training is generally delivered in the robot-like manner of planar or mechanical 3-dimensional movements. It remains unclear whether integrating upper extremity (UE) natural coordinated patterns into a robotic exoskeleton can improve outcomes. The study aimed to compare conventional therapist-mediated training to the practice of human-like gross movements derived from 5 typical UE functional activities managed with exoskeletal assistance as needed for patients after stroke. METHODS: In this randomized, single-blind, noninferiority trial, patients with moderate-to-severe UE motor impairment due to subacute stroke were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 20 sessions of 45-minute exoskeleton-assisted anthropomorphic movement training or conventional therapy. Treatment allocation was masked from independent assessors, but not from patients or investigators. The primary outcome was the change in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity from baseline to 4 weeks against a prespecified noninferiority margin of 4 points. Superiority would be tested if noninferiority was demonstrated. Post hoc subgroup analyses of baseline characteristics were performed for the primary outcome. RESULTS: Between June 2020 and August 2021, totally 80 inpatients (67 [83.8%] males; age, 51.9±9.9 years; days since stroke onset, 54.6±38.0) were enrolled, randomly assigned to the intervention, and included in the intention-to-treat analysis. The mean Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity change in exoskeleton-assisted anthropomorphic movement training (14.73 points; [95% CI, 11.43-18.02]) was higher than that of conventional therapy (9.90 points; [95% CI, 8.15-11.65]) at 4 weeks (adjusted difference, 4.51 points [95% CI, 1.13-7.90]). Moreover, post hoc analysis favored the patient subgroup (Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity score, 23-38 points) with moderately severe motor impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Exoskeleton-assisted anthropomorphic movement training appears to be effective for patients with subacute stroke through repetitive practice of human-like movements. Although the results indicate a positive sign for exoskeleton-assisted anthropomorphic movement training, further investigations into the long-term effects and paradigm optimization are warranted. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2100044078.

Association of BMAL1 clock gene polymorphisms with fasting glucose in children.

BACKGROUND: The brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1 (BMAL1) gene is an important circadian clock gene and previous studies have found that certain polymorphisms are associated with type 2 diabetes in adults. However, it remains unknown if such polymorphisms can affect fasting glucose in children and if other factors modify the associations. METHODS: A school-based cross-sectional study with 947 Chinese children was conducted. A multivariable linear regression model was used to analyze the association between BMAL1 gene polymorphisms and fasting glucose level. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and unhealthy diet, GG genotype carriers of BMAL1 rs3789327 had higher fasting glucose than AA/GA genotype carriers (b = 0.101, SE = 0.050, P = 0.045). Adjusting for the same confounders, rs3816358 was shown to be significantly associated with fasting glucose (b = 0.060, SE = 0.028, P = 0.032). Furthermore, a significant interaction between rs3789327 and nutritional status on fasting glucose was identified (Pinteraction = 0.009); rs3789327 was associated with fasting glucose in the overweight/obese subgroup (b = 0.353, SE = 0.126, P = 0.006), but not in non-overweight/non-obese children. CONCLUSIONS: BMAL1 polymorphisms were significantly associated with the fasting glucose level in children. Additionally, the observed interaction between nutritional status and BMAL1 supports promoting an optimal BMI in children genetically predisposed to higher glucose level. IMPACT: Polymorphisms in the essential circadian clock gene BMAL1 were associated with fasting blood glucose levels in children. Additionally, there was a significant interaction between nutritional status and BMAL1 affecting fasting glucose levels. BMAL1 rs3789327 was associated with fasting glucose only in overweight/obese children. This finding could bring novel insights into mechanisms by which nutritional status influences fasting glucose in children.

Single-Crystalline Li2Sn(IO3)6 Microwires: Combining Optical-Waveguiding and Frequency-Doubling Functions.

High-quality single-crystalline Li2Sn(IO3)6 microwires (MWs) have been successfully prepared by using a facile hydrothermal method. The as-synthesized Li2Sn(IO3)6 MWs exhibit regular hexagonal prism morphology, excellent surface smoothness, and remarkable diameter uniformity. The optical propagation loss has been determined to be as low as 0.026 dB µm-1 at 785 nm wavelength, implying the low-loss optical waveguiding capability of the Li2Sn(IO3)6 MWs. The effective frequency-doubling conversions of the fundamental frequency light source in the wavelength range from 916 to 1560 nm have been observed, and the second-harmonic generation (SHG) conversion efficiency has been measured to be 2.1% with a 1560 nm fundamental pump source (pulse duration of 10 ns, and average power of 9.06 nW) transmitted through a 1.32-µm-diameter and 300-µm-length Li2Sn(IO3)6 MW. These intriguing optical waveguiding and strong SHG conversion capabilities of the Li2Sn(IO3)6 MWs suggest its potential applications for photonic devices in micrometer scale.

Passivation of black phosphorus nanoflakes embedded in a silica glass matrix affords ambient saturable absorption stability enhancement.

Black phosphorus (BP) is a graphene analogue with ultrafast broadband nonlinear optical properties that make it a promising nanomaterial for saturable absorption. However, BP nanoflakes chemically degrade in ambient conditions. We developed air- and photo-stable BP nanoflakes via incorporation in inorganic-organic hybrid matrices. This realized passivation and materialization through a sol-gel method that produced high-quality, transparent bulk materials. Saturable absorption parameters of the passivated BP were maintained after five months in ambient storage and after 8000 300 µJ nanosecond laser shots. The nonlinear absorption coefficient was still 62% after 12 months in open air, which was higher than that for non-passivated BP after three days. The stability was attributed to dense silica-gel glasses that enveloped the BP, essentially eliminating oxygen and water penetration. The simplicity of this approach may stimulate potential applications for environmentally sensitive high-performance solid-state devices.

Record Aluminum Molecular Rings for Optical Limiting and Nonlinear Optics.

Crystalline cluster materials, a class of functional motif aggregations, provide a great opportunity for tuning the properties stemming from the flexible and accurate variation of inorganic and organic compositions. In this study, we demonstrate the effects of functional ligand and ring size regulation on the structures and third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties. Revealed by the single-crystal X-ray analysis results, aluminum molecular ring expansion is achieved by 2×9 and 3×6 strategies. In terms of the given organic shells, we further tuned the aluminum molecular ring sizes from 3.0 nm to 1.7 nm. The picosecond Z-scan measurements results revealed that the third-order NLO performances do not only depend on the general conjugate interactions but are also related to hydrogen bonding, polarizability, and ring sizes. The large nonlinear absorption coefficient and onset prove that the observed samples are promising candidates for the field of nonlinear optics.

Synthesis of one-dimensional calcium silicate nanowires as effective broadband optical limiters.

Synthesis of inorganic nanostructures with novel morphologies has attracted increasing attention from chemistry and materials science researchers. Calcium silicate nanowires (CaSiO3 NWs) were successfully prepared using a water-ethanol mixture solution system via hydrothermal synthesis. The resulting CaSiO3 NWs were uniform, with widths averaging 10-20 nm and lengths up to several micrometers. The synthesized silicate NWs were highly crystalline and mainly constituted of SiO4 tetrahedra. The nanosecond optical limiting (OL) effects were characterized using an open-aperture (OA) Z-scan technique with 4 ns laser pulses at 532 and 1064 nm. These CaSiO3 NWs exhibited excellent OL performance, superior to that of carbon nanotubes, which are a benchmark optical limiter. Input-fluence-dependent scattering measurements suggested that nonlinear scattering played an important role in the observed OL behavior in the CaSiO3 NWs at 532 and 1064 nm. This study provides new insights into the silicate nanowires, which will help in the design and preparation of 1D materials with improved nonlinear optical properties.

MOF-Templated Synthesis of Ultrasmall Photoluminescent Carbon-Nanodot Arrays for Optical Applications.

Arrays of ultrasmall and uniform carbon nanodots (CDs) are of pronounced interest for applications in optical devices. Herein, we describe a low-temperature calcination approach with rather inexpensive reactants. After glucose molecules had been loaded into the pores of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), well-defined CD arrays were produced by heating to 200 °C. The size and spacing of the CDs could be controlled by the choice of templating MOF: HKUST-1, ZIF-8, or MIL-101. The sizes of the obtained CDs were approximately 1.5, 2.0, and 3.2 nm, which are close to the corresponding MOF pores sizes. The CD arrays exhibited interesting photophysical properties, including photoluminescence with tunable emission and pronounced nonlinear optical (NLO) effects. The NLO properties of the obtained CD arrays were significantly different from those of a CD suspension, thus indicating the existence of collective phenomena.

TARP γ-8 glycosylation regulates the surface expression of AMPA receptors.

TARP [transmembrane AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor regulatory protein] γ-8 is an auxiliary subunit of AMPA receptors that is widely distributed in the hippocampus. It has been shown that TARP γ-8 promotes surface expression of AMPA receptors; however, how TARP γ-8 regulates the expression of AMPA receptors remains unclear. In the present study, we examined the effect of TARP glycosylation on AMPA receptor trafficking. We first showed that TARP γ-8 is an N-glycosylated protein, which contains two glycosylation sites, Asn53 and Asn56, and compared this with the glycosylation of TARP γ-2 and the AMPA receptor auxiliary protein CNIH-2 (cornichon homologue 2). We next examine the effect of TARP glycosylation on TARP trafficking and also on AMPA receptor surface expression. We find that TARP γ-8 glycosylation is critical for surface expression of both TARP γ-8 and GluA1 in heterologous cells and neurons. Specifically, knockdown of TARP γ-8 causes a decrease in both total and surface AMPA receptors. We find that the expression of unglycosylated TARP γ-8 in cultured neurons is unable to restore GluA1 expression fully. Furthermore, when the maturation of TARP γ-8 is impaired, a large pool of immature GluA1 is retained intracellularly. Taken together, our data reveal an important role for the maturation of TARP γ-8 in the trafficking and function of the AMPA receptor complex.

Effect of combined low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and virtual reality training on upper limb function in subacute stroke: a double-blind randomized controlled trail.

The effect of combined low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF rTMS) and virtual reality (VR) training in patients after stroke was assessed. In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 112 patients with hemiplegia after stroke were randomly divided into two groups: experimental and control. In experimental group, the patients received LF rTMS and VR training treatment, and those in control group received sham rTMS and VR training treatment. Participants in both groups received therapy of 6 days per week for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint including the upper limb motor function test of Fugl-meyer assessment (U-FMA) and wolf motor function test (WMFT), and the secondary endpoint including modified Barthel index (MBI) and 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) were assessed before and 4 weeks after treatment. Totally, 108 subjects completed the study (55 in experimental group and 53 in control group respectively). After 4-week treatment, the U-FMA scores [mean difference of 13.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.6 to 22.7, P<0.01], WMFT scores (mean difference of 2.9, 95% CI 2.7 to 12.3, P<0.01), and MBI scores (mean difference 16.1, 95% CI 3.8 to 9.4, P<0.05) were significantly increased in the experimental group as compared with the control group. The results suggested the combined use of LF rTMS with VR training could effectively improve the upper limb function, the living activity, and the quality of life in patients with hemiplegia following subacute stroke, which may provide a better rehabilitation treatment for subacute stroke.

Predictive Ability of Hypertriglyceridemic Waist, Hypertriglyceridemic Waist-to-Height Ratio, and Waist-to-Hip Ratio for Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Clustering Screening among Chinese Children and Adolescents.

Objective: Hypertriglyceridemic waist (HW), hypertriglyceridemic waist-to-height ratio (HWHtR), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) have been shown to be indicators of cardiometabolic risk factors. However, it is not clear which indicator is more suitable for children and adolescents. We aimed to investigate the relationship between HW, HWHtR, WHR, and cardiovascular risk factors clustering to determine the best screening tools for cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents. Methods: This was a national cross-sectional study. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were assessed in approximately 70,000 participants aged 6-18 years from seven provinces in China. Demographics, physical activity, dietary intake, and family history of chronic diseases were obtained through questionnaires. ANOVA, χ 2 and logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: A significant sex difference was observed for HWHtR and WHR, but not for HW phenotype. The risk of cardiometabolic health risk factor clustering with HW phenotype or the HWHtR phenotype was significantly higher than that with the non-HW or non-HWHtR phenotypes among children and adolescents (HW: OR = 12.22, 95% CI: 9.54-15.67; HWHtR: OR = 9.70, 95% CI: 6.93-13.58). Compared with the HW and HWHtR phenotypes, the association between risk of cardiometabolic health risk factors (CHRF) clustering and high WHR was much weaker and not significant (WHR: OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.97-1.34). Conclusion: Compared with HWHtR and WHR, the HW phenotype is a more convenient indicator withhigher applicability to screen children and adolescents for cardiovascular risk factors.

High-efficiency removal of organic pollutants by visible-light-driven tubular heterogeneous micromotors through a photocatalytic Fenton process.

Light-driven micromotors that can be remotely controlled by irradiation have environmental remediation applications. Herein, we describe a facile one-step hydrothermal method for synthesizing visible-light-driven heterogeneous micromotors by simultaneously depositing photocatalytic g-C3N4 and magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles on kapok fiber (KF) templates (g-C3N4-Fe3O4@KF). These microdevices exhibit precisely controlled motion in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under visible light via a bubble recoil mechanism. The present g-C3N4-Fe3O4@KF units display-two simultaneous locomotion modes: linear and self-rotation. The velocity of these micromotors can be controlled by multiple approaches, such as by changing the H2O2 concentration or visible light intensity. The photocatalytic propulsion of these microdevices can be conveniently switched on or off by regulating the incident light. As a proof-of-concept, g-C3N4-Fe3O4@KF micromotors were applied to the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). On the basis of a combination of photocatalytic Fenton oxidation and enhanced micro-mixing/mass transfer in the solution induced by self-propulsion and self-rotation, these g-C3N4-Fe3O4@KF micromotors enable much more efficient degradation of RhB compared with stationary systems. The magnetic nature of this material additionally allows convenient collection and recycling of the micromotors. The synthesis process can be easily scaled up and therefore may have the potential to fabricate self-propelled micromotors for practical applications.

Association between napping and 24-hour blood pressure variability among university students: A pilot study.

Background: Blood pressure variability (BPV) has been reported to be a predictor of cardiovascular and some cognitive diseases. However, the association between napping and BPV remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the association between napping and BPV. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study including 105 university students was conducted. Participants' 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (24 h ABPM) were measured, and napping behaviors were investigated. BPV were measured by the 24 h ABPM, included standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and average real variability (ARV). Results: Among the participants, 61.9% reported daytime napping. We found that nap duration was significantly associated with daytime CV of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.250, P = 0.010), nighttime CV of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = 0.217, P = 0.026), 24 h WCV of DBP (r = 0.238, P = 0.014), 24 h ARV of SBP (r = 0.246, P = 0.011) and 24 h ARV of DBP (r = 0.291, P = 0.003). Compared with the no napping group, 24 h WCV of DBP, daytime CV of DBP, and daytime SD of DBP were significantly higher in participants with napping duration >60 min. With multiple regression analysis we found that nap duration was an independent predictor for 24 h ARV of SBP (ß = 0.859, 95% CI, 0.101-1.616, P = 0.027) and 24 h ARV of DBP (ß = 0.674, 95% CI, 0.173-1.175, P = 0.009). Conclusions: Napping durations are associated with BPV among university students. Especially those with napping durations >60 min had a significantly higher BPV than those non-nappers.

Photocatalytic-induced bubble-propelled isotropic g-C3N4-coated carbon microsphere micromotors for dynamic removal of organic pollutants.

An isotropic bubble-propelled graphitic carbon nitride coated carbon microsphere (g-C3N4@CMS) micromotor that displays efficient self-propulsion powered by visible light irradiation and offers effective dynamic removal of organic pollutants for environmental applications is described. Its morphology, structure, and composition were systematically characterized, confirming the successful coating of g-C3N4 on the CMS surface and a core-shell structure. The photocatalytic-induced bubble propulsion of g-C3N4@CMS micromotors essentially stems from the asymmetrical photocatalytic redox reactions of g-C3N4 on the symmetrical surface of micromotors under visible light illumination. The stacking effect of g-C3N4 on the CMS surface results in a microporous structure that provides a highly reactive photocatalytic layer, which also leads to effective bubble evolution and propulsion at remarkable speeds of over 167.97 µm s-1 under 250 mW cm-2 visible light in the presence of 30% H2O2 fuel. The velocity can be easily and effectively adjusted by H2O2 fuel and the intensity of visible light. Furthermore, the motion state can be reversibly and wirelessly controlled by "switching on/off" light. Such coupling of the high photocatalytic activity of the porous g-C3N4 shell with the rapid movement of these light-driven micromotors, along with the corresponding fluid dynamics and mixing, result in greatly accelerated organic pollutant degradation. The adsorption kinetics have also been investigated and shown to follow pseudo-second-order kinetics. The strategy proposed here would inspire the designing of light-driven symmetrical micromotors because of the low cost, single component, and simple structure as well as facile and large-scale fabrication, which make them suitable for practical applications.

Patterned Aluminum/Polydimethylsiloxane-Laminated Film for a Solvent-Driven Soft Actuator with Programmable and Multistable Shape Morphing.

Recently, soft actuators capable of deforming in predictable ways under external stimuli have attracted increasing attention by showing great potential in emerging industries. However, limited efforts are being spent on the untethered actuators with multistable deformations. Also, there is a lack of mechanically guiding design principles for multistable structures. Here, the patterned aluminum/polydimethylsiloxane (Al/PDMS)-laminated films with surface wrinkles are fabricated by magnetron sputtering the Al layer on the PDMS substrate. By tuning the geometric parameters and surface constraints of the patterned Al/PDMS-laminated films, a series of solvent-driven actuators with multiform stable configurations (such as monostable arc, multistable cylinder, and monostable/bistable spiral) are proposed. The deformation mechanism is revealed using a linear elastic theory. Combined with the finite element analysis method, the deformations of Al/PDMS-laminated films with different surface constraints and geometric configurations are visually predicted. Besides, we modulate the deformation of different parts of the Z-shaped actuators by tuning the surface constraints in different regions of the Z-shaped Al/PDMS bilayer films to achieve multiple stable deformations in a single actuator. The concept offers a huge design scope for reconfigurable soft robots. Finally, two bionic applications are proposed to demonstrate the practical applications of the soft solvent-driven actuator based on the patterned Al/PDMS films in artificial muscles and bionic robotics. This work provides a strategy for the design and fabrication of programmable and controllable soft actuators, laying the foundation for a wide range of applications in smart materials.

SAP102 is a highly mobile MAGUK in spines.

Membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs), which are essential proteins in the postsynaptic density (PSD), cluster and anchor glutamate receptors and other proteins at synapses. The MAGUK family includes PSD-95, PSD-93, SAP102, and SAP97. Individual family members can compensate for one another in their ability to recruit and retain receptors at the postsynaptic membrane as shown through deletion and knock-down studies. SAP102 is highly expressed in both young and mature neurons; however, little is known about its localization and mobility at synapses. Here, we compared the distribution, mobility, and turnover times of SAP102 to the well studied MAGUK PSD-95. Using light and electron microscopy, we found that SAP102 shows a broader distribution as well as peak localization further away from the postsynaptic membrane than PSD-95. Using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), we found that 80% of SAP102 and 36% of PSD-95 are mobile in spines. Previous studies showed that PSD-95 was stabilized at the PSD by N-terminal palmitoylation. We found that stabilization of SAP102 at the PSD was dependent on its SH3/GK domains but not its PDZ interactions. Furthermore, we showed that stabilizing actin or blocking NMDA/AMPA receptors reduced the mobile pool of SAP102 but did not affect the mobile pool of PSD-95. Our results show significant differences in the localization, binding mechanism, and mobility of SAP102 and PSD-95. These differences and the compensatory properties of the MAGUKs point out an unrecognized versatility of the MAGUKs in their function in synaptic organization and plasticity.

[Bushen Tiaodu Yizhi acupuncture combined with computer-assisted cognitive training for post stroke cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Bushen Tiaodu Yizhi acupuncture combined with computer-assisted cognitive training on the recovery of cognitive function and activities of daily living in patients with post stroke cognitive impairment. METHODS: A total of 98 patients with post stroke cognitive impairment were randomized into an observation group (50 cases, 6 cases dropped off) and a control group (48 cases, 5 cases dropped off). Both groups were treated with conventional treatment, such as computer-assisted cognitive training. On the basis of the conventional treatment, Bushen Tiaodu Yizhi acupuncture at Taixi (KI 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shuigou (GV 26), Baihui (GV 20), ect. was given in the observation group. In the control group, acupuncture at acupoints of limbs was given. The treatment was given once a day, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale, modified Barthel index (MBI) and stroke syndrome of TCM scale were used to evaluate the cognitive function, activities of daily living and syndrome of TCM in the two groups. The latency and amplitude of P300 were detected by electromyographs and evoked response instrument. And the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the MoCA and MBI scores were increased (P<0.01), and the scores of stroke syndrome of TCM scale were decreased (P<0.01) after treatment in the two groups. After treatment，the MoCA and MBI scores in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the score of stroke syndrome of TCM scale was lower than the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the latency of P300 was shortened and amplitude was prolonged after treatment in the two groups (P<0.01). After treatment, in the observation group, the latency of P300 was shorter, and amplitude was longer than the control group (P<0.01). The effective rate was 86.4% (38/44) in the observation group, which was higher than 67.4% (29/43) in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Bushen Tiaodu Yizhi acupuncture combined with computer-assisted cognitive training could improve the cognitive function of patients with post stroke cognitive impairment.

Cost-Effective, High-Yield Production of Biotemplated Catalytic Tubular Micromotors as Self-Propelled Microcleaners for Water Treatment.

Micro/nano-motors (MNMs) that combine attributes of miniaturization and self-propelled swimming mobility have been explored for efficient environmental remediation in the past decades. However, their progresses in practical applications are now subject to several critical issues including a complicated fabrication process, low production yield, and high material cost. Herein, we propose a biotemplated catalytic tubular micromotor consisting of a kapok fiber (KF, abundant in nature) matrix and manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO2 NPs) deposited on the outer and inner walls of the KF and demonstrate its applications for rapid removal of methylene blue (MB) in real-world wastewater. The fabrication is straightforward via dipping the KF into a potassium permanganate (KMnO4) solution, featured with high yield and low cost. The distribution and amount of MnO2 can be easily controlled by varying the dipping time. The obtained motors are actuated and propelled by oxygen (O2) bubbles generated from MnO2-triggered catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), with the highest speed at 615 µm/s (i.e., 6 body length per second). To enhance decontamination efficacy and also enable magnetic navigation/recycling, magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) are adsorbed onto such motors via an electrostatic effect. Both the Fe3O4-induced Fenton reaction and hydroxyl radicals from MnO2-catalyzed H2O2 decomposition can account for the MB removal (or degradation). Results of this study, taken together, provide a cost-effective approach to achieve high-yield production of the MNMs, suggesting an automatous microcleaner able to perform practical wastewater treatment.

Heterometallic Al6Zn12 nano-plate with π-conjugated ligand: synthesis and nonlinear absorption properties.

Presented herein is the synthesis, structure, and optical properties of the aluminum(III)-zinc(II) heterometallic compound AlOC-57. This compound was found to form a large unit cell (approximately sixteen thousand atoms) and a three-shell nano-plate structure. Based on the Z-scan patterns, the third-order nonlinear optical response of the heterometallic nano-plate was mainly attributed to its nonlinear absorption (reverse saturable absorption).

Bubble-propelled micromotors based on hierarchical MnO2 wrapped carbon nanotube aggregates for dynamic removal of pollutants.

Water pollution is currently an urgent public health and environmental issue. Bubble-propelled micromotors might offer an effective approach for dealing with environmental contamination. Herein, we present the synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/manganese dioxide (MnO2) micromotors based on MWCNT aggregates as microscale templates by a simple one-step hydrothermal procedure. The morphology, composition, and structure of the obtained MWCNT/MnO2 micromotors were characterized in detail. The MnO2 nanoflakes formed a catalytic layer on the MWCNT backbone, which promoted effective bubble evolution and propulsion at remarkable speeds of 359.31 µm s-1. The bubble velocity could be modulated based on the loading of MnO2 nanoflakes. The rapid movement of these MWCNT/MnO2 catalytic micromotors resulted in a highly efficient moving adsorption platform, which considerably enhanced the effectiveness of water purification. Dynamic adsorption of organic dyes by the micromotors increased the degradation rate to approximately 4.8 times as high as that of their corresponding static counterparts. The adsorption isotherms and adsorption kinetics were also explored. The adsorption mechanism was well fitted by the Langmuir model, following pseudo-second-order kinetics. Thus, chemisorption of Congo red at the heterogeneous MnO2 wrapped microimotor surface was the rate determining step. The high propulsion speed and remarkable decontamination efficiency of the MWCNT/MnO2 micromotors indicate potential for environmental contamination applications.